Crowning a radial brake? Do or Do Not…

[Paynerd]

I just put a radial brake on a 300 WSM that is going to be used for 1,000 yard competition.

Is there any benefit crowning the brake? Seems like it’s pointless since it’s .020” larger than the bullet.

What would you suggest?

Thanks!

 

[C.E.Smith043]

I would use the break as it comes from the factory. There may be a test out there somewhere that shows one way or the other, but I've never seen one.

Personally if it was me, especially in competition, I would use a tuner break.

 

[Paynerd]

I would use the break as it comes from the factory. There may be a test out there somewhere that shows one way or the other, but I've never seen one.

Personally if it was me, especially in competition, I would use a tuner break.

Well these are Harrell Brakes. They come what I would call “RAW”. It has threads and portholes, that’s about it. You have to bore out the hole to what caliber you are using it for. They aren’t like an Eric Cortina brake that you just screw on.

 

[C.E.Smith043]

Well these are Harrell Brakes. They come what I would call “RAW”. It has threads and portholes, that’s about it. You have to bore out the hole to what caliber you are using it for. They aren’t like an Eric Cortina brake that you just screw on.

Oh ok. Sorry I didn't realize that. I would ask Harrell's what they would do.

 

[alphapygmy]

I've used a couple and just faced the muzzle end off and had good accuracy.

 

[long40shot]

My smith crowned my Harrells brake on my 300wm. It performs great.

 

[Paul Hilgedick]

I have brakes for my 600 yd guns. 1 is crowned the other is not. I can not see a difference on paper.

Paul H

 

[WayneShaw]

Call it a crown if you want, but I think the exit hole should be bored while on the barrel, that is indicated to zero run out.

 

[hoz53]

I just put a radial brake on a 300 WSM that is going to be used for 1,000 yard competition.

Is there any benefit crowning the brake? Seems like it’s pointless since it’s .020” larger than the bullet.

What would you suggest?

Thanks!

im gonna buy a Harrels brake before long and ill ask them. to me it seems like boring one to .020 over on an indicated barrel with also a slight chamfer is all you need.

 

[Superjet]

You’ll want to do something to the face/crown of the brake as the harrels come in an “as parted off” condition. I usually crown mine just for looks. They’re nice brakes after a little cleanup and you can’t beat the price.

 

[JMayo]

I do not know if this applies. This is a break that my GS put on my 6mm rifle.

 

[DaveTooley]

75-80% of the work is done by the first two rows of holes. So a crown, in this case, is more cosmetic than anything. I like more than .020" clearance. About twice that.

 

[STOMP442]

I finish mine just like shown above. I don't think it really makes a difference but I think it looks professionally done when crowned. Only takes a minute to do it so why not.

 

[Northridge]

I’ve done it both ways but more of a cosmetic thing as a stepped crown really is a attempt to protect the actual bore transition from damage… boring a concentric hole through brake is still paramount but how you prep face of brake is less important… sometimes if the last port wall is overly thick I will recess face of brake to reduce that thickness..

Shawn Williams

 

[divingin]

See if things are deburred. My smith likes similar brakes, but they're not Harrell's. They have sharp enough edges on the radial holes (not the bore hole usually) that you can cut yourself if you're not careful.

I can't see that crowning the exit hole will do anything; relatively, not a whole lot of gas will be coming out of there. And there's a ton more clearance compared to bullet exiting the barrel.

 

[MClark]

I do not know if this applies. This is a break that my GS put on my 6mm rifle.
View attachment 1666878

When making a brake I do it similar to this. 11 degrees and slightly recessed. I don’t believe it does anything for accuracy but it looks nice and finished.

 

[Paynerd]

Call it a crown if you want, but I think the exit hole should be bored while on the barrel, that is indicated to zero run out.

I was wondering if anyone does it this way. I wasn’t sure if it would put too much tension on the threads.

 

[Paynerd]

I’ve done it both ways but more of a cosmetic thing as a stepped crown really is a attempt to protect the actual bore transition from damage… boring a concentric hole through brake is still paramount but how you prep face of brake is less important… sometimes if the last port wall is overly thick I will recess face of brake to reduce that thickness..

Shawn Williams

Trying to get this gun finished for Deep Creek. Blaine’s been helping me out too.

 

[ELR LVR]

Call it a crown if you want, but I think the exit hole should be bored while on the barrel, that is indicated to zero run out.

This ^^^
No it wont hurt the threads
While facing and reaming the barrel will be supported near this area

 

[DHuffman]

I have brakes for my 600 yd guns. 1 is crowned the other is not. I can not see a difference on paper.

Paul H

Same experience I've had, doesn't seem to matter.