Muzzle Brake or not?

[rebel]

Hey guys, I have recently aquired a Tikka Master Sporter rebarreled to a 260 AI. The rifle shoots great, load work up has been a breeze. 25 inch Shilen so my velocity expectations are realistic. My main thing is when shooting this thing really jumps. Doesn't recoil that bad, it just hops - sorry if that doesn't make sense. I shoot some big bores so this doesn't beat me up, I just can't see impact.
I know a brake would make the thing obnoxious for guys next to me at the range, but with a good brake conceivably I could tame the bounce. I'm sure this has been asked many times but I'm looking for real world advice as this is primarily a really precise hunting rifle. Besides the obvious, Benefits vs. downside please.

 

[HTSmith]

The rifle shoots great, load work up has been a breeze.

Hmmm, I think I'd leave it alone. If it were a prairie dog rifle, maybe.

 

[rebel]

Hmmm, I think I'd leave it alone. If it were a prairie dog rifle, maybe.

Kinda what I'm thinking. No use messing with good juju. I shot with some buddy's today who commented on the "kick" of the rifle. I explained it wasn't recoil in the sense you had a headache after shooting, but more of just a jump up and off target. I shot a few bug holes today and have just really started finding the sweet spot. Just wondering about pro's and cons besides the obvious - or maybe the obvious is just the only thing to be asked. Since this rifle will be for deer hunting and target shooting, I'll probably leave it alone.

 

[timeout]

I'd put a brake on it. See your hits, or misses. Need to wear hearing protection either way.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Hunting rifle...no, unless you like wearing earplugs in the woods. I know I dont.

Varmint or target rifle...why not

 

[birdog]

Brake everything. Getting to see hits is half the enjoyment of the sport

 

[timeout]

Hunting rifle...no, unless you like wearing earplugs in the woods. I know I dont.

Varmint or target rifle...why not

Many good electronic hearing protection devices to wear in the woods. These help us older guys hear when afield, while protecting our hearing and allowing to see the hits. Most all my hunting rifles are braked.

 

[CaptainMal]

As stated - it's fun to watch the hit.

My 260AI also has a brake. While hunting that single shot to kill is something I never hear. Same with the many other rifles I have that also have brakes.

My hunting rifles without brakes never kick for that single kill shot either. The excitement of the moment seems to block out my sensing of the recoil and the sound.

As for range use, ear protection is universal and so are brakes on many range rifles. Get the brake.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Noise is the only down side to a brake. If properly installed, I believe they actually help accuracy, much the same way as a tuner.

 

[dkhunt14]

A brake seems to settle them down quite a bit. Also the less a gun recoils, usually means more accuracy from the shooter. Less likely to flinch or pull shots. Matt

 

[snert]

I have done both. I prefer the brake, and for me I like Vais. Muffs take care of noise. Brake takes care of jump.

 

[ab_bentley]

Brake everything. Getting to see hits is half the enjoyment of the sport

Brake that SOB, Harrells radial brake would be my choice.

Adam

 

[savagedasher]

Most shooters can't deal with recoil . For that reason alone shooters will shoot better with them
If anyone has shoot a muzzloader they would understand . That is one gun I have a brake on all of them . I think you get over a 80 percent reduction with a muzzloader of recoil . Larry

 

[rebel]

Most shooters can't deal with recoil . For that reason alone shooters will shoot better with them
If anyone has shoot a muzzloader they would understand . That is one gun I have a brake on all of them . I think you get over a 80 percent reduction with a muzzloader of recoil . Larry

That would look a might strange on my TC Renegade side hammer I get what your saying though. I deal with recoil fine and just ride the impulse. It's not sharp at all, like I said just an annoying vertical pop of the front bag. As said, my groups looked real good ( I don't compete just hunt ). I tried the ELDMs for the first time, load laddered them up a bit. I shot a 3 shot .265 group at 100 with 140 VLDs and a .003 jump. Since these were some of my first load ladders I was just popping 3 shot groups. Once a node is found I generally shoot several 5 shot groups at 100 and then several at 300 to see what it's potential is. Just wanted some feedback on y'alls thoughts and I got it. Thanks to all.