Muzzle Brakes, chamber or not?

[mikecockcroft]

I have installed several Harrel brakes on rifles. They are a very well made blank. The reason they are so inexpensive is that they are not finished and meant to be finished by the installer. I bore out the chamber just short of the first set of holes. This also cleans up the metal left when the holes are drilled. I put one on a 300 win mag and drilled the center .20 over bore without a chamber. Recoil reduction was good but I believe the chamber helps by creating a flat surface for the gas to push against. I would like them even better if the holes were drilled at a 7 degree forward angle like the Shrewd brake.
Just my limited experiences.
Mike

 

[Northridge]

Alex, I have had solid success with both designs. I do feel in smaller diameter muzzle brakes, a chamber type does reduce recoil slightly better, all things considered same diameter and same quanity of gas ports. As far as accuracy go's though I think both are equally good. In my experience .020th minimum to .025th over bore demention is optimum, any larger bore diameter and accuracy and recoil reduction will diminish in my testing. Biggest potential for accuracy or in accuracy with a muzzle brake of any style or design has been in lathe setup. If fit and bored squarely I am confident it will not hurt your accuracy. Hope this helps.

Shawn