Putting a brake on accurate barrel ?'s

[Dug]

I have a Rem 700SS 5R in .308. I'm really wanting to have a muzzle brake installed.
But, I've read here several times that if you have a good shooting barrel, don't do any fluting or threading on it. Especially if it's button rifled.
It shoots 3/8-1/2" groups @ 100 yds. on calm days with me behind it.. The rifle is probably capable of better.

If I add a brake what are the odds of making it worse?
-100%
-50/50
-you never know
-do it & see
-man up, a .308 ain't that bad (I have an old shoulder injury thats getting worse)

BTW, I 've added weight in the past & just do't like it that way.

Thanks, Dug

 

[MarkS]

Dug,

I have had brakes added to good barrel , with no change in accuracy. But some have improved. I have them on 6BR's.

Mark Schronce

 

[Larryh128]

The sky is falling? I have never seen a brake that was properly installed EVER harm the accuracy of a barrel. Quite often the accuracy will improve. Does it make the barrel shoot better? Some theorize that the bullet becomes more stabil if it exits the barrel in an enviroment that is free of crosswinds etc. My theory is that YOU shoot better because of the reduced recoil. The brake could in some cases slightly change the point of impact BUT in my barrels, there is not enough change for me to be able to tell. But I certainly can tell the difference in recoil.

 

[X Ring Accuracy]

The odds of making it worse if installed correctly is ZERO. If you have any questions, shoot us an email at info@xringaccuracy.com
Happy shooting

 

[Preacher]

I've done a lot of before's & after's and it's very, very rare that adding a brake will reduce accuracy...

 

[Dug]

Thanks guys, this all sounds great & I'll be getting it done.

I realize that we aren't talking about a 6ppc that shots in the zero's here. I wouldn't touch something like that for love or money. But, didn't want to turn a 3/8" gun into a 3/4" one either.
Some have the theory that if you mess with the o.d. of a barrel, stresses can be relieved and cause the the bore to open up. Maybe I have this confused with fluting, which I also would like to have done. But I guess that's for another topic. As a machinist for several years, I have to question the theory, especially with a barrel in this accuracy category.

Seems like a lot of brake knowledge here, & while I've got your attention, what do you like? I'm looking for a side/top discharge that will fit flush with a .830 dia. barrel. No ports on the bottom.

FWIW, I have a Vais on a .260 & it works well, but need a closed bottom for the .308.

 

[boltfluter]

I would keep the thread diameter as big as you can go to minimize any bore
distortion. Never had a problem doing it that way and many barrels shot better after the brake installation. Paul 8)

 

[Preacher]

I prefer the ones like Harrells with 360 degree ports, accuracy seems better to me than the ones with closed bottoms for whatever reason.. I don't shoot in the dirt so the 360 is not a problem for me...

 

[TheSnake]

I prefer the ones like Harrells with 360 degree ports, accuracy seems better to me than the ones with closed bottoms for whatever reason.

I agree with Preacher. I am no expert, but it seems to me, the gasses escaping around the bullet would have a lesser impact if they are uniform all the way around. In my mind, a brake that has a closed bottom and open the rest of the way around would not have a uniform gas pattern as the gas escapes the barrel. In a hunting situation where most of the time you get only one shot, would the bottom closed brake have that much of an advantage with less blow by underneath? Will you be practice shooting prone that much? I also don't think a bottom closed brake can work as well as a 360 brake because it would have fewer ports.

If I had to choose a closed bottom brake, I would go with one that ports out the sides and is closed on top and bottom so it is uniform.

Just my thoughts for whatever it's worth.

 

[Larryh128]

Sounds like you need a gill brake. No holes top or bottom but nornally they are a little fatter. A lot of AR run this style, they are effective & I made 1 for one of my 300WSM's because I wanted everthing going out the sides & slightly to the top. You can totally kill muzzle jump with the right configuration.

 

[Dug]

I do shoot this rifle prone about a third of the time, so thinking the closed bottom brake would better suit me. But considering recommendations here & the fact that the soil around these parts doesn't have any sand or gravel in it, a 360 may be just fine.

I know this might seem to be a lot of planing & pondering over just a brake. But I guess I'm a bit anal about getting things right the first time. I simply hate do overs & my spare parts boxes are overflowing.

Dug

 

[twoodard]

Muscle brake by jim see or a quick discharge by hollands is what youll want. I like the Muscle brake myself. need to order another one soon

 

[dbstallman]

Dug,
I am in complete agreement with your other responses ... a muzzle brake will usually improve the accuracy of any rifle ... downside is the muzzle blast and increased noise that others on the line ( or area ) will experience. A large positive is the reduced recoil which should help you handle/shoot your rifle consistently and enjoy it all the more. Good luck. ...... don stallman