Muzzle Brake?

[mstewart44]

Just wondering why you don't see a muzzle brake on the "big bores" like some hunters will put on their 7mm Mag or 300 Win Mag? I think we would all agree the muzzle brake reduces recoil. I think we also would agree the 375 and 416 calibers kick substantially more than a 300 caliber. So why is it that you don't find muzzle brakes on these bigger guns?

This should be a fun discussion.

 

[Mike70560]

Because real men do not use muzzle brakes? opcorn:

 

[jaustin]

Because it feels so good when your head stops hurting and your vision clears

 

[Blainer]

True a muzzle brake will significantly reduce recoil, but even on a .300 win mag it will blow your hair back when shooting it off a bench and deafen anyone standing near you, i can't imagine a big bore with a brake, i wouldn't want to stand by the guy shooting it. I was at the range one day and a guy brought out a .338-378 weatherby with a brake on it and even though i was 2 benches down everytime he pulled the trigger it blew my hair back, and even wearing muffs it was still concussive.

 

[monish]

Mstewart 44,

Real men with big bores dont use these pancy stuff as Mike stated ::::

Using the calibers with such massive energys , its better to be hard& tough enough to fire them off your shoulder holding the ground ,instead of putting on ear protectors .

The disadvantages I have mentioned right below, have never used muzzlebrakes and never intent to either .

The advantages of brakes and compensators are not without cost, however. The most obvious of these to the shooter is the perceived increase in sound pressure level as well as the increase in muzzle blast for the shooter or companions around. This occurs because the sound, flash, and pressure waves normally projected largely away from the shooter are now partially-redirected outwards to the side or even at backward angles towards the shooter or people around . While eye and ear protection should always be used when shooting, even this is not enough to avoid hearing damage with the muzzle blast directed back towards the shooter or the co shooter .

"Recorded noise levels (on certified audiological instruments) at the muzzle of a magnum or high velocity rifle with a muzzle break [sic] normally exceed 160 decibels. Permanent ear damage occurs at 120 decibels. If you read the fine print on the finest set of ear plugs and ear muffs available, you will find the total noise reduction only between 22 and 31 decibels. This means that on a rifle with a muzzle brake, even if you are wearing hearing protection, you are suffering permanent damage.

Basically the big bore rifles with muzzlebrakes would deafened the co hunters or your PH and mete out a permanent hearing damage.

So the braakeeees not meant for us hunters , I believe so ???

Monish

 

[enysse]

You either like or dislike muzzlebrakes. I guess I like them...but I'm mostly a solo hunter and realize they do help with accuracy and precision on my part. I have shot some of the big calibers...and find them fitting for very short periods of time...everyone make a big deal about the noise...but I have to go to a ear protection program every year for my job and can tell loud is loud. I for one use hearing protection out in the field. And if you don't have a brake on your guns and aren't using hearing protection...you aren't doing yourself any favors...you hear me right...or should I say it again (lol). I do like brakes that vent to the front...they are on my gun...not venting back towards the shooter like Brownings. That said...I only have a brake on two guns...two other guns have vents on top of the barrel...the rest like my 338 Win none. It gives me variety and a choose. A lot of people like the 300 win ,338 win and 7mm Mag....and so do I.

I see zero reason to have a brake on anything less than a 300 win mag.

 

[monish]

Enysse,

True Tue True!! its a individualistic choice and perception , some like it loud and some like the wallop. LOL

Monish

 

[monish]

Mike,

A truth ful plain reasoning. LOL I agree to it factually.

Monish

 

[billrquimby]

There was a muzzle brake on the .416 Weatherby Magnum the company loaned me to take on my lion hunt in Zambia in 1993. The PH asked me to remove it for the hunt -- to save his ears and those of the trackers in the blind with us.

Muzzle brakes definitely reduce felt recoil, but as has been pointed out here, everyone near the shooter suffers.

Bill Quimby

 

[monish]

Bill,

Very rightly said , my cousin has the MBs on his 416 Weatherby its good for his shoulder but deafening for the bystanders. Can never opt for them , rather take a thump on your shoulder than using hearing aids very soon .

Monish

 

[Big5]

. . . I feel the detrimental sound aspect alone outweighs any benefit, therefore I wouldn't own a rifle with one of those ear shattering devices. I hate 'em.

 

[375lvr]

I do not have any experience with a muzzle brake. I do though have experience with Magna-porting. Magna-porting is the best of both worlds. Dampens the recoil and doesn't blast the ears of companions anymore than normal. IMHO. I have a Browning A Bolt in
.375 H&H mag that is ported. I bought it that way, can't say that I would have ported it myself, but sure don't mind having it.

 

[monish]

375LVR,

What make of 375H&H do you own ?? I believe you are a die hard fan of this caliber like I am , as you moniker suggest.

Monish

 

[375lvr]

Monish, I have a Browning A Bolt SS Stalker. .375 H&H is my favorite caliber. I have used it for Pronghorn antelope in Wyoming, Elk in Utah, Whitetail deer in NY and PA and Plainsgame in SA. Good to 300 yards and not much meat loss. The range of available bullets really makes it very flexible.

 

[DUGABOY1]

There are three things I will not have on a rifle that is used for dangerous game. A single trigger on the double rifle, and bolt rifle that is not control feed, and a muzzle break!

One doesn't notice recoil when hunting, so there is no need for one there! If you need one for practiceing then have a thread saver made so the brake can be removed for hunting. There are three things that will get the roll of the eyes of a PH in Africa. The first one is any rifle fitted with a muzzle brake, The second is when you tell him about your BRAND NEW WEATHERBY 460 Wby Mag rifle on your first safari! The third is when tell him you have not shot it more than ten rounds, and your not sure the scope is zeroed!

I can assure you he will keep his eye on you for some time!

 

[mstewart44]

Dugaboy, I agree completely. I actually think the target area where you check the zero of your gun before beginning your hunt is as much for the PH to check out the hunter's shooting skill as much as it is for you to check your zero!!

 

[monish]

Duggaboy,

Rightly said the PH would certainly have his eyes rolling all the time on the hunter with such credentials.

Monish

 

[AFRIVENTURE]

I have a joke I tell in camp

Firstime African hunters arrive with brand new shiny big magnum rifle with a muzzle break and a lot of unnecesary goodies!:nonono:

He cannot take it off so the hunt continues.

The next year he arrives with a more moderate speed rifle (with no muzzle break because his Ph told him to never bring one again :talktothehand - packed light and no unnecesary goodies - and - a pocket full of pebbles !



Why the pebbles???

To throw at the Ph to get his attention because he cannot hear you!! :sorry:

 

[vgruan]

Hello guys this is a very intresting post....

Firstly I would also like to qoute that big boys do not use pansy equipment! If your man enough to face a buff or lion your surely man enough to take a bit of punishment from your gun. The chances of you feeling the recoil when shooting at a buff or lion or any big 5 animal is minimal because of the adrenaline!

But I can also give my you my personal believe on why I do not use brakes on my big calibres I use for hunting dangerous game. When hunting dangerous game, the last thing you want is a gun that is as long as a bamboo or fishing rod. and any brake extend your gun considerably. Personally I think the shorter the gun the better for the quicker shots at something that is actually just point and shoot it is also a hassle carrying around a gun that hooks to everything for hours through thick brush etc.

Lastly I do not like them because I stand next to clients almost every week when they shoot at their fream trophy's and it just's blows you away! Even if you cover your ears it still get's you. When a client walks out of the chalet with his gun and it has a brake on it I usually put some aspiren in my hunting jacket..... But at the end of the day if it makes you more comfortable and accurrate with the specific gun why not use it? Only my opinion.

 

[Calhoun]

I guess to each their own, as for me I despise the damn things. There are other ways to tame recoil with a lot of respect to others around you, like maybe a synthetic stock, one that fits you,recoil pads,or reloading your own shells and slowing the velocity down a tad. One time I was shooting cowboy silhouette & an idiot had a 30/30 winchester ported & it was the loudest & nastiest brake I've ever been around. It damn near knocked my hat off every time he fired it. I certainly don't see no reason for a break on a 30/30. Next thing you know they will be putting them on varmint rifles!
I was the lucky guy to be in the next station to him & I credit him with my poor score as I tried everything in my power to shoot before him or get up closer to the line or stand back a hair further because of this guy's respect for his fellow competitors! Needless to say after a good tongue lashing by myself & other shooters he never came back again.