Yes , we use muzzle brakes on our hunting rifles . My girl has medical issues so thats the only way she can hunt . Also , it controls the recoil enough that you can watch the hit of the first shot and get off the second much faster than without muzzle brake. Another plus is if you shoot a deer in a herd , the other deer dont usually run so next shooter can shoot a deer too.
100% opinion that's 100% wrong if you want a muzzle brake get a damn muzzle brake and shoot whatever you want to shoot it doesn't mean you can't handle the recoil it just makes the rifle easier to shoot and easier to stay on target for follow up shots
Muzzle brakes are an absolute must have when you step up into the 338 edge, Lapua IMP, Norma etc etc. especially if you're an avid long range hunter who spends their time practicing making those shots 3-4 times a week and being a competitive BR and F-Class competition shooter. Lots of BR guys run brakes on their 6 Dashers. Not for recoil reason but for accuracy. I absolutely understand where you're coming from Randy but at the same time they have their place. Not necessarily in your style of hunting but in mine.
For sake of the video he is talking about recoil management, not accuracy. Like you said, the brake should be about extra accuracy at range, not compensation bc one cant handle the recoil. In a sense you are both right, just depends on the application.
@Reel-Lentless absolutely, but you must learn to shoot recoiling guns well without brakes first. Brakes don't help so much if one doesn't have the fundamentals down. :)
@@GenScinmore I think large amounts of recoil add up to poor accuracy that is why his solution is to buy a ten pound 300 wm vs a 6.5 lb 300wm with a brake because of the one flaw noise! At the range everyone should be wearing proper hearing protection. In the woods the narrator wont be next to me to complain about his sensitivities!
Appreciate this advice. I have been hunting my Tikka T3 Lite 300 WSM for about 8 years. No issues with recoil. However, the gun is impossible to spot your hit after shooting unless shooting at distances greater than 550 yards. In this case I decided to break it so I could see my impact on target
That's why I run a suppressor. Takes care of both problems and makes a world of difference.They're not legal in every state so check laws! They're also not what you see in the movies or tv. Hunters using them are not poaching or trying to be sneaky it's just another tool that can be used. No different than a smart phone or an illuminated scope.
Yeah... i agree... but i naturally like shorter barrels.... people think they make such a huge difference with predator hunting and maybe to a degree but ive had coyotes run off from quieter things than a silenced rifle... and if someone is going to be picky silencers arent really even THAT effective unless you get into subsonic rounds.... ive also known guys that bought a silencer and put it on a rifle and find out later they cant even fit it in their vehicle
matthew gill then you know people who suck at math 😂. For real suppressors are just like rifles. You pick the tool for the job. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve seen someone buy a suppressor because it’s the “quietest” it’s “belt fed rated” or some other stupid reason that really does nothing for their application I’d be a millionaire
@@K-bob_45 i mean... dont assume im smarting off about them... i can see them as practical with prairie dogs based on amount of shooting etc.... i mean i run 16" barrels on most every gun i have.... and the prairie dogs stay down a lot longer when im shooting.... and i prefer semi auto.... but im also not gonna drop 1600 on a 17 wsm volquartsen....
Always great to hear others opinions on breaks Randy. Personally I don't mind them on hunting rifles as long as you and your buddies have hearing protection. Not so much for recoil management but a directional brake significantly reduces if not eliminates muzzle lift. It can let you see your bullet strike which is fantastic when hunting by yourself. In New Zealand supressors are legal and very popular for both that factor as well as noise reduction, which is great for us humans and our indicating dogs. Because of the popularity our manufacturers and armorers have got the weights and balance issue sorted! Keep up the good work!
The problem is that the people that shoot rifles with brakes don’t realize how annoying they are to those beside them. I take it you must be one of those people.
Well unfortunately I like big calibers. And in another unfortunate big calibers come with big recoil. Therefore I like muzzle brakes. Shoot a 338 lapua more than 5 times without a brake and you'll understand where I'm coming from lol
I always use either a muzzle brake or suppressor. My larger cartridges get a muzzle brake. You pointed out that his gun is a 300 Win Mag and he controls recoil by having a heavy gun, and you use a lighter gun and smaller cartridge, the 308, so you sacrifice energy because you don't want heavy recoil or a heavy gun. Recoil can play a direct affect on accuracy, similar to a heavy or light/crisp trigger pull. I want high energy, less recoil and a good trigger on a lighter gun for hunting purposes.
Exactly!! Every time you target shoot you have ear pro hunting you can but I don't because I don't ever notice it with adrenaline. I've seen videos of 300s with muzzle brakes and make them look like a 308 im all in for that, but round light recoil just loud that's fine. Plus me I have my own range so I can be loud as I want.
I sent my Springfield 03A3 to Magnaport many years ago. I have absolutely loved the results. Was the 30-06 too much for me? No. I just wanted to see what advantage this new technology would give. I was amazed at how quickly I could get a second shot off and the reduction of recoil. The only people that didn’t like it is the ones close enough to get blasted. This only happened at the range, in a hunting situation not an issue.
I have a removable brake so I don’t have to use one of those sleds. Despise a sled, bags are the only way to go. A 9 lb 7 rem mag pushing a 150 gr Scirocco at 3200 FPS will kill everything I need to in my lifetime from as far as I can comfortably shoot.
Kinda like saying, if you can't stand to be outside without sunglasses on, then you should just stay inside. - It's not that you can't handle the sun, but damn it sure is a lot nicer and more effective with sunglasses on your face. Faulty logic in my own personal opinion. Use the tools we have, wear ear pro with or without a muzzle brake. ALSO! Consider getting yourself a suppressor to help on both sides. I'm carrying the lightest rifle possible into my back country hunts.
Lead sleds are another issue. I put brakes on just about everything, love to see my bullet bullet impact on the animal. Gentry muzzle breaks throw the sound forward to a greater degree than any other. Side discharge muzzle brakes are just ungodly loud but a must when shooting off the ground. It is really nice to see if your round impacts what position of the animal and the animal's reaction to the hit, indicating a follow-up shot or not. Also, when shooting at a distance, you see your impact on a miss so you can compensate.
The main objection to muzzle breaks is that it makes the rifle louder, but rifles are loud anyway. That's why people wear hearing protection. If everyone at the range is already wearing hearing protection then are you really offending them by having a muzzle break that makes things a bit louder? It seems to me that if you want to reduce the recoil then go ahead and add the muzzle break. It doesn't offend me in the least.
I understand your reasoning but I personally use muzzle breaks. I hunt a lot, but am primarily a competition guy. I shoot and train a lot and 15 rounds from a big 7mag or 300 mag takes its toll. I personally don’t like to shoot off the lead sled because that’s not how I’ll shoot in the field. With that being said I train with the brake, and hunt with a break. The only time I’ll take the break off is to add a suppresser if I have a buddy. I understand your argument in stepping down in caliber but why would you if you can just thread on something that will take half the recoil away. You should have ear pro on at all times when shooting anyways and the concussion is no different then shooting a hot 357 magnum revolver or 44 magnum revolver. Also I wear electronic ear pro when hunting. With modern technology I see no reason not to wear ear pro as it enhances the sound and protects you when you take the shot. And nowadays we have electronic buds so you can’t complain about the muffs messing up your cheek weld. Great video and I really enjoy watching all your hunts. Kinda jealous man, seems like you have the life!
it's not really about recoil, if you have a light rifle with big bore such as 300wm, you won't be able to shoot the popular "long range" style. Hunting is typically 1 shot or 2 shots, and this won't hurt anyone. A brake for long rifle is extremely helpful for shooting longer range. But if your shot is always within 300 yard, why the hell you even need a 300wm ? a 270 will get anything done.
I got a $150 30-06 that went from - my most hated mule - to one of my favorite rifles to shoot. So light I can pack it all day, smoother than my 308Win now. Bottom line... If you're more comfortable, you're gonna shoot better. If you're just as comfortable without them, then don't waist your money.
A light weight, soft recoiling 7mm-08 or 308 is adequate for elk if they are used within their effective range and used with a properly constructed bullet. No brake required.
That’s like saying a Honda Civic will get you to work so there is no reason for getting a sports car. Some guys just like loud and over the top rifles just like how some guys like loud and over the top cars.
A break makes a rifle so much more comfortable to shoot on the range an in the field. Less you have to grip an tense up to take out recoil the more accurate at least in my opinion
I don't see any problems with a muzzle brake if you wear hearing protection when firing it. At the range it's a non-issue as ear protection and eye protection are mandatory. In the field you can carry ear protection around your neck when hiking and put it on just before taking a shot. That said I only have muzzle brakes on my rifles chambered in magnum calibers. For me that means 7mm Rem Mag and 300 Win Mag chambered rifles. To be honest I don't think the 7 mag actually needs it since the recoil is about as stout as a 30-06 but the rifle came with the brake so I just left it as is. All my non-magnum chambered rifles like 243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 270 Win, 7mm-08 Rem and 308 Win are not braked *unless* the manufacturer delivered the rifle with one pre-installed. In which case I just leave it alone because I am too lazy to take it off.
"I am most interested in people making sure their hunting rifles are suited for what they are most accurate with, recoil being a part of that." Your response to an earlier question is a bit disingenuous when you are using a lead sled.
Muzzle breaks are not only necessary, but they increase your precision ballistic coefficient. And you're overall fun at the range. You're using ear protection regardless at the range, so why should it bother you? And when you're hunting.. You only should be firing 1 or 2 rounds if you need to add a deer. So it's not that big deal on the ears.
Had this discussion with my local gunsmith about muzzle break on a 22-250 he claimed yes no recoil on a 22-250 but.......it prevents muzzle jump which equal more efficient follow up shots while hunting varmints such as gophers.
I am sure that is correct. That is one of the benefits of brakes. Just not a trade off I will make in my hunting rifles, for the sake of what little remains of my hearing and the hearing of those who will be with me (mostly camera guys). I understand if others make a different choice.
@@p.p.8624 I enjoy watching his videos and I’d say he is a great guy . I’m sure they just pay him to put his name on it . Just funny talking bad about muzzle breaks and then having a rifle that he supposedly designed to have one .
Your very right if your walking carring equipment you need a light weight gun ,if your driving around in your truck then you can have a 300 but them 8f i shoot close up there is nothing left then if you shopt long distance you wish you had a 308 on your back to carry with my 308 i can shoot penny at a 100 yards
Good lord, man simply states his opinion and all hell brakes loose. Nice video, i don't mind seeing them on any type of rifle. If someone wants to put a break on their rifle that is completely up to them, it's their rifle and their money.
I'm considering buying a muzzle break on a .30-06 rifle for my wife. It'll be used for bear and moose. I've thought about getting her a 6.5cm or 7mm-08 but I think the 0'6 with a break would be the same or less recoil then those two cartridges while getting the added benefit of a more suitable round for those two game animals.
If you do, just wear ear protection while in the field. There is a remarkable difference between a rifle with a break and a rifle without a break. That is why I don't do it for a hunting rifle. A target or bench rifle, yes, but not on a hunting rifle.
I don't want to have to wear ear pro while hunting so no muzzle brake on my rem. 700 in 300 win. I see some rifles have threads on the barrel for a brake and you can shoot practice on the range with it and then take it off with a re-zero to go hunting. Wear a pad/recoil shield if needed. Firing a rifle with a brake and no ear pro equals hearing damage.
Most people brake a rifle for ability to see impacts. Not so much for recoil management. Shooting in a lead sled and hating on brakes is laughable. If you need a lead sled maybe you need a brake??? Or a lighter cartridge.
Heavier gun, good scope to set good safe max eye relief distance, a stock that fits you!!!; and a good pad, and if needed recoil buffering inside the buttstock.
Get that woose pad over your shoulder for bench group sighting because at the bench you are at an angle to any gun buttpad and you have much less shoulder contact. A factory 270 or 30-06 will sting a bit on the collar bone or shoulder because your contact to the stock is very poor when shooting bench. When shooting positions in the field for practice or hunting, you need to learn proper contact of shoulder to buttpad for ALL field shooting.
I shoot everything from the 5.7x28mm all the way up to the .50 BMG. I personally don't enjoy getting the shit beat out of me just because "I can't handle the recoil", lol.
I shoot a .308 with 180gr bullet, and a muzzlebrake. Why the brake? I had shoulder surgery in 2018 and even with physio and training my shoulder has become sensitive to the kick of the rifle. Sure I could cartridge down and sure I could shoot lighter loads but with the cost of a decent muzzlebrake I can shoot the load I'm comfortable and confident in, with the rifle I'm comfortable and confident in and the only added cost to me is some earplugs that I wear around my neck and can install in seconds when I'm ready to shoot. Now consider this over the cost of buying a new rifle and spending time getting comfortable with it, finding the load or factory ammunition you're happy with, scope etc. Yeah you can sell your old rifle but when you look at the costs I think the brake is the more acceptable solution, but that's just my view.
I agree Randy I can't stand muzzle breaks either. One thing I would recommend that is commonly overlooked are putting mercury tubes in the stock, they help tremendously. I don't need either one because I shoot a 270 WSM and at 6.5 Creedmoor. Great video 👍🏻👍🏻
I haven’t used a break yet but I also have only shot a magnum cartridge a hand full of times... I shoot .308 in a Tikka lite and that thing is so easy to shoot and recoil is almost a non issue (I think it compares pretty well to my 20 gauge over under shotgun). I’ve been wanting to get into a magnum cartridge for a while now (either .300 or 7mm) and pretty much know I want a rifle with a threaded break on the barrel so I have the option. I don’t know if I’ll need the break myself with either of those cartridges but even if you don’t “need” it, it still may be nice to have it. For my opinion I’d like to have it so I can comfortably shoot all afternoon without blowing out my already shredded shoulder. Shoot it enough without the break so I’m comfortable hunting with it off the barrel as well. If you do decide to use it just take a couple seconds to put in ear plugs... as far as the guy standing next to you... just don’t stand on the shooters side.. stand behind the shooter, or maybe 45 degrees to the shooter. Almost all the hunting I do is by myself anyways so I’ll rarely have to worry about that aspect of it.
Two shots from a 300wsm w/brake 12 years ago, and no hearing protection, led to 50% hearing reduction in my right ear. Never again. Now I own multiple silencers and work my rifle around them. A .308 and 20" barrel with a suppressor and Barnes TTSX will kill anything in North America up to 400 yards. Beyond that range... time to get walking.
Another thing you could do to manage recoil is get a recoil reducer, its basically a steal tube with a counter weight or it's filled with mercury. It's the same concept as a dead blow hammer. I am getting one installed on my 7mm Mag. It's advertised to reduce recoil up to 40 percent. Plus I also run a limb savers recoil pad.
Im a bigger framed guy who can manage recoil. I like a big bore, light rifle that I can pack around in the mountains. I like a break, I just wear ear plugs. I shoot a lot so there is definitely an advantage to a break.
kind of silly to say don't use a muzzle break it makes your gun heavier than saying a good way to combat the recoil of a bigger round is to have an overall heavier gun, muzzle break is the most efficient way to lower recoil for the weight of it
Side hill stalking an elk for 1000yds with ear protection in because you have a brake. No thanks. Maybe if I'm in a shooting house in Kentucky overlooking a bean field.
My ruger go wild is in 300 and it came with a muzzle brake. I've had a winchester m70 in 300 before that and the recoil was never really an issue. I tried the muzzle brake just for grins, that first shot I had just ear plugs, and the blast was actually painful to my ears and it blew things off the bench. I very soon put a muzzle cap on it and never looked back. My ears are bad enough as it is. I dont think I could take a braked rifle shot or two at an animal and not regret that. So I agree. if you need to brake the rifle. You might need to step down. No shame in it at all and your ears will thankyou down the road
Surely adding several pounds of weight to your rifle setup is just a different way of managing recoil? The point of a brake is to reduce recoil and muzzle lift on a lighter weight rifle so you aren’t carrying extra pounds unnecessarily... I get the aversion to using one at the range as it is quite antisocial, but out in the wilderness with nobody around other than a buddy stood behind you out of the way?
I believe it’s all in personal preference. Just because my buddy shoots a 270 Winchester with a Leopoldo scope doesn’t make it everyone’s set up (example) . Shoot what feels good and what is comfortable to your ability and needs .
I would like to know what your definition is of recoil management? I personally believe recoil management is being able to stay on target or managing the flip up or jump of the rifle. Another words having the rifle recoil straight back not up and to the left are up and to the right which is what seems to be happening with your rifles. Just my opinion.
Well said. I can’t stand folks shooting with brakes at the range. Worse yet are shorter barrels with brakes. It really upsets me when I’m trying to dial in my 270 and 300 WM and beside you is a guy shooting a 11.5” barrel AR with a brake.
Get a private range, or better yet dont go. Many people go to ranges for different reasons, just because your trying to sight in your rifle doesnt meant you get to dictate how someone else spemds their time on the range. And yes i am that guy with an 11.5 with a break on, if you think an AR15 chambered in 5.56 with a break is loud/percussive you reallly dont belong on the range
I respectfully disagree, gas recoil management (muzzle brakes) control the flow of gas leaving the end off the rifle positioning it back or up don’t stand beside my muzzle blast and it won’t bother you stand behind my firing line lol
Do not like Muzzle Brakes. So dang loud! Flash-Hiders are not that bad in terms of extra decibels they add, they don't seem as punishingly loud as the Brakes do. I do like though that both will re-direct the gases escaping to not be forced down to the ground below the rifle, so you don't get dirt in your eyes from the gases from the shot kickin' up a buncha dust off the top of that rock you're resting your rifle upon to take your shot from. For myself, .223 Rem shots from a regular Bolt gun (no muzzle brake) aren't to terribly bad at all to me. I'd say Tolerable for a day's worth of hunting, since you don't typically make too many shots in a single day... unless maybe you decided to do Ground Squirrels for fun though in an area that has many of them. Then it can begin to invoke a faint amount of Tinnitus, at which point you typically remember you have some In-Ear EarPro that you bring with you, that you don't have on yet. But Yeah... then I get the AR, and they (Freakin' CA) say the std flash hider they all come with is a nogo and force CA residents to then have to buy a "Muzzle Brake". I'd thought about just putting on a threaded end-cap. But then I'd read about how in a self-defense situation in your home, having the Muzzle on deflecting the blast out to the sides can help a bit with night blindness from the flash of the shot. Since it's not the Full circle of Flash around the barrel like on a standard non-threaded bolt gun. But MAN... it is NOT pleasant if you happen to not have enough time to deal with making the choice to burn some more time fiddling with putting on EarPro and that time is of the essence right here, right now, and you've got to just go ahead and make this shot and you forgot about "POP!!! - EEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee....." "Dang it! Damn Muzzle Brake! F**k! Gonna be switching back to a threaded end cap to be nice to the ears. Didn't mind though how having the Muzzle Brake on was helping to prevent sand from getting into the barrel in the event of leaning the rifle on a rock or something, and then it slides over and falls to the dirt and somehow the Muzzle Brake has seemed to help with preventing the sand/dirt from actually entering into the muzzle of the bore I've noticed. So there is that positive though. But for a threaded end-capped barrel I've learned about the trick of just covering the muzzle bore opening with some electrical tape to protect it from letting debris in. Since it doesn't change how a bullet shoots out of that rifle and thru this electrical tape, since the column of gas on top of the bullet in the chamber acts like a piston of air which pushes a hole to burst open thru the electrical tape just before the projectile then comes along the now cleared-away path!
I put an extra sleeve pad on my 300 win mag, and I swear it works just as good as a brake! Barely feel anything! My groups got even smaller by half in!
...OR consider a suppressor/'sound moderator instead of a brake if you are allowed (and I can't understand the logic of them being outlawed). Same massive reduction in recoil as a brake and so much kinder on everybody's ears! Latest types weigh very little, extend rearwards over the barrel to some degree, so no huge lengthening of rifle. Accuracy generally improves, but that might be because shooting the rifle is so much sweeter.
Go ahead and do load development for magnum rifles without a break or lead sled and you'll understand why we use muzzle breaks. Also, your points against muzzle breaks are muted while you're shooting off a lead sled.
As someone who's new to guns, I'm still unsure what's so bad about a muzzle break. You mentioned standing next to someone, and then just said you didn't like it...... I guess I need my hand held a little more here. Thanks for the videos, just keep in mind some of us are coming here because we don't know shit about hunting but are intrigued. Anyway, keep up the good work.
The muzzle blast from a brake is quite jarring to anyone around the muzzle and the concussion hits everyone behind you. They can be useful, but I don't use them.
Basically, it redirects a bunch of expanding gas energy that normally would be pointed downrange and sends it to the sides and backwards instead. A bunch of that energy is in the form of sound, meaning much, MUCH louder for both the shooter and even MORE so for anyone slightly to the side of the shooter.
It doesn't bother me in the least if someone is at the range and is using a muzzle break. In general, guns are loud, and that's why we're wearing hearing protection in the first place.
He was just stating his opinion on muzzle breaks and a lot of experts come out! WOW! Maybe we should all go to your guys UA-cam pages and talk crap because we don’t agree with your opinion!! I’ve had with and without breaks n I’ll never have another one again. To each their own.
Allow the rifle to push you, and if the stock fits properly the rifle pushes you hard and fast for sure, but it doesn't slap you! Remington 700 rifles are great, but their stocks suck eggs! I keep the receiver and barrel factory but replace the stock. However many brands of rifles surpass the Remington now in quality of materials and build, as well as quality and fit of stock, so shop around!
Recoil is a funny thing. I have a 6.5 creedmoor (in a 5.5 lb model) that for a while, I could swear it was kicking harder than my .30-06. The creed would hit faster (sharper) with not a lot of force behind the kick, which would throw me off a little. The .30-06 would hit slower (dull thud) with a more force, which did not throw me off at all. I had a .338 win that was broke and it in my opinion kicked less than both of them, because of the way it recoiled - slow and hard. (.338 had an OPS brake. -3 dB to me the shooter and a canyon to anyone to the side of me at the gun range.) I got rid of the .338 WM, because a .26" barrel and a 2" muzzlebrake sucks at hands free hiking in the timber. Of all of the guns I have shot, the gun and load combination that gives me the most trouble as far as recoil are turkey loads from a 12 gauge, which is why I choose the 20 gauge when hunting turkeys. I do think that suppressors are the way of the future to manage recoil and manage noise, but the problem with them is they are not legal in all states yet.
Thanks for sharing your first-hand experiences. I am most interested in people making sure their hunting rifles are suited for what they are most accurate with, recoil being a part of that.
Recoil pads make a big difference. If 12-gauges are a basis for comparison, I find the recoil of low brass through my old Stevens SxS worse than slugs through my Maverick 88. The difference is that the Maverick has a thick squishy soft pad, while the pad on the Stevens has hardened so much it's basically useless.
When you put a muzzle brake on a light 300 Win Mag rifle, it'll recoil like your .308. I can attest to that personally. Best of both worlds so why not?
Nothing wrong with using mb's. Just be considerate is all. If there's someone beside you then use common sense. I never understood why guys put one on for the range but then take it off to hunt? It just means you have to re sight your rifle in every time you switch
Randy, 1. I agree with you: going down to a softer-shooting cartridge is a great idea! A couple of commenters have mentioned that another device, a suppressor, can ease recoil as well as quiet the report of a rifle. What is your take on using a suppressor?
Great video thank you. What are the specifications on your son's 300 win mag (eg. Contour number) as I thought Howa only produced that 300 win mag in a #2 sporter. As I have purchased one waiting for it to arrive.
You should spend more time in the range.. shoot a group with the same rifle with a muzzle break and without.. you’ll see the advantages of muzzle breaking in accuracy.. and if you want ethical shots then you should chase the accuracy.. it’s not about the kick on your shoulder buddy and the extra weight is excuse.. 2 oz more you wouldn’t even feel it
I shoot a '69 Remington 788 .308 no butt pad at all bare plastic on bare skin,sometimes a jacket it kicks pretty good but the muzzle brake just makes it too dang loud I would never put one on it only gun I would ever put one on is a .375
I'm a gun smith, if I had a dollar for every Elmer Fudd who came in to get a muzzle brake for a rifle they couldn'n handle (and I do) I'd be rich (not quite, but the saying goes) If a bow will kill it, so will a 243. Settle down boys.
I agree on the muzzle brakes, I hate them. They are super loud for the shooter and anyone else close to him. I'm getting a light 5.8 pound 450 bushmaster which comes with a brake (which I plan to dump). I don't know how bad the recoil will be but thinking of adding a rubber weight to the barrel to lesson jump or maybe nothing at all.
I don't have a muzzle break sponsor. I suspect I never will. I have no problem with folks disagreeing; some close friends also disagree. It is merely my opinion as to breaks on hunting rifles.
I absolutely hate led sleds, to heavy to carry in mountains
Yep that is why god invented muzzle brakes!
Yes , we use muzzle brakes on our hunting rifles . My girl has medical issues so thats the only way she can hunt . Also , it controls the recoil enough that you can watch the hit of the first shot and get off the second much faster than without muzzle brake. Another plus is if you shoot a deer in a herd , the other deer dont usually run so next shooter can shoot a deer too.
Why crap on brakes only to use nothing but footage of yourself using a sled?
100% opinion that's 100% wrong if you want a muzzle brake get a damn muzzle brake and shoot whatever you want to shoot it doesn't mean you can't handle the recoil it just makes the rifle easier to shoot and easier to stay on target for follow up shots
Muzzle brakes are an absolute must have when you step up into the 338 edge, Lapua IMP, Norma etc etc. especially if you're an avid long range hunter who spends their time practicing making those shots 3-4 times a week and being a competitive BR and F-Class competition shooter. Lots of BR guys run brakes on their 6 Dashers. Not for recoil reason but for accuracy. I absolutely understand where you're coming from Randy but at the same time they have their place. Not necessarily in your style of hunting but in mine.
For sake of the video he is talking about recoil management, not accuracy. Like you said, the brake should be about extra accuracy at range, not compensation bc one cant handle the recoil. In a sense you are both right, just depends on the application.
@Reel-Lentless absolutely, but you must learn to shoot recoiling guns well without brakes first. Brakes don't help so much if one doesn't have the fundamentals down. :)
@@GenScinmore I think large amounts of recoil add up to poor accuracy that is why his solution is to buy a ten pound 300 wm vs a 6.5 lb 300wm with a brake because of the one flaw noise! At the range everyone should be wearing proper hearing protection. In the woods the narrator wont be next to me to complain about his sensitivities!
@@GenScinmore BS!! Tell that to every Bench rest shooter out there NONE are shooting without Muzzle brakes!
@@GenScinmore that's an interesting opinion
Appreciate this advice. I have been hunting my Tikka T3 Lite 300 WSM for about 8 years. No issues with recoil. However, the gun is impossible to spot your hit after shooting unless shooting at distances greater than 550 yards. In this case I decided to break it so I could see my impact on target
Randy, your Howa signature rifle has a muzzle brake though
Lol true
That's down to marketing, like most things in life.
Oh snap!
It’s embarrassing that they put this video out.
It's because Randy has become a sellout like all the other personalities.
My 12lb Tikka Arctic 6.5 with scope and a Area 419 Hellfire Match brake installed has the recoil of a 22LR and I love it. 😎
What if you want to put 40 rounds of 300 down range to practice? No need to punish yourself. Faulty logic.
That's why I run a suppressor. Takes care of both problems and makes a world of difference.They're not legal in every state so check laws! They're also not what you see in the movies or tv. Hunters using them are not poaching or trying to be sneaky it's just another tool that can be used. No different than a smart phone or an illuminated scope.
Yeah... i agree... but i naturally like shorter barrels.... people think they make such a huge difference with predator hunting and maybe to a degree but ive had coyotes run off from quieter things than a silenced rifle... and if someone is going to be picky silencers arent really even THAT effective unless you get into subsonic rounds.... ive also known guys that bought a silencer and put it on a rifle and find out later they cant even fit it in their vehicle
matthew gill then you know people who suck at math 😂. For real suppressors are just like rifles. You pick the tool for the job. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve seen someone buy a suppressor because it’s the “quietest” it’s “belt fed rated” or some other stupid reason that really does nothing for their application I’d be a millionaire
@@K-bob_45 well.. he is the sheriff in our town so yeah math is NOT his high point....
@@K-bob_45 i mean... dont assume im smarting off about them... i can see them as practical with prairie dogs based on amount of shooting etc.... i mean i run 16" barrels on most every gun i have.... and the prairie dogs stay down a lot longer when im shooting.... and i prefer semi auto.... but im also not gonna drop 1600 on a 17 wsm volquartsen....
@@K-bob_45 i have been intrigued by the wix fuel filter versions.. im probably gonna try with my ruger 9mm first to see how much work it is...
Always great to hear others opinions on breaks Randy. Personally I don't mind them on hunting rifles as long as you and your buddies have hearing protection. Not so much for recoil management but a directional brake significantly reduces if not eliminates muzzle lift. It can let you see your bullet strike which is fantastic when hunting by yourself. In New Zealand supressors are legal and very popular for both that factor as well as noise reduction, which is great for us humans and our indicating dogs. Because of the popularity our manufacturers and armorers have got the weights and balance issue sorted! Keep up the good work!
So basically the title of this video should have just been... "whining about something i dont like"
@Van Guard makes zero sense
The problem is that the people that shoot rifles with brakes don’t realize how annoying they are to those beside them. I take it you must be one of those people.
@@strat1080 if anyone is at the range where I live I leave. I do everything alone.... but nice try.
I’m so sorry matt. You must be lonely. That’s hard. I’m sure negative comments on UA-cam make you feel better though
@@ZGADOW nope it's the pointless response from a retard that brightens my day
Well unfortunately I like big calibers. And in another unfortunate big calibers come with big recoil. Therefore I like muzzle brakes. Shoot a 338 lapua more than 5 times without a brake and you'll understand where I'm coming from lol
you must be a real man.
I always use either a muzzle brake or suppressor. My larger cartridges get a muzzle brake. You pointed out that his gun is a 300 Win Mag and he controls recoil by having a heavy gun, and you use a lighter gun and smaller cartridge, the 308, so you sacrifice energy because you don't want heavy recoil or a heavy gun. Recoil can play a direct affect on accuracy, similar to a heavy or light/crisp trigger pull. I want high energy, less recoil and a good trigger on a lighter gun for hunting purposes.
Exactly!! Every time you target shoot you have ear pro hunting you can but I don't because I don't ever notice it with adrenaline. I've seen videos of 300s with muzzle brakes and make them look like a 308 im all in for that, but round light recoil just loud that's fine. Plus me I have my own range so I can be loud as I want.
I sent my Springfield 03A3 to Magnaport many years ago. I have absolutely loved the results. Was the 30-06 too much for me? No. I just wanted to see what advantage this new technology would give. I was amazed at how quickly I could get a second shot off and the reduction of recoil. The only people that didn’t like it is the ones close enough to get blasted. This only happened at the range, in a hunting situation not an issue.
I have a removable brake so I don’t have to use one of those sleds. Despise a sled, bags are the only way to go. A 9 lb 7 rem mag pushing a 150 gr Scirocco at 3200 FPS will kill everything I need to in my lifetime from as far as I can comfortably shoot.
Kinda like saying, if you can't stand to be outside without sunglasses on, then you should just stay inside. - It's not that you can't handle the sun, but damn it sure is a lot nicer and more effective with sunglasses on your face. Faulty logic in my own personal opinion. Use the tools we have, wear ear pro with or without a muzzle brake. ALSO! Consider getting yourself a suppressor to help on both sides.
I'm carrying the lightest rifle possible into my back country hunts.
Lead sleds are another issue. I put brakes on just about everything, love to see my bullet bullet impact on the animal. Gentry muzzle breaks throw the sound forward to a greater degree than any other. Side discharge muzzle brakes are just ungodly loud but a must when shooting off the ground. It is really nice to see if your round impacts what position of the animal and the animal's reaction to the hit, indicating a follow-up shot or not. Also, when shooting at a distance, you see your impact on a miss so you can compensate.
The main objection to muzzle breaks is that it makes the rifle louder, but rifles are loud anyway. That's why people wear hearing protection. If everyone at the range is already wearing hearing protection then are you really offending them by having a muzzle break that makes things a bit louder? It seems to me that if you want to reduce the recoil then go ahead and add the muzzle break. It doesn't offend me in the least.
I understand your reasoning but I personally use muzzle breaks. I hunt a lot, but am primarily a competition guy. I shoot and train a lot and 15 rounds from a big 7mag or 300 mag takes its toll. I personally don’t like to shoot off the lead sled because that’s not how I’ll shoot in the field. With that being said I train with the brake, and hunt with a break. The only time I’ll take the break off is to add a suppresser if I have a buddy. I understand your argument in stepping down in caliber but why would you if you can just thread on something that will take half the recoil away. You should have ear pro on at all times when shooting anyways and the concussion is no different then shooting a hot 357 magnum revolver or 44 magnum revolver. Also I wear electronic ear pro when hunting. With modern technology I see no reason not to wear ear pro as it enhances the sound and protects you when you take the shot. And nowadays we have electronic buds so you can’t complain about the muffs messing up your cheek weld. Great video and I really enjoy watching all your hunts. Kinda jealous man, seems like you have the life!
Good points. Thanks for the input. And thanks for watching.
I think it's funny how he says he need a heavy rifle and heavy scope and bipod to manage the recoil but then hates on brakes
This is just silliness.
Like he said, some people handle recoil better than others.
it's not really about recoil, if you have a light rifle with big bore such as 300wm, you won't be able to shoot the popular "long range" style. Hunting is typically 1 shot or 2 shots, and this won't hurt anyone. A brake for long rifle is extremely helpful for shooting longer range. But if your shot is always within 300 yard, why the hell you even need a 300wm ? a 270 will get anything done.
I have a muzzle break on my 3006 but not on my 300 weatherby mag I use a muzzle break so I can stay on target for a follow up shot if needed
I got a $150 30-06 that went from - my most hated mule - to one of my favorite rifles to shoot. So light I can pack it all day, smoother than my 308Win now. Bottom line... If you're more comfortable, you're gonna shoot better. If you're just as comfortable without them, then don't waist your money.
A light weight, soft recoiling 7mm-08 or 308 is adequate for elk if they are used within their effective range and used with a properly constructed bullet. No brake required.
That’s like saying a Honda Civic will get you to work so there is no reason for getting a sports car. Some guys just like loud and over the top rifles just like how some guys like loud and over the top cars.
A break makes a rifle so much more comfortable to shoot on the range an in the field. Less you have to grip an tense up to take out recoil the more accurate at least in my opinion
I don't see any problems with a muzzle brake if you wear hearing protection when firing it. At the range it's a non-issue as ear protection and eye protection are mandatory. In the field you can carry ear protection around your neck when hiking and put it on just before taking a shot. That said I only have muzzle brakes on my rifles chambered in magnum calibers. For me that means 7mm Rem Mag and 300 Win Mag chambered rifles. To be honest I don't think the 7 mag actually needs it since the recoil is about as stout as a 30-06 but the rifle came with the brake so I just left it as is. All my non-magnum chambered rifles like 243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 270 Win, 7mm-08 Rem and 308 Win are not braked *unless* the manufacturer delivered the rifle with one pre-installed. In which case I just leave it alone because I am too lazy to take it off.
"I am most interested in people making sure their hunting rifles are suited for what they are most accurate with, recoil being a part of that." Your response to an earlier question is a bit disingenuous when you are using a lead sled.
A muzzle break allows one to hike in with a lightweight 300 Win Mag. In other words, you don’t have to compromise.
Muzzle breaks are not only necessary, but they increase your precision ballistic coefficient. And you're overall fun at the range. You're using ear protection regardless at the range, so why should it bother you? And when you're hunting.. You only should be firing 1 or 2 rounds if you need to add a deer. So it's not that big deal on the ears.
I love muzzle brakes! I even have a brake on my 270. Makes target tracking and spotting your own shots possible
Had this discussion with my local gunsmith about muzzle break on a 22-250 he claimed yes no recoil on a 22-250 but.......it prevents muzzle jump which equal more efficient follow up shots while hunting varmints such as gophers.
I am sure that is correct. That is one of the benefits of brakes. Just not a trade off I will make in my hunting rifles, for the sake of what little remains of my hearing and the hearing of those who will be with me (mostly camera guys). I understand if others make a different choice.
Funny thing Randy Newberg Howa edition at sportsman warehouse has a muzzle break and caliber is 300 win mag .
He’s only here for the money, dude. He’s a classic fudd hypocrite.
@@p.p.8624 I enjoy watching his videos and I’d say he is a great guy . I’m sure they just pay him to put his name on it . Just funny talking bad about muzzle breaks and then having a rifle that he supposedly designed to have one .
Luke Foster Howa knows their customers and they wanted the break/ threaded barrel. Randy did a video about that
That's your opinion, muzzle brakes r awesome, for precision shots,and follow up shots r sweet ,that's y u have a head set on ,
Your very right if your walking carring equipment you need a light weight gun ,if your driving around in your truck then you can have a 300 but them 8f i shoot close up there is nothing left then if you shopt long distance you wish you had a 308 on your back to carry with my 308 i can shoot penny at a 100 yards
I feel like you just wanted to diss your sons rifle. Jk good video
He deserves it ;).
Good lord, man simply states his opinion and all hell brakes loose. Nice video, i don't mind seeing them on any type of rifle. If someone wants to put a break on their rifle that is completely up to them, it's their rifle and their money.
Everyone should have hearing protection anyway so the point is kinda moot
I don’t take advice from people who use lead sleds…
I'm considering buying a muzzle break on a .30-06 rifle for my wife. It'll be used for bear and moose. I've thought about getting her a 6.5cm or 7mm-08 but I think the 0'6 with a break would be the same or less recoil then those two cartridges while getting the added benefit of a more suitable round for those two game animals.
If you do, just wear ear protection while in the field. There is a remarkable difference between a rifle with a break and a rifle without a break. That is why I don't do it for a hunting rifle. A target or bench rifle, yes, but not on a hunting rifle.
I don't want to have to wear ear pro while hunting so no muzzle brake on my rem. 700 in 300 win. I see some rifles have threads on the barrel for a brake and you can shoot practice on the range with it and then take it off with a re-zero to go hunting. Wear a pad/recoil shield if needed. Firing a rifle with a brake and no ear pro equals hearing damage.
Most people brake a rifle for ability to see impacts. Not so much for recoil management. Shooting in a lead sled and hating on brakes is laughable. If you need a lead sled maybe you need a brake??? Or a lighter cartridge.
Heavier gun, good scope to set good safe max eye relief distance, a stock that fits you!!!; and a good pad, and if needed recoil buffering inside the buttstock.
Get that woose pad over your shoulder for bench group sighting because at the bench you are at an angle to any gun buttpad and you have much less shoulder contact. A factory 270 or 30-06 will sting a bit on the collar bone or shoulder because your contact to the stock is very poor when shooting bench. When shooting positions in the field for practice or hunting, you need to learn proper contact of shoulder to buttpad for ALL field shooting.
I shoot everything from the 5.7x28mm all the way up to the .50 BMG. I personally don't enjoy getting the shit beat out of me just because "I can't handle the recoil", lol.
I shoot a .308 with 180gr bullet, and a muzzlebrake. Why the brake? I had shoulder surgery in 2018 and even with physio and training my shoulder has become sensitive to the kick of the rifle. Sure I could cartridge down and sure I could shoot lighter loads but with the cost of a decent muzzlebrake I can shoot the load I'm comfortable and confident in, with the rifle I'm comfortable and confident in and the only added cost to me is some earplugs that I wear around my neck and can install in seconds when I'm ready to shoot. Now consider this over the cost of buying a new rifle and spending time getting comfortable with it, finding the load or factory ammunition you're happy with, scope etc. Yeah you can sell your old rifle but when you look at the costs I think the brake is the more acceptable solution, but that's just my view.
I agree Randy I can't stand muzzle breaks either. One thing I would recommend that is commonly overlooked are putting mercury tubes in the stock, they help tremendously. I don't need either one because I shoot a 270 WSM and at 6.5 Creedmoor. Great video 👍🏻👍🏻
A .270 WSM in a light gun (5.5-6 lbs) would kick similar to a .300 win in a heavier gun (8-9lbs).
I haven’t used a break yet but I also have only shot a magnum cartridge a hand full of times... I shoot .308 in a Tikka lite and that thing is so easy to shoot and recoil is almost a non issue (I think it compares pretty well to my 20 gauge over under shotgun). I’ve been wanting to get into a magnum cartridge for a while now (either .300 or 7mm) and pretty much know I want a rifle with a threaded break on the barrel so I have the option. I don’t know if I’ll need the break myself with either of those cartridges but even if you don’t “need” it, it still may be nice to have it. For my opinion I’d like to have it so I can comfortably shoot all afternoon without blowing out my already shredded shoulder. Shoot it enough without the break so I’m comfortable hunting with it off the barrel as well. If you do decide to use it just take a couple seconds to put in ear plugs... as far as the guy standing next to you... just don’t stand on the shooters side.. stand behind the shooter, or maybe 45 degrees to the shooter.
Almost all the hunting I do is by myself anyways so I’ll rarely have to worry about that aspect of it.
Two shots from a 300wsm w/brake 12 years ago, and no hearing protection, led to 50% hearing reduction in my right ear. Never again. Now I own multiple silencers and work my rifle around them. A .308 and 20" barrel with a suppressor and Barnes TTSX will kill anything in North America up to 400 yards. Beyond that range... time to get walking.
Another thing you could do to manage recoil is get a recoil reducer, its basically a steal tube with a counter weight or it's filled with mercury. It's the same concept as a dead blow hammer. I am getting one installed on my 7mm Mag. It's advertised to reduce recoil up to 40 percent. Plus I also run a limb savers recoil pad.
I put one in my 7x57 and the recoil is much less.
Silencers mitigate recoil and protect your hearing
True. Much better than a brake.
Im a bigger framed guy who can manage recoil. I like a big bore, light rifle that I can pack around in the mountains. I like a break, I just wear ear plugs. I shoot a lot so there is definitely an advantage to a break.
kind of silly to say don't use a muzzle break it makes your gun heavier than saying a good way to combat the recoil of a bigger round is to have an overall heavier gun, muzzle break is the most efficient way to lower recoil for the weight of it
Side hill stalking an elk for 1000yds with ear protection in because you have a brake. No thanks. Maybe if I'm in a shooting house in Kentucky overlooking a bean field.
My ruger go wild is in 300 and it came with a muzzle brake. I've had a winchester m70 in 300 before that and the recoil was never really an issue. I tried the muzzle brake just for grins, that first shot I had just ear plugs, and the blast was actually painful to my ears and it blew things off the bench. I very soon put a muzzle cap on it and never looked back. My ears are bad enough as it is. I dont think I could take a braked rifle shot or two at an animal and not regret that. So I agree. if you need to brake the rifle. You might need to step down. No shame in it at all and your ears will thankyou down the road
Surely adding several pounds of weight to your rifle setup is just a different way of managing recoil? The point of a brake is to reduce recoil and muzzle lift on a lighter weight rifle so you aren’t carrying extra pounds unnecessarily... I get the aversion to using one at the range as it is quite antisocial, but out in the wilderness with nobody around other than a buddy stood behind you out of the way?
I believe it’s all in personal preference. Just because my buddy shoots a 270 Winchester with a Leopoldo scope doesn’t make it everyone’s set up (example) . Shoot what feels good and what is comfortable to your ability and needs .
Its about spoting your hits, 2:38, takes a shot head comes off the rifle and is looking for impact with no scope. Use a brake
Would having a padded stock be just as useful for recoil absorbing?
Not necessarily... in some cases its nice to see what you hit in the scope without having to try and find it again
you answered my question perfectly
I would like to know what your definition is of recoil management? I personally believe recoil management is being able to stay on target or managing the flip up or jump of the rifle. Another words having the rifle recoil straight back not up and to the left are up and to the right which is what seems to be happening with your rifles. Just my opinion.
I appreciate my hearing
Seeing you shoot off of lead sleds tells me enough about your shooting skill 😆
Well said. I can’t stand folks shooting with brakes at the range. Worse yet are shorter barrels with brakes. It really upsets me when I’m trying to dial in my 270 and 300 WM and beside you is a guy shooting a 11.5” barrel AR with a brake.
Get a private range, or better yet dont go. Many people go to ranges for different reasons, just because your trying to sight in your rifle doesnt meant you get to dictate how someone else spemds their time on the range. And yes i am that guy with an 11.5 with a break on, if you think an AR15 chambered in 5.56 with a break is loud/percussive you reallly dont belong on the range
I respectfully disagree, gas recoil management (muzzle brakes) control the flow of gas leaving the end off the rifle positioning it back or up don’t stand beside my muzzle blast and it won’t bother you stand behind my firing line lol
The only reason you gave to not like them is when you are standing next to one…so you just hate when other people use them.
Can I put a bipod on my leadsled??
You can! It will be a crowd in the deer stand though! Best to attach another leadsled to the bipod!
Do not like Muzzle Brakes. So dang loud! Flash-Hiders are not that bad in terms of extra decibels they add, they don't seem as punishingly loud as the Brakes do. I do like though that both will re-direct the gases escaping to not be forced down to the ground below the rifle, so you don't get dirt in your eyes from the gases from the shot kickin' up a buncha dust off the top of that rock you're resting your rifle upon to take your shot from. For myself, .223 Rem shots from a regular Bolt gun (no muzzle brake) aren't to terribly bad at all to me. I'd say Tolerable for a day's worth of hunting, since you don't typically make too many shots in a single day... unless maybe you decided to do Ground Squirrels for fun though in an area that has many of them. Then it can begin to invoke a faint amount of Tinnitus, at which point you typically remember you have some In-Ear EarPro that you bring with you, that you don't have on yet. But Yeah... then I get the AR, and they (Freakin' CA) say the std flash hider they all come with is a nogo and force CA residents to then have to buy a "Muzzle Brake". I'd thought about just putting on a threaded end-cap. But then I'd read about how in a self-defense situation in your home, having the Muzzle on deflecting the blast out to the sides can help a bit with night blindness from the flash of the shot. Since it's not the Full circle of Flash around the barrel like on a standard non-threaded bolt gun. But MAN... it is NOT pleasant if you happen to not have enough time to deal with making the choice to burn some more time fiddling with putting on EarPro and that time is of the essence right here, right now, and you've got to just go ahead and make this shot and you forgot about "POP!!! - EEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee....." "Dang it! Damn Muzzle Brake! F**k! Gonna be switching back to a threaded end cap to be nice to the ears. Didn't mind though how having the Muzzle Brake on was helping to prevent sand from getting into the barrel in the event of leaning the rifle on a rock or something, and then it slides over and falls to the dirt and somehow the Muzzle Brake has seemed to help with preventing the sand/dirt from actually entering into the muzzle of the bore I've noticed. So there is that positive though. But for a threaded end-capped barrel I've learned about the trick of just covering the muzzle bore opening with some electrical tape to protect it from letting debris in. Since it doesn't change how a bullet shoots out of that rifle and thru this electrical tape, since the column of gas on top of the bullet in the chamber acts like a piston of air which pushes a hole to burst open thru the electrical tape just before the projectile then comes along the now cleared-away path!
I put an extra sleeve pad on my 300 win mag, and I swear it works just as good as a brake! Barely feel anything!
My groups got even smaller by half in!
What kind did you get?
@@whiteyfisk9769 Walmart
...OR consider a suppressor/'sound moderator instead of a brake if you are allowed (and I can't understand the logic of them being outlawed). Same massive reduction in recoil as a brake and so much kinder on everybody's ears! Latest types weigh very little, extend rearwards over the barrel to some degree, so no huge lengthening of rifle. Accuracy generally improves, but that might be because shooting the rifle is so much sweeter.
Go ahead and do load development for magnum rifles without a break or lead sled and you'll understand why we use muzzle breaks.
Also, your points against muzzle breaks are muted while you're shooting off a lead sled.
Well said. There are aftermarket butt stock recoil pads that work well for wussies like me.
As someone who's new to guns, I'm still unsure what's so bad about a muzzle break. You mentioned standing next to someone, and then just said you didn't like it...... I guess I need my hand held a little more here. Thanks for the videos, just keep in mind some of us are coming here because we don't know shit about hunting but are intrigued. Anyway, keep up the good work.
The muzzle blast from a brake is quite jarring to anyone around the muzzle and the concussion hits everyone behind you. They can be useful, but I don't use them.
Basically, it redirects a bunch of expanding gas energy that normally would be pointed downrange and sends it to the sides and backwards instead. A bunch of that energy is in the form of sound, meaning much, MUCH louder for both the shooter and even MORE so for anyone slightly to the side of the shooter.
It doesn't bother me in the least if someone is at the range and is using a muzzle break. In general, guns are loud, and that's why we're wearing hearing protection in the first place.
He was just stating his opinion on muzzle breaks and a lot of experts come out! WOW! Maybe we should all go to your guys UA-cam pages and talk crap because we don’t agree with your opinion!! I’ve had with and without breaks n I’ll never have another one again. To each their own.
I can see that that 300 is still kicking like a mule and the muzzle jumps insanely. No good for follow up shooting or consistent firing
Thanks excellent video I shoot a Remington 700 300wm and like yourself don't care for muzzle brakes
Allow the rifle to push you, and if the stock fits properly the rifle pushes you hard and fast for sure, but it doesn't slap you! Remington 700 rifles are great, but their stocks suck eggs! I keep the receiver and barrel factory but replace the stock. However many brands of rifles surpass the Remington now in quality of materials and build, as well as quality and fit of stock, so shop around!
I use muzzle breaks because they look badass! Recoil I could careless.
Save your ears ! Regardless of muzzle brake or not . Ear protection is required always.
Recoil is a funny thing. I have a 6.5 creedmoor (in a 5.5 lb model) that for a while, I could swear it was kicking harder than my .30-06. The creed would hit faster (sharper) with not a lot of force behind the kick, which would throw me off a little. The .30-06 would hit slower (dull thud) with a more force, which did not throw me off at all. I had a .338 win that was broke and it in my opinion kicked less than both of them, because of the way it recoiled - slow and hard. (.338 had an OPS brake. -3 dB to me the shooter and a canyon to anyone to the side of me at the gun range.) I got rid of the .338 WM, because a .26" barrel and a 2" muzzlebrake sucks at hands free hiking in the timber. Of all of the guns I have shot, the gun and load combination that gives me the most trouble as far as recoil are turkey loads from a 12 gauge, which is why I choose the 20 gauge when hunting turkeys. I do think that suppressors are the way of the future to manage recoil and manage noise, but the problem with them is they are not legal in all states yet.
Thanks for sharing your first-hand experiences. I am most interested in people making sure their hunting rifles are suited for what they are most accurate with, recoil being a part of that.
Recoil pads make a big difference. If 12-gauges are a basis for comparison, I find the recoil of low brass through my old Stevens SxS worse than slugs through my Maverick 88. The difference is that the Maverick has a thick squishy soft pad, while the pad on the Stevens has hardened so much it's basically useless.
Randy, I really enjoy your show and your videos. How do you feel about a .243 Win loaded with a 90gr E-Tip?
If the rifle shoots accurately, which I suspect it will, it could be a great load. My 7mm-.08 prefers 140g rain E-Tip bullets more than all others.
When you put a muzzle brake on a light 300 Win Mag rifle, it'll recoil like your .308. I can attest to that personally. Best of both worlds so why not?
You know what else mitigates recoil? Lead sleds...
Nothing wrong with using mb's. Just be considerate is all. If there's someone beside you then use common sense. I never understood why guys put one on for the range but then take it off to hunt? It just means you have to re sight your rifle in every time you switch
I like having a brake on all my rifles. Clears out the range fast
X bolt pro in 30 nosler with no muzzle break? Ya no thanks
Randy, 1. I agree with you: going down to a softer-shooting cartridge is a great idea! A couple of commenters have mentioned that another device, a suppressor, can ease recoil as well as quiet the report of a rifle. What is your take on using a suppressor?
I've never used one. They were just recently legalized in Montana, where I live.
I have a suppressor, totally unbalances the rifle, mines stays in the cupboard, oh and i hate muzzle breaks!
Great video thank you. What are the specifications on your son's 300 win mag (eg. Contour number) as I thought Howa only produced that 300 win mag in a #2 sporter. As I have purchased one waiting for it to arrive.
How much rearward pressure do you use to pull the .300mag in to your shoulder, compared to the .308?
You should spend more time in the range.. shoot a group with the same rifle with a muzzle break and without.. you’ll see the advantages of muzzle breaking in accuracy.. and if you want ethical shots then you should chase the accuracy.. it’s not about the kick on your shoulder buddy and the extra weight is excuse.. 2 oz more you wouldn’t even feel it
Like watching his hunting shows, but shooting a 308 at the short ranges he chooses to shoot (
I shoot a '69 Remington 788 .308 no butt pad at all bare plastic on bare skin,sometimes a jacket it kicks pretty good but the muzzle brake just makes it too dang loud I would never put one on it only gun I would ever put one on is a .375
I understand when people want a brake. I don't/won't on a hunting rifle, for the reason you mention.
Thanks for the info!!
this is the biggest load of BS I have ever seen.
I disagree with him also but it's just HIS opinion. It doesn't make his opinion BS.
Buy a supressor. You will never look back.
I have a gun with a brake and I took it off right after I got it home
I'm a gun smith, if I had a dollar for every Elmer Fudd who came in to get a muzzle brake for a rifle they couldn'n handle (and I do) I'd be rich (not quite, but the saying goes) If a bow will kill it, so will a 243. Settle down boys.
I never shoot at a range anyway so I like the brake
Extremely good advice....
I agree on the muzzle brakes, I hate them. They are super loud for the shooter and anyone else close to him. I'm getting a light 5.8 pound 450 bushmaster which comes with a brake (which I plan to dump). I don't know how bad the recoil will be but thinking of adding a rubber weight to the barrel to lesson jump or maybe nothing at all.
Stats would be nice to backup your feelings
If it makes you shoot better, yes definitely.
I'm guessing you don't have a muzzle break sponsor!! Can't help but totally disagree with you on this one!
I don't have a muzzle break sponsor. I suspect I never will. I have no problem with folks disagreeing; some close friends also disagree. It is merely my opinion as to breaks on hunting rifles.