Gunsmithing Newbie with muzzle brake question

[Jcjohnson3]

I have this posted in the bolt action section but after thought it seems to be more revelant here.

First off I want to say this is one of the best sites I've been around. I mainly do a lot of looking with this being my first post. Tons of great info on here! I am looking at my first custom rifle chambered in 7mm mag. My question is on a 26 inch heavy barrel would a muzzle break have any degradation in respect to muzzle velocity and accuracy out past the 500 mark? I understand the reduction of recoil would help but what are the downsides to a break? Thanks in advance and please if this is a newbie type question humor me! I've searched on here a few times and just thought I'd ask straight out!

 

[JB02]

Muzzle brakes are great for reducing recoil. They don't have any impact on accuracy (provided they are properly installed), and you may even see a slight uptick in speed. You will get a POI shift between shooting with the brake on or off. The downside is that muzzle brakes are really loud. Also, they can blast dirt and annoy other shooters next to you. If I stand to the side of my wife when she shoots her rifle with a Badger FTE I get a get a headache from the concussive blast.

 

[turbo54]

If a well-made brake is installed properly by a good gunsmith, there will be zero negative affect on accuracy at any range, nor any decrease in muzzle velocity.

What are the downsides to a muzzlebrake?

It adds length to the barrel, they kick up dust, and they are loud as hell.

 

[ugsly]

I did a 7 Mag this winter with a AMU contour Rock Creek barrel. Its pretty heavy and has a Holland brake on it. Yes it is louder, that the only down fall for me. There is hardly any recoil.

Kc

 

[Jcjohnson3]

Thanks guys for the help. As far as concussion, rearward, are scopes rated to take that type of abuse? I'd understand the niteforce and upper end benders are but what about your mid range nikons, leupolds, ziess conquests?

 

[JB02]

Thanks guys for the help. As far as concussion, rearward, are scopes rated to take that type of abuse? I'd understand the niteforce and upper end benders are but what about your mid range nikons, leupolds, ziess conquests?

The concussive blast is forced outward through the muzzle brake ports, that is how they reduce recoil. Even if you have no muzzle brake, all mid range scopes will accommodate even magnum level recoil provided they are properly mounted by a descent set of rings and a good scope base.