Need opinions on thread size for brakes on a barrel

[holy cow]

I order 2 barrels to be made for 2 AR15 builds from Compass Lake Engineering the other day. I had the option of either a 5/8 or 1/2 and went with the 5/8. First time ordering barrels for some builds and started to look at breaks to see what was out their and it seems most are 1/2. Should I call them up and change the threading to 1/2? Will their be more options or do most companies offer both sizes?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[TonyTheTiger]

You can use any AR10 sized brake. The downside is that they'll be bored for a 6.5mm projectile at the smallest, so you'll lose a little effectiveness. Probably not enough to matter but if you're OCD it'll bother you knowing you're leaving a little performance on the table.

 

[holy cow]

I am talking about threads. 1/2 by 28 or 5/8 by 24. I went with 5/8 by 24 on both barrels. It will be 223 calibers in 7.7 twist. 1 Krieger and 1 Bartlein. They will both be identical but 1 will be 16 inches and the other 18 inches. When I started looking at breaks at different places most were 1/2 by 28 and the had some the same at 5/8 by 24. Just wondering if I should have went with the smaller threads?

 

[Seader1084]

usually

1/2x28 -.223/5.56
5/8x24 - 30 cal

 

[hlee]

That is what Tony the tiger is saying. A brake threaded 5/8 x 24 will have an exit diameter no smaller than appropriate for a 6.5mm projectile. A brake threaded 1/2 x 28 will almost always be bored appropriate for 5.56mm projectiles. A larger bore diameter will work for smaller projectiles, but will be marginally less effective. There are plenty of 5/8 x 24 brakes on the market (they may be marketed as ar10 brakes).

 

[BCP]

I can't think of a reason to go 5/8 over 1/2 on a 223 barrel. Maybe if you had a suppressor on your 308 AR and wanted to stick it on your 223 rifles?

 

[_Windrider_]

let’s be honest, does a 223 need a brake? Ar15’s should have flash hiders that can host a silencer. Just one opinion though.
1/2 is best on ar15’s and you can always get a 1/2 to 5/8 adapter if need be.

 

[dms416]

I'm sure you can find someone to argue that being a touch thicker at the muzzle has some sort of advantage. IDK though...I read about guys doing all kinds of weird voodoo shit because they think it's "the key" to accuracy.

 

[TonyTheTiger]

I am talking about threads. 1/2 by 28 or 5/8 by 24. I went with 5/8 by 24 on both barrels. It will be 223 calibers in 7.7 twist. 1 Krieger and 1 Bartlein. They will both be identical but 1 will be 16 inches and the other 18 inches. When I started looking at breaks at different places most were 1/2 by 28 and the had some the same at 5/8 by 24. Just wondering if I should have went with the smaller threads?

I should've worded my response a little more clearly. @hlee summed up the part I didn't clarify. A 5/8 threaded brake will work fine, but the hole will be a bit oversized for the .224 bullet going through it because most 5/8 threaded brakes are going to be sized for at least .264 if not 30 caliber bullets.

 

[b6graham]

I should've worded my response a little more clearly. @hlee summed up the part I didn't clarify. A 5/8 threaded brake will work fine, but the hole will be a bit oversized for the .224 bullet going through it because most 5/8 threaded brakes are going to be sized for at least .264 if not 30 caliber bullets.

but we often shoot 6 and 6.5 from 30cal brakes and 223 from 6mm or bigger brakes in PRS without issue so does it matter? only depending on if it's gonna host a can with a limited flashhider/brake system in the future

 

[holy cow]

Thanks for the info fellas. First time on collecting parts for 2 AR15 223 builds. I do not have any suppressors but that is going to change soon. I plan on using a break or flash suppressor that I can screw the can on. No nothing about cans other than their is a shit ton to choose from. Both barrels will be set up identical other than the length and 1 being a Krieger and the other Bartlein. I am using the adjustable gas blocks that they carry and use. Both will come with the adjustable superlative ( not sure of the spelling ) gas blocks and gas tubes installed. Both barrels will be cerekoted black. So when they come they will need nothing but installation. I called them up and changed it to 1/2 by 28 for the threading.

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Just an FYI, you can buy a Heathen brake and get a .22 caliber insert. This brake has 5/8-24 threads. Is it needed on .223? probably not.

 

[TonyTheTiger]

Probably not enough to matter but if you're OCD it'll bother you knowing you're leaving a little performance on the table.

but we often shoot 6 and 6.5 from 30cal brakes and 223 from 6mm or bigger brakes in PRS without issue so does it matter? only depending on if it's gonna host a can with a limited flashhider/brake system in the future

I already said it probably doesn't matter.
Unless your shooting world revolves around getting two Alphas faster than the next guy, because then it does matter.