Pressure testing with or without a suppressor?

[Painless300]

I have a new Seekins Havak PH2 in 300 PRC and have run through an initial 20 round of low dose Retumbo load just to calm the barrel. I want to run a pressure test next and was wondering if this should be done with just a brake or suppressor? Not sure if it matters but wondering if using a suppressor will show pressure signs earlier than a bare muzzle or brake?

 

[generalzip]

Doesn’t matter. You will experience the highest peak pressure before the bullet is half way down the barrel

 

[generalzip]

also you probably need a bit more than 20 rounds to break the barrel in. I’ve found most barrels need around 100. Maybe a bit less with a big magnum.

 

[Painless300]

Thanks for the info. Yea I have broken in several barrels and I usually see it speed up anywhere from 80 to 120 rounds. I just always like to shot 20 initial rounds of the same load to knock down any small burrs and zero the scope then give it a good cleaning before moving to the pressure test then load work up. Just wondering it the suppressor would cause any earlier pressure. I would much rather run suppressed and was hoping for the answer you gave!