Muzzle brake - is it worth it?

[Bushwack44]

Thinking about getting a Savage 12 in 308 for recreational target shooting at the range (http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/12VLPDBM). Owning a Rem 700 in 270, love the rifle but don't like the recoil. I've added a Limbsaver pad which helps. Nevertheless...

Back to the Savage, I assume adding a muzzle brake would help with the 308's recoil. But how do I determine/calculate how much less recoil there would be? With a brake, can I expect the 308 to shoot like a 243 or just expect possibly 10% less recoil? Also, how do I determine which muzzle brake is best? I'd like to go with a 308 because of ammo availability (already own a 243 and don't want 6.5 Creedmoor).

[Exodus343]

I have a 20" R700 LTR in 308
I am getting it rebarreled and I am adding a MB
Why? Because even when I'm anchored down on the rifle I still can't follow through with my shot

[jfk742]

I find the the 308 recoil much more tolerable than a 270. The recoil impulse is slower and for whatever reason it doesn't bother me as much. That being said if you can shoot it first and then decide it would be better than just doing it. Some muzzle brakes are more effective than others as well. the only drawback to a brake for me is increased shooter noise, also if you shoot with friends or at the range from a line it can be irritating for those in your immediate vicinity.

I had a 260 with a brake but it was also a heavy gun but I would of guessed a decrease of about 30-40% I could watch hits at 100yds. I was shooting a 140 grain bullet at 2850fps. Nothing special about the brake, I can't remember who made it but it was one with 360* of holes which made it a little dusty when prone. I had a muscle brake on a 338 but never wanted to try it without. Shooting 300 grainers at about 2800-2900 was enough to make me sell it and go back to smaller calibers.

Most manufacturers websites offer decreased recoil amounts, but I imagine you would feel a greater reduction in your 270 recoil in comparison to a 308.

[SamIAm]

I added one to a lightweight 308 bolt action. For me and my rifle, it was worth it. Reduced recoil, but increased volume. Accuracy went up because I wasn't flinching after the first few shots.

[Calico1404]

Add one... Works well out of my 30.06 and 223 long range. Plus looks cool. Ha!

[Fjold]

There are hundreds of different muzzle brake designs and there's no objective way of measuring their efficiency. Felt recoil varies from person to person so it's almost impossible to compare.

[FourT6and2]

There are hundreds of different muzzle brake designs and there's no objective way of measuring their efficiency. Felt recoil varies from person to person so it's almost impossible to compare.

Didn't the Precision Rifle Blog do a fairly objective test of like 100 different brakes? They used machines that measure impulse and energy and force and whatnot.

[ar15barrels]

But how do I determine/calculate how much less recoil there would be?

Don't get hung up on numbers.
Put a brake on the gun and then you will understand...

[Sir Toast]

Didn't the Precision Rifle Blog do a fairly objective test of like 100 different brakes? They used machines that measure impulse and energy and force and whatnot.

Yes. It was a great article. conclusion: get a little bastard.

[Bushwack44]

Any recommendations which 'bastard' I should get?

Also, while I was thinking of buying the Savage 12 in 308, any reason not to put the brake on my Rem 700 in 270 and buy ammo (and a better scope) with the money saved?

Edit: My quick search for a brake shows none available for a 270. There goes that idea.

Yes. It was a great article. conclusion: get a little bastard.

[Catch]

The concussion from a braked 16" 308 was like having my own personal flash bang. It was soft shooting for the arm, but jarring still.

I enjoy a 22" target crown w/ limb saver now.

[Sunday]

A 16 inch 308 is improper. I hate recoil that is brutal but I get to shoot a 338 Lapua with a brake and once you realize the concussion is no where as bad as the recoil with out the brake all is good.

[Fjold]

Didn't the Precision Rifle Blog do a fairly objective test of like 100 different brakes? They used machines that measure impulse and energy and force and whatnot.

You can measure the force and the speed of the recoil but people react to it differently so there is no one brake that works best for everyone.

[Bull Elk]

In my opinion, if you need a muzzle break to tame felt recoil, you likely are shooting more gun than you should.

[ar15barrels]

In my opinion, if you need a muzzle break to tame felt recoil, you likely are shooting more gun than you should.

Most people putting muzzle brakes on bolt guns are doing it to reduce muzzle jump so they can spot impacts.
Reduction of recoil to the shoulder is a side benefit.