Aluminum Vs. Steel Muzzle Brake?

[herman1]

I understand that an aluminum muzzle brake is made of softer material and its heat expansion is different from the steel barrel, but is it so different that it would make a bad muzzle brake and be unsafe for continued use?

Could one:
Use it if he shoots once a month and doesn't rapid fire?
Use it if he shoots often?
Use it continually for long term?

Or would an aluminum muzzle brake eventually deteriorate from the hot gases and metal?

I've attached a photo of an aluminum muzzle brake that I've only shot two rounds through, and I'm not sure if it's safe to use regularly.

(I've tried looking online for other forums, but I've only found a couple that didn't really answer the question)

If any of you guys have a link to a study/test, that'd be great. Also, asking about this for AR15 use

[Dezrat]

I understand that an aluminum muzzle brake is made of softer material and its heat expansion is different from the steel barrel, but is it so different that it would make a bad muzzle brake and be unsafe for continued use?

Could one:
Use it if he shoots once a month and doesn't rapid fire?
Use it if he shoots often?
Use it continually for long term?

Or would an aluminum muzzle brake eventually deteriorate from the hot gases and metal?

I've attached a photo of an aluminum muzzle brake that I've only shot two rounds through, and I'm not sure if it's safe to use regularly.

(I've tried looking online for other forums, but I've only found a couple that didn't really answer the question)

If any of you guys have a link to a study/test, that'd be great

Played around quite a bit with this. A bare Aluminum brake will deteriorate from the gases much quicker than you'd think. If it has any brake resistance effect at all, 100 rounds will do it in at the exit diameter and gas ports. Hard Anodize at least .002 thick will get you out to 750-1000 rounds, but the biggest issue is with the coefficient of thermal expansion compared to the steel. The thread depth of a 28 pitch thread is only .022" as it is, the expansion of the Aluminum along with it's softening at elevated temps will have that puppy going down range with any kind of rapid firing at all, even conservative. A device with not much braking effect, straight through so to speak can live, but that kind of defeats the purpose unless all you're after is cosmetics and then could be considered a flash hider.
I don't know if I'd call it unsafe to play around with. I've watched them launch 50-75 yards straight downrange any time they've left with no ill effects to anyone around me other than sore guts from laughing.... I should have just told them that's one of the Muzzle "Breaks" you read about on the forums

[floogy]

I don't think I'd use aluminum for anything but .22LR. Even the steel ones erode over time.

I don't know of any commonly used quality muzzle brakes made of aluminum.

[wrencher]

Aluminum expands more then steel does when heated. I think you would have a hard time keeping a aluminum brake tight.

[Citizen One]

Do not use aluminum muzzle brakes. They are a safety hazard.

https://youtu.be/zQdUQSHcxLk?t=9m5s

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2015/04/jeremy-s/ar-15-muzzle-brake-shootout-2/

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2015/04/jeremy-s/gear-review-juggernaut-tactical-juggerbrake/

https://youtu.be/4sBjQjC89uA?t=37m29s

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2016/10/jeremy-s/ar-15-muzzle-brake-shootout-3/

[Vigilante]

I'm surprised that aluminum muzzle brakes are being made. I certainly wouldn't trust them. I understand that I'm not giving you any hard evidence, only opinion, but I just can't see an aluminum brake holding up over time.

[FeuerFrei]

IMO people should keep airsoft parts on airsoft toys.

The resulting failures of aluminum muzzle fob should be self evident.

Nothing wrong with experimenting tho.
Carry on. 👍

Sent using 2 cans and a long string.

[W.R.Buchanan]

This is definitely a really bad idea.

I actually can't believe that someone is selling these?

They need to be slapped.

Randy

[oc16]

the same metal that is used to build planes ? the same kind that is weak against heat and fire yea I would stay away I wouldn't want that melting onto my barrel.