Muzzle brake clearance screw-up.

[jcoop]

I am building a new 338 edge for myself. I ordered the brake in 30 cal a year ago when I was building a 300 rum. I went to open it up .020 over .338" and accidentally went .020 per side and now it is opened to .378"!!!. I have not tested efficiency vs. close tolerances to bullet dia. So I do not know how much I will be losing? I have just always just gone .015 to .020 over and called it good. I am not apposed to ordering another brake, but if I am not going to feel a real world difference I do not want to spend the money for nothing right now. The brake is a Holland style 3 port brake 1.25" in dia.
Does anyone have any real world experience with this (Especially on the larger .338 cal.) that could offer any input? Would you just roll with it or is it worth the extra time and expense to get a new one?

Thanks

PS I am not real happy about this as I have thought this project through fairly well and everything has gone very smooth until now!!!

 

[JUDD]

I don't see it being an issue. You loose a little performance by having it opened to much but it won't be as noticable of a differance as you think it will be.

JMO

 

[alf]

I agree. I put a 30 caliber brake on a 7mm just because I had it. I doubt you could tell the difference.

 

[J E Custom]

.020 is the absolute min as far as I am concerned. and a lot of people like.030 so I don't think
.040 will make that much difference.

Obviously the more you open it up the more it will reduce the effectiveness of the break. But not
by much as Alf and Judd said.

I have seen breaks with the barrel tenon diameter all the way through the break and they still
worked (Al tho not as effective as other breaks with "correct" size bores).

The main thing is that it is concentric to the bore.

J E CUSTOM

 

[jcoop]

Thanks for the insight. Its much appreciated. Its even better when its what you wanted to hear. I will just roll with it.
Thanks again.

 

[FEENIX]

Thanks for the insight. Its much appreciated. Its even better when its what you wanted to hear. I will just roll with it.
Thanks again.

ATTABOY! Roll with the brake as-is and give yourself a break.

Ed

 

[Hired Gun]

On the Weatherby factory 338-378 Accubrake it fits about as loose as yours and they are pretty effective.

 

[jarnold37]

I am building a new 338 edge for myself. I ordered the brake in 30 cal a year ago when I was building a 300 rum. I went to open it up .020 over .338" and accidentally went .020 per side and now it is opened to .378"!!!. I have not tested efficiency vs. close tolerances to bullet dia. So I do not know how much I will be losing? I have just always just gone .015 to .020 over and called it good. I am not apposed to ordering another brake, but if I am not going to feel a real world difference I do not want to spend the money for nothing right now. The brake is a Holland style 3 port brake 1.25" in dia.
Does anyone have any real world experience with this (Especially on the larger .338 cal.) that could offer any input? Would you just roll with it or is it worth the extra time and expense to get a new one?

Thanks

PS I am not real happy about this as I have thought this project through fairly well and everything has gone very smooth until now!!!

Do not think it will matter-One major well known gunsmith drills his brakes with 1/2" drill and stops just short of last set of holes then opens up last section 50 thous. bigger than bullet diameter. Seems to reduce recoil fine. I have installed several for myself where muzzle on threaded tenon is seated in brake, leaving entire lenth of holes bigger than bullet diam. by either .030 or .040. this makes it difficult to keep junction of barrel and brake from showing. with other method, muzzle does not seat in brake, giving gas room to expand quickly. I have shot both types and cant discern any difference