Flinching because of muzzle breaks

[SBruce]

Does anyone else feel that muzzle breaks (especially on small calibers) add to the perceived recoil? How about flinching due to that blast that comes back every time we fire?

I know the measureable recoil is less with a break, but there's something about that "slap in the face" that I feel when shooting a hot high velocity round with a break on the barrel that starts to make me flinch and pull shots out of the X.

I didn't know I was doing this until just yesterday. I was at the range with the guy that built one of my rifles. We were evaluating if it was going to shoot like I was expecting/needing it to. He tried a few loads and found one that seemed capable of sub 1/2 minute groups at 200 yds, although it was also a pretty hot load too.

He fired 4 record shots that went 7/8" at 200. Then, I shot 3 that went into 3/8" at 200, but I felt myself pull the 4th, and managed to bring the 5th back in, to finish with 4 of my 5 shots measuring 7/8" at 200. But, by that 5th shot I was feeling myself start to shake just before the trigger broke.

I then moved to another target, still 200 yds, and fired 4 rounds into a crappy 1 1/2" spread. I was trying to remain calm and unaffected, but the shaking just prior to trigger break was there, and I couldn't stop it. It was like my subconcious was in control and didn't want to feel that back blast any more.

We then switched places and he proceeded to shoot 5 into 3/4" with the same load that I just put 1 1/2". I was quite humbled.

Good news, is that this gun in only a 22-250, and it weighs at least 15 lb so I don't have to have the break on, it just helps spot my own shots with a high power scope on prarie dogs.

A suggestion I got was to try double hearing protection, and I do intend on trying that. Anyone else have this problem/issue? Does anyone have any other suggestions??

 

[Pdvdh]

Double up on the hearing protection. I use a set of molded-in-ear gel type plugs the custom fit my ear canals. Very effective hearing protection.
In addition, I use a set of electronic ear muffs that activate to protect against gunfire, yet amplify normal decibel noise, such as conversation. If I turn the amplification all the way up, I can still hear conversation - while still receiving the additional protection from the ear damaging and flinch causing, slaps of gunfire.

That's my best advice and recommendation.

 

[sinarms]

I would put a different break on if you are getting slapped in the face. There are quite a few breaks that direct it away from your face.

 

[HARPERC]

Yes I have flinched anticipating the "blast" from a muzzle break. Even as the spotter. As phorwath points out, doubling the ear protection helps with the noise. Dropping bullet weight helps with the recoil. For me there is an element of the blast by itself that I have to acknowledge and focus on.
Curious, with winter being what it's been have you been shooting from under cover a bunch. Our 100 yard range is covered, our 200 is not. It's really noticeable for me with a covered firing point. Maybe it's developed a bit over winter and like beating your head on a wall it "felt" different when you quit so you noticed.
Sounds a little too support group-Hi I'm Carl and I flinch, but I got rid of a .41 mag 4 5/8" years ago as I couldn't stand practicing with it under cover.

 

[SBruce]

Thanks for the replies folks.

Does kinda feel like a support group thing, LoL

Phorwath, so if I am understanding you correctly, you wear foam plugs and decibal cuttoff muffs?

I was even jumping some when standing 5 to 6 feet directly behind the gun and looking through the spotting scope When standing off to the side a little and still behind the rifle, I was feeling the air slap my feet/legs too.

It's a Vias brake, and the loads were definately hot. It barked way louder than factory ammo IMO. We were only shooting 50 grn bergers, but I would guess the velocity to be somewhere around 4000'/sec (just based on a previous load that gave 3920'/sec and less muzzle blast). The design of the Vias looks like it would direct gasses laterally and not backwards at all, but I sure was noticing it behind the rifle, shooting and spotting both.

Oh, no.....we weren't under cover and I haven't shot under a cover at all for at least about 8 years now.

 

[sp6x6]

I try to go to the range early and shoot by myself, this helps, and others because my break blows papers off benches close. I wear double ear protection. Our benches are covered and I try to get to front of bench and get blast out from overhang

 

[nddodd]

I've never been accused of being normal but I love the feeling of shooting a gun with a brake. I also love the smell of the burnt gun powder getting throwed back at ya. Just me though. I will have to give a shout out to Jim see his brake is the best about protecting the shooter from the blast. I've shot about every brake made and his is by far the most shooter freindly.


Nathan

 

[Dr. Vette]

As Phorwath says, I too use custom molded silicone (not foam) ear plugs from EAR, Inc. I also use ProEars electronic muffs on top of those. Generally speaking I don't hear much of the shot, and can definitely tell when I only have one set of the hearing protection in place. This is much more noticeable when shooting inside, but I double up no matter where I shoot.

ProEars: Pro Ears: The worlds most advanced electronic hearing protection. High NRR or noise attenuation, exceptional amplification, audiophile sound. Safe, OSHA compliant passive earmuffs for military, law enforcement, industrial and shooting sports

EAR, Inc: Earinc/Insta-Mold - Worldwide provider of customized earplugs for hearing protection and communication systems
The ones I use: Earinc/Insta-Mold - Recreational Insta-Mold Earplugs

I'd do this and also change your brake, as mentioned by Sinarms.

 

[trebark]

Not to be too sarcastic, but you're kinda sensitive. I have a 260 with a vias brake and don't ever feel the blast from the brake. My 300RUM with a 'regular' CSR brake (with ports that go straight out, rather than angled back like their Muscle Brake). Don't feel any blast from it while shooting.

Those off to the sides...now they feel the blast.

Seems the bigger culprit here is the sound concussion that's getting you. As previously suggested, doubling up on hearing protection might help with you're 'sensitivity'

 

[MT4XFore]

SBruce, currently I own 2 rifles with brakes. A custom 22-250AI with a Holland QD and a a semi-custom 7mmRM with an APS small Painkiller Brake. I do not get blowback from either brake whether shooting under cover or in the open. I have never been a fan of Vais Brakes and this just reinforces my opinion. I also agree with SIN, get another brake. Good Luck.

 

[Broz]

Plus 2 with MT4XFour. I shoot with brakes all the time and never feel this. Take a look at JP Enterprises for a good looking brake that works very well in all shooting positions.

Jeff

 

[bigngreen]

What your experiencing was exactly why I've despised brakes and thought I would never use one after shooting a Vias, but I gave the Muscle Brake a try and it is pure pleasure. Muzzle blast at the shooter is total BS and not acceptable, blowing stuff all over the place is unacceptable also. I shoot my rifles with the Muscle brake and regular ear muffs and can't tell the difference between shooting with the brake on or with it screwed of. My spotter can be sitting to the side of me and he's never felt the brake either, you have to get about 6ft to the side before you get a puff of air.

 

[Pdvdh]

Thanks for the replies folks.

Does kinda feel like a support group thing, LoL

Phorwath, so if I am understanding you correctly, you wear foam plugs and decibal cuttoff muffs?

SBruce,
I use silicone molded in ear plugs by EAR, In.c, like Dr. Vette identified in his Post. I also use electronically controlled muffs on top of the in-ear plugs. The unit I use is made by Peltor, their model Tactical 7S Classical.

I didn't realize you were using a Vias brake. Might want to go to another brand/type - as mentioned. You'll still want the hearing protection though, no matter what brake you're using!

 

[SBruce]

Not to be too sarcastic, but you're kinda sensitive. I have a 260 with a vias brake and don't ever feel the blast from the brake. My 300RUM with a 'regular' CSR brake (with ports that go straight out, rather than angled back like their Muscle Brake). Don't feel any blast from it while shooting.

Those off to the sides...now they feel the blast.

Seems the bigger culprit here is the sound concussion that's getting you. As previously suggested, doubling up on hearing protection might help with you're 'sensitivity'

No offense taken, Hi my name is Shane......I'm sensitive and I flinch. LOL!!


I haven't shot breaked rifles much in my life, just recently aquired two of them.
Whatever it was; sound concussion, air concussion, I was feeling it. After only 3 shots my groups went to crap because of it. It didn't seem to bother Chad, but he was wearing muffs. In fact, he had been shooting the rifle prior to me arriving even. The plugs I had in weren't the best obviously.


The Vias break used to have a reputation for being somewhat "quiet".? Kirby told me that it's an old design and there are far better brakes out on the market now. So perhaps when we re-barrel this to 22-250 Ackley I'll go with a different style, if I go with one at all. I've shot the barrels out of a few rifles in prarie dog towns in the last 20 years and never had a break on any of those.