Thread: Muzzle brakes, Suppressors, and Accuracy

Originally Posted by gundoc

A good centrefire suppressor should incorporate an internal muzzle brake. Both muzzle brakes and suppressors have the potential to improve accuracy, and over-barrel suppressors with a rear barrel bush have the most potential, especially with lighter barrelled rifles. The reason (as previous mentioned) is the dampening of barrel harmonics by the increased muzzle weight, and the rear bush provides extra dampening effect. Barrel 'whip' is the accuracy killer in most hunting rifles. This can be improved by a good bedding job, then further enhanced by a good suppressor. Whilst muzzle brakes reduce recoil, they can also increase the potential to flinch because of the increased muzzle blast. A good suppressor, correctly fitted, cures both problems.

Interesting comments gundoc, although I am not sure I completely agree with your analysis.

All barrels "whip" or to put it differently are affected by harmonics. From the skinniest hunting barrel to the heaviest benchrest one. I've stood and watched Palma profile barrels whip around like a limp noodle

To me, the first port of call should be tuning the load to minimise the effect of the sine wave. I would tune the load first, and then start looking at a barrel tuner to further decrease the effects. Part of that may well be due to dampening effect by more weight up front, but it also gives you the benefit of being able to tweak loaded rounds depending on conditions on the day.

I suspect most people find increased accuracy with brakes or supressors simply because of a reduction in felt or perceived recoil...

Originally Posted by ebf

Interesting comments gundoc, although I am not sure I completely agree with your analysis.

All barrels "whip" or to put it differently are affected by harmonics. From the skinniest hunting barrel to the heaviest benchrest one. I've stood and watched Palma profile barrels whip around like a limp noodle

To me, the first port of call should be tuning the load to minimise the effect of the sine wave. I would tune the load first, and then start looking at a barrel tuner to further decrease the effects. Part of that may well be due to dampening effect by more weight up front, but it also gives you the benefit of being able to tweak loaded rounds depending on conditions on the day.

I suspect most people find increased accuracy with brakes or supressors simply because of a reduction in felt or perceived recoil...

Yes, muzzle brakes and suppressors are only a couple of mitigating factors in the reduction of barrel whip. Muzzle brakes can be set up with a range of adjustment which allows them to be tuned to the specific barrel (like the BOSS system). Handloads should always be developed to suit the rifle as no two rifles of the same model ever perform in an identical manner. All of these factors improve accuracy.