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Point of Impact
FEENIX
Member Posts: 10,559 ✭✭✭
Is there a change of bullet point of impact with a muzzle brake and without. A friend sights his rifle with the muzzle brake on and takes it off when hunting. He missed quite a few shots in the last couple of seasons and had to do follow up shots and am wondering if the change has something to do with it. He shoots a .300WM with either 165g or 180g.
If there is, how much and at what range(s) should he start compensating? Sounds to me that it'll be a lot easier to just leave it on and just use proper safety protection - I do (too lazy to take them on and off)[:p].
Thank you in advance for your advice.
If there is, how much and at what range(s) should he start compensating? Sounds to me that it'll be a lot easier to just leave it on and just use proper safety protection - I do (too lazy to take them on and off)[:p].
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Comments
The 300 isn't that big of a beast. If he is really recoil shy, have him get a PAST pad for shooting without the break.
The other thing that I will add is that if he is recoil shy, when shooting without the break, he may be anticipating the recoil and flinching. That is why the "follow-up" shots are hitting, because at that point he is concentrating on the animal that is running away, not on the recoil that he is going to feel.
JMTC.
This is also true, sorry I wasn't paying attemtion to Handgun's comment. Trick him! Or have him trick himself! Have him get all ready to shoot and either use a dummy round or a snap cap or pull the bullet, dump the powder and use the primer(without the bullet ofcourse) to perform some dry fires. This can show him and you how bad he is flinching. Practice dry firing until you can control yourself and when you are actually shooting, relax! It is a lot less painful when you relax and yes a PAST shoulder pad is a very good idea if you plan on having a long session!
I definitely think it will change impact. How much is needed to be seen.
+1 on the dummy round/dry-fire experience. Something further on that though is before he fires balance a penny on the barrel. If he flinches it will knock the penny off. That, of course, if there isn't a round in the chamber that will go off. For just dry firing, that is a good test.
Adding or subtracting weight from the muzzle will affect POI. As mentioned, it's a factor of harmonics. Volumes are written on the subject and if you and your friend are interested here is a link to a good article:
http://www.shootingsoftware.com/barrel.htm
This has some good graphics for illustration:
http://www.varmintal.com/amode.htm
And for the Mini-14 fanatics:
http://www.gunsandhunting.com/rugermini14.html
Best.
I am not particularly recoil sensitive,..but I know there are rifles I don't like to shoot on the bench. In a light rig, with a 300WM chambering, off the bench, that recoil is stout[}:)] Off handed, during a hunt, you won't notice the recoil at all (adrenaline), but from the bench, it is less than enjoyable to work a load ladder or test factory ammo for best groups.
I personaly like muzzle breaks, but you have to remember to use ear protection when shooting.[8]
Prior to retirement, I was the Chief Firearms test Engineer for many years at Browning Arms.
I did virtually all the developmental accuracy testing on the BOSS system, well over 30,000 rounds, during testing I shot with and without the brake attached with the same rifle.
The change in the P.O.I would not be enough to miss a well aimed shot, but for psychological reassurance, I'd suggest he go to a range and try both with and without the brake.
Hope this helps.
Every rifle is different!