I don't want to start a big argument here, but Just wanting YOUR opinion on a muzzle break.
Lot's of hunters posting here they want to go to a lighter caliber because of the recoil discomfort of shooting their rifle for extended periods of time. I get it and have experienced it myself. But there is a difference between hunting and shooting at the range for practice or load development. There is a big difference between shooting a very limited amount while hunting and spending lots of time practicing.
Back in the 70's, I built a custom 7mm Mag and started shooting it working up a hunting load. It beat the hell out of me as it weighed only 6.5 pounds. I had a brake installed and the recoil became very manageable, but it was pretty noisy. I eventually traded it off for another gun. Fast forward to 2002.....I was given a .300 Wby by a friend who didn't hunt anymore. It needed a new barrel and I installed a brake on the new barrel. I am a lot older now and recoil is not a friend. The Wby shot wonderful, but still noisy. But what is different is that the brake screws on and it can be removed without effecting accuracy....I do it all the time. I use itwith the brake at the range and when I practice and remove it when I hunt. I don't use my max hearing protection for hunting and the less noise when I shoot hunting is bearable. Most of my shots are one shot kills.
I really think you are putting away your old gun for reasons that are easily solved. Tell us what your experience has been.....not just what someone has told you about brakes. I really like mine and it truly solves the recoil problem....my .300 Wby has recoil less then my 25-06.
That's my experience!
Lot's of hunters posting here they want to go to a lighter caliber because of the recoil discomfort of shooting their rifle for extended periods of time. I get it and have experienced it myself. But there is a difference between hunting and shooting at the range for practice or load development. There is a big difference between shooting a very limited amount while hunting and spending lots of time practicing.
Back in the 70's, I built a custom 7mm Mag and started shooting it working up a hunting load. It beat the hell out of me as it weighed only 6.5 pounds. I had a brake installed and the recoil became very manageable, but it was pretty noisy. I eventually traded it off for another gun. Fast forward to 2002.....I was given a .300 Wby by a friend who didn't hunt anymore. It needed a new barrel and I installed a brake on the new barrel. I am a lot older now and recoil is not a friend. The Wby shot wonderful, but still noisy. But what is different is that the brake screws on and it can be removed without effecting accuracy....I do it all the time. I use itwith the brake at the range and when I practice and remove it when I hunt. I don't use my max hearing protection for hunting and the less noise when I shoot hunting is bearable. Most of my shots are one shot kills.
I really think you are putting away your old gun for reasons that are easily solved. Tell us what your experience has been.....not just what someone has told you about brakes. I really like mine and it truly solves the recoil problem....my .300 Wby has recoil less then my 25-06.
That's my experience!