Engineeer
21-11-2010, 07:35 AM
Newton's law says (to paraphrase) that for every action there must be an equal and opposite reaction. Recoil (kick) is the rifle's reaction to the action of the bullet being accelerated down the rifle barrel. Recoil is caused by two factors. The first is the bullet itself, which cannot be interfered with. The second is the expanding powder gasses that are pushing the bullet and must also exit the barrel. Muzzle brakes reduce recoil by diverting part of these gasses to the side so that they do not add to the rearward recoil.
A properly designed muzzle brake can significantly reduce recoil. The actual effectiveness depends to an extent on the cartridge for which the rifle is chambered. Ahlman's claims a 50% recoil reduction when their Recoil Reducer muzzle brake is used on large magnum rifles. Mag-na-port International claims recoil reduction of up to 45% for their Mag-na-brake. Browning, whose BOSS (Ballistic Optimizing Shooting System) is both a muzzle brake and an accuracy tuning device, claims a recoil reduction of up to 30%. Weatherby, who claims that their Accubrake is the most effective on the market, claims recoil reduction of up to 53%.
A properly designed muzzle brake can significantly reduce recoil. The actual effectiveness depends to an extent on the cartridge for which the rifle is chambered. Ahlman's claims a 50% recoil reduction when their Recoil Reducer muzzle brake is used on large magnum rifles. Mag-na-port International claims recoil reduction of up to 45% for their Mag-na-brake. Browning, whose BOSS (Ballistic Optimizing Shooting System) is both a muzzle brake and an accuracy tuning device, claims a recoil reduction of up to 30%. Weatherby, who claims that their Accubrake is the most effective on the market, claims recoil reduction of up to 53%.