? Muzzle Device vs Accuracy ?

[_Robert]

Opinions are welcome

Curious how the readers feel muzzle devices impact accuracy +/-

For my bolt 223, I have A1 & A2 Birdcages, VG6 Gamma brake/comp and a thread protector.

Last outing my Ruger American Predator wore the VG6 & factory polymer stock with poor results from SMK 69 (1 1/2 groups) but better results from Nosler 52 BTHP Match (1 inch or less) I had high hopes for the SMK. An observation- ES of SMK was half that of Nosler but Nosler MOA was superior

The stock was recently upgraded to a Boyd's Thumhole so i can't perform a test too verify impact of muzzle device even though it now wears a thread protector.

I have 75 Nosler 52's loaded for the next outing to test out the new boyd's stock.

The SMK 69 I'll try COAL change from previous 2.235 and a different powder. Previous loads used H335, bought some W748 to try out for Hornady 68/SMK 69 gr bullets.

The 223 has little recoil butt the brake allowed me to spot my oun shots' impact with nill movement, pretty cool.

I may put the A2 on at some time, hopefully it has no impact on accuracy.

Thoughts?

 

[748]

Over tightness of a device can mess up your accuracy.
Also try a silencer.
I just got my first 22cal can that can take the blast of a .223 round, haven't tested it for accuracy yet.

 

[someguy2800]

I've tested on a couple rifles just to rule it out and have never been able to tell any difference in accuracy. I heavy muzzle device absolutely will cause a change in point of impact however.

 

[Varminterror]

Quality muzzle devices typically don’t influence accuracy, but as noted, brakes will certainly enhance your ability to spot impacts, as well as reduce how far your rifle is displaced from your NPOA on target during recoil.

Group size might not be notably influenced, but POI certainly is.

[A] heavy muzzle device absolutely will cause a change in point of impact however.

Yup - Doesn’t even have to be heavy. Heavier devices have potential to move POI more, but I expect a slight shift with any change in muzzle device. A shooter printing 1.5” groups might not notice a 1/4”-1/2” shift between bare muzzle or various brakes, but it’s pretty rare to not see a “click or two” difference. Most folks ignore (neglect) this slight change, but it’s out there - heck, Ruger even offers all 3 of a thread protector, muzzle brake, and a “harmonically matched” thread protector with some of their models, such the shooter can run short, low profile bare muzzle with the standard tenon protector, or swap back and forth between the brake and the weight matched protector without POI shift.