Since I don't want to start working yet....

[fish2xs]

2 questions that have perplexed me

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe popular folklore has it that, generally speaking, bolt action rifles are more accurate than semi-auto.

If so, would this be the case if the only difference between 2 rifles was the semi or bolt action? Once the round is in the chamber, that's that? right?

Second question is, how do muzzle brakes work? What impact do they have on the round being fired?


Any insight from the clairvoyants of caliber?
thanks!

 

[Byron Quick]

Generally speaking it is easier from a mechanical standpoint to get
more precise tolerances with a bolt action than with a semi-automatic action.

The more precise tolerances with the semi-automatic lead to reliability issues with ammo and with crud.

As far as your comment on the chamber...no, that's not it. Not all chambers are created equally even in the same caliber. A match rifle's chamber is going to be reamed to tighter specs. As a result, there will be the chance that it will balk at some ammo that is too far from match specs.

Can't help you with the muzzle brake.

 

[Art Eatman]

Generally, the receiver and bolt lockup in a bolt-action is stiffer than for a semi-auto. The overall system, including barrel attachment, is more rigid. This tends to give better accuracy.

Most semis have a two-piece stock, which means the pressure on the forearm can vary from shot to shot. Note that those AR 15s which are the most accurate are purpose-built for target shooting, and the forward hand-guard is attached to the receiver. Thus, the barrel, as with many bolt-actions, is free-floated. A free-floated barrel is more likely to be consistent in its vibrations from shot to shot, and that consistency enhances accuracy.

The vents of a muzzle brake are cut at an ange so the escaping gases push against the metal. Since the vents are angled backwards, the forces on the muzzle are forward and downward, reducing recoil and jump. The noise level for the shooter is increased, with the gases and sound thus deflected rearward.

Art