Brake for Lightweight 338 Lapua Improved

[surgeon260]

I need some expert opinions on what brake to choose for a new rifle. I am building a hunting-weight 338 Lapua Improved, hoping to push 300 Bergers around 2900 fps (N570, 26" barrel). The rifle should be right around 12 lbs ready to hunt, maybe a little less. I am definitely thinking about the recoil of this setup. I currently have a heavy Lapua Improved I built for stationary shooting - it weighs in at around 24 lbs. I shoot the heavy rifle almost exclusively with a TBAC 338 Ultra suppressor. It is a joy to shoot with the can, but I think the weight is a big factor in keeping the recoil manageable.

The two brakes I am considering are the following:

-TBAC 338BA: modest sized two port brake for the sole reason of allowing me to use my suppressor
-Terminator T3: one of the very best Lapua brakes on the market and a proven recoil killer

I definitely prefer cans over brakes, and I would LOVE to be able to use my suppressor on this new rifle. I hate the concussion of brakes. However, I am concerned about recoil. Even my heavy rifle with the can still maintains pretty significant recoil energy, and my shoulder feels it after a long bench session.

So, which brake would you go with? Is it reasonable to shoot a lightweight 338 with a can, or should I abandon that notion and just go for maximum recoil reduction with the Terminator?

Appreciate any advice you have.

 

[Mike D Texas]

My 338 NMI is very close to the weight of your rifle goal. I shoot 300 OTM at 2920 in a 28" barrel.

I don't have a .338 specific can so I use my SiCo Hybrid 46. Not as much volume as a big 338 can but I can't justify the cost for a single rifle that is used solely for hunting.

I shoot mine primarily braked with a SRS Ti Pro 5 brake at .990" diameter. It makes it tolerable but after about 30 shots it still becomes not as pleasant to shoot.

 

[marksman1941]

The can will be fine for hunting purposes and MUCH nicer to deal with, aside from the weight. It will kick more than a braked rifle will, but the lack of concussion is worth a bit more recoil in a hunting situation. You're not there for a long range session; you're there for a shot or two and a lot of hiking.

 

[surgeon260]

I agree 1000% that the can will be nicer to deal with, I am just concerned about 416 Rigby levels of recoil. Load development won't be fun!

 

[marksman1941]

I agree 1000% that the can will be nicer to deal with, I am just concerned about 416 Rigby levels of recoil. Load development won't be fun!

So run a brake for load development, swap to a can and verify load hasn't changed, then carry the can. I've seen POI changes between a can and a brake but not massive group size changes.