The new 243 WSSM - The Firearms Forum

John Rienzo · 11-10-2005, 08:16 PM

Hey everyone, I just bought a new Winchester Model 70 243 WSSM. I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to put a muzzle break on the barrel, or if that was a dumb idea (pointless). If anyone has an educated opinion about this, I could use the help. I plan to use the gun for coyote mostly, but I also plan to hunt all small game with it, so the accuracy is very important. Also, is it wise to try to hunt black bear with a 243 round (I use 95 grain powder). Thanks for your help.

TedW · 11-10-2005, 09:07 PM

I personally wouldn't install a brake. On a heavy recoiling gun, brakes can be nice, but what purpose would a brake serve on a light-recoiling rifle like the 243WSSM? Since you say you'll be coyote hunting with the rifle, you could potentially be doing a lot of shooting close to the ground, i.e. prone, on shooting sticks, bipod, etc. Fire a braked rifle near the ground on a dry day, and you'll choke on the cloud of dust it kicks up, as the brake directs gas in all directions! On top of that, the brake will increase blast intensity, lengthen your rifle slightly, and make the barrel a little more difficult to clean (patches can hang up in the cross-drilled holes, which also trap excess barrel solvent).

If you were using the rifle for long range varmint shooting, the brake can help stabilize the muzzle so you can spot your shots through the scope, but otherwise, the 243WSSM simply doesn't recoil enough to warrant a brake IMO so why spend the extra money?

mtnboomer · 11-11-2005, 03:46 AM

See my post on the Tech Questions thread.

11-10-2005, 08:16 PM	#1
John Rienzo Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 2	The new 243 WSSM Hey everyone, I just bought a new Winchester Model 70 243 WSSM. I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to put a muzzle break on the barrel, or if that was a dumb idea (pointless). If anyone has an educated opinion about this, I could use the help. I plan to use the gun for coyote mostly, but I also plan to hunt all small game with it, so the accuracy is very important. Also, is it wise to try to hunt black bear with a 243 round (I use 95 grain powder). Thanks for your help. -->

11-10-2005, 09:07 PM	#2
TedW Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 49	Re: The new 243 WSSM I personally wouldn't install a brake. On a heavy recoiling gun, brakes can be nice, but what purpose would a brake serve on a light-recoiling rifle like the 243WSSM? Since you say you'll be coyote hunting with the rifle, you could potentially be doing a lot of shooting close to the ground, i.e. prone, on shooting sticks, bipod, etc. Fire a braked rifle near the ground on a dry day, and you'll choke on the cloud of dust it kicks up, as the brake directs gas in all directions! On top of that, the brake will increase blast intensity, lengthen your rifle slightly, and make the barrel a little more difficult to clean (patches can hang up in the cross-drilled holes, which also trap excess barrel solvent). If you were using the rifle for long range varmint shooting, the brake can help stabilize the muzzle so you can spot your shots through the scope, but otherwise, the 243WSSM simply doesn't recoil enough to warrant a brake IMO so why spend the extra money? __________________ TedW

11-11-2005, 03:46 AM	#3
mtnboomer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Oklahoma by birth. America by the grace of God. Posts: 649	Re: The new 243 WSSM See my post on the Tech Questions thread. __________________ The cost of freedom, is eternal vigilance. The cost of bondage, is your life. - mtnboomer Support the Second Amendment - Join the NRA! > http://www.nra.org < Oklahoma State - #1 - GO POKES!