Suppressor Help for recoil and sound reduction on a lightweight hunting rifle, but shooting a heavy magnum 300 PRC.

[Muzzy]

I recently purchased a Seekins Precision Havak PH3 in 300 PRC with a 22” barrel. I currently run a Banish 30 suppressor on the rifle, but am having a difficult time managing the recoil of this cartridge in a 7.5 lb. rifle configuration. I am unable to shoot and spot my own impacts at LR without losing my sight picture through the scope on each shot. I’m looking at other suppressor options but I want something that not only reduces recoil, but also has a low enough decibel rating that I could safely shoot the rifle without ear pro on. I also don’t want a 4 foot long rifle when I’m trying to navigate deadfall’s in the mountains. I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place here. Maybe I just suck at managing recoil, but I feel like this 300 is kicking my a$$ compared to the ol’ 6.5 needmoor I’ve always shot. I wanted the heavy hitter for elk, bear and moose. Any advice from you experienced shooters and what I should do?!?

 

[AkMtnRunner]

That’s the nature of shooting that cartridge from a lightweight rifle.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Welcome!

I don't think a different suppressor is going to make that much difference in your situation. That's a lot of sharp recoil from a relatively light rifle. Even with a good muzzle brake on a large suppressor, I expect you to still have too much recoil to spot your own impacts. The TBAC recoil reducing setups only take away about 60% of the recoil. For a 7.5 pound 300 PRC, you are looking at 37-42 foot pounds of recoil. So, you are looking at a reduced recoil of 22-25 foot pounds of recoil, which is still twice as much as a 6.5 CM in the same rifle. At least by my napkin math.

I would personally just use the 6.5 CM and shoot no further than your bullet will properly perform or 500 yards (whichever is closer).

If you read some of the threads around here, you might be convinced that you don't need a magnum cartridge to kill elk, bear, and moose.

 

[Samson7x]

I’d consider just using your 6.5 creed you’re used to. If you want more, maybe go with 6.5prc which won’t have near the recoil that 300 does. If you’re set on using the 300, I’d consider the new TBAC magnus with RR brake.

 

[doc88]

It's going to be difficult to both suppress and tame recoil in that configuration. Something like the TBAC 338 Ultra will help. TBAC has also come out with the RR suppressors. Suppressors with brakes on them. From what I've read you may still need ear protection.

https://thunderbeastarms.com/products/magnus

 

[Jbehredt]

Everything you said checks out except needing a “heavy hitter” for elk. Use your creedmoor.

 

[HandgunHTR]

I agree with the above posters that the 300 PRC in a 7.5# rifle may not allow you to spot shots even with the best recoil reducer on the front of it.

For a suppressor to get you as close as possible, I would go with longer, heavier, and with the brake front cap to minimize as much as possible. I would also look at putting the rifle in a stock better designed for recoil control, such as the RokStok or the McMillan Mountain Tracker LR. The negative comb and flat toe line on those stocks reduce the muzzle flip. I have the McMillan on a Tikka in 6.5Max, which is a little step up from a 6.5PRC. I don't have the total rifle weight on it right this second, but I would be surprised if the whole thing, including suppressor was over 8.5#. When I am shooting prone off of a pack or bags, I can spot my shots from 200 and longer.

 

[EastHumboldt]

Physics is physics. How ken ye have enny whallop if ye doon’t eet yer recoil? Might just have to get used to it.

Or…Add some weight to your rifle, better stock as above, lighter kicking cartridge. Many elk bear and moose have been killed with .308 family cartridges.

 

[ACHILLES]

There is no free lunch with light suppressed magnums. My 20” 300prc AI is 10.3lbs with scope and bare muzzle. Running a ulta5 or 338ultra you can’t spot shots and I can’t tell much difference in recoil with either running 215s, the 338 is much quieter but very long at 11.5” making it the equivalent of running a 31” Bbl. With the SRS Ti pro 5 recoil is not bad at all and I can spot shots. Your best bet is probably something like a Magnus K RR at 7.5” if you want to keep length down, not hearing safe though and probably still more recoil than you’re wanting. There are longer versions too. I’d see if I could try one out first before spending the money, I never shot one one of the RR versions myself. But I doubt any suppressor out there will truly tame a lightweight 30 Magnum recoil wise.

 

[longrange13]

Agreed with what Achilles said. I’ve got a 7prc I build to be fairly light weight. Came in at 9lbs all in with scope, bipod, suppressor, and a loaded mag. I thought for sure the suppressor would cut recoil enough to spot shots. Not even close. I can get back In the scope fairly quickly but definitely not spotting impact. I put a tipro break on and still couldn’t spot impacts. I swapped components to add weight, got the gun to 11 pounds fully loaded including bipod. Even at 11 pounds with the tripro I can’t spot impacts. Just the nature of the bigger calibers.

 

[BWheels]

I’m curious to hear anyone running the TBAC, I’ve tried YHM resonator and Banish 46 but it still rocks. Hunting its not as noticeable but on the bench my 300 prc hits hard.

 

[06 SB]

You are asking the impossible question. I used to regularly use an 8 pound 375HH and while it's recoil was noticeable, it was not unbearable until about 40 rounds. There is no way I am shooting a 7.5 pound 300PRC.

The only real solution would be to change the chambering to 7mmPRC or even 6.5PRC. The PH3 in 22" 7mmRM in an 8 twist would be my overall choice. It can handle some heavies but they are not needed.

You could add weight to your current set up by adding a heavy scope or weights on the stock. Neither is a great option IMO.

 

[Lawnboi]

The only way you’re getting close to spotting shots is a brake on that gun. But then you are dealing with the noise.

I have a Magnus k rr and it’s borderline not enough on a 3006, can’t imagine burning another 20 grains of powder and seeing anything. No suppressor is going to make a light 30 cal magnum shootable imo.

Magnums have their place, I just don’t think they do in rifles that light with suppressors.

 

[Muzzy]

Thanks for the help everyone! I sent a few more rounds downrange tonight. I was trying to focus on the fundamentals of managing recoil, trigger squeeze and breaking off a good clean shot without putting any negative or positive pressure on the rifle anywhere. I actually was able to spot some impacts at 600 and 800 yards. I noticed if something wasn’t just perfect with my form and skeletal system absorbing the recoil straight back into my entire body, it would throw my sight picture off just enough to miss what I sent downrange. I am amazed at the accuracy of this factory rifle and factory ammunition. I guess I wont have to be able to spot impacts if my first shot is landing exactly where I want, because a 212 through the boiler room is gonna stop anything. I guess I just need to man up and work on my form and I’ve got this!!

 

[wind gypsy]

RecoilX

RecoilX muzzle brakes.

recoilxbrakes.com

For cans with modular end caps these help with recoil. Still not competitive with a brake but they are another step between suppressor and brake.

I've yet to use it on anything bigger than a creedmoor but i'll prob try on a 7 SAUM here eventually.

 

[Muzzy]

If you wanted a hearing safe suppressor up to 9” length with a brake on the end which route would y’all go?

 

[Q_Sertorius]

If you wanted a hearing safe suppressor up to 9” length with a brake on the end which route would y’all go?

I am not sure you are going to get below 140 db with a 9" overall length for suppressor + brake. But a good starting point is to look here:

https://thunderbeastarms.com/img/Poster_2024.pdf

I think the Magnus RR would be something worth exploring. Then see if you can find anything shorter that does as well or better than it does.

 

[Lawnboi]

I don’t think anything with a brake under 9” is going to be hearing safe.

Tbac lost the full size Magnus RR as 10.5” and 137db on a 300WM

The Magnus S rr which is slightly shorter and meets your criteria is over 140db on a 300WM.

I can tell you 140ish db with the brakes cans is pretty damn loud when environmental factors are not in your favor.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Everything you said checks out except needing a “heavy hitter” for elk. Use your creedmoor.

Yep sell that thing to some 68 year old who needs moar whallllop!

 

[06 SB]

If you wanted a hearing safe suppressor up to 9” length with a brake on the end which route would y’all go?

CGS Hyperion. It is long, not too heavy and is quiet. Tests on Pew Science confirm it too. When I am standing hunting, it is my go-to suppressor. No need for a brake at the end of any suppressor IMO they just do not reduce recoil.