The folks over at Hawkins Precision have given me a muzzle brake to review. Hawkins Precision is a Rokslide Sponsor and has been a great addition to Rokslide. This review will focus on my personal observations. Hawkins sent me their Updraft Muzzle Brake in .30 cal with 5/8×24 threading. I did some testing on my 7 SAUM and 6.5PRC with a proof 24″, Sendero profile, carbon barrel. I also shot 15 rounds through my 22BR. The rifles are in an XLR Magnesium chassis.
Updraft Muzzle Brake
First impressions are positive with a machined out front to allow for easy timing and accurate torque. Set screws stuck out a little bit but was not overly concerning. Weight on my scale was 4.4 ounces compared to the hellfire at 4.8 ounces (6.5 caliber) and the Fat bastard at 6.4 ounces (30 caliber).
Recoil Management
After confirming zero with three rounds, I engaged steel targets out to 810 yards. I noticed very little muzzle rise and was able to clearly spot impacts through my scope. Overall noise level was like other muzzle brakes I have used and did not seem overly excessive (for a braked rifle that is).
Recoil impulse was sharp but not overly excessive, similar to my Gen 3 Fat Bastard. I shot the rifle prone in taller grass, on a gravel surface and off a few props. Debris didn’t cause too much of an issue. I shot a total of 135 rounds through the brake. I did not notice excessive carbon buildup.
Velocity Changes
A member on the forums mentioned their velocity was 20 fps slower and the brake had noticeably more recoil. The majority of my testing was conducted using my Garmin Xero chronograph. I did not notice any changes in velocity with this brake versus known velocity with different brakes. I’ve tried.
Conclusion
According to Hawkins Precision, “The Updraft features a 5-port design where the first port is cut straight and angled up. This Updraft port works twofold, both reducing muzzle rise and directing muzzle blast away from the shooter. The next 4 ports are a more traditional design, reducing rearward felt recoil on the shooter. This dual port design allows the rifle to settle back on target sooner so you can see your shots downrange.”
My experience matches those statements. The brake kept the rifle in position to spot impacts and kept debris down during my review.
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Overall the Updraft is a well designed muzzle brake and I would recommend any shooter to give it a try.
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