Barrel Brake - use loctite?

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BearClan

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Iqaluit, Nunavut
Hi folks,

I just purchased a Tikka T3x Lite Veil in .308 WIN for my daughter for this year's moose hunt. As this will be her first year doing the shooting, I figured a having a muzzle brake would be a good idea (she just turned 14).

I just watched a youtube "VLOG" featuring the Tikka T3x Lite Veil. In this video, they are shown applying blue Loctite before attaching the muzzle brake - the reason given was something along the lines of preventing "carbon buildup" and "welding" of the brake to the barrel.

Questions:
  • Is this good practice?
  • If yes, how much loctite should I apply?
  • Do I leave the muzzle brake on permanently/until no longer needed OR should I remove it periodically?

Thanks in advance for your any advice given.

N.B., We hunt with Walker electronic ear muffs on and so muzzle blast is not an issue.
 
Gases blow back into the threads over time.

If the brake is removed for ease of cleaning the barrel I suggest either an anti seize grease (all over the threads) or blue Loctite ( a few large drops close to the muzzle) be applied to the threads.

If Loctite is used you will have to heat the joint up fairly hot to remove the brake.
 
I use Loctite 222 low strength thread locker as it seals the threads well and allows for easy removal of the brake without having to heat it up. Ye gotta clean the threads of the brake & barrel with a brass or bronze brush after each take down though before reapplying the sealant. The stuff comes off the threads easy.

If the brake is pulled from the rifle on a fairly regular basis, then I just use alox based grease or bullet lube on the threads for ease of maintenance.
 
Ok - applied blue loctite as that is what I have on hand.

Now what is a safe, as close to idiot-proof way of removing brake the minimizes the probably I ruin the brake, cerakote, and/or barrel. Alternatively, how do you/how would remove the loctited, muzzle break?

Also, is their any issue with leaving the brake on permanently - not ideal, but something I'm prepared to do if it means avoiding ruining my break, barrel, or cerakote finish.
 
If red Loctite has been used you will need to heat the b r a k e quite hot before attempting to remove the b r a k e using what ever tool you need to remove the b r a k e with.

The same with blue Loctite only it will loosen more easily.
 
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