Muzzle Brake - Insite Arms Heathen VS APA Fat Bastard???

ARH77

ARH77

CGN Regular
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Location
lower mainland BC
Hi,

So had a muzzle brake, but the precision rifle in BC didn't allow me to use a brake (dumb rule). So when I re-barreled last fall I didn't get a brake put on.

This year I'm competing in PRS matches in the US, and at the event last month I found my rifle jumped/moved a lot with the awkward positions the US PRS event make you do. They allow muzzle brakes in the US PRS matches and I think it's time for one to help me stay on target between shots.

I run a 308 win and I want to use the 3/4"x24 threading instead of the 5/8"x24 (google it if you don't know the reason).

I've looked around and read tons of review and basically came down to 2 brakes. Insite Arms Heathen or the APA Fat Bastard. I saw the on Snipers Hide about the Heathen but the guy was just comparing it to brake vs no brake. The APA Fat Bastard has lots of comparison reviews and looks good for the 308 round, but none I can find against the Heathen brake.

Does anyone know of a review that compares the Fat Bastard to the Heathen preferably on a 308 win. Or does anyone have both brakes and can tell me how they compare? My primary concern is staying on target, 2nd is recoil reduction.

Just want to pick the right one before I drop all the $$$ on threading the barrel and buying an expensive brake.

Thanks
 
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More or less they are all the same - Insite is Canadian and a big supporter of the sport up here...

Pick one that fits your price and have at her.

As an RO for PRS matches I am not a fan of the APA brakes as they are considerably louder (or at least seem that way) than the other brakes on the line.

Also, that match in BC is not PRS.
 
The thing I like about the Heathen is that it doesn't ring your bell nearly as bad when you're shooting in confined spaces. The 2 foot dia. pipes are pretty nasty to shoot through with a brake that vents back.

 
I can't compare directly to the APA as I haven't used one but I have a Heathen on my 20" .308 that I use in PRS type matches down in Washington. I'm a fan, it stays on target nicely.
 
I have both. The heathen is on my rifle. Hope that helps!

Oh, and I have the conventional 5/8x24 thread and in load development yesterday I got outstanding accuracy. So, while I agree in principle to what accurate shooter says about the bell effect, I haven't had any noticeable.impact on accuracy.

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2015/04/muzzle-threading-dont-remove-too-much-steel/
 
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I am in the same boat but I was also looking at the Cadex MX1 or the Insite Arms Heathen. I have seen/read a couple of reviews on the Heathen and nothing but great things about them, but not a word or review about the MX1. Anyone care to shed some light on the MX1.
 
Just ordered my fourth Heathen today, have noticed an improvement in groups on four rifles now.
Tamed a 300 SAUM right down to just a push!
 
I'm no expert but I did take notice to something when going through the prb site.
While some brakes beat it for recoil nothing seems to come remotely close to the JP recoil eliminator when it comes to muzzle rise. (I think it was 2moa drop on 6.5cm)
On a 308 recoil shouldn't be the biggest problem imo
But being able to spot your own shot and be ready for a follow up before the bullet even reaches it's target at extended ranges seems to be a good idea to me!
Ordered one yesterday we will see how it goes when I get it
 
Not to hijack the thread...But..

Also interested in buying the Heathen or MX1..For my 260Rem

Can't find the weight on the be Heathen, but the MX1 at 263 grams..

Any suggestions from users

Thanks in advance
 
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The following are the weights for the Heathen (we used a 30cal sample):

.750 dia Heathen = 2 oz / 54g
.885 dia Heathen = 3.2 oz / 90.7g
.995 dia Heathen = 4.5 oz / 127.5g

We have a new Heathen-Lite out now that drops the weight to:
.750 dia Heathen = 0.7 oz / 19.9g
.885 dia Heathen = 1.1 oz / 31.2g
.995 dia Heathen = 1.6 oz / 45.4g
 
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Also check out badlands_precision on Instagram. He has a very effective brake as well, I run his brake on the 6.5 creed and 6x47 lapua and it's fantastic.
 
I have both and I gotta say for others at the range, the apa little ba$tard causes a huge concussion for those standing behind the shooter. I mounted mine on a 6.5 creed and it was rude. Made me flinch as a spectator.
 
I run the Heathen on my .260 Rem Coyote and am very happy with it.

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