Things that make a brake work more effectively:
Wider (best example JP brake), more baffles or expansion chambers (to a point), venting at least 90deg to boreline (backwards is good), proper sizing of bore vs bullet cal.
Things that make a break less effective - just for you Dennis ;-) :
Contoured to fit a hunting contour barrel (narrow), one expansion chamber (KDF style), small port size vs gas volume (Rem brake on Lapua), venting forward (baffle direction or forward venting holes), oversized bore vs bullet cal.
Having played with a variety of brakes and even making a few, you see that they all do pretty much the same thing and share the same limitations. The most generic example of a great working brake that can fit on a hunting rifle and not be overly large/heavy is the Miculek AR15 brake. Dirt cheap too if you can get them.
The most effective albeit mondo sized brake is the Armalite AR50 monsters or those of similar design. You need the size to help redirect the exhaust gases and drive the rifle forward. Helps if you shoot a cartridge with alot of exhaust gases (why magnums show a much higher reduction in recoil with a brake then standard cartridges).
To my eye, the SSG brake does vent forward so will not be as effective as one that had the vents pointing the other direction (look at the new Savage brake as an example). If the exit hole is 90deg to the boreline BUT the gas is still directed forward by the port design, this brake will not be as effective as one that directs the gases backwards or fully sideways.
A rear venting brake is highly effective but the concussive forces WILL be higher. Recoil reduction WILL be better. Simply no free lunch....
Unless we can start shooting with cans
Jerry
PS, the quality of workmanship on those SSG brakes looks great but we have Cdn's that make a damn fine product so why deal with export hassles?
