muzzle brake on long range hunter wont close help!

[stomp442]

I have a buddy that bought a 111 lrh in 6.5-284. He opened the brake to try it out and now we can't get it to close. Suggestions

[big honkin jeep]

Put some break free or kroil or other penetrant in a couple of the holes and try to work it back and forth. If it doesn't do any good. wait overnight and try again. If it still doesn't work reapply the lube and wrap the knurled portion of the brake with a leather belt to keep from boogering it up and grab it with some channel lock pliers. Try and rock it back and forth and it should free up.
I always close mine after shooting and put a couple of drops of break free in some of the holes, then I open and close it a few times and wipe off the excess before storage. If you always do this it wont lock up again.
Good luck BHJ

[stomp442]

Thanks. I will suggest this to him. We tried the channel lock thing last night be we didn't use break free.

[big honkin jeep]

Be sure let it soak until its well penetrated with lube and be sure to use a rocking motion back and forth to loosen it up. It'll probably only give a little at a time.

Please dont ask me how I know :) Lessons learned the hard way are those we remember.

[stomp442]

So is this a common problem with these rifles? I just talked to him on my lunch hour and he says it hasn't budged. I told him once he gets it closed to leave it closed. The 6.5-284 doesn't need a brake anyways.

[big honkin jeep]

It's a common problem for those who don't lube the brake and work it a few times after shooting. It's really no big deal a couple of drops of break free in the closed posistion a couple of twists and done. I actually love the adjustable brake and have 4 rifles equipped with it. I keep hoping I'll run across another factory adjustable brake for sale at a reasonable price in .30 cal.

[stomp442]

Well this a brand new rifle. We put about 20 rounds through it during the break in process then decided to try out the break, put five more through it then tried to close it and here we are.

[digger11]

So how did the gun shoot?I have one coming in 6.5x284 now

[big honkin jeep]

I've never had a problem with a new one or operating one even after a long range session with over a hundred rounds. sounds like something is amiss. Maybe a warranty issue? the only way I have ever locked one up is to not clean after shooting.

[stomp442]

Shooting OK other than extremely slow with 4831sc we are up to 50 grains of powder and only getting 2650 fps with 140 bergers. My 6.5-284 is running at 2820 with only 48 grains 4831. Nosler custom factory stuff with 120 Amax will print one hole though at 2950