Barrel recommendation

[Sideways]

Greetings,
I am interested in purchasing a new barrel and muzzle brake for my Axis 308. I was told a heavier barrel and muzzle brake would help in reducing recoil. Its no issue for me but when I take the wife shooting she would rather shoot the .223 for less recoil. I would like her to get accustomed to the larger caliber for longer distance targets. Any recommendations?

Thank you in advance :)

[Robinhood]

You cant go wrong with McGowan, CBI, XCaliber, Shilen or Pac-Nor prefits. companies like 4d and Barrel Man also resell other manufacturers prefits often for a better price. Apache is not taking orders right now but he does a fine job of rechambering. You could also contact Dean or "Scope eye" and he can help you with a barrel at a good price.

As far as a good chambering the 243, 260 or 7mm-08 is great for long range, easy, on the shoulder and to reload for. .243 and 7mm08 is easy to find and 260 is gaining popularity.

[DrThunder88]

A couple times over the last month or so Midway has had their 7mm-08 E.R. Shaw barrel kit (includes barrel nut wrench and headspace gauges) on clearance for $140.

[psharon97]

I would look at something like this to install in the stock:http://www.midwayusa.com/product/678973/graco-breako-mercury-recoil-reducer-standard-7-8-x-4-14-oz?cm_vc=ProductFinding. Using reduced loads and mercury could reduce the recoil to more acceptable levels than rebarreling the rifle.

[BlueDog]

A clamp on muzzle break may be another option. Witt Machine brakes get mentioned often, but I have no first hand knowledge of their efficiency.

[Robinhood]

Witt Machine brakes get mentioned often

I can say the one I purchased has no effect on a 300 win mag

[BW64]

My Witt brake changed my .308 to shooting like a .223 in recoil. Inexpensive also.


BW

[BlueDog]

I can say the one I purchased has no effect on a 300 win mag

Well that sucks. You would think with the higher velocity/gas volume, the brake would do something.

[JCalhoun]

I will also recommend going the .260 route. Mild recoil with lots of performance

[Scott Evans]

As far as the prefit barrels go, I've had experience with everyone on the list, the ONLY chamber I've had cut that was decent was a Criterion, and I sent a brand new reamer to them. Mcgowen has been the worst.

I gave up on prefits and now buy contoured blanks and thread and chamber myself.

[Sideways]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm going to look into the brake and go from there. I mean how often will she be shooting it anyway. ;)

[foxx]

I recommend Apache Gun Works and Skinner Gun Works for all my barrel work. Top quality, inexpensive as well as high end options available.