Muzzle brake efficiency and effectiveness are determined by three factors:
1. Capture ratio - how much propellant gas is diverted vs. that which follows the bullet
2. Muzzle pressure - the remaining propellant gas pressure at bullet exit that is available for the muzzle brake to act upon. The higher the pressure, the more work the brake can accomplish.
3. Design efficiency - how well the muzzle brake handles the gas flow
Generally, the smaller diameter and lighter the projectile and the larger the propellant mass, the more effective the brake can be. When muzzle brakes are very efficient, it causes other problems. The propellant energy can be redirected but not eliminated. If they are efficient, they are very loud. The pressure region shifts from the muzzle to produce large lobes beside and behind the brake. This could even be dangerous to shooters on either side.
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