Thread: 338 suppressors

I just started reading this thread last night. There is a lot of good info here and since I am about to start in on bolt action suppressors and would like some feedback.

First off I was surprised at the dislike for over barrel cans but the aspect about the multitude of different barrel profiles is dead on. Having a QD definitely makes the fitting easier since you don't have to mess around with a dozen barrel profiles and can still achieve a reasonable two point system with a decent QD brake. I never considered this since the semis I have been making them for were relatively standardized. Over barrel suppressors can be too far over the barrel in my opinion like some of the Reflex since the gasses are hard to drive too far back the opposite way, especially on a semi auto. I still like a minimum of over barrel in the range of 50 -65mm since this depth can be efficiently utilized and even up to 120 for bolt guns.

The surefire over barrel QD can is so small at 38mm that after the barrel and QD fitting going all the way back, there is barely any room for the gas anyway. Many makers are limited by tubing sizes for the can diameter and cost of going off axis for the can shape to reduce the profile. What would be the optimum height above the bore axis if you had a choice? Would a off axis design be of any interest?

I am still limited by length for a few more weeks but could do a can around the size of the SL7 right now. For pure long range accuracy I like the concept mentioned by Chris with the shoulder 100 - 125mm aft of the threads so that the barrel is tensioned with a direct thread on mount. I will be building one of these for my Rem 700 in the next three weeks for a test with about 80mm aft of muzzle and 100 forward since I want a small handy can that will remain 24" after the can is on. In the near future this could be made into a longer version.

So how would you rank the following:

Height above bore
Overall can diameter
In line can versus off axis
Length past barrel
QD
Weight
Sound
Cost

Keep in mind that often making one parameter better will make another parameter worse.

As to our latest developments, an AR10 can is under test and is working well (with an adjustable gas block) even as it is glowing from mag dumps. The internals of all cans are getting a new heat treat which provides a harder surface inside the can as well as out while increasing the ductility. The QD is progressing but not finished. We are in contact with an overseas testing company to get our cans independently tested.

Thanks.