- James Gangler
- October 14, 2021
- Reviewed by Laura Gangler
- May 15, 2023
One fast and straightforward way to improve shooting performance and reduce recoil is by installing a muzzle brake on your 6.5 Creedmoor. We found several quality options on the market, but in our opinion, these stood out as the best 6.5 Creedmoor muzzle brakes. Read our recently updated in-depth review to find out which ones made the grade.
- Maintains clear line of sight
- Marked accuracy improvement
- Major recoil reduction
- Competition-legal
- Very flat
- Considerable recoil reduction
- Muzzle rise reduction
- Adjustable
- Rust and corrosion-resistant
EDITOR’S CHOICE: UPGRADE PICK
Area 419 Hellfire Match Muzzle Brake 6.5 Creedmoor
- Simple to mount
- Nice fit and finish
- No extra blast to shooter
- Holds on target
- Reduced muzzle jump and twist
1. Ultradyne Apollo Max 6.5 Compensator
Threads per Inch: 5/8-24 UNEF-2B
Min Barrel Thread Length: 0.600″
Min Barrel Length: 16″
Length: 2.94″
Outside Diam: 0.975″
Weight: 5.4 oz
Wrench Flats: 7/8″
Installation: Shrouded timing nut included
Materials: 416 Stainless Steel with SB Nitride Coating
Color: Black
The Ultradyne Apollo Max is our top choice because performed better at reducing both recoil and muzzle rise than any other Creedmoor muzzle brake or compensator we tested. Ultradyne designs its muzzle brakes to divert gasses away from from the shooter and away from your line of sight which let us watch the bullet all the way in and make quick adjustments for follow up shots.
This durable option is 100% CNC machined in the USA using 416 Stainless Steel with a salt bath nitride finish. Mounting was simple using the included shrouded timing nut plus it aesthetically looks really great.
PROS
- Maintains clear line of sight
- Marked accuracy improvement
- Major recoil reduction
- Competition-legal
- Very flat
CONS
- Loud
2. Lancer Systems Viper 6.5 Muzzle Brake
Threads per Inch: 5/8-24
Dimensions: 3.75″ x 1.87″ (at widest point) x 1.05″
Weight: 12 oz
Installation: Crush washer included
Materials: Steel
Colors: Black
The Lancer Systems Viper Brake is a top pick because of its adjustability. Designed with an expansion blast chamber and a system of four tunable jets, gas is dispersed at the top of the brake. As a result, barrel movement and recoil is decreased, making for faster follow-up shots and more accuracy.
A very durable stainless steel was used to produce it. Overall, we consider this among the most solid muzzle brakes for 6.5 Creedmoor.
PROS
- Considerable recoil reduction
- Muzzle rise reduction
- Adjustable
- Rust and corrosion-resistant
CONS
- Heavy
3. Area 419 Hellfire Match Muzzle Brake 6.5 Creedmoor
Threads per Inch: 5/8-24
Dimensions: 6″ x 3.5″ x 2″
Outside Diam: 1.06″
Weight: 4.8 oz
Installation: Simple round knurled nut
Materials: Heat Treated 17-4PH Stainless Steel
Colors: Black Nitride, Stainless
Area 419 introduced the Hellfire Match in 2021 and it has had almost a cult following ever since. When we first received the Hellfire Match, the fit and finish was notable. Area 419 actually designed each of the 4 ports with different lengths, angles and heights to work best for their position. That thoughtful design paid off. In testing, we definitely noticed a reduction in felt recoil and less sound pressure than other options we tested. Area 419 reports 52% recoil reduction on their 6.5 Creedmoor test rifle. In our own tests, we thought it stayed very flat when shooting from an unsupported position and we were able to do follow up shots more easily.
This brake was easy to mount and didn’t turn as the collar was torqued to lock. No tools are needed to time the brake. This option has a smaller profile and looks great when mounted.
PROS
- Simple to mount
- Nice fit and finish
- No extra blast to shooter
- Holds on target
- Reduced muzzle jump and twist
CONS
- Some reports of trouble with the threaded collar
What is a Muzzle Brake?
A muzzle brake, also known as a recoil compensator, is an attachment to or integral parts of the barrel intended to trap and divert expanding gas and reduce recoil. It is a device connected to a gun/rifle or cannon’s muzzle designed to redirect a portion of propellant gas to counter recoil and unwanted muzzle increase [1].
Why Do I Need It For My 6.5 Creedmoor?
The 6.5 Creedmoor AR is known for having high energy retention, excellent accuracy at long ranges, and flat trajectory. Adding a 6.5 Creedmoor muzzle brake would reduce its recoil even further for up to 50 percent reduced recoil rate. Having less recoil means better accuracy because it would stabilize the shooter’s hand with every fire in the shooting range.
Adding a Muzzle Brake - Advantages & Disadvantages
If you are also one of the few who are looking for great rifle customization products that will improve your rifle’s precision, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a quick guide that may help you find the best muzzle brakes that you can get in the market today.
Advantages
- A muzzle brake reduces recoil
A good muzzle brake will reduce recoil potentially up to fifty percent. Recoil reduction is very beneficial if you have an injured shoulder, for smaller statured individuals, if you wish to fire fast and accurate follow-up shots, and just overall more pleasant shooting. To get a muzzle brake, you have to find this one good product to suit your demands best.
- A muzzle brake allows you to shoot a larger caliber
If you’re hunting for a big game, it is best to find a rifle with a larger caliber for shooting. But because it is a larger caliber, you’ll also experience a more powerful drawback, which could be a hassle since it could affect your rifle’s accuracy and precision. As previously mentioned, a muzzle brake reduces the pullback, so it will even make the rifle much easier to use.
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Disadvantages
- A muzzle brake is loud
While a muzzle brake can drastically reduce recoil, it can also make your 6.5 Creedmoor significantly louder because it vents the propellant, which increases the volume of the bullet as it leaves the bore of the gun. So, wearing a protective hearing when firing a firearm becomes extra vital if you have a muzzle brake.
- A muzzle brake kicks up dirt and dust
A muzzle brake can cause dirt and dust to kick up around the muzzle area around each shot because it sends air through the muzzle brake’s holes, which will force the elements to kick around in the immediate vicinity. You need not only need to take good care of your ears, but you’ll also want to take good care of your eyes. After a shooting spree, you’ll need to know how to clean your muzzleloader and muzzle brake properly.
Buying Guide
Design of the Muzzle Brake
Well, the hallmark of a high-quality muzzle brake is a proper design, which means that the holes that need to be placed on the muzzle brake should expel the gas from the end of the barrel without blowing back towards the shooter’s face. Hence, an excellent muzzle brake should redirect the gas either from the top or the side of the brake, preventing it from blowing back towards the shooter.
For good construction and better accuracy, here’s our review on the best AR grips for precision shooting.
Material & Construction
Most muzzle brakes are made of steel and could last just as long as the rifle itself. Every rifle owner wants not only a steel muzzle brake but a brake that will be rust and corrosion-resistant—having a muzzle brake that is fully resistant to heat so you can shoot for extended periods. Stainless steel is a specific example of steel that can do all of these things. Learn how to time a muzzle brake here.
Flexibility of Muzzle Brakes
One must always keep in mind that some muzzle brake products will fit most Creedmoor rifles, but there will also be some muzzle brakes that won’t. A muzzle brake with an excellent quality must hold with most rifles and should not require the aid of a gunsmith just for a quick installation.
Looking for a multi-purpose ammo? Check out this 308 and 30-30 comparison here.
FAQs
Our Choice for the Best 6.5 Creedmoor Muzzle Brake is...
Overall, our premium choice is the Ultradyne Apollo Max because it performed better at reducing both recoil and muzzle rise than any other Creedmoor muzzle brake or compensator we tested. Ultradyne designs its muzzle brakes to divert gasses away from the shooter and away from your line of sight which let us watch the bullet all the way in and make quick adjustments for follow-up shots.
If you want a better handgrip when shooting, check out our Magpul AFG2 and AFG comparison here.
Our #1 Recommendation
Ultradyne Apollo Max Compensator
- Maintains clear line of sight
- Marked accuracy improvement
- Major recoil reduction
- Competition-legal
- Very flat
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