Suppressors Degrading a "precision rifle" can

SABuzzard

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 31, 2011
532
25
San Antonio, TX
I've got a AWC Thundertrap that I run on my 308 bolt guns. I'm in the middle of building a 300 Blkout 10" SBR and have a 7.62x39 AR15. I would like to shoot both rifles with the Thundertrap and have confirmed and tested that both are set up to safely do so. I'm concerned that shooting high volumes of 300 blkout and 7.62x39 rounds through the Thundertrap (especially the SBR) will gum it up or otherwise affect it's performance on my precision rifles. Are my concerns warranted? Should I suck it up and purchase a second can to run on my higher volume rifles?
 
Re: Degrading a "precision rifle" can

Are you planning on shooting cast bullets in the 300 and 7.62X39? If you're loading normal subsonics or hotter you should be fine. You won't get excessive buildup and what little you do get should be blown off by the higher powered .308. If you feel that you're getting too much buildup or crap filling the baffles fire a few rapid fire strings to heat up the can and burn off any unburned powder. If you are planning on shooting lead cast than don't. The lead vapor will condense on the baffles and it is mighty tough to remove. If you do build up a sufficient amount of lead it may break loose when firing the .308 and cause baffle strikes...

Frank
 
Re: Degrading a "precision rifle" can

You may have to clean the suppressor, per the manufacturers recommendation, at some point in time but I think you'll be good. Exposed lead, ala .22LR, is the hardest on cans and that's why many are designed to be disasembled in that caliber. Shoot away!...and I'm anxious to hear about your 7.62x39. I'd like to find a factory Ak with good threads to run a YHM Phantom SS 762 but an AR built in that round is in the works.
 
Re: Degrading a "precision rifle" can

I've got a well-tuned Yugo M-92 8" SBR ("Krink") that's 1 of 4 we built up a few years ago. My YHM 7.62 Phantom attaches well and balances good too.

While I had them torn down, I pulled the gas blocks and had the barrels threaded to 1/2-28. Then, I cut down the sight/gas block and attached custom YHM QD's that were .308 bodies with 1/2-28 threads. YHM was very helpful with our needs. They fit and run well. The only thing I don't like is that the seal on the action is so loose with an AK platform that the backpressue is bad and the gasses escape everywhere...especially into the shooter's face. Don't breath while you're shooting, and you'd better have eye-pro. Nice and quiet and I'd use it if I needed to, but not fun.

With regards to the initial posted question:
Fowling shouldn't be an issue for you with the rounds you're planning to shoot. If you get to the point where it's too dirty, mix up a blend of 2 parts Mineral Spirits and 1 part Synthetic ATF. Soak the can in this for a day or two and then stand on end to drain. Blow out the excess with high pressure shop air from both directions and it'll run like new.

This is my first post here, I've been learning from you guys for the past few months, thanks for the well vetted info.

Les