.308 Moderator Recommendations

[neilh]

Appreciate it’s probably been discussed to death on here but looking for a new mod for my .308 and would appreciate suggestions.

Got an A-tec Hertz 119 and it’s lasted about 4 years/400 shots but starting to show signs of gas cutting to the baffles despite spraying with VP90/GT85 each time and storing off-rifle. I’ve also read on social media that they can catastrophically fail, so that’s got me a bit worried...

Looking for something around same weight and protrusion that for about the same price. Something that you take apart to check for cutting and clogging would be good too.

 

[BLUEROLL]

Wildcat evo.

 

[Terrydeer]

As above excellent quality and so easy to maintain

 

[neilh]

Thanks for recommendations. Quite a bit heavier and protrudes more but do like the price!

 

[Friendly Boar]

wildcat

 

[Steff]

Got an A-tec Hertz 119 and it’s lasted about 4 years/400 shots but starting to show signs of gas cutting to the baffles despite spraying with VP90/GT85 each time and storing off-rifle. I’ve also read on social media that they can catastrophically fail, so that’s got me a bit worried...

Maybe people should stop spraying their mods with oil. Oil will burn when exposed to a hot flame. So I wouldn't be surprised if this actually aided material fatigue.
I can appreciate that one wants to clean a mod once in while. But it should be degreased afterwards.

 

[wytonpjs]

I have both the Wildcat Evo and an F&D FW196. Despite all the recent negative press, my go to remains the F&D - its super lightweight and you just do not know it’s on the end of the barrel. I’ve had a little corrosion inside but it’s negligible and I’m following F&D maintenance regime. If I’m going to do a heavy range day, I put the Evo on which is very easy to strip and clean and is modular construction is a joy but it’s dammed heavy! I’d love the Sauer titanium version of the F&D but they do not do my barrel thread. Thinking about getting a FW149 for my 75 too ........

 

[neilh]

Maybe people should stop spraying their mods with oil. Oil will burn when exposed to a hot flame. So I wouldn't be surprised if this actually aided material fatigue.
I can appreciate that one wants to clean a mod once in while. But it should be degreased afterwards.

I understand the school of thought but I’d rather do something to neutralise all the nasty stuff that builds up in there. My mod has lasted well with this approach and at times it’s had some heavy range use. From what I read many mods will eventually suffer cutting.

 

[neilh]

I have both the Wildcat Evo and an F&D FW196. Despite all the recent negative press, my go to remains the F&D - its super lightweight and you just do not know it’s on the end of the barrel. I’ve had a little corrosion inside but it’s negligible and I’m following F&D maintenance regime. If I’m going to do a heavy range day, I put the Evo on which is very easy to strip and clean and is modular construction is a joy but it’s dammed heavy! I’d love the Sauer titanium version of the F&D but they do not do my barrel thread. Thinking about getting a FW149 for my 75 too ........

Thanks. Like the idea of F+D but bit longer and pricey. Steering towards ASE SL5 for weight, protrusion and price.

 

[Steff]

I understand the school of thought but I’d rather do something to neutralise all the nasty stuff that builds up in there. My mod has lasted well with this approach and at times it’s had some heavy range use. From what I read many mods will eventually suffer cutting.

Like I said, nothing against cleaning the crud out. I just wouldn't leave any oil in the mod after that.
You write that your mod has lasted well. I say 400 rounds is not 'lasting well'. I have a Hausken 184 XTRM which has seen 1,200 shot of .308 and .270 through it and I cannot detect an signs of deterioration. I only run a nylon brush through it after shooting. But more importantly, I cool it with a pocket fan during range shooting. After all its only an alloy can.

 

[neilh]

I always leave the mod somewhere warm to evaporate most of it. I’d guesstimate 400 rounds but it’s maybe 600 or more. I’ve put 30 rounds through it in an hour a few times, so it’s seen some abuse. It’s only just starting to cut but as I said, I don’t want a catastrophic failure. If I get the same life from my next mod I’ll be happy.

 

[WillC]

Wildcat Evo all the way

 

[geoffw]

That's premature wear. My 10y/o A-Tec Maxim has had 4k odd rounds through it & is going strong. Tape the muzzle before use & dry it and spray it after firing.

 

[geoffw]

y, I cool it with a pocket fan during range shooting. After all its only an alloy can.

That is one pampered mod!

 

[Steff]

That is one pampered mod!

It‘s a mod that‘s still alive .

 

[neilh]

So far it’s ASE SL5 or slightly used F+D 196. Both ticking the weight, protrusion and price boxes.

 

[muddy42]

So far it’s ASE SL5 or slightly used F+D 196. Both ticking the weight, protrusion and price boxes.

I have used both. PERSONALLY I would go with SL5 in 308. Very little in it regarding weight and noise reduction but the SL5 just feels more solidly built to last.
I presume you have read this:

Reviews and Tests – Edinburgh Rifles

 

[paulbshooting]

Assume for stalking? Best noise reduction and long life go Wildcat Evo, for lightweight then DPT, with option of stainless baffle if worried about gas cutting.

 

[Koenig]

The SL5 is a solid if heavy moderator. Had mine since 2013 and still going strong.

 

[neilh]

Assume for stalking? Best noise reduction and long life go Wildcat Evo, for lightweight then DPT, with option of stainless baffle if worried about gas cutting.

Yes, stalking. Thanks.