Centrefire Moderator Test and Review

[DRN]

Brilliant work Ed, Thanks very much indeed.
Cheers
Nick

 

[Tom D]

That is excellent work for sure. Do you think that the Freyr 192 would have achieved comparable performance with the other Freyr models had it been on a the .308?
Second question is how does the Hertz differ from the Maxim? Is it quieter on paper? I know you didn’t test the maxim, it’s just what I have at the moment.

 

[slider]

I replaced my .30 cal SL5 on my .270 with a Freyr 192.

Don't notice any difference in noise (hardly as scientific as Ed) but the balance is soooo much better.

 

[Tom D]

Given that the caliber of the mod in relation to the rifle seems to have such a big effect on noise reduction its really disappointing to see that the likes of Freyr don’t make caliber specific models. I really like the sound of the Freyr 192 but putting a 30 cal mod on a 7mm won’t get the best out of it so it’s probably not worth the bother. Us 7mm and 270 shooters are being let down by the manufacturers if Ed’s research is to be believed.

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

Freyr come in 6.5, 7.5, 8.36, 8.6, 10mm
most mods come in .22, 6.5. 30cal as a minimum


plenty of range in bores in various makes and models there to cover all bases across the actual calibre options

 

[Cawdor118]

So in conclusion, which one would you buy, with respect to price, efficiency, weight and aesthetics? Cheers

 

[NigelM]

I did a little points tot up based on my own criteria based on Ed's data and the answer came out as the DPT OB. Would have been great if Ed had managed to test the Hardy as well as that's what I use. Be good to known how it tested against the others.

 

[Miki]

Given that the caliber of the mod in relation to the rifle seems to have such a big effect on noise reduction its really disappointing to see that the likes of Freyr don’t make caliber specific models. I really like the sound of the Freyr 192 but putting a 30 cal mod on a 7mm won’t get the best out of it so it’s probably not worth the bother. Us 7mm and 270 shooters are being let down by the manufacturers if Ed’s research is to be believed.

The 'caliber specific' status you put on a moderator is related to what exactly ? - the fact that it's got .270cal stamped on the case/end cap ? or that the bullet will pass freely through the expansion chambers and baffles providing the maximum efficiency in sound and recoil reduction ??

If it is the later, I suggest you go for a 6.5cal which typically has a 7.7 to 7.9mm bore (you should always ask that question anyway) and then it's a question of weight, cost and looks.
You could go for a 6mm DPT magnum which has a 7.5mm bore .... if I had a .270/7mm this would be my choice.

 

[J DAVISON]

Very interesting, just when I’m in the market for a new moderator for my 22/250. I can now narrow it down quite a bit.Thanks Ed.
Atb jay

 

[LostJock]

A fantastic report, exactly what I was looking for as I’m in the market for a new moderator.

A question though; the A-tec Hertz 119 doesn’t get much of a mention despite performing well wrt sound. Was it discounted because of the cap coming loose, and is that common for A-tec mods?


LJ

 

[Tom D]

Freyr come in 6.5, 7.5, 8.36, 8.6, 10mm
most mods come in .22, 6.5. 30cal as a minimum


plenty of range in bores in various makes and models there to cover all bases across the actual calibre options

Ahh, I looked on their site and only saw .22,6.5 and 30.. are those the actual dimensions? 7.5 would be ideal if so.

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

A fantastic report, exactly what I was looking for as I’m in the market for a new moderator.

A question though; the A-tec Hertz 119 doesn’t get much of a mention despite performing well wrt sound. Was it discounted because of the cap coming loose, and is that common for A-tec mods?


LJ

No not discounted at all
It is a very efficient and lightweight moderator
it only missed out from the top 5 by a marginal amount

Its well priced and a good size.
the cap moving was marginal and is a slight concern but I have never heard of one ever breaching or coming off
mods do have an immense amount of pressure through them

The Hausken is a very similar design and the end cap is obviously sealed with some epoxy or adhesive of some description
As when we upped the pressure and heat cycles it started to ooze glue from the front seal.
I expect that to be an anomaly though

 

[Ludders]

That was a very interesting and informative road. Top work. Thank you for the effort you went too

 

[OISÍN]

It would have been interesting to see how Lawrence Precision compared to the others in the market, good report Ed.

 

[1894]

Think thats just grease. Theyre not glued and the instructions state grease should be used on the threads

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

Think thats just grease. Theyre not glued and the instructions state grease should be used on the threads

No
it melted under heat
when it cooled it was hard again
very sticky when melted or hardened
only present coming out of end cap seal

no grease there and even if there was it shouldn't come out under pressure

 

[WillC]

Outstanding, makes very interesting reading, thanks for taking the time.

 

[Bryan7]

Really impressive work. Thanks

 

[Whitester]

Thanks for that ,not seen anything like this before. I was a bit gutted about the performance of the wildcats with the only advantage being the short length they add and the fact that you can strip them. I have a p8 by the way and purchased it because I was under the impression that the heavier the mod is ,the better the performance but this disproves this completely.

dont suppose you have any plans to run mod test for th hmr?

 

[Basil H]

As regards fitting to the less common (!) rounds, if you buy a Hardy from Riflecraft it will be machined to fit your calibre so if it says .270 that's what it's for and it will not have clearance for a .308 bullet unless you say otherwise.

This was an excellent and useful piece of work - thanks Ed.