How Good Is BOSS?

roysclockgun · Dec 23, 2010

I am waithing to receive a Browning Stainless Stalker in 280Rem that has CR BOSS mounted and comes with regular BOSS still in wrap, with the wrench. I like the idea of a BOSS without the additional muzzle flash, so the idea of the CR BOSS seems to be good for my purposes. The rifle is over ten years old, but has not been the seller's hunting rifle, but only one that has been in his battery and he claims only about 50 rounds have been fired through it. With factory ammo, he claims groups "right at" one inch at 100 yards. If that is true, hand loading should produce even better groups.
How good is the Browning BOSS? How does one go about finding the "sweet spot" using BOSS?
Steven

DrMike · Dec 23, 2010

They work quite well. It never really took the shooting fraternity by storm, eventually being dropped by USRAC, I believe, though still offered by Browning. I haven't seen a BOSS or a BOSS CR on a rifle for quite some time. I wouldn't turn down a rifle with the BOSS if I wanted the cartridge, but I don't know that I would specifically go after it. Having said that, it is possible to make some very fine adjustments to barrel harmonics with the system to ensure a well-turned rifle.

JD338 · Dec 23, 2010

I have never owned a BOSS but I have shot a few rifles with the BOSS. It does reduce recoil but they are very loud. I have also been told by a couple friends that they have a tendency to move on you. With this in mind, keep accurate notes on exactly where you have the BOSS set.

JD338

FOTIS · Dec 23, 2010

Two of my best buds in the USAF had one in 300 Win. It had the regular BOSS not the "quite one" With the 180 grains and RL22 it was a tack driver but only for 20 rounds due to a fouled bore.

DrMike · Dec 23, 2010

only for 20 rounds due to a fouled bore.

This appears to be a common feature of the BOSS.

keep accurate notes on exactly where you have the BOSS set.

+1

SJB358 · Dec 23, 2010

I have a 338WM M70 with the BOSS and it is VERY accurate with about everything. You can down load the beginning sweet spots from Browning to get the initial starting spots. I rarely have to adjust mine, but it does work very well. I bought mine in 1995-1996 and it is still a great shooter. The muzzle brake feature is nice on the 338WM.

I am not sure I would buy another, since I am a handloader and can do everything I want with certain loads, but for a guy who shoots factory loads, they are pretty awesome in that you can tune any load to shoot well. My first two boxes of shells were Winchester FS 230gr and Federal 225gr TBBC. Both of those were tuned in a few clicks to produce sub inch groups. I have thought about rebarreling it, but it is still so accurate, I don't wanna mess with it. Scotty

JDMAG · Dec 23, 2010

I too had a 338 WM in M70 with the BOSS and it was as well very accurate. Like Dr.Mike said I wouldn't go lookin for one, but I wouldn't turn one down because of the BOSS either. as with all muzzle breaks they are loud, but they do reduce the recoil also.