Suppressors

[cbat]

So how much do these cans actually quiet down a long gun ?

 

[deerslayer9000]

Look at the various manufacturer websites. They will usually list a decibel level that you can use to compare against youtube videos showing testing. From my understanding, it is difficult to create a very repeatable testing setup so it is best to find a video where they test various cans back to back.

For the most part suppressors of similar qualities will suppress sound a similar amount. What it comes down to is features, cost and the company you are purchasing from.

I have no first hand experience with them, but I see overwhelming support for TBAC suppressors for bolt gun use. I would peruse their website a bit and see if they provide information you are looking for.

Are you wanting info related to being hearing safe or mitigating noise pollution while hunting, etc?

 

[gbflyer]

Been my experience that a suppressed center fire with standard (not subsonic) velocity ammo sounds about like a .22 magnum rifle. I’m sure there are decibel readings that might prove otherwise, just my general observation. I still wear ear protection when on the range with one.

 

[BjornF16]

Most will reduce enough to make them hearing safe...which is really the whole point.

I approach it as a safety issue:
1. Hearing safety for myself (and those around me)
2. Not having to wear earplugs means less miscommunication issues when hunting with others (and less missed noises from potential predators)

 

[DangerRanger]

The right can can really knock it down.

I was doing some target practice about 25 yards from my house and the people inside didn’t know. 6.5 prc

 

[Gunnersdad49]

Shooting local long range matches, most of the top finishers are using the Thunder Beast Ultra 9s on 6mm and 6.5mm rifles of various types. When I brought my rifle up to the line, one moaned "muzzle brake, ear pro!" like I was some sort of heathen.
Outdoors, most quality cans will make the rifles hearing safe or close to it. I can tell you that it makes a huge difference.

 

[Axlrod]

Most cans will get centerfire cartridges down to 130-140 Db. which is a great reduction in noise. But anything over 120 Db can cause immediate irreversible hearing damage. So no can is "hearing safe", just quieter than without.
The decibel scale is logarithmic, which means that loudness is not directly proportional to sound intensity. Instead, the intensity of a sound grows very fast. This means that a sound at 20 dB is 10 times more intense than a sound at 10 dB. Also, the intensity of a sound at 100 dB is one billion times more powerful compared to a sound at 10 dB.

 

[BjornF16]

I don't quite agree with your 120 dB comment...

Safe Noise Dose Chart: Noise Exposure Limits for Hearing Safety

The risk of noise to your hearing depends on how loud it is and how long you're exposed to it. See this noise dose chart for acceptable safety limits.

www.noisehelp.com

Edit: Add

How Well Do Suppressors Work? Or is Hearing Protection Still Needed?

A gunshot is still going to sound like a gunshot; it just might be somewhat quieter. That said, how well do suppressors work?

www.ammoland.com

 

[Lawnboi]

My take on the one suppressor I own.

Hearing safe? Maybe but I still run plugs at the range.
I’ll deal with the risk for a shot or 2 on game.
On the other side I also have rifles with brakes that I absolutely will not shoot, even at an animal once, without ear pro. Range time with brakes requires plugs and muffs.

Having just got my first suppressor, I will say it’s definitely not as impressive as you might be led to believe. That said I doubt I’ll ever shoot my hunting guns without a can again. I just wish I had a suppressor that could handle sustained fire so I could also run it on my match rifle.

 

[BjornF16]

Yep...I will wear ear pro on the range with suppressors (I already have enough hearing loss through Air Force).

When hunting, I ditch the ear pro.

Hearing safety isn't just about dB...it also has a time frame attached to it. Generally speaking, 140 dB is the point where immediate damage occurs (everyone is different).

Speaking of continuous fire:

I hunt with the Omega 30: