To brake or not to brake... that is the question.

[Bluefish]

• As far as hearing damage, you still need to have earplugs. You will get less damage with suppressed sound, but it will still occur.
  • a standard suppressor like the SilencerCo Harvester EVO put at ear sound at about 136 dB for a 300 Win Mag.
    • db is a logrithmic scale. 130 dB is 10 times the loudness of 120 dB, 100 times louder than 110 dB.
    • at 110 dB hearing loss is possilble with less than 2 minutes exposure
    • at 100 to 1000 times this noise hearing loss can be instantaneous.

while you are correct that you still need hearing protection even with a silencer, but the accepted limit for instant damage seems to be 140db. Below that you can start looking at noise dose, ie time and amplitude of the gunshot. Since gunshot time is between 3.5 and 5 milliseconds it takes a few shots to get your full dose at 136db.
based on what I have researched a single shot at 136db is probably safe. But 10 shots it would be more than a daily dose and ear plugs would be needed.
by the same logic, a single hearing protection like a foam earplug only offers 15-30 db of protection. On a rifle that’s in the 160db range, foam plugs only bring you down to between 140-130, just like a silencer. Still only safe for a couple shots a day. This is why silencers are such a good idea, with both silencers and plugs you are down around 100 db at the ear. At that dose level you can be safe with 100’s of shots.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

The reduced noise causes the animals in a herd to just mill around. They may move off, but don't really know where the sound came from. I've experienced this many times.

I have seen this several times without a suppressor and while using a brake. The brake doesn’t direct more noise in the direction of the animals….

 

[wind gypsy]

while you are correct that you still need hearing protection even with a silencer, but the accepted limit for instant damage seems to be 140db. Below that you can start looking at noise dose, ie time and amplitude of the gunshot. Since gunshot time is between 3.5 and 5 milliseconds it takes a few shots to get your full dose at 136db.
based on what I have researched a single shot at 136db is probably safe. But 10 shots it would be more than a daily dose and ear plugs would be needed.
by the same logic, a single hearing protection like a foam earplug only offers 15-30 db of protection. On a rifle that’s in the 160db range, foam plugs only bring you down to between 140-130, just like a silencer. Still only safe for a couple shots a day.

Exactly. Which is why the “suppressors aren’t hearing safe so might as well use a brake argument” is not a good one.

An effective brake with foam plugs is still no bueno and I’m not likely to be hunting with muffs.

 

[sacklunch]

OP, you'll shoot much better and you'll enjoy the rifle far more with a brake and proper ear pro, I'd almost guarantee it.

 

[f16jack]

while you are correct that you still need hearing protection even with a silencer, but the accepted limit for instant damage seems to be 140db. Below that you can start looking at noise dose, ie time and amplitude of the gunshot. Since gunshot time is between 3.5 and 5 milliseconds it takes a few shots to get your full dose at 136db.
based on what I have researched a single shot at 136db is probably safe. But 10 shots it would be more than a daily dose and ear plugs would be needed.
by the same logic, a single hearing protection like a foam earplug only offers 15-30 db of protection. On a rifle that’s in the 160db range, foam plugs only bring you down to between 140-130, just like a silencer. Still only safe for a couple shots a day. This is why silencers are such a good idea, with both silencers and plugs you are down around 100 db at the ear. At that dose level you can be safe with 100’s of shots.

concur. Here's an article on that: https://www.audiophileon.com/news/best-hearing-protection-for-shooting

 

[Thinkingman]

No brake for me…ever.
My hearing is more important than anything else.

 

[JD Jones]

I’m in the brake camp. Spotting shots is way more important. Reduced recoil is just a perk that comes with it. Suppressors are fun but I don’t use one hunting. I’d rather invest “can” money in some badass earpro which is just what I’m looking to do this year

Looking at these among others:

Multi-Pursuit AlphaShield: Ear Protection

For years, manufacturers have expected hunters to take a “one-device-fits-all” approach to hearing protection and enhancement. As hunters ourselves, we know that doesn’t work. The sounds we need to hear on the range or in a duck blind are completely different from those in the turkey woods or...

tetrahearing.com

 

[f16jack]

concur. Here's an article on that: https://www.audiophileon.com/news/best-hearing-protection-for-shooting

A couple of other good articles.

• Physical characteristics of gunfire impulse noise and its attenuation by hearing protectors:
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7761796/#:~:text=The peak SPLs at the,-caliber weapons (rifles)
  • This article states that the spectral content of the main part of the acoustic energy was less than 150-2,500 Hz (peak 900-1,500 Hz) for small-caliber weapons (rifles).
• Looking at attenuation of the peak frequencies (900-1500 Hz)
  • https://noisyworld.org/noise-reduction-earmuffs/
  • This is for a stanard set of earmuffs with an average rating of 30 dB NRR.
    
  • In the peak gunfire frequencies (500-1500 Hz) the attenuation is about 38 dB.
  • My 7mm Rem Mag has unattenuated noise of about 158 dB.
  • A reduction of 38 takes it down to 120 dB. This is the same as inside an aircraft during takeoff. A level of 120 is dangerous over 30 seconds. https://decibelpro.app/blog/decibel-chart-of-common-sound-sources/
• Best approach is a supressor and hearing protection.
• Muzzlebrakes add to the noise, adding 5 to 10 db to the level. This is up to 100 times louder than the normal gunshot without the muzzle brake. Bad deal.
  • Here's a great article on the additonal noise of a muzzle brake: https://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/08/07/muzzle-brakes-sound-test/
    
  • This 308 began with 150.6 dB. One muzzle brake (the APA Fat B) was about 15 dB higher, or about 162% of the original sound.
  • We want to reduce the sound, not increase it.
  • Suppressors, on the other hand, do what they are supposed to
  • 

 

[jimh406]

Everybody is different, but I can't imagine needing a brake for a 7 Mag. Before I'd buy a brake, I'd make sure I had a very good recoil pad. As others have mentioned, it's going to make that gun a lot louder.

A suppressor probably won't happen for the coming season if you haven't already done the paperwork.

 

[manitou1]

I have two buddies that I occasionally shoot at the range and shoot rocks with.
They both use brakes.
I HATE it. Even though I wear good hearing protection, their rifles are still loud, and it feels like I am getting smacked with a board every time they squeeze one off.

No brake for me, ever. But I shoot nothing bigger than 7 mag... and mostly 7mm-08, .280 and .280ai.

 

[Bluefish]

One day we were shooting my 50 and it was misting a little. We had a covered firing line with corrugated roofing panels. Every shot would make the water jump off the roof by about 4”. A lot of energy in the muzzle blast.
for big bore rifles you really need plugs and muffs. Neither one alone offers enough protection for more than a few shots. Even plugs and muffs top out at around 50db of protection due to bone conduction.
this is why we should all be writing our congressmen and senators to get the nfa repealed for silencers.

 

[atmat]

Brakes are great for reducing recoil. But everything else that comes with them sucks, including the noise and what I call “blowback.”

My hunting buddy happens to be my best friend. He uses a brake and I can’t stand it.

I’ve got a suppressor in jail. Best of both worlds.

 

[wapitibob]

Ti pro 3 on my 7stw. Works great for range and hunting. Recoil is next to nothing. 30+ db plugs when I hunt, both plugs and electric at the range.

 

[dieselchessy]

I’m in the brake camp. Spotting shots is way more important. Reduced recoil is just a perk that comes with it. Suppressors are fun but I don’t use one hunting. I’d rather invest “can” money in some badass earpro which is just what I’m looking to do this year

Looking at these among others:

Multi-Pursuit AlphaShield: Ear Protection

For years, manufacturers have expected hunters to take a “one-device-fits-all” approach to hearing protection and enhancement. As hunters ourselves, we know that doesn’t work. The sounds we need to hear on the range or in a duck blind are completely different from those in the turkey woods or...

tetrahearing.com

We’re you able to find on that website anywhere they list the DB level of hearing protection provided by those earbuds?

Seemed odd to me all the Dr. of audiology this and Dr. that and I could find no industry accredited protection rating for the products anywhere.
Maybe I just gave up too easily.

 

[madgrad02]

So the consensus seems to run a brake... or not
Haha, thanks for the responses.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

while you are correct that you still need hearing protection even with a silencer, but the accepted limit for instant damage seems to be 140db. Below that you can start looking at noise dose, ie time and amplitude of the gunshot. Since gunshot time is between 3.5 and 5 milliseconds it takes a few shots to get your full dose at 136db.
based on what I have researched a single shot at 136db is probably safe. But 10 shots it would be more than a daily dose and ear plugs would be needed.
by the same logic, a single hearing protection like a foam earplug only offers 15-30 db of protection. On a rifle that’s in the 160db range, foam plugs only bring you down to between 140-130, just like a silencer. Still only safe for a couple shots a day. This is why silencers are such a good idea, with both silencers and plugs you are down around 100 db at the ear. At that dose level you can be safe with 100’s of shots.

Instant hearing loss happens between 110 and 120. I don’t know where you got 140, but that is simply not accurate.

 

[KenLee]

I don’t do brakes, it’s easier for me to handle the recoil than the noise. Keep saving your funds and get the suppressor when you’re ready

Amen

 

[Formidilosus]

Instant hearing loss happens between 110 and 120. I don’t know where you got 140, but that is simply not accurate.

Please show where instant hearing loss happens at 110db. That’s about as loud as most people have their TV and radio set at.

And if so, then the only possible way to get hearing safe is suppressed, with plugs and muffs. There would be absolutely no way to get an unsuppressed rifle to hearing safe no matter how much ear pro you wore.

 

[Bluefish]

Instant hearing loss happens between 110 and 120. I don’t know where you got 140, but that is simply not accurate.

NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search - 20031787 - Firearms and hearing protection.

In most cases, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) develops slowly and is not recognized until it has an impact on one's ability to communicate. An exception to the rule occurs when hearing loss results from exposure to impulsive noise, such as from the recreational hunting and shooting that...

www.cdc.gov

Occupational Noise Exposure - Standards | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

www.osha.gov

these are two I could find quickly. For steady state noise (duration of more than 1 min), yes 120db would be damaging. For impulse noise the accepted limit is 140db. Note that some individuals will see damage at slightly less than 140db and I have read tests where individuals had observable damage between 135 and 140. The same test had individuals who could handle slightly more without damage.

if 120db impulse noise causes instant damage every shooter would be doing damage on every shot with a high power rifle If not wearing double protection. Most rifles are 160+ at the ear, thus you would need a minimum of 40 db of protection to get under 120. that requires plugs and muffs as no single protector tests that well. With a brake, you wouldn’t be able to get under 120 even with double protection.

 

[huntsman22]

buck frakes..... and lead sleds.