EDIT:unfortunately I overlooked the fact that the data in the graph is for a SUPPRESSED rifle, so its pretty much irrelevant when it comes to unsuppressed handguns...
Recently I've been researching a quite interesting issue of muzzle report and its loudness after reading over and over again about how loud .357 Magnum is.
Since v. loud noise can permanently damage our hearing, and in most SD scenarios the shooter is not wearing any kind of hearing protection, it seems to be quite serious topic.
Some time ago I came upon an interesting article:
http://www.silencerresearch.com/sound_suppressors_on_high_powered_rifles.htm
The most important part was the diagram of muzzle velocity vs noise.
Source: http://www.silencerresearch.com/
Remember it's only a general idea and the values are not comparable to other numbers available over the net, since the distance from the muzzle, the equipment etc. varies.
Accodring to this, the noise levels increase violently in the transsonic range all the way to slightly supersonic, then they stay more or less constant.
This is v. interesting because apparently the amount of powder itself isn't really important, the only really important factor is the velocity, assuming the barrel length and caliber are constant.
Now, all other data available over the internet clearly shows that as long as the bullet is travelling at 1300fps+, the longer the barrel, the less noise. This greatly depends on the caliber and other factors, but it's the general rule.
I wonder how accurate is this chart. And if it is indeed accurate, then the following questions have to be asked and answered:
1) what about the barrel length VS the muzzle velocity. Would 2,5 inch .44 Magnum snub-nosed revolver really be much more quiet than 6,5 inch revolver if the formerm achieves only 1100 and the latter f.e. 1300 fps with the same load? Or 3 inch barreled 9mm pistol vs 5 inch barreled 9mm pistol. Would the impact of way shorter barrel length outweight the drastic increase in report due to velocity?
2) why are SD ammo makers pretty much oblivious to the presented data? Why isn't anyone doing any kind of thorough research on this topic? Is permanent hearing loss during shooting - affecting a.o. trained professionals like LEOs such a negligible issue?
3) do YOU think that the graph is accurate and believable? Can it be applied to handguns?
Recently I've been researching a quite interesting issue of muzzle report and its loudness after reading over and over again about how loud .357 Magnum is.
Since v. loud noise can permanently damage our hearing, and in most SD scenarios the shooter is not wearing any kind of hearing protection, it seems to be quite serious topic.
Some time ago I came upon an interesting article:
http://www.silencerresearch.com/sound_suppressors_on_high_powered_rifles.htm
The most important part was the diagram of muzzle velocity vs noise.
Source: http://www.silencerresearch.com/
Remember it's only a general idea and the values are not comparable to other numbers available over the net, since the distance from the muzzle, the equipment etc. varies.
Accodring to this, the noise levels increase violently in the transsonic range all the way to slightly supersonic, then they stay more or less constant.
This is v. interesting because apparently the amount of powder itself isn't really important, the only really important factor is the velocity, assuming the barrel length and caliber are constant.
Now, all other data available over the internet clearly shows that as long as the bullet is travelling at 1300fps+, the longer the barrel, the less noise. This greatly depends on the caliber and other factors, but it's the general rule.
I wonder how accurate is this chart. And if it is indeed accurate, then the following questions have to be asked and answered:
1) what about the barrel length VS the muzzle velocity. Would 2,5 inch .44 Magnum snub-nosed revolver really be much more quiet than 6,5 inch revolver if the formerm achieves only 1100 and the latter f.e. 1300 fps with the same load? Or 3 inch barreled 9mm pistol vs 5 inch barreled 9mm pistol. Would the impact of way shorter barrel length outweight the drastic increase in report due to velocity?
2) why are SD ammo makers pretty much oblivious to the presented data? Why isn't anyone doing any kind of thorough research on this topic? Is permanent hearing loss during shooting - affecting a.o. trained professionals like LEOs such a negligible issue?
3) do YOU think that the graph is accurate and believable? Can it be applied to handguns?
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