Noise Levels of 12 gr. Blanks

[.455_Hunter]

What is the noise level of Winchester's Field Trial Popper Load versus a normal buckshot or heavy field load? We have some testing coming up where we need to duplicate the blast of a combat shotgun without any "real" projectiles being discharged. I understand the dangers of "blanks"- wads can be deadly!
Thanks.

 

[Pete409]

I've never used any factory made blanks in a shotgun, but I've shot numerous shotgun hulls which had only a primer in them with NO powder, wad, or shot.

With the primer only, you get a loud POP noise, but it's nowhere near as loud as a regular shotgun shell. To get more noise, you would have to load some powder in the shell along with a wad of some kind to keep the powder against the primer.

You might even have to load some very fine particles of some kind (sugar, flour, sand, whatever) into the wad's shot cup in order to build enough pressure to get good ignition of all the powder.

Yes, wads can be dangerous at close range...... particularly to the eyes. Never point the gun at anyone even if you're just shooting "blanks".

 

[A man with a gun!]

Many years ago my grandfather used to load 12ga blanks that were fired in the local parade.

An avid reloader, I recall him loading shotshells with powder and then rather than putting in shot he used his reloading press to pack in toilet paper.

They were indeed quite loud. As loud or louder than a regular shotshell. I've no idea what powder he was using or how much powder was in each shell.

 

[ArmedBear]

Winchester poppers are loud. We use them for hunt tests (versatile hunting dogs) alongside real shotgun shells, and I can't generally tell if there was a 12 Gauge shot fired, or a popper.

Some others are DEAFENING. Someone bought other poppers for an event (Fiocchis I think) and everyone was cussing. Don't use those without hearing protection.

These guys sell "half load" poppers if you want those: http://www.iar-arms.com/cart/category.php?c=2+12+

They also have confetti loads, which could have their uses, I guess.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I just pick-up a box of the Winchester Poppers at our second Sportsman's Warehouse that is going out of business here in Denver metro.

On the box they say "Uniform reports from shot to shot exceed the sound level of standard hunting loads".

We'll see how they do!

Thanks.

 

[ArmedBear]

Let's just say that, if they don't make a dog flinch, the dog gets a perfect score in the "gun shyness" section of the test.