Caliber Decibels

[5.56]

What's the audible decibel(dB) for the most popular handgun/rifle/shotgun calibers? I think you would be surprised. Based on some of my "google research" I was very surprised. I'm curious if there's anyone out there with a decibel meter who has done some controlled testing of the post popular calibers in a handgun/rifle/shotgun platform when applicable.

For example, a 9mm pistol will emit 160 dB but a .308 rifle will emit 156 dB. Who here thinks their .308 has less noise than a 9mm? Well according to the facts it does and I find this ludicrous! That's why it makes me curious.

[Divernhunter]

It all depends on many variables.
Barrel length, load of the cartridge(mild or hot), bullet/shot weight, type of porting or different brands of brakes, type of action, where measurements are taken, does the firearm have a suppressor and many more factors will change the readings.

[Cody]

Cut that .308 barrel down to 6 inches like the 9mm and it will be a lot louder.

[Jimmybacon43]

Cut that .308 barrel down to 6 inches like the 9mm and it will be a lot louder.

True. Even a .22lr sounds loud coming out of a derringer.

[Cody]

My 24" bull barrel AR15 (above) in 5.56 is pretty quiet compared to the same round in a 16" barrel with a comp.

[Librarian]

The FAQ on electronic hearing protection has a chart and a link at http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...2&postcount=41

[Devilmonkey89]

My 10.5" 5.56 pistol with a flash can shooting m193 is louder than my 7.62x39 AR with a comp shooting tula and GT if it makes any difference.
Short barrel=loud pew.

[ar15robert]

Depends on caliber,barrel length,or muzzle brake.

I have a 300 mag and its just loud 26 inch barrel.But my ruger 10/22 is pretty quiet i usually shoot it without ear muffs(yeh i know should use for all shooting) but its the only gun i do that with.My ar is a 20inch barrel with a brake on it its definitely louder than my mini 14.

Now for handguns no way i will shoot a 22 without ears where i would with a rifle.The thing i do notice is the tone of each caliber the larger ones with more powder have a deeper tone vs the smaller are higher pitched quick pop.

[Darto]

http://www.m1911.org/loudness.htm

Chart seems to show pistols louder than rifles in general.

[GM4spd]

The 22 Remington Jet from 1961 has to be one of the loudest handgun
cartridges you will hear. It's basically a 357 case necked down to 22 and
it's in a class by itself. Pete

[Jimi Jah]

Linear comps help for my rifles. Less blast and noise for me, plenty is sent downrange.

My Levang works so well on a 16" carbine I can shoot .22LR and it's very quiet to the shooter, no EP needed. Can't do that with the other types and ammo or compensators.