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Good afternoon everyone and thanks for coming back to TFB’s Silencer Saturday, where we consider hearing protection to be one of the core rules of firearm safety. Last week we discussed the performance of the Allen Engineering AEM5 suppressors on both .223 Remington and .224 Valkyrie hosts. Next month we are going to test some additional AE models on different barrel lengths and profiles. This week we are going to use the Sig Sauer MCX Rattler paired with the the SRD762TI-QD silencer to test MILSTD muzzle and at-the-ear decibel readings of different subsonic 300BLK ammunition. A small 300BLK subsonic shootout if you will.
SILENCER SATURDAY #37: Subsonic 300BLK Shootout
Centerfire shooters looking for ultimate quiet will often reach for 300 Blackout subsonic ammunition. But if you are spending close to $1 per round for quality factory ammo, I thought it might be a good idea to take a look at some actual decibel meter comparisons between between top brands. Coming up in future Silencer Saturday episodes, I hope to to bring you further comparisons between more budget-friendly options for suppressed shooting.
Let’s take a look at four popular brands/loads of ammunition.
Reminder: Observations posted here are specific to the time, location and hosts available. A tester at a different location or with different host weapons could record different observations for the same silencers. In addition, decibel readings are a small part of the decision process when shopping for a new silencer (or ammunition). Know your requirements and do your own research.
Equipment/Environmental:
- 75 Degrees/95% Humidity
- B&K 2209 Decibel Meter – A-Weighted
- Sig Sauer MCX Rattler – https://www.sigsauer.com/store/sig-mcx-rattler-psb.html
- Sig Sauer SRD762Ti-QD – https://www.silencershop.com/sig-sauer-srd762ti-qd.html (Silencer Shop)
Hornady Sub-X 190gr
https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/rifle/300-blackout-190-gr-sub-x-subsonic#!/
MILSTD Muzzle
- 129.7
- 122.2
- 122.1
- 122.9
- 121.4
- 122.6
- 121.8
- 120.2
- 122.8
- 120.1
At-Ear
- 122.4
- 121.5
- 122.1
- 124
- 123.3
- 118.8
- 124.9
- 120.1
- 123.3
- 122
Hornady BLACK 208 A-Max
https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/rifle/300-blackout-208-gr-a-max-black#!/
MILSTD Muzzle
- 125.3
- 122.1
- 124.9
- 127.1
- 120.8
- 122.4
- 122.4
- 121.3
- 122
- 123.6
At-Ear
- 126.8
- 123.8 Turned Up Gas Block
- 124.8
- 125.6
- 125
- 125.3
- 126.3
- 122.5
- 128.1
- 125.8 BHO
Sig Sauer 220gr elite performance Match
https://www.sigsauer.com/store/300blk-220gr-elite-match-grade-otm.html
MILSTD Muzzle
- 130+
- 123 Turned Down Gas Block
- 126.5
- 126.7
- 125.9
- 123.5
- 125
- 125.1
- 123.5
- 126
At Ear
- 130+
- 129.8
- 127.1
- 126.1
- 128.4
- 129.5
- 128.1
- 127.2
- 130+
- 129.4 BHO
Discreet Ballistics 190gr Target
http://discreetballistics.com/shop/300-blackout-target-50/
MILSTD Muzzle
- 130+
- 123.8
- 123.9
- 126.9
- 124.5
- 128.1
- 123.1
- 126.9
- 123.9
- 122.9
At-Ear
- 126.6
- 121.9
- 124.1
- 127.5
- 128.5
- 124.3
- 126.4
- 122.1
- 128.5
- 127.1 BHO
While the Hornady 190gr Sub-X Ammo May be slightly quieter than they rest of the ammo tested on this day, in reality they all performed similarly in terms of decibel readings. The 208gr Hornady A-Max did require the gas block to be adjusted to the (+) setting and the Sig 220gr Elite Performance Ammo seemed to prefer less gas. The Discreet Ballistics ammunition seemed to have the least amount of gas and particulate blowback out of any of today’s rounds.
As you all are already aware, decibel readings for subsonic ammunition is only a small factor when selecting rounds for your intended mission. Accuracy, reliability, repeatability, bullet expansion and other characteristics are much more important than +/- a few decibels. But I was interested in any drastic differences between ammo types when everything else remained constant.
Thanks for reading. See you next week.
TFB’s Silencer Saturday is brought to you by Sig Sauer
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the ASA held its inaugural Industry Forum in Washington, D.C. The event, which was sponsored by Silencer Shop, was widely attended by industry leaders representing Aero Precision, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), Dakota Silencer, Daniel Defense, Lipsey’s, the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW), the NRA, Orchid Advisors, Perry’s Gun Shop, Sig Sauer, Silencer Shop, Surefire, Texas Silencer Company, Triangle Shooting Academy, Vista Outdoor, and Yankee Hill Machine. Continue Reading at the American Suppressor Association.
CZ Scorpion with Innovative Arms Suppressor
Published on Sep 10, 2018 – X-RING
CZ Scorpion EVO 3 with Innovative Arms IA-SC9 Integral suppressor review
How to Complete ATF Form 5320.4 – ATFHQ
Published on Aug 22, 2018
Instructions on how to complete the ATF form 5320.4.
Guns of SOCOM: The Mk12 Special Purpose Rifle
Published on Sep 13, 2018 – TFBTV
Guns of SOCOM, Ep. 2: In this episode, James introduces viewers to the Mk12 Special Purpose Rifle and AEM5 Silencer. The Mk12’s primary purpose was to provide a light, precise rifle that could be used in close-to-medium-long range combat. In other words, it needed to be more effective and more accurate than the M4 while being almost as maneuverable, but with an optic that could be dialed down to engage at closer ranges, or zoomed in to reach out to longer distances. Although the Mk12 was originally designed by the Navy at NSW Crane, it made its way into the hands of all special operations units and became a favorite of U.S. Marines in Middle East combat zones.
James’ friend Chris was kind enough to volunteer his beautiful Colt/KAC combo Mk12 for use in this video, which was shot at the NOLATAC Training Center in Avondale, Louisiana. Ron Allen of Allen Engineering graciously sent an AEM5, the suppressor this gun is issued with, for use in this video.
special Thanks:
