9mm decibels

[HIPOWER]

Hi folks. I'm wondering, what would be the least loud 9mm round? Seems like that's something to consider in a HD situation (i.e. shooting in confined area). I know some people will say "don't worry about it, your life is more important than your ears." Well, okay, but I'd still like to see if anyone has info to answer this question.

I guess standard pressure to start with. My question is - is subsonic quieter? There is no supersonic crack, but the larger bullet (147 gr.) makes for greater pressure in the case, and therefore perhaps makes a bigger boom anyway. 115 gr. is supersonic, but may have less case pressure due to smaller bullet size. Which is correct? Anyone do research on this?

Just curious about all this.....thanks for any replies.

[Plan-B]

I keep the 2 main mags for my P99 loaded with Winchester 147 grain subsonic JHPs. When shooting at the range under muffs, I can tell that the subsonic stuff is lacking that crack that the 115 FMJs have. As far as the amount of difference in closed quarters I really have no idea and hope never to. There are those that will knock my choice of HD ammo I'm less interested in controlled expansion tests as I am about putting a hole in a bad guy.

I keep a 3rd backup mag loaded with Remington Golden Saber 124gr +P if there is ever a need to "take it outside."

[bountyhunter]

I've seen posted levels for dBA at the muzzle with various calibers. They generally run from about 145 dBA to about 165dBA for magnums. In a home defense scenario, the acoustic environment will influence it heavily since much of the sound will be reflected. Bottom line, I have never heard of a "hearing safe" 9mm round.

[Blackhawk]

Depends on your barrel length. A P-11 firing the same ammo as a P-89 sounds WAY louder because the powder is still burning when the bullet leaves the P-11 so you get a lot of flash and resultant sound energy.

Muffed and plugged, I can't really tell the difference between the loudness of a M1991A1 and a P-11 but the Colt seems tamer.

A big, heavy 9mm is going to BE quieter, but it will be so far above the auditory damage and pain level, especially indoors, that it will be like using 2 sticks of dynamite versus 3.

Why don't you incorporate hearing protection into your plans? Electronic muffs can be donned quickly, and they still give you the ability to hear what's going on in tactical situations.

As for me, I'm not going to worry about it. The chances of needing to blow away somebody are very skinny statistically, and if they come about, my P-11's probably going to get the job. It's the fastest, easiest, and my current favorite "ready" gun. If I have time and the opportunity for donning muffs, great. If not, I've heard very loud noises before, and my tinnitus is due to airplanes, not guns....

[voilsb]

there's also the possibility of buying a registered suppressor, and getting your barrel threaded. that would definately be better on your hearing.

of course, I don't know if your state allows you to own suppressors. if it doesn't, you're either SOL or going to have to partake in some civil disobedience (which could be difficult to get around in a home defense situation).

getting some electronic muffs and keeping them near the HD weapon is probably the best idea if you live alone. if you have a family, though, I'd seriously look into getting a supressor.

[mete]

Any gun, fired indoors without ear protection is VERY LOUD. You might reduce it with longer barrel , faster powder, subsonic but it will still be very loud.

[MLH]

The first thing I want to grab is the gun, not fumble with anything else. Seconds count. Better a little deaf than a little dead.:uhoh:

[Plan-B]

Seconds count. Better a little deaf than a little dead.

That pretty much sums it up nicely...

[HS/LD]

I have shot many, many, many 9mms (sub and super) without ear protection on. Out of pistols and subguns, inside and out.

Although it is not pleasant it is not debilitating.

I am sure that I will suffer in the furture... ...but I had little choice. :(

Shooting in a high stress situation you will in all probability not even notice the BANGS, it the HITS you will notice.

The sound of the fecal matter hitting the fan tends to blot everything else out! :)

If it is a big concern though, consider supressing your HD gun.

Regards,
HS/LD

[cratz2]

Yeah, a 147 should be the most quiet. Comparing the extremes, say a 147 Gr Federal to a 115 Gr +P CorBon, the difference is considerable. While I've never compared those two specifically, I have shot some 147 and 125 Gr Winchester white box under an aluminum awning at an outdoor range and the difference even with ear plugs in was quite noticable.

Just remember that the 147 gr 9mm bullet is capable of considerable penetration. As others had said in so many words, life is more important. I'd take my chances with that 115 Gr +P ammo knowing that it is less likely to penetrate the BG and possibly cause a good guy (or gal or kid) harm.

[New_comer]

The Fiocchi 147gr that I use is rated at 950 fps.

Not as loud as the 115 at 1250 fps, but still hurts like heck. :D

[Brad Johnson]

I have shot many, many, many 9mms (sub and super) without ear protection on. Out of pistols and subguns, inside and out. Although it is not pleasant it is not debilitating.

HS/LD - go have your hearing checked. You may not think that you have a problem, but I can guarantee from personal experience that you do. If you want to save what's left of your hearing, stop trying the macho "don't need earplugs" BS and start using ear protection before you go totally deaf.

Shooting without ear protection is just plain dumb. Period. Whether it's from bad advice or ego, it's still dumb. Once your hearing is damaged, it never comes back.

I used to subscribe to the "don't need it" theory of ear protection. As a result, I have constant ringing (acute tinnitus) and significant hearing loss in both ears. At best, it's annoying. At worst, it's embarrasing and humiliating ("I'm sorry, could you repeat that"). The most aggravating and frustrating part is knowing that I could have prevented it with a 50-cent pair of foam ear plugs.

Sorry for being so blunt, but it was necessary. This was bad advice that had to be countered immediately, lest someone actually try it.

Back to the topic at hand...

Any 9mm ammo is going to be loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage - sonic, subsonic, light, heavy, whatever. Always use hearing protection while practicing, but take care of business if someone is breaking into your home. Don't scurry around pissing away precious seconds trying to find your earplugs when there is an immediate, serious threat to your well-being.

MLS said is best - "It's better to be a little deaf than a little dead."

Brad

[HIPOWER]

Thanks for the responses.

I'll add an amen to what Brad said. The whole reason I am even asking about decibel levels of different rounds is because I really screwed up my hearing, and have tinnitus, from shooting unprotected earlier in life. Even in a HD situation I still want to not wreck my hearing anymore....but I agree that it won't matter if I'm dead!

Protect your ears!

[ojibweindian]

My guess is that HS/LD was being fired upon. He did say that he "...had no choice".