[blarby]

I'm new in this section of the forum, so please bear with me if I step on any weird "toes" of this section while I'm here.

With that said.......

I know that a Ruger target rifle in .308 thats full length isn't the worlds best candidate for a can, but I'd really like to be able to shoot it without ear muffs on, ya know ?

Just a couple of questions :

1. in .308, how much velocity loss can I expect ? I generally shoot in the 2700-2900 FPS second range from this 24" bbl.

2. Given #1, is there a can that can repeatedly take that kind of velocity ? Mind you, I know its not going to be movie-style quiet, or anything near it... I just want to be able to fire without big ol cans ( hard to get my cheekweld right with 'em...I have a funky head), and I hate the plugs due to the condition they leave my ears in afterwords.

3. With #1 and #2 in mind, can anyone make a recommendation ? I am fully aware that the bbl will have to be tapped to accept the suppressor, and all of the legal mumbo jumbo thats required... I don't need help with that part....yet.........


Thanks for your help !

[wally]

Its not generally the velocity that cause problems, its the exit pressure at the muzzle making shorter barrels more problematic than longer ones. Higher velocity does mean more supersonic crack from the bullet, this is surprisingly loud.

Just about everyone that makes rifle suppressors makes them for .308. I'm happy with my Gemtech HVT, you have lots of price/features options to consider here.

[Sam1911]

Our very own Zak Smith (http://www.thehighroad.org/member.php?u=294) can give you all the info you could desire, and tons of advice on the subject (and a can, too!).

http://thunderbeastarms.com/

He's even got a "Silencer Selector" page: http://thunderbeastarms.com/selector

[chaser_2332]

Thunderbeast 30p1

You won't lose any velocity

[Sam1911]

1. in .308, how much velocity loss can I expect ? I generally shoot in the 2700-2900 FPS second range from this 24" bbl.


As chaser said, you aren't going to lose any velocity, and a 'can can create an effect called "suppressor boost" whereby the enclosed can acts somewhat like another 6"-9" of barrel length and pushes your velocity up a bit.

That can be an issue with using subsonic ammo in a handgun -- if it is close to the line, the silencer can push it just fast enough to go transsonic and you get the "crack" anyway!

[Jim Watson]

I'd really like to be able to shoot it without ear muffs on, ya know ?

I am not a silencer person, and have only seen-heard a couple of suppressed .308s being shot. But I would not want to shoot one without ear protection, they were still loud enough to sting naked ears. I don't know the brand, maybe you can get quieter devices now.

[wally]

But I would not want to shoot one without ear protection, they were still loud enough to sting naked ears. I don't know the brand, maybe you can get quieter devices now.

Standing off to the side is worse than shooting the rifle, but I consider shooting suppressed centerfire rifles without earpro to be a marginal proposition only to be done in limited amounts.

[blarby]

Thanks for all the great advice !

[crazy-mp]

There are several things to consider when choosing a suppressor, its not like buying a handgun, if you dont like it you cant just swing by the gun shop next weekend and trade it in for a different one.

Some of the things to consider when selecting a suppressor (in no particular order)
1. Price
2. Decibel reduction
3. Materials (what its made from and internals)
4. Weight
5. Size
6. Thread on or Quick Detach
7. Internal construction (baffles vs. monocore)
8. Any other specifications you want like a high polish stainless suppressor