I'm trying to figure this one out, as I'm a bit hesitant to lose my hearing at such a young age.
At what point, loudness-wise, should hearing protection while hunting be considered?
Do any of you use plugs that you can still hear an approach well with? I have these cheap, orange, valved plugs you can hear a little with, but they still cause a disadvantage in the woods.
I have a few new guns, and they are just monsters on muzzle blast. I'm not too sure how they'll impact the ears without plugs. I have a 444 Marlin pistol with muzzle brake that you can feel on your face when it goes off. I know one shot will have to leave some good ringing.
The others are guns approaching the 5000-8000ft/lbs range. Granted, their blast is further away due to barrel length, so the cubed root factor of blast pressure is probably about the same as a big pistol by your face.
I'm just curious what these do to guys hunting big game without protection, and if hearing damage has been experienced by any from the big bores like 458 Lott on up.
At what point, loudness-wise, should hearing protection while hunting be considered?
Do any of you use plugs that you can still hear an approach well with? I have these cheap, orange, valved plugs you can hear a little with, but they still cause a disadvantage in the woods.
I have a few new guns, and they are just monsters on muzzle blast. I'm not too sure how they'll impact the ears without plugs. I have a 444 Marlin pistol with muzzle brake that you can feel on your face when it goes off. I know one shot will have to leave some good ringing.
The others are guns approaching the 5000-8000ft/lbs range. Granted, their blast is further away due to barrel length, so the cubed root factor of blast pressure is probably about the same as a big pistol by your face.
I'm just curious what these do to guys hunting big game without protection, and if hearing damage has been experienced by any from the big bores like 458 Lott on up.