Sound level of 9mm 147g subsonic versus 125g +P

[Balrog]

I am curious as to the difference in sound of these two rounds to the protected ear, fired from a non-silenced weapon. Is there a perceptible difference?

I am thinking specifically of a self defense situation where no hearing protection would be available, and the encounter could occur indoors.

Please be aware that I always use hearing protection when shooting at the range, so I don't need the obligatory lecture on that that some feel they must provide when noise level questions are raised.

 

[Ironman]

They read the about the same. Loud!

I think I have metered footage of unsuppressed 147grn subsonic ammo...standby and I'll post a video link below.

 

[Ironman]

Found it!

Watch this http://youtu.be/3vOfBSOcub4

 

[GJSchulze]

I shoot 9mm 147gr all the time. One hot day I was the only one on the outdoor range. I took off my earmuffs to go change targets. Being absent minded I fired the next shot sans earmuffs. The firing range is covered, but open in back. I don't know if the faster bullet is louder, but I do know that the heavier bullet gunshot is too loud for comfort. Indoors is likely to make it worse.

But if you have to shoot, you have to shoot. It won't hurt you half as much as being killed by a home invader. A shotgun might very well ruin your hearing.

I bought a cheap set of electronic earmuffs for the bedside. I got electronic because they will amplify sound and help you hear the bad guy sooner.

 

[F-111 John]

The loudest handgun I own is my S&W J-Frame snubbie. Even with .38 target loads, it's much louder than my Glock 26 or my 4" barreled K-frame. I shoot .38+P through the snubbie, and everyone in the indoor range looks at me to see what monster I'm shooting.

 

[AK103K]

Subsonic simply helps reduce/eliminate the sonic crack of the round going down range, when a suppressor is used.

Without the suppressor, you still get the muzzle blast, with either.