Might I ask what for?
There is a substantial amount of data out there for gun shot dB levels.
The data are out there. But the specifics re the circumstances of gathering the data are absent.
For example, one popularly circulated chart has the 357 Magnum producing 164.3 dB. But the chart doesn't say which particular load they used, how long the barrel was, or where the meter is in relation to the shooter's ears.
Is the gun a revolver? In which case we're talking about noise at the cylinder/barrel gap. Or is it a semi automatic?
However, in reading the information in Mal's link, I'm getting the impression none of the above really makes a difference when we're talking about the effect of noise levels on the shooter's eardrum.
For example, I handload my 357 magnum loads to midrange levels. My sleeve length is 37 inches. The noise level from my reloads are likely to be less than something I buy commercially. And with my arm length putting the origin of the noise further away from my ears than someone shorter, one might think the noise level would be less.
But Mal's link apparantly dispels my assumptions.
Prior to reading the above referenced link, I wanted a dB meter that could give an accurate reading of the actual noise that's hitting my eardrums.
But after reading the referenced data in this thread, I suppose you're correct. The established data are accurate enough for my purposes.
That being the case, I'm assuming the following. My 357 magnum loads (which are handloads) are loaded to the velocities approximately equal to 38 special velocities. 38 Special produces 156.3 dB. My earplugs are rated to reduce noise levels by 31dB.
However, on another thread, HSO pointed out that these levels are logarithmic. Just because a plug is rated at 31dB doesn't mean it's reducing the noise by 31dB. It's actually reducing it by 26dB.
So if I'm wearing these plugs and shooting 357 magnum loads, handloads at 38 special velocities, then 156.3dB - 26dB = 130.3 dB. According to the above referenced, already established data, this is a safe sound level for instantaneous, not continuous, noise levels.
Now, under ideal circumstances, I'll normally wear both plugs and muffs. Let's say the muffs are rated to reduce noise by 30dB. Let's say HSO is correct, viz. that the actual reduction is only 25dB. So if I wear both muffs and plugs, I take the 25dB of the muffs, and add 5dB reduction of the plugs. That gives me a total reduction of 30dB. Using my 156.3dB noise level assumption, less 30 dB, gives 126.3dB which, for an instantaneous (vs continuous) noise level, should not damage my hearing.
But that's under ideal circumstances.
Sometimes I like to shoot in extremely cold weather. My head covering isn't always conducive to wearing muffs. So now I'm talking about wearing plugs, alone.
I shoot 9mm (mostly reloads, some factory), 45 ACP (mostly reloads, some factory), 357 mag (all reloads to 38 special velocities), 44 mag (all reloads to 44 special velocities), etc.
My rifle calibers are just as varied.
Hence, the reason I started the thread. I just wanted to know the noise level at my ears with my particular firearms.
