Looking for good decibel numbers on .22 MRF

[Comrad]

I just inherited a High Standard convertible revolver and was so looking forward to using some .22 subsonic or .22 shorts to save what's left of my hearing, I also have tinnitus.

Imagine how disappointed I was to find out it's only got the .22MRF cylinder and what I read, that's a nasty loud round. The hunt is on for a .22LR cylinder or maybe some subsonic .22MRF ammo.

Neither seems easy since I live in NJ and nobody stocks subsonic .22 MRF.

So how loud is the magnum .22? I can't find anything more than stories about how loud it is.

I would like to hear opinions/options for an old half deaf guy who would like to do a little plinking with a quite .22

The most extreme option is to sell the magnum and buy a revolver that will chamber a .22 but again NJ makes it quite an ordeal.

Is the magnum really as loud as they say? In comparison to a .22?

What do you think?

[Warren Sear]

22 Magnum is very loud in a revolver, but so is 22 short. I use ear plugs AND ear muff whenever I shoot, no matter the caliber.

[Alk8944]

Don't worry about numbers, it is LOUD!!!!! But some good hearing protection and always use it when shooting anything. You already have hearing loss and tinnitus, neither is going to get better, but shoting without proper protection it sure will get worse!

[ExRanger714]

Wear your hear pro and save whatcha got!

This link, and observing my my Dad's decline and passing, got my attention.

Hearing Loss Linked to Memory Loss, Dementia

Paragraph six is an eye-opener.

And muffs are warm during them Yankee winters.

[Class III]

I know Winchester is manufacturing 22 WMR Subsonic ammo as I shot some out of a buddies suppressed Kel Tec PMR30 a few weeks ago. The only thing you heard was the bolt moving and a very minor pop.


I just checked their web site and the only problem for you is they only load it with a 45 grain HOLLOW POINT bullet. I don't know if you could find someone willing to ship the EVIL hollow point bullet ammunition to NJ.


Class III

[OKFC05]

dbEnvironmental noise0Threshold of hearing10Normal breathing20Rusting leaves30Whisper at 30 feet40Quiet street50Interior home noise60Conversation70Crowded restaurant75Kitchen appliances80City traffic85Hearing damage possible90Lawn mower100Chain shaw120Threshold of pain120Siren134.22 LR rifle140Jet engine at take-off150.410 shotgun152.22 LR pistol15320 gauge shotgun155.223 rifle155.25 pistol15612 gauge shotgun156.30-.30 rifle156.308 rifle156.44 Special revolver
157.22 Magnum pistol
157.45 ACP pistol158.380 ACP pistol158.38 Special revolver159.30-061609mm Para pistol163.41 Magnum revolver164.357 Magnum revolver164.44 Magnum revolver

[sonora]

Start looking for a nice 22LR. And use good hearing protection. I like to shoot a 22LR revolver with properly inserted foam earplugs, no muffs. Does this provide enough hearing protectuon? I want to protect my hearing, but have the benefit of a mild report.

[DWalt]

Measuring peak sound levels of gunfire is a little trickier than it might seem. I have done some of it back in the days I was doing small arms range design for the USAF. In any event the exact dB level is somewhat immaterial if a shooter wears good hearing protection.

[Comrad]

I am very diligent about protecting what's left of my hearing and do plug and muff but I know there's a limit to what the noise reduction is.

It's one thing using plugs and muffs with a 130db taking it down to about a 100db. My concern is if the magnum is really up above 150db I'm likely still getting 120bd and that's what's scaring me.

I love the gun but I like my hearing better, it's either subsonic or it's for sale.

Thanks to all.

[murphydog]

You can also try finding .22 Winchester Rim Fire (WRF) ammo, a shorter and lower velocity version of the .22 Magnum. And always use double ear protection, outdoors only .

[italiansport]

I have an AMT in 22 magnum which is extremely loud. However; it pales in comparison to the AMT Automag III I have in 30 cal Carbine! This is far and away the loudest pistol I've ever owned!
Jim

[sigp220.45]

The first .22 Magnum I ever fired was a Hi-Standard Derringer at the indoor range at the FBI Academy in Quantico. I was doing the Undercover Case Agent course, and we were shooting the guns issued for undercover operations. The Hi-Standard was popular because it looked nothing like a cop gun and the report was so loud it was sure to bring backup coming on the run.

I’ve owned a few .22 Mags since then, but I don’t really shoot them much.

[Rpg]

The 22 magnum is a miserably loud round.

I won’t voluntarily shoot it in a handgun: been there, done that.

If you value what hearing you have left, sell or trade it and get a regular 22.