I Tested Decibel Level of three different rounds from 15-22!

Feedme07 · Jul 17, 2012

I used a DB meter (A-Weighted) to test out the following rounds out of the 15-22:

Aguila super Colibri Sub-Sonic...20Grains 500FPS primer only.

Aguila SSS...60Grains 950FPS

CCI Green Tag...40Grains 1070FPS

The results are quite shocking and impressive in my opinion, and thought I should share with you guys.

In order from loudest to quietest:

Aguila SSS round:
-100DB at the muzzle
-95DB at the ears

CCI Green Tag:
-95DB at the muzzle
-90DB at the ears

Aguila Super Colibri:
-90DB at the muzzle
-85DB at the ears

Edit: *Disclaimer* These tests were done using a digital db meter set to peak, however my db meter is not a class 1 type db meter that costs thousands of dollars. I still recommend hearing protection when shooting any weapon.

Although I must report I use no hearing protection when I shoot the Aguila Super Colibri, it is certainly within safe ranges and comparable to an arigun!

Volc0m23 · Jul 17, 2012

That is interesting. I noticed a HUGE difference in the federal bulk **** that I bought (which sounded quiet and about every 10th round sounded like a dud) and CCI Blazer which sounded at least 5x louder. Ironically the accuracy I encountered was also completely different.

I've never tried any Aguila ammo - I'll have to give it a shot.

*wow just noticed the SSS ammo is 60gr - no wonder it was louder.

Thanks

thacheese · Jul 17, 2012

seems like my ears have been spot on. any chance you are going to test other brands?

ChattanoogaPhil · Jul 17, 2012

If you happen to test CCI Standard Velocity I would be interested to know the results.

DelFuego · Jul 17, 2012

Wow, the db level at the ear doesn't even hit 100 DB. These things barely make any noise.

Krogen · Jul 17, 2012

Be wary of those readings unless you have a meter that can accurately measure impulse noise. Noise meters that are commonly available can't pick up the 1 to 5 ms peaks. Since you refer to "A weighting" I suspect you have a handheld steady-state noise meter, not a peak-reading meter. I believe your numbers are too low.

4cfed · Jul 17, 2012

Do you have a bolt action 22 rifle you do do the same tests.in? Would be interesting to see the level difference . I know the remmy.cbees will kick my bolt.back just slightly lettin a little sound and smoke out

Feedme07 · Jul 17, 2012

Krogen said:
Be wary of those readings unless you have a meter that can accurately measure impulse noise. Noise meters that are commonly available can't pick up the 1 to 5 ms peaks. Since you refer to "A weighting" I suspect you have a handheld steady-state noise meter, not a peak-reading meter. I believe your numbers are too low.

Krogen, I am aware of the necessities of an impulse response type meter to measure gunfire accurately, that being said, my meter is digital which helps a bit because the analog type meters are rarely capable of picking up fast response times. the meter was set to peak on the A weighted setting, however you do bring up a good point. I will add to the initial post that my readings are only my own and will urge everyone to continue to wear hearing protection, as my meter is certainly not a class 1 180db ranged meter in the $1-3k range.

Although I am very serious about testing these readings, so I've begun looking in to renting such equipment to test .22lr rounds. thanks for your input kroger, I appreciate it.

-Charles

Feedme07 · Jul 17, 2012

thacheese said:
seems like my ears have been spot on. any chance you are going to test other brands?

Please if all of you want to give a list of rounds you'd like to test, I'd be glad to test them all and report back with a video as well. I think im going to rent some fancy schmancy equipment to really test with precision accuracy as well, so Id be glad to do something like this.

Thanks,

-Charles

Feedme07 · Jul 17, 2012

4cfed said:
Do you have a bolt action 22 rifle you do do the same tests.in? Would be interesting to see the level difference . I know the remmy.cbees will kick my bolt.back just slightly lettin a little sound and smoke out

Unfortunately no bolt action .22, although I do have a pistol chambered .22 that also might be interesting to test the difference in. should be much louder in the pistol. I'll see if I can find any friends with a bolt action for the next test.

thanks,

-Charles

w0ady · Jul 17, 2012

i wouldnt use these readings as a reason to stop wearing ear protection but rather as a comparison among the different brands.

thacheese · Jul 17, 2012

i have to dig through my old projection and sound gear and see if i can find my old mics and db spl meters i'd love to see readings from several feet away to see how the noise would dissipate over set distances...

thanks for reminding me

4cfed · Jul 18, 2012

I would like to see the sound level on cci velocitors and stingers both are noticeably louder than anything else iv fired, except for the occasional over charged sniper sub sonic

Feedme07 · Jul 18, 2012

w0ady said:
i wouldnt use these readings as a reason to stop wearing ear protection but rather as a comparison among different the different brands.

Exactly! I made sure to add that to my initial post. I wore ear protection the whole time conducting these tests, however I did fire a few rounds with no protection using the Aguila Super Colibri round, and it is seriously quiet.

Feedme07 · Jul 18, 2012

Ok guys keep the list of rounds you want tested coming!

I've done my research and am contacting rental companies first thing in the morning to acquire the necessary equipment. I've settled on a Bruel and Kjaer 2209 Impulse response sound level meter with a 1/4inch microphone, calibrated for gunfire. This will provide accurate and trustworthy results for a multitude of .22lr rounds!

Krogen · Jul 18, 2012

Feedme07 said:
Krogen, I am aware of the necessities of an impulse response type meter to measure gunfire accurately, that being said, my meter is digital which helps a bit because the analog type meters are rarely capable of picking up fast response times. the meter was set to peak on the A weighted setting, however you do bring up a good point. I will add to the initial post that my readings are only my own and will urge everyone to continue to wear hearing protection, as my meter is certainly not a class 1 180db ranged meter in the $1-3k range.

Although I am very serious about testing these readings, so I've begun looking in to renting such equipment to test .22lr rounds. thanks for your input kroger, I appreciate it.

-Charles

Cool! I'd be very interested in what you learn as you get further in to this. The actual noise levels at the ear and attenuation provided by muffs and/or plugs has been a concern to me.

PHXSHOOTER · Jul 18, 2012

FreedMe07….Good work….I can’t wait to see the rest of your results.

I vote for Blazers, CCI Mini Mags, and any other CCI round. Plus, could you test a pellet gun at the same time just for numbers sake.

Forget PC. Once in a while I fire ALL of my SD hand guns, even the largest calibers, without hearing protection. I do this very selectively. Why, It’s part of my training. These are the guns I take seriously for self defense. I think it would be foolish not to know what it sounds like to do a mag dump with something you may fire inside a building when you need it most.

w0ady · Jul 18, 2012

id like to see the most popular rounds tested:

federal bulk
cci blazer
winchester m22
cci tactical

Wyo15-22 · Jul 21, 2012

Looking forward to your results. Great info!

I Tested Decibel Level of three different rounds from 15-22!

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