Went out with the wife and shot the new 300 bo pistol with liberty 300 bo dedicated can. Her first words were this is loud. 2 days ago she took it and left a friend shoot it on same range, but it was overcast/ foggy/occasional rain. She came back and said , wow it is really quiet. Same gun/ammo/range only the weather changed so you perceive a different sound. As for factory measurements some are done to the left of muzzle, while others do that along with at the shooters ear and average. As said above you are not going to be able to say: that was 105, 107,103, but using a 30 cal can on 223 will give a different tone than a 223 can. Better/worse???? All I can say is different and if I do not have to wear plugs/headset I am a happy camper. Be Safe,