Suppressing a very light 20“ hunting rifle: .223 over .308?

Para Bellum · May 1, 2018, 06:06 AM

Hi Folks,

I am about to order a Merkel K3 break action rifle for the stalking part of my hunting:

https://www.merkel-die-jagd.de/en/pr...sr-k3-extreme/

I will put on a light scope (Swarovski Z6i 1,7-10x42).

https://www.swarovskioptik.com/hunti...-plex-p5006370

I also want a light but effective suppressor. For the game this rifle is for, the calibers .223 and .308 will be fine.

So I wonder: Which of these two calibers (.223, .308) will be easier to suppress with a 20” barrel and a light suppressor?

The task of the suppressor here is to protect my own and my dogs hearing.

For the .223 I am contemplating about this suppressor, A-Tec 119 Hertz:

http://www.a-tec.no/rifle/a-tec-119-hertz

Art Eatman · May 1, 2018, 09:20 AM

Odds are, the .223. Same velocity of the gas, but lesser quantity.

Para Bellum · May 1, 2018, 01:18 PM

Thanks, Art.

I thought so, too. From once source I've learned that the average gas pressure of the 223 at the muzzle of a 60cm (23,6”) barrel is 419 bar, while it is 450 with the .308. Hence a little more pressure and – maybe –, I don’t know that, a more gas volume at the muzzle of the .308.

Scorch · May 1, 2018, 02:19 PM

Whatever caliber you choose, it should be adequate for the game hunted. Chamois? 223 is probably just fine. Pigs or deer? Although the 223 may be capable with good shot placement, I would opt for the 308. Suppression effect will be the same. You are looking at 29 db reduction with that suppressor, but it cannot be disassembled for cleaning (according to the web page you linked to), and suppression effectiveness will depend on how clean you keep the suppressor.

Mobuck · May 2, 2018, 09:11 PM

"I also want a light but effective suppressor. "
Unless you have deep pockets these terms don't fit together especially in reference to.308.
Much easier to suppress a smaller round like the .223.

Txhillbilly · May 3, 2018, 07:16 AM

Using a 30 caliber suppressor on a 223 works excellent. That's all I use, besides my Rimfire suppressor on my 22 lr guns.

You can have the barrel's threaded to fit a 30 cal suppressor, or use a thread adapter.

Sharkbite · May 3, 2018, 12:12 PM

A 308 can on a 223 rifle works pretty good. Its not AS effective as a true 223 can. The trade-off is weight vs versatility. 308 cans are just bigger and heavier then 223 cans. The additional volume of the 308can lets it suppress a 223 round despite the larger exit hole.

Of course it would allow you to crossdeck it onto additional rifles.

I dont currently have a 223 dedicated can. I run my 7.62sdn6 on all my 223 rifles and it works fine, just not a lightweight setup

Mobuck · May 3, 2018, 07:52 PM

"A 308 can on a 223 rifle works pretty good. Its not AS effective as a true 223 can."

Definitely true statement.
I used a .30 can for everything for a while but adding a dedicated .223 can made a noticeable difference. 6.8 in a .30 can works well enough.

Para Bellum · May 12, 2018, 03:47 PM

Quote:

"I also want a light but effective suppressor. "
Unless you have deep pockets these terms don't fit together especially in reference to.308.
Much easier to suppress a smaller round like the .223.

I do. Fortunately.

Mobuck · May 13, 2018, 07:08 AM

"I do. Fortunately."

In that case, I can't help much. Everything I use is based on budget constraints. Just keep "buying and trying" as long as those deep pockets hold out. Sooner or later, maybe you'll find what you're looking for.

JeepHammer · May 13, 2018, 08:06 PM

WOW!
ZERO mention of subsonic or standard velocity ammo from anyone...

Mobuck · May 13, 2018, 09:11 PM

"ZERO mention of subsonic or standard velocity ammo from anyone..."

I don't consider sub-sonic ammo in a normal sized cartridge an alternative.

JeepHammer · May 13, 2018, 11:22 PM

Wasn't your thread...

FrankenMauser · May 14, 2018, 09:58 AM

Quote:

WOW!
ZERO mention of subsonic or standard velocity ammo from anyone...

Doesn't matter.
A proper suppressor will reduce the dB level enough, even with standard velocity/pressure ammunition, to be hearing safe for a shot or two.

May 1, 2018, 06:06 AM	#1
Para Bellum Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2005 Location: right there Posts: 1,882	Suppressing a very light 20“ hunting rifle: .223 over .308? Hi Folks, I am about to order a Merkel K3 break action rifle for the stalking part of my hunting: https://www.merkel-die-jagd.de/en/pr...sr-k3-extreme/ I will put on a light scope (Swarovski Z6i 1,7-10x42). https://www.swarovskioptik.com/hunti...-plex-p5006370 I also want a light but effective suppressor. For the game this rifle is for, the calibers .223 and .308 will be fine. So I wonder: Which of these two calibers (.223, .308) will be easier to suppress with a 20” barrel and a light suppressor? The task of the suppressor here is to protect my own and my dogs hearing. For the .223 I am contemplating about this suppressor, A-Tec 119 Hertz: http://www.a-tec.no/rifle/a-tec-119-hertz __________________ Si vis pacem - para bellum If you want peace - prepare for war Last edited by Para Bellum; May 1, 2018 at 06:27 AM.

May 1, 2018, 01:18 PM	#3
Para Bellum Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2005 Location: right there Posts: 1,882	Thanks, Art. I thought so, too. From once source I've learned that the average gas pressure of the 223 at the muzzle of a 60cm (23,6”) barrel is 419 bar, while it is 450 with the .308. Hence a little more pressure and – maybe –, I don’t know that, a more gas volume at the muzzle of the .308. __________________ Si vis pacem - para bellum If you want peace - prepare for war

May 1, 2018, 02:19 PM	#4
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Whatever caliber you choose, it should be adequate for the game hunted. Chamois? 223 is probably just fine. Pigs or deer? Although the 223 may be capable with good shot placement, I would opt for the 308. Suppression effect will be the same. You are looking at 29 db reduction with that suppressor, but it cannot be disassembled for cleaning (according to the web page you linked to), and suppression effectiveness will depend on how clean you keep the suppressor. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

May 1, 2018, 09:20 AM	#2
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Odds are, the .223. Same velocity of the gas, but lesser quantity.

May 2, 2018, 09:11 PM	#5
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	"I also want a light but effective suppressor. " Unless you have deep pockets these terms don't fit together especially in reference to.308. Much easier to suppress a smaller round like the .223.

May 3, 2018, 07:16 AM	#6
Txhillbilly Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2008 Posts: 512	Using a 30 caliber suppressor on a 223 works excellent. That's all I use, besides my Rimfire suppressor on my 22 lr guns. You can have the barrel's threaded to fit a 30 cal suppressor, or use a thread adapter.

May 3, 2018, 12:12 PM	#7
Sharkbite Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2013 Location: Western slope of Colorado Posts: 3,679	A 308 can on a 223 rifle works pretty good. Its not AS effective as a true 223 can. The trade-off is weight vs versatility. 308 cans are just bigger and heavier then 223 cans. The additional volume of the 308can lets it suppress a 223 round despite the larger exit hole. Of course it would allow you to crossdeck it onto additional rifles. I dont currently have a 223 dedicated can. I run my 7.62sdn6 on all my 223 rifles and it works fine, just not a lightweight setup

May 3, 2018, 07:52 PM	#8
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	"A 308 can on a 223 rifle works pretty good. Its not AS effective as a true 223 can." Definitely true statement. I used a .30 can for everything for a while but adding a dedicated .223 can made a noticeable difference. 6.8 in a .30 can works well enough.

May 13, 2018, 07:08 AM	#10
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	"I do. Fortunately." In that case, I can't help much. Everything I use is based on budget constraints. Just keep "buying and trying" as long as those deep pockets hold out. Sooner or later, maybe you'll find what you're looking for.

May 13, 2018, 08:06 PM	#11
JeepHammer Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2015 Posts: 1,768	WOW! ZERO mention of subsonic or standard velocity ammo from anyone...

May 13, 2018, 09:11 PM	#12
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	"ZERO mention of subsonic or standard velocity ammo from anyone..." I don't consider sub-sonic ammo in a normal sized cartridge an alternative.

May 13, 2018, 11:22 PM	#13
JeepHammer Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2015 Posts: 1,768	Wasn't your thread...