.38SPL vs .22LR SOUND/VOLUME Comparison

Published on February 8, 2023
Duration: 6:48

This video compares the sound levels of subsonic .38 Special ammunition fired from a 24-inch barrel against high-velocity .22 Long Rifle ammunition. The presenter notes that while subsonic .38 Special is generally quieter, some loads can exceed subsonic velocities even from a long rifle barrel, impacting sound levels. The comparison highlights that high-velocity .22 LR can be louder than expected, especially from shorter barrels, and that truly subsonic .38 Special would likely be quieter than high-velocity .22 LR.

Quick Summary

Subsonic .38 Special ammunition, typically around 890 fps, can exceed the subsonic threshold (approx. 1100 fps) when fired from longer rifle barrels, averaging around 1100 fps. High-velocity .22 LR, rated at 1320 fps, produces a noticeable crack and is generally louder, especially from shorter barrels.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: .38 Special vs .22 LR Sound Comparison
  2. 00:10Question: Subsonic .38 Special Loudness vs .22 LR
  3. 00:24Personal Experience with .22 LR Loudness & Ear Protection
  4. 00:46Ruger 10/22 Barrel Length Impact on .22 LR Sound
  5. 00:58Marlin Bolt-Action .22 LR with 22-inch Barrel
  6. 01:11Hypothesis: Subsonic .38 Special vs Long Barrel
  7. 01:20Ammunition Selection: Federal .38 Special (890 fps)
  8. 01:40Ammunition Selection: .22 LR High Velocity (1320 fps) & Subsonic
  9. 01:55Chronographing .38 Special Velocity
  10. 02:36Chronograph Results: .38 Special Velocity Analysis
  11. 03:00Analysis: .38 Special Loads Exceeding Subsonic Velocity
  12. 03:16Proceeding with Sound Comparison Despite Velocity Findings
  13. 03:48Difficulty in Perceiving Sound Differences on Video
  14. 03:58Sound Test: Subsonic .38 Special vs High Velocity .22 LR
  15. 04:22Feedback: High Velocity .22 LR vs Subsonic .22 LR
  16. 04:45Sound Test: .38 Special Subsonic vs High Velocity .22 LR
  17. 05:01Feedback: .38 Special vs High Velocity .22 LR Loudness
  18. 05:12Summary of Perceived Loudness: Subsonic .22 LR, HV .22 LR, .38 Special
  19. 05:43Belief: Subsonic .38 Special Would Be Quieter if Truly Subsonic
  20. 05:56Conclusion: Tested .38 Special Loads Not Subsonic from 24" Barrel
  21. 06:06Speculation: Subsonic .38 Special Quieter Than HV .22 LR
  22. 06:16Unexpected Velocity Results
  23. 06:21Barrel Length Impact on Sound (16" vs 24")
  24. 06:43Video Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can subsonic .38 Special ammunition be louder than high-velocity .22 Long Rifle?

Yes, under certain conditions. While subsonic .38 Special is generally quieter, the tested loads exceeded subsonic velocities from a 24-inch barrel, making them louder than expected. High-velocity .22 LR can also be quite loud, especially from shorter barrels.

How does barrel length affect the sound of .22 Long Rifle ammunition?

Barrel length significantly impacts .22 LR sound. Longer barrels, like a 22-inch, can make high-velocity rounds seem less loud and comfortable to shoot without hearing protection compared to shorter barrels, such as an 18-inch.

What velocity is considered subsonic for .38 Special ammunition?

Subsonic velocity for .38 Special is generally considered to be around 1100 feet per second or lower. Loads advertised at 890 fps can sometimes exceed this when fired from a rifle barrel.

What type of .38 Special load would likely ensure subsonic velocities?

To ensure .38 Special ammunition remains subsonic, especially from a rifle barrel, heavier cowboy loads in the 700 feet per second range are recommended. This is because standard loads can gain velocity and become supersonic.

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