Can You Tell How Close a Bullet Is by the Sound? | Whizz vs. Crack at 50, 25, 10, and 1 Yard

Published on January 21, 2025
Duration: 1:18

This video investigates whether bullet sound can indicate proximity, differentiating between a 'whizz' for distant supersonic rounds and a 'crack' for closer or subsonic ones. Tests with a suppressed .22 LR, a 9mm Glock 17, and a 5.56 AR-15 at varying distances (50, 25, 10, 1 yard) demonstrate how bullet speed and distance affect the perceived sound, with supersonic rounds producing a distinct crack.

Quick Summary

A 'whizz' sound often signifies a subsonic bullet, while a 'crack' is the sonic boom from a supersonic round. The intensity of the 'crack' increases as the bullet passes closer, with tests using .22 LR, 9mm, and 5.56mm at various distances confirming these acoustic differences.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Bullet Sound Theory
  2. 00:21Experimental Setup & Distances
  3. 00:31Suppressed Ruger Mark IV (.22 LR) Test
  4. 00:49Glock 17 (9mm) Test
  5. 01:02AR-15 (5.56) Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a bullet's 'whizz' and 'crack' sound?

A 'whizz' sound typically indicates a subsonic or near-sonic bullet passing by, while a 'crack' or 'pop' is the sonic boom generated when a bullet exceeds the speed of sound.

How does bullet distance affect the perceived sound?

The intensity of the 'crack' sound from a supersonic bullet increases as it passes closer to the listener. A 'whizz' might be heard from further away for subsonic rounds.

Which firearms were tested for bullet sound?

The test included a suppressed Ruger Mark IV (.22 LR), a Glock 17 (9mm), and an AR-15 (5.56mm), recorded at distances of 50, 25, 10, and 1 yard.

Can bullet sound reliably indicate proximity?

While the 'crack' of a supersonic bullet suggests it's closer and moving faster than sound, and a 'whizz' might indicate a subsonic round, precise distance estimation solely by sound is complex and depends on many factors.

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