What Suppressors Really Do To Velocity

Published on May 23, 2023
Duration: 10:26

This video investigates the performance impact of suppressors on firearm velocity and point of impact across several common handgun and rifle cartridges. The presenter, from Banana Ballistics, tests 9mm, 10mm, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and 7mm Remington Magnum loads. Key findings indicate that suppressors offer minimal velocity gains in most tested handgun calibers, with some rifle calibers showing slight increases or even decreases in velocity. Suppressors also demonstrated a tendency to shift point of impact and tighten groups.

Quick Summary

Suppressors can affect bullet velocity and point of impact, with results varying by caliber. While 9mm showed minimal velocity gains, 10mm saw a 29 ft/s increase. Notably, 7mm Remington Magnum experienced a slight velocity decrease with a suppressor, and POI shifts are common, especially if the firearm isn't zeroed with the suppressor attached.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Suppressor Myths vs. Reality
  2. 00:30Defining Performance: Velocity and Point of Impact
  3. 00:509mm Velocity Testing: Standard and Subsonic Loads
  4. 02:3810mm Velocity Testing: Performance Boost?
  5. 03:49.308 Winchester Velocity & Group Testing
  6. 06:34.30-06 Springfield Velocity & Group Testing
  7. 07:537mm Remington Magnum Velocity & Group Testing
  8. 09:26Summary of Velocity Results
  9. 09:57Key Takeaways and Variables

Frequently Asked Questions

Do suppressors increase bullet velocity?

Suppressors can increase bullet velocity, but the effect varies significantly by caliber and firearm. In this test, 9mm saw minimal gains, while 10mm showed a notable increase. Some rifle calibers like .308 and .30-06 had slight gains, but 7mm Remington Magnum surprisingly lost velocity.

How do suppressors affect point of impact?

Suppressors can shift the point of impact, and the direction of this shift is unpredictable. This effect is more pronounced when a firearm is not zeroed with the suppressor attached, as seen in the tests where POI moved up or down.

Which caliber benefited most from a suppressor in terms of velocity?

The 10mm cartridge demonstrated the most significant velocity gain when a suppressor was used, increasing by 29 ft/s with a 180-grain load. This was unexpected, especially considering the load was described as relatively weak.

Can a suppressor decrease bullet velocity?

Yes, it is possible for a suppressor to decrease bullet velocity. The 7mm Remington Magnum test showed a slight velocity loss of 14 ft/s when a suppressor was attached, which was a surprising outcome for the presenter.

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