Effective July 1, 2013 Wyoming joins 27 other states that allow the use of a suppressor for hunting all species of animals.

Also, Wyoming regulations changed this year to allow hunting with .22 caliber, 60 grain or heavier bullet for deer, antelope, wolves and lions.

.17 HMR will be legal for turkeys as well.

A good thing now all we have to do is get rid of the stupid federal restriction.

One of the worse public health desions made.

How many millions of people have loss their hearing because of it.

Can someone in the know tell me whether a silencer on a big caliber magnum can decrease the noise enough to not need actual ear protection as well?

Yes, a silencer / suppressor can significantly reduce the noise level. I still wouldn't recommend shooting all day from the bench without hearing protection, as you still have the supersonic crack of the bullet. However, in the field, where many do not wear hearing protection at all while hunting, the noise reduction can be a significant improvement, and not leave you with ringing ears after shooting an elk.
Bill

quote:

Originally posted by Topgun 30-06:
Can someone in the know tell me whether a silencer on a big caliber magnum can decrease the noise enough to not need actual ear protection as well?

yes
I've shot a supressed BMG still pretty loud but it didn't rattle you teeth or leave your ears ringing.

Other rifles still had a pretty good crack but nothing like an unsuppressed rifle. Neither suppresed rifles required ear muffs.

the only one that was quiet like the ones in teh movies was a 10/22. I shot one with a can on the end of the barrel and one with an intergrated barrel suppressor--they were very quiet, could only hear the action clicking back and forth with subsonic ammo.

quote:

Originally posted by Topgun 30-06:
Can someone in the know tell me whether a silencer on a big caliber magnum can decrease the noise enough to not need actual ear protection as well?

i have one on a 16" bbl 308 and it sounds like a 22lr. I have heard the same supressor on a 300wm and it was also ear safe. Under a covered bench I wear ear pro but even without it is stil not loud enough to make my ears ring.

Perry