Thread: Which is louder, a 12 or 410 bore.

I have to ask because although I have a couple of 12's, I have never encountered a 410.

BACKGROUND
I am about to declare war on the increasing plague of blackbirds who have decimated my orchard this season but I want to keep the noise level down as low as possible. It is rural farm land and neighbours are not too close nor likely to be upset, but there is a large commercial garden scenario with public attending and buying on site so,,,,,,,,,,

I do not own a 410 nor have any 410 reloading ability. I Do own a 12 bore and can reload.... with ADI Powder AP 70N

I have a .22 but do not want to use either that nor purchase an air rifle because of the proximity of the plastic houses in the commercial gardens. I doubt that the 12 bore would reach the plastic houses.

QUERY

The shooting distance would not exceed 30 metres and I am having to decide if a smaller powder load with say 8 /9 shot in the 12 bore would be more or less

a.... Loud and / or
b ...effective

than a 410.

Wotcha fink? Suggestions of 12 bore loads also appreciated.

Thank You.