Originally Posted by
Hugh Shields
Suppressors: Rule number one, you get what you pay for. Cheap are noisy, expensive are quiet.
Rule number Two: Buy only DPT Modular Suppressors. The standard DPT 22LR suppressor has 3 modules, the 22 Magnum has five modules. Buy the five module unit. You can also buy additional modules and go as many modules as you like, for example 10 modules. The more air space inside the suppressor, the more the noise is suppressed ie quieter, which is why going to a BIGGER diameter suppressor off of a .224 cal center fire gives quieter results. With that you might nee to remove the rear fibrous bush, because the bushes are typically turned to suit a specific barrel taper and might not fit you 22LR taper.
Ammunition: I run CCI 40 grain HP subsonic through my Ruger 10/22 with DPT 22 Magnum has five modules. No issues with noise, quiet as.
I run Winchester 42 grain HP subsonic through my bolt action Weihrauch HW60J with either DPT 22 Magnum five modules or standard DPT three modules. No issues with noise, quiet as.
I've trialed (CCI or Winchester??) "Quiet" 40grn at 710 fps and while they are super quiet through my DPT Suppressor, and might be fantastic for shooting cardboard, they are useless on rabbits, unless you are very close and even then I have had rabbits run when shot at 10 meters. Low velocity = low kinetic energy = low kill capabilities. I think these should be banned for shooting game, they are basically inhumane. I doubt they would kill (or hit) anything beyond 100 meters.
The quietest 22 subs we have had on the job are Elley 38grn HP. Very very quiet, the quietest, whilst still being an efficient killing round. Mind you, Phil is a marksman, using a fine quality Anschutz bolt action rifle and fine quality DPT suppressor.
RE: The occasional round going "CRACK" supersonic. It happens, not often, sometimes one round in 200 or one round in 500. Don't beat yourself up over it.
If you are buying and trialing a lot of different ammunition it can get mixed up in your pocket. The easy way to tell whether you are firing sub or supersonic is to inspect the projectile. If the projectile is lead, it is subsonic. If the projectile is copper jacketed, it's supersonic.
Hugh Shields
Controlled Rabbit Culling
Wellington