Suppressors 338, 308, 223 -- How to proceed?

[ss7]

I have little suppressor exposure, just the itch to pick one up. I've seen a couple people at public ranges shooting 5.56 suppressed and that is it. I was impressed, but don't have any expectation on how well a suppressed 308 will perform.

I have 3 calibers I'm interested in suppressing, but 1 being the most important -- the .308. The other 2 being 338LM and 5.56.

Most of my time is spent shooting my 700 in 308. I'd like that package to be a solid performer and of highest consideration with my (first) suppressor purchase. I also spend a fair amount of time behind my TRG in 338LM. If its not a stretch to run a suppressor that is good for both, it would be nice to have that option on the TRG. The TRG is threaded M18x1.00 and my 700/maten 308s are threaded 5/8x24. What are the best options for the different threads? Adapter for the TRG to go to 5/8x24, a suppressor that runs its own mount (like 338BA), rethreading the TRG to 5/8x24, etc? Finally, of the options presented.. how will they perform with a 5.56 carbine? Will it be OK with my 7.5" shorty? I'm not interested in long/quick strings, just how feasible it would be with casual shooting.

My local gun store just got their class 3 and will be stocking a couple griffins -- the 300/338 PHS are the 2 that may fit the bill. Further, they said they would be happy to place an order through a dealer for any make/model I'd like.

Please let me know what you think is my best option.

 

[Goin'Hot]

The 7.5" 223 is going to require a muffler all of it's own. I know the 223 Saker and 223 Specwar will work.

Depending on the rate of fire, you could take a look at the SilencerCo Harvester for the 308. It's mag rated and VERY LIGHT. It also has the ability to change the adapters on the rear to fit different threads. I've found a 30 cal muffler works well on everything down to .223 but, once again, your 7.5" shorty is a special case.

For the 338, look around. I have an older Shark JAWS and it's a tank at 38 ounces. It's a nice can but it is HEAVY despite being built of of Ti. I recommend a direct thread for the 338 and despite the gawd awful weight of my Shark, the POI change is repeatable.

Best of luck. I'm sure you'll get plenty of recommendations here.

 

[Goin'Hot]

Without editing my above post, you can run a 338 muffler on your 308 but, you'll be doing it at the price of weight and bulk. If neither of those matter to you, then a muffler like the TBAC 338BA would be a good all around can.

The cost of the Harvester is really cheap right now ($525) so, that's why I would recommend it as a dedicated muffler for your 308.

 

[ss7]

For the 308/338 suppressor, I will be doing most my shooting from the prone position. I don't see the weight/size being a huge issue, but I may be ignorant to how dramatic the affects can be.

Given the information regarding the 5.56/shorty, I would like to steer the conversation away from that caliber. It was a distant 3rd consideration.

I'd really like to get a can that performs very well for 308 -- if a large can for the 338 in combination can do that.. all the better.

 

[iflylow1959]

I run a 338 TBAC BA I got from Ranger Walker on my DTA in .338. 308, and 260 rem. On my ar's, I run a YHM Ti QD for 5.56, 300 blk and 308. Very happy and wouldn't do anything different. Hope this helps.

 

[Goin'Hot]

I've ran my large 338 muffler on everything down to a .243AI. Sounds great on them all. If you have a thin profile barrel, you'll have to dial in more elevation to zero the rifle. My 38 oz monster requires me to dial 0.8 mils up at 100 yds on the primary gun it's for. My barrel is a 30", 1.400" to 1.100" at the muzzle.

Not a deal breaker but, it's worth noting. At 38 oz, it also tips the balance WAY FORWARD! Especially on my 30" barrel.

The Griffin Big Bore weighs 22 oz but, that weight usually does not include the weight of the mount. They are certainly worth looking in to.

 

[dvdt]

I personally feel you want to get two different cans for these applications. Of course that's only if your budget allows.

A 338 can will fit your requirements but as others have stated, they are heavy and will make your rifle very nose heavy. My 338 was built around being a prone gun and it's a heavy fella. The weight of my TBAC 338P-1 is nothing. The rifle still balances well, etc. However, I'd HATE to have that thing on my .260 bolt gun I shoot at matches. It's just too heavy. I don't know the specs off the top of my head but it's definitely under that 38oz behemoth above.

You mention now that most of your shooting is prone. That might change in the future. You might decide to start shooting matches (Woody's DMR match is only 3.5hrs away from you) or something that makes you get off your belly. If so, you would definitely appreciate having a lighter can. I can tell you're a gentleman and wouldn't start using one of those obnoxious brakes

The only down side of this is that a 338 can is pretty darn expensive. I got a steal on mine or I wouldn't have been able to justify the $$. However, you already have a rifle that's chambered in $5 bills so why not!

Hard decision! There's a lot of vendors on here that have great deals on cans. It sounds like this isn't your first trip to the NFA rodeo. In case it's been a while, make sure your dealer is setup to e-File your F4. Assuming you're using a trust. Crazy delays lately...

 

[Zak Smith]

We have a lot of guys who shoot a 338BA on 6.5's up to .338's. For the 7" SBR, from our cans I'd recommend the 223A. It was designed for F/A 7"

 

[Tyler_Silencerco]

On another thought, a really good .30 cal suppressor to go between your .308's and your 7.5" 5.56 like the Specwar 762, and a Nice dedicated .338 may be a better option. The Specwar 762 will be good on a 7.5" 556 although a little large it has great reduction, and works very well into the Magnum Calibers. Then choose a .338 direct thread or a QD to go between the .338 and an extra can for a .308 when you need it.

 

[ss7]

Thank you for all the help guys.

I've decided to go with a 338 can that I will also run on my 308. They guys at the local shop led me to believe that it will not only allow me to run it on the 338, but it will likely be more effective for the 308 as well. I have my local shop working out the details to order the 338BA.

I plan on also picking up a dedicated 5.56 can as well, but may wait until the 338BA gets to the shop so I can demo it on the 308. If I'm unhappy with its performance, I may go with a 30 cal and run it with the 5.56 as Tyler recommended. The local shop is currently stocking Griffins, so I'll be able to match up the 338BA vs the 300/338PHS models.

 

[ss7]

We have a lot of guys who shoot a 338BA on 6.5's up to .338's. For the 7" SBR, from our cans I'd recommend the 223A. It was designed for F/A 7"

How does the suppression performance compare between the 223P-1 and 223A?

 

[whdallas]

What 308's are you guys running the 338BA on?

 

[ss7]

What 308's are you guys running the 338BA on?

Mainly a 308 bolt gun -- 20" varmint profile. I also have an 18" maten it may see from time to time.

 

[ss7]

I went with the 338BA and the 223A. Thanks for your help with my decision.

 

[mdmp5]

I also have a 338 Shark, and it is hard to understand why it is as heavy as it is, being made mostly out of titanium. The Thunderbeast 338 can is much lighter, at about 25 oz. When it comes to 338 cans, it is hard to escape the weight. However, Templar Tactical makes a 338 can that they claim is about 15 oz. Almost hard to believe, but that is what they say. If I were to do it over again, that is what I would get. I think you will like the 338BA for both calibers. You can always get a dedicated 30 cal can in the future if you felt the need.

 

[Zak Smith]

Check the dimensions..

 

[HodgdonExtreme]

The Shark Jaws 338 can my friend has sounds louder when it's on his 24" 308 than it does when it's on his 28" 338. Not unacceptably loud - but louder for sure.