Suppressors Load Development with and without Suppressor?

[rg1911]

Finally was able to take possession of my TBAC 30P-1 (only took 14 months) *and* my new AR-10 (.260 Remington).

My question is: Do loads need to be created for use with the silencer and for use without the silencer? (Only interested in accuracy; not subsonic).

Thank you,
Richard

 

[wfjames22]

I am not saying that it can't happen, but I have never had an issue working up a load with a suppressor on a rifle that had any negative results. This has been the result over many semi auto and bolt action platforms chambered in 260, 223/556, 308, 300 blk and 300wm (with all of those in semi auto and bolt guns except 300wm). Having said that, the only times I shoot unsuppressed is when in a state that doesn't allow suppressor use while hunting but I have verified accuracy with each load in each rifle without a suppressor attached with zero negative consequences.

 

[Zak Smith]

No, the same loads should work fine

 

[Maverick26]

My good friend and gunsmith had some issues with using a really slow burn rate powder like Retumbo and a shorter barrel. His 22" 7mm with the can on was holding unburt powder and causing a 2nd ignition inside the can causing crazy accuacy issues. I think he switched to H1000 and the issues went away. I dont know all the details but this is the only issue I have ever heard of. I have also heard of guys picking up 10-30fps with the can installed vs. it off on the same load. Im still waiting my 14 month term so I really dont know.

 

[bengineer]

A really trick software called QuickLOAD exists. Given it has limitations, you can determine how much powder will burn in a particular barrel length, along with a million other things. You can also use one of the features to determine which powder will have the ideal burn rate for your desired velocity, barrel length, etc. Use of a program like this will speed up your decision process to avoid pushing unburned powder down the barrel.

 

[ZombieMonkey]

You can develop them either way. I personally develop them with the can on these days as that's typically the only way I'm shooting anymore. The only time I wouldn't develop with the can on is with subsonics, which it sounds like you're not interested in anyways.

 

[gebhardt02]

I do my initial load workup without suppressor and have never had a decrease in accuracy when the suppressor is attached. I usually have an accuracy INCREASE with it on there. Calibers: .308, 300WM, .243.

Geb

 

[Jabronie]

Ill spec out what I am doing and then ask some questions, TBAC 338P-1 for 300WM 26"barrel 208grHBN coated AMAX Retumbo powder magneto speed V1. I am expecting 3-4 months left on form4 for the suppressor

does a suppressor change the harmonics for load development in terms of doing a ladder test to find the node? does a suppressor change how one load develops?

is there a round-about number I can add to the muzzle velocity from un-suppressed to suppressed? I have a magneto speed v1 and cant measure the suppressed velocity

what I am getting at is it worth waiting a couple month for the suppressor to load develop,(I wont be load developing for a month or two anyway) or just load develop un-suppressed?

 

[xdeano]

No go do your load testing now. You can always add a tenth of a grain up or down once you get your can.

Xdeano

 

[mike in pa]

I would do load development without the can in case you come up with a load that might be unstable and ending up with a keyhole on the target. That would cause a baffle strike.

 

[jake6547]

The last two 6.5x47s Ive owned have never even been shot without a can. Even the barrel break in shots.