|
.25 ACP
|
155.0 dB
|
|
.32 LONG
|
152.4 dB
|
|
.32 ACP
|
153.5 dB
|
|
.380
|
157.7 dB
|
|
9mm
|
159.8 dB
|
|
.38 S & W
|
153.5 dB
|
|
.38 Spl
|
156.3 dB
|
|
.357 Magnum
|
164.3 dB
|
|
.41 Magnum
|
153.2 dB
|
|
.44 Spl
|
155.9 dB
|
|
.45 ACP
|
157.0 dB
|
|
.45 Colt
|
154.7 dB
|
The above averages are for all types of ammunition used in these firearms, and should be considered fairly representative .
Interesting facts of high importance :-
The most common method of measuring sounds is the Decibel system. Decibels are a logarithmic scale; meaning the values are non-linear. For example A change from 100 to 200 dB does NOT represent a doubling of the noise level. It represents an increase of 1000 times.
The threshold for pain, and hearing loss is 130 dB - trauma, occurs at 160 dB.
Confusing - yes - the advice is not - wear ear defenders at all times when firing centre-fire handguns.