ImYour Huckleberry on Nostr: #Flock #Hunting #Facts How quiet is a silenced shotgun using bird shot compared to a ...

#Flock #Hunting #Facts
How quiet is a silenced shotgun using bird shot compared to a silenced subsonic 5.56? How effective would it be against drones? Stationary electronics? Solar panels? And how dangerous would the shot be when returning ballistically to the ground?

Bonus fact: recovered shot pellets generally can not be traced back to a specific gun...

A suppressed shotgun firing birdshot is generally louder than a well-suppressed subsonic 5.56 (or similar subsonic rifle load), though both are substantially quieter than unsuppressed centerfire guns; neither is “Hollywood silent.”**

Unsuppressed 12-gauge shotguns typically measure roughly 155–165+ dB peak. Quality shotgun suppressors (e.g., Salvo 12, JK SGX, etc.) commonly reduce this by ~15–25 dB depending on length, load, and measurement point, often landing in the ~134–148 dB range at the ear or muzzle for birdshot loads. Shotguns are harder to suppress effectively than rifles because of the larger bore, gas volume, and shot column dynamics; reductions are typically more modest than on smaller-caliber hosts. Birdshot itself does not dramatically change the report compared with other shot loads in the same gauge.

Standard 5.56 is supersonic and produces a loud ballistic crack even when the muzzle blast is suppressed (typical suppressed levels often cited ~131–145 dB range depending on barrel, can, and ammo). True subsonic 5.56 loads exist but are uncommon, low-powered, and specialty; when suppressed they eliminate the sonic crack and can be noticeably quieter (comparable to or quieter than many suppressed subsonic .300 Blackout setups in the low-to-mid 100s dB in favorable conditions). Action noise, first-round pop, and environment still matter. Overall, a properly set-up suppressed subsonic rifle cartridge is usually quieter than a suppressed 12-gauge birdshot load.

Neither reaches continuous-noise “whisper” levels; both remain impulse events that can still risk hearing damage without protection, especially with repeated shots. Real-world perception also depends on distance, terrain, wind, and reflections.

**Against small drones (typical consumer or FPV-class):** Birdshot can be effective at short ranges (often cited practical windows around 25–50 yards / ~20–50 m, sometimes a bit farther with larger/harder shot or specialized loads) because the dense pattern raises hit probability on a small, maneuvering target. Multiple small pellets can damage propellers, motors, wiring, frames, or cameras enough to cause loss of control or crash. Heavier birdshot or specialized anti-drone loads (larger pellets, denser materials like tungsten, or net/segment designs) improve energy retention and effect; very fine shot loses effectiveness quickly. Range, relative speed, altitude, and shooter skill limit reliability—military and conflict reporting notes shotguns as a low-cost, short-range kinetic option with limitations against higher/faster or hardened systems.

**Stationary electronics:** Multiple pellets can puncture casings, sever wires, damage circuit boards, cameras, sensors, or batteries if they strike critical components. Effectiveness depends on range (energy drops rapidly), pellet size/hardness, and target construction. Soft or exposed parts are vulnerable; robust enclosures or distance reduce effect.

**Solar panels:** Birdshot can crack or puncture glass/laminate, damage cells, or interrupt electrical connections, especially at closer ranges where pellets retain more energy. A dense pattern increases the chance of multiple hits on a panel array. Real damage varies with panel type, angle, distance, and shot size; it is not guaranteed total destruction from a single shot at longer range.

**Ballistic return danger of birdshot:** Pellets have low mass and poor ballistic coefficients, so they decelerate quickly and reach low terminal velocities when falling (often well under the speeds of larger bullets). Reports and analyses indicate falling birdshot typically stings or feels like being hit by small thrown objects or BB-gun impacts at most; serious injury is uncommon, though eye hits remain a real risk. Maximum ground ranges for birdshot are on the order of hundreds of yards under ideal conditions, but dangerous energy is far lower by then. This is why game shoots manage safety zones and why vertical fire is generally discouraged. Larger projectiles (rifle bullets, buckshot, slugs) retain more energy and pose greater falling-bullet hazards.

All of the above are general ballistics/acoustics observations drawn from public testing, conflict reporting, and physics. Actual performance varies widely with specific firearm, suppressor, ammunition, range, and conditions. Hearing protection remains advisable even with suppressors.