Difference in precision with suppressor? (Bolt Gun)

[.222]

I just built a 16” bolt gun but I’m in a holding pattern waiting on paperwork for my suppressor. Once it arrives, I anticipate I’ll only shoot the rifle with the suppressor attached (direct thread). I’ve started working up some loads and am getting decent groups but still chasing a solid sub-MOA load.

So I’m wondering if I’m wasting my time – should I hold off on load development until I have the suppressor attached? I expect some shift in accuracy (point of impact) but, assuming I find it, will my “Holy Grail load” still be “Holy”? Have you noticed a difference in precision with and without a can?

[WasDustyJacket]

It depends on the can, ammo, threading, barrel, etc.

My experience is that the most accurate round without a suppressor is also the most accurate round with one.

[darr3239]

Rob would be the one to chime in on this one. From what I have heard and read, silencers more often than not increase accuracy.

[caliplt]

Rob would be the one to chime in on this one. From what I have heard and read, silencers more often than not increase accuracy.

People still incorrectly call them silencers?

[Whole Bunches]

With some of mine I get slightly better accuracy; with others the accuracy is slightly worse. So, YMMV.

So, since any day at the range is better than not going to the range, go ahead and work up some loads and then try them again when your suppressor arrives. In 300 BLK, I've found very little difference in velocity between suppressed and non suppressed.

[WasDustyJacket]

Rob would be the one to chime in on this one. From what I have heard and read, silencers more often than not increase accuracy.

People still incorrectly call them silencers?

That is one of their names. Don't fight the tide........

[darr3239]

People still incorrectly call them silencers?

When describing what the device does, most people use the word suppressor, which is a more accurate term. When describing the device, then silencer is the appropriate legal term.

Silencer was the name given to the item by the inventor, Hiram Maxim. It is also the name ATF used in the beginning, and is still using it today, on all legal documents.

I also referred to it as a silencer, when mentioning Robert Silvers, since he works for AAC and that's what they call it. In their FAQ section they do slip a little and refer to them as sound suppressors.

[Rumph]

Rob would be the one to chime in on this one. From what I have heard and read, silencers more often than not increase accuracy.

People still incorrectly call them silencers?

I'm inclined to agree with you, but a friend of mine who happens to be a major manufacturer of such items frequently calls them "silencers". What can I say?

[WasDustyJacket]

Rob would be the one to chime in on this one. From what I have heard and read, silencers more often than not increase accuracy.

People still incorrectly call them silencers?

Be glad you are not in the UK where they are sometimes referred to as mufflers., and often as attenuators.