Loudness comparason - .45 acp, .40, 9mm

well imho at least in std velocity they all sound pretty similar, is hard to hear one and go "thats a 9MM/.40/.45", the 3 sound about the same to me. +P+ 9MM is a little louder, and ANY .357SIG is loud imho, louder than the 9MM/40/45, and on par w/a 357 magnum.

also depends on bbl length
 
That will also depend on bullet weight, barrel length,powder. They're all loud so wear your ear protection....The 40 and 45 are similar in performance , both better than the 9mm.
 
The 9MM is a smaller bang than .40S&W or .45ACP, and between the two bigger rounds, the .45ACP is more of a "boom" and the .40S&W is more of a crisper "bang", but volume is similar IMHO.

As others have said though, it's dependant on bullet weight, barrel length, etc.
 
What I notice is pitch and duration of the sound.

Higher velocity rounds (even in the same caliber) produce a higher shrill sound.

Shorter barrels produce more muzzle blast.

For example, a 45ACP "ball" round produces a lower "Boom" sound versus the 9mm's shorter duration higher pitched "Pop" sound.

Add shorter barrels or higher velocities and you have a faster and sharper sound wave front hitting you.

Always wear good hearing protection. I thought Peltor 10's were good until I started using Howard Leight Leightning's. Add some good Howard Leight ear plugs too if you want the extra protection and don't want to learn about Tinnitus.
 
Nismo said:
can anyone tell me the sound difference between these three rounds?
Click to expand...

I just spent the last two days on the range with 9mm, .45, and .40 shooters. I was shooting a .45, the guy on the left a .40, and a person on the right a 9mm. All 24 of us were shooting Glocks with the same exact respective ammunition specific to our calibers (Glock School). After 10 hour days and over 1,000 rounds fired, I didn't notice any marked difference between the different calibers as far as sound was concerned. Not that I was listening for it, because I hadn't seen this post.

However, I can easily hear the difference between a shotgun blast, rifle report, and a handgun. Some rifles such as an AK have a distinct sound. But at no time do I say, "Wow, that was just a .45 I heard."
 
Like some others have pointed out; there is not enough difference to worry about.

Did you have a specific concern or reason for wondering about the reports of the rounds mentioned?

Steve
 
9mm and .45 sound the same to me. I really can't tell any difference in recoil or sound between the two. I'm not a big fan of the .40 so, I've never shot one.
 
Wasnt a specific reason I posted this, I was just curious and wanted to hear what others had to say. Thanks for all the replies everyone
 
9mm and 40sw are both high pressure rounds by saami standards, and produce noticeably sharper reports than lower pressure rounds like the 45acp. i can usually tell the difference at the range as long as the 45 has a bbl over 3" in length

dB-wise, i have seen measurements where the 45acp averages a few points less than a 9mm (the 40 is a bit louder i believe, closer to a .357mag). however, since we're talking dB levels close to 160, we can classify them all as friggin' LOUD! :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top