Lynyrd wrote: ↑Thu Jun 14, 2018 6:44 pm
Has anyone in the forum shot +P rounds without hearing protection? If so, I would like to hear your comments on the effect of the sound on your hearing, and possible hearing damage. Let me explain.
I was leaving for work this morning when about 20 wild hogs crossed the driveway in front of me. The only gun in my truck was the one on my belt that was loaded with +P defense rounds. I jumped out of the truck and fired 5 rounds towards them striking two. I have fired a gun many, many times in my life while hunting without any hearing protection. But this time was different. I felt a sharp pain in my ears immediately with the gunshots. The rest of the day my hearing was significantly impaired.
Are +P rounds significantly much louder than off the shelf ball ammo? I have fired them many times but always with hearing protection. I fear the damage is permanent.
If you are worried, see your doctor. I've spent decades firing 155mm howitzers and M16A1. Mostly with hearing protection, but sometimes without. When I retired, the docs said my hearing was good for my age. I have lost a little high frequency and do have rining in both hears. I've fired as many as 40 rounds with my M16A1 with no hearing protection. It was not pleasant, but it was not painful. YMMV.