Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Silencers

Silencers are this thing I’ve tended to ignore. But now I’m interested in one for hunting. What are some good alternatives for a 338 cal rifle?
Less damage to my ears when hunting is task #1. Yes, I could wear hearing protection, but that never seems to happen. I’d prefer lighter weight. If it can reduce recoil that would be a bonus. To be more precise, I’m not so much concerned about recoil as keeping the muzzle stable.

Buying them seems arduous. What’s a good path to getting one?

Head down to Green Top in Ashland and talk to them. They carry Thunderbeast, Q and many others. They will also guide you threw the process as well.

silencerco hybrid. drop the money, forget it. When the stamp comes, it is yours.

This. I'm putting a SilencerCo Hybrid 46 on order this month. I'll use it on pistols up to 45 acp and rifles up to 9.3x62, provided the pressures are not too great. I will confirm with SiCo this week.

I am 7 months into the wait to get a Hybrid 46 out of tax stamp jail. I plan on using it on 223, 6.8spc, 308win, and possibly my 338WM if I get the nerve to have that Ruger #1 threaded.

I called SiCo but their offices are closed through the holidays so I'll wait until Monday and call again.

Thanks for the insights. One that would work with multiple weapons would be ideal. Does the Hybrid have any I pack on recoil, other than added weight?

I was in the same position as the OP recently (though my rifles are not .338s) and ended up putting my trust in Silencerco. I can usually get my way through red tape, but the silencer purchase was a bit much for me. The Silencerco website was very clear, they provide options for using one of their pre-drafted trusts and they have kiosks at many gun stores that walk you through the process, including electronic submission of fingerprints. It was so easy that I ended up ordering a second can just cause I figured, why wait?

No idea on which can is the best for a particular need/weapon, but I sure do appreciate when a firearms-related company makes the buying process easy.

You’ll see a more lengthened and softer recoil impulse out of any suppressor worth it’s salt.

Personally I’d be looking at the Thunderbeast Ultra 338.

Thunderbeast Ultra 338. $1795 on their website!!!

Is that the going rate?

Well you could possibly snag a 50% off coupon for $300-$400 from various forums. So that gets you to what, $1300ish. I don't have a TB 338, but do have others of theirs. Rifles need threading, sometimes there are trust costs, and the $200 stamp costs. Not a cheap endeavor.

The silencerco Hybrid should run you around 750 or so.

I got into silencers for the same reason. It's not arduous anymore--tons of companies have basically automated the process. It's very easy.

Silencerco is making a 36 cal short suppressor that would be a good choice for your 338, I think it's the Omega 36P. Thunderbeast also makes a 33 cal can, but I think it's maybe for a 338 Lapua, it's 17 ounces and 10" long, pretty huge for carrying around and the weight is right where you don't want it, way out at the end of the barrel.

You want something short and light. I run 5" Thunderbeast Ultra cans on most of my guns and it's not a huge adjustment from carrying unsurpassed rifles. Maybe you have the barrel trimmed a tad bit shorter when you send it out to be threaded, lose an inch or two. Any of the modern 5" cans will knock 25 DB off the blast, at least. The 7" cans are quieter but the length starts adding up. But they are do-able. The 9" cans I have never get used, they're range toys only. I know it only sounds like 2 inches but... It adds up.

Even a 5" can is a total game changer. It's basically like having cheap ear plugs in. Most 5" titanium cans weigh in the 10 oz range. I also had TB make me some Ultra-7's in 35 caliber. Great cans. They could make you one of those, for sure.

But I'd snag one of those Omega 36P's and never look back. Soon as I recover from Christmas, I'm getting one myself.

Shot Show would be worth waiting for at this point probably as well. Bound to be some new stuff out.