The unsuppressed report of a .300 Blackout cartridge fired from a standard barrel length is significant, typically exceeding 160 decibels. This level of noise is considerably higher than many other common rifle calibers and poses a substantial risk of hearing damage with unprotected exposure. A variety of factors influence the precise sound level, including barrel length, powder load, and environmental conditions.
Understanding the substantial noise generated by this specific cartridge without sound suppression is critical for safe firearm operation. This knowledge allows for informed decisions regarding hearing protection and underscores the importance of noise mitigation strategies. Historically, concerns regarding noise levels from firearms predate the .300 Blackout, but the cartridges design, often optimized for suppressed use, highlights the potential for dramatic sound differences depending on the presence of a suppressor.