A recent range trip has convinced me that I can no longer shoot non-suppressed long guns without causing further hearing damage and making my tinnitus worse. I shot about 10 rounds through a 24" barrel .30-30 outdoors with earpro rated at 33db NRR. It caused no discomfort while shooting but afterward my tinnitus was noticeably increased and I feel my hearing may have suffered a bit. I also shot my suppressed 300 BLK AR and it never causes me a problem. Even when not suppressed it is quieter than the .30-30.
My left ear is so bad now that I can't afford any more damage or I will be pretty much completely deaf in that ear. Sometimes I am tempted to stop shooting altogether, but I think I can continue if I always shoot suppressed. I want to have another long gun besides the AR, so I would like some opinions on the following options:
1) Chop the barrel on my .30-30 and have it threaded for a suppressor (not leaning this way at the moment).
2) Sell the .30-30 and buy a threaded bolt gun chambered for 300 BLK for ammo commonality with the AR. Possibly a Ruger American Ranch Rifle.
3) Re-barrel my AR in 5.56 and get a .223 bolt gun for ammo commonality. My suppressor would still work with this setup.
4) Keep my AR as is and get a .223 bolt gun anyway, and live with two rifle cartridges. Suppressor would work for both (with proper attachment).
5) Some folks might be thinking "get a .308" at this point -- not sure I want to go there. I've gotten away from big game hunting and .308 is loud. Even suppressed it might cause further hearing damage. Or I might be paranoid due to experience. Not sure.
The new Henry Long Ranger discussed in another thread is interesting and might make a nice suppressor host with a shortened and threaded barrel. But it would mean another cartridge (probably .223) and would probably ruin the resale value. I do like how lever guns handle and shoot though -- more so than bolt guns since I have more experience with levers.
The 300 BLK bolt gun does have some appeal even though I am not a bolt gun guy -- suppressed Blackout is pretty easy on the ears compared to other cartridges.
It sucks that I am at this point, but that's the way it is. I'd like some opinions on the above, or suggestions for things I'm not thinking of.