OK, really weird question

[DanGuy48]

I went to range yesterday to fire a few shots to generate some brass to send to Warner to make me some dies for this gun, .375 CheyTac. Anyway, the recoil didn't seem too bad but I noticed when shooting that my sinuses were starting to feel weird. Later, it was worse and it's still bothering me today. There's a bit of pain and sort of a swollen feeling. It's almost like I can smell or taste something. I used to shoot 50 foot indoors so I'm very familiar with those kinds of smells. This is different.

Anyway, on thinking about this, the lanes where I was shooting had Lexan partitions between each bench. The muzzle did not really extend past the ends of the partitions so I think that the muzzle brake was directing the muzzle blast right back into the bench area. Has anyone ever heard of a sharp explosion like that affecting sinuses? Yeah, I know, sounds crazy.

 

[emn83]

haven't heard of that in particular, but it sounds reasonable, shock waves can do funny things

 

[Mike 338]

Unusual stress or swelling of the upper jaw or neck can trigger a sinus headache that can last a few days. Laying prone for extended periods with your head in the air or clenched teeth could have something to do with it. I've heard of being able to taste spinal fluid after some type of trauma.

 

[WildRose]

I went to range yesterday to fire a few shots to generate some brass to send to Warner to make me some dies for this gun, .375 CheyTac. Anyway, the recoil didn't seem too bad but I noticed when shooting that my sinuses were starting to feel weird. Later, it was worse and it's still bothering me today. There's a bit of pain and sort of a swollen feeling. It's almost like I can smell or taste something. I used to shoot 50 foot indoors so I'm very familiar with those kinds of smells. This is different.

Anyway, on thinking about this, the lanes where I was shooting had Lexan partitions between each bench. The muzzle did not really extend past the ends of the partitions so I think that the muzzle brake was directing the muzzle blast right back into the bench area. Has anyone ever heard of a sharp explosion like that affecting sinuses? Yeah, I know, sounds crazy.

No not such a crazy question or idea.

In such a closed setting the blast off of the rifle could very easily effect your sinuses in several different ways.

If you had some closed sinuses and a sinus infection you didn't know about it could have very easily opened them up and they are now draining as a result.

If you had some sinus irritation from allergies etc the same could have occurred.

Another possibility is the blast could have had the opposite effect causing some swelling and irritation combined with the burnt powder etc clogging some of your sinuses and trapping some of the arosolized particulates in them and they are now starting to drain so what was trapped in them is starting to leak out.

I'm not a doctor and don't play one on TV but something you might consider if you can safely take it is some Entex or generic guaifenisson to clean it all out.

 

[4xforfun]

Not weird at all. I don't have any problem shooting my breaked 300 wby comp guns. I don't have any trouble shooting an AR - 30 in 338 LM with the big rearward facing break. But...every time I pull the trigger on my friends factory MK V 30-378 WBY with a factory break, I get the sensation that I was just lightly punched in the nose. Kind of a wierd feeling, actually. Definatly could feel it in my sinuses. It is a very sharp crack compared to the 338 LM. On the other hand....everything must be bolted down on the bench when you let fly with the big Lapua...sh-t flies everywhere. With the big WBY...it is a pure shock wave...not much moves on the bench.

 

[Joe King]

I think you got a very mild dose of ..........over pressure (I'm thinking like with modern artillery just much smaller scale)? And your sinuses are just sensitive to it.

 

[Bravo 4]

My advise is to not shoot that rifle in a confined space. Unless you like getting punched upside the head. The blast from those big boomers can cause some serious damage. That's why our spotter position with them is straight behind the shooter between his feet.

 

[WildRose]

My advise is to not shoot that rifle in a confined space. Unless you like getting punched upside the head. The blast from those big boomers can cause some serious damage. That's why our spotter position with them is straight behind the shooter between his feet.

Yep. I can't imagine shooting any of the magnums in an enclosed space especially the "biggn's like the Cheytac and 50 bmg's.

Pretty much an invitation to a pressure wave induced concussion at some point.

 

[Eaglet]

Very good advises.

DanGuy48, get well and keep us posted.

 

[Bullet bumper]

It could affect the sinus in several ways I guess . If his sinus is slightly blocked then the concussion can cause a small nose bleed that dose not come out until later . That could be the funny feeling and the taste .
I had the same thing happen one time after firing a 460 Weatherby but my nose bleed was obvious . Slight but obvious . If later you blow your nose and get some blood then that could be it . Make sure you have good quality ear protection and don't shoot with your mouth slightly open . I bet the biggest issue is a muzzle break in the confined space .

 

[DanGuy48]

?..I get the sensation that I was just lightly punched in the nose. Kind of a wierd feeling, actually. Definatly could feel it in my sinuses.

Yeah, that describes it very well. I used to do a lot of martial arts and when I'd take a good shot, I'd get like a blood odor in my sinuses. It reminded me of that, but different, like you said, weird feeling.

Anyway, thanks for feed back everyone. Good to know. This definitely won't be something I'll be doing regularly. I had just finished mounting new 20 MOA base, rings and scope and wanted to get a rough sight in and generate some fired brass. This range is just a couple miles from me and I didn't want to drive to more distant ranges just to fire a few shots. Interesting experience...

 

[WildRose]

Yeah, that describes it very well. I used to do a lot of martial arts and when I'd take a good shot, I'd get like a blood odor in my sinuses. It reminded me of that, but different, like you said, weird feeling.

Anyway, thanks for feed back everyone. Good to know. This definitely won't be something I'll be doing regularly. I had just finished mounting new 20 MOA base, rings and scope and wanted to get a rough sight in and generate some fired brass. This range is just a couple miles from me and I didn't want to drive to more distant ranges just to fire a few shots. Interesting experience...

This may sound silly but... If you have to shoot in that environment in the future get one of those swimmer's nose clamps and wear it. Also make sure your mouth is closed when you pull the trigger.

That should greatly reduce the blast effect at least internally.

 

[Bravo 4]

We have a range not too far from the house I have shot on that has the dividers between benches. The last time I stopped in there I got the bench on the end that only had one divider and was open on one end. I know my .338 Edge had a heck of a blast hitting me, you are correct about the brake enhancing the effect felt back on the shooter (off the barrier). I also stuck my pack between my head and such to lessen the effect. That and my barrel is long enough to where I can poke it out past a little, kinda cheated.