I searched everywhere and couldn't find the answers so here we go....
What are the disadvantages of hunting/shooting long range with a suppressor?
How important is the quality of the Can?
I'm building a .300wm but am completely unfamiliar with suppressors. I'd like to know opinions on barrel thickness/contour (I want #5). As well as barrel length.
Thanks
Jeff
The main disadvantage is the added length and weight on the barrel. It will have a small effect on the trajectory, so for long range make up range cards with and without the suppressor. Local wind at the shooting location can buffet the rifle more with a suppressor attached.
If you're in the US make sure it's properly registered with the ATF. Major fines legal hassles if you have one and haven't paid the tax and done the paperwork. I'd suggest you buy from an experienced Class III dealer in your state and county if possible.
Check your state hunting laws. Some places it's legal to own a suppressor but not legal to hunt with one. In some states what you hunt matters.
Suppressors are usually made of stainless steel, or titanium alloy. The main advantage of titanium is they're about 1/2 the weight but about twice the cost. I recently paid about $1500 for a Gemtec titanium which is rated for 300 Win Mag. You can find some with that rating for around $600. There's still the $200 tax if you live in the US. I'm over 6 months now waiting for BATF approval.
You still have the bullet crack shooting supersonic. It gets rid if muzzle blast. Game will still hear the bullet about the same as without a suppressor, but you should be able to shoot without hearing protection. People beside the supersonic bullet's path may still want hearing protection.
With a # 5 barrel you probably won't notice a change in accuracy with a suppressor only a small change in point of impact. Suppressors do give reduced recoil, about like a decent muzzle brake.
Many 30 caliber suppressors use a 5/8x24 thread. Many suppressor manufacturers also make quick release adapters which stay on the barrel and act as a brake and flash suppressor when the suppressor is removed. There are several designs which may or may not interchange between manufacturers. It's best to at least know what suppresor you're going to use before cutting the barrel. Adding a suppressor has little effect on muzzle velocity but Adding 8" to a 26" hunting rifle does make it a bit unwieldy (34" barrel). Using a shorter barrel won't help ballistics or the life of the suppressor.
A web search on suppressors will yield many sites with manufacturers and reviews.