SSS.6.19 - Dead Air Sandman-Ti and the Savage Model 10 PC .308
/Dead Air Sandman-Ti on a Savage Model 10 .308 with 20-in Barrel
The Sandman-Ti is designed by Dead Air. It is a 30 caliber centerfire rifle silencer, intended to suppress most cartridges with projectiles appropriately sized to travel through the bore, up to and including 300 Remington Ultra Magnum. It has a 1.5-inch diameter and is 8.2 inches in length. The silencer mounts to the host weapon with its integrated direct-thread mount; it is the only silencer in the Sandman series from Dead Air that does not use the Keymount muzzle devices. The outer tube and mount are titanium and the cast Stellite baffles of the inner core are fully-welded. The silencer weighs 16.8 ounces. The Sandman-Ti can be obtained from Silencer Shop.
This review contains single-test results using the Sandman-Ti direct-thread mounted on the Savage Model 10 Precision Carbine rifle, chambered in .308WIN with an 20-inch barrel. Federal XM80C 149gr ammunition was used in the test.
Summary: When paired with the Savage M10 20” .308 and fired with Federal XM80C, the Dead Air Sandman-Ti Direct Thread achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 41.5 in PEW Science testing.
6.19.1 Dead Air Sandman-Ti Sound Signature Test Results
A summary of the principal Silencer Sound Standard performance metrics of the Sandman-Ti is shown in Table 1. The data acquired 1.0 m (39.4 in) left of the muzzle is available for viewing to all. This is a members-only review and includes pressure and impulse waveforms measured at the shooter’s ear. PEW Science thanks you for your support; further testing, research, and development of PEW-SOFT and the Silencer Sound Standard is made possible by members like you!
Table 1. Dead air Sandman-Ti Sound Metric Summary
6.19.1.1 SOUND SIGNATURES AT THE MUZZLE
Real sound pressure histories acquired with PEW-SOFT™ are shown below. The waveforms are not averaged, decimated, or filtered. The data acquisition rate used in all PEW Science testing is 1.0 MS/s (1 MHz). The peaks, shape, and time phasing (when the peaks occur in relation to absolute time and to each other) of these raw waveforms are the most accurate of any firearm silencer testing publicly available. PEW-SOFT data is acquired by PEW Science independent testing; the industry leader in silencer sound research. For more information, please consult the Silencer Sound Standard.
Figure 1 shows a 2.2 millisecond long portion of the first round sound pressure signature of the Dead Air Sandman-Ti as measured 1.0 m left of the muzzle. There are three significant waveform features labeled:
An initial pressure pulse out of the silencer, after the bullet exits the end-cap, causes a 140.5 dB peak.
The measured sound pressure increases, gradually, to a maximum of 147.1 dB
As gas continues to exit the silencer from the primary combustion event, secondary jetting results in a peak of 147.7 dB.
This is the typical sequence observed when firing supersonic .308WIN ammunition from a bolt-action rifle with an attached silencer that exhibits significant flow restriction (back pressure); however, internal silencer design can significantly influence the measured timing and pressure amplitudes. Preliminary back pressure comparisons are shown in Section 6.19.2 of this review.
Fig 1. Dead Air Sandman-Ti First Round Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature, 09-MAY-2020
Closer views of the first peak of all shots (Fig 2a) and highest peak of the first shot (Fig 2b) are shown below. Figure 2a illustrates the consistency of the bullet end-cap exit event between all 5 shots during the test, prior to the influences of internal silencer gas environment. This event is plainly visible and decoupled from the majority of the primary combustion event due to the sample rate used with PEW-SOFT. Figure 2b shows points later in time during Shot 1 as the maximum sound pressure occurs from the primary combustion event. Note that the total timescale in Figure 2a is 0.15 milliseconds (150 microseconds) and the total timescale in Figure 2b is only 0.10 milliseconds (100 microseconds). PEW-SOFT provides a sampling point every microsecond and the individual data points are shown in Figure 2b to illustrate this.
Fig 2a. Dead Air Sandman-Ti Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Early-Time Peaks, 09-MAY-2020
Fig 2b. Dead Air Sandman-Ti Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Shot 1 Peak, 09-MAY-2020
The primary sound signature pressure histories for all 5 shots with the Sandman-Ti are shown in Figure 3a. The sound signatures of Shot 1 and Shot 2 are shown in Figure 3b, in the regions of peak sound pressure. Note the same peak events are labeled for Shot 1 that were previously labeled in Figure 1. The real sound impulse (momentum transfer potential) histories from the same 5-shot test are shown in Figure 4a. In Figure 4b, a shorter timescale is shown comparing the impulse of Shot 1 to that of Shot 2.
Fig 3a. Dead Air Sandman-Ti Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature, 09-MAY-2020
Fig 3b. Dead Air Sandman-Ti Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature, Short Time Window, 09-MAY-2020
Figure 4a. Dead Air Sandman-Ti Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature, 09-MAY-2020
Figure 4b. Dead Air Sandman-Ti Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature, Short Time Window, 09-MAY-2020
The measured first-round-pop (FRP) is evident in both the pressure and impulse regimes. When comparing the overall early-time pressure histories of Shot 1 to Shot 2 (Fig 3b), the gas jetting in Shot 1 has a higher magnitude and faster rise-time than the jetting in Shot 2. This is best illustrated in the impulse regime in Figure 4. Note that after the initial impulse step peak occurs at approximately 29.8 ms, the slope of the impulse rise of Shot 1 is steeper than that of the subsequent shots.
The shape, timing, and magnitudes of the early-time pressure pulses and overall shape of the impulse waveforms measured at the muzzle, from shot-to-shot, are extremely consistent, highlighting the silencer’s overall sound performance consistency at the muzzle after the FRP, as well as the relative consistency of the tested bolt action rifle firearm configuration.
PEW Science note: One notable observation from the measured data is the relatively long rise-time to peak impulse exhibited by the Sandman-Ti in this test. The rise-time to peak impulse (peak momentum transfer potential) measured 1.0 meter left of the muzzle of the Sandman-Ti when firing supersonic .308WIN ammunition is measured to be approximately 20% longer than that of the SilencerCo Omega 300 (Sound Signature Review 6.10) and approximately 2% shorter than that of the CGS Helios QD with its Solid end-cap (Sound Signature Review 6.13). This is one objective measurement that indicates the Sandman-Ti exhibits higher gas flow restriction and therefore higher back pressure characteristics than the Omega 300 but is on-par with the back pressure of the Helios QD with its solid end-cap. More detailed and direct comparisons are provided in Section 6.19.2 of this review.
As typically indicated, first-round sound signatures always differ from subsequent shots, as the atmosphere within the silencer changes. The FRP phenomenon cannot always be shown by viewing only the peak sound pressure. This is one of the reasons why The Silencer Sound Standard requires examining multiple sound signature metrics. Ammunition consistency can play a role in the determination of FRP, however, the close examination of measured pressure and impulse waveforms typically excludes ammunition from the possible factors influencing true FRP, due to the relative consistency of most high quality factory ammunition.
6.19.1.2 SOUND SIGNATURES AT SHOOTER’S EAR
Real sound pressure histories from the same 5-shot test of the Dead Air Sandman-Ti suppressor acquired with PEW-SOFT at the shooter’s ear are shown below. Again, the waveforms are not averaged, decimated, or filtered. The data acquisition rate used in all PEW Science testing is 1.0 MS/s (1 MHz).
The primary sound signature pressure histories at the ear for all 5 shots are shown in Figure 5. The primary sound signature history is shown on the left. A zoomed-in timescale is displayed on the right, in the region of peak sound pressure for Shot 1 and Shot 2. The real sound impulse (momentum transfer potential) histories at the ear from the same 5-shot test are shown in Figure 6. Again, full and short timescales are shown.
Figure 5a. Dead Air Sandman-Ti Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Pressure Signature, 09-MAY-2020
Figure 5b. Dead Air Sandman-Ti Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Pressure Signature, Short Time Window, 09-MAY-2020
Figure 6a. Dead Air Sandman-Ti Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Impulse Signature, 09-MAY-2020
Figure 6b. Dead Air Sandman-Ti Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Impulse Signature, Short Time Window, 09-MAY-2020
Similar to the measurements at the muzzle, there is FRP evident when examining the waveforms measured at the shooter’s ear (Figure 5b). Note that, again, the fast rise-time to peak impulse is evident in Shot 1 (Figure 6). Also note the very similar pressure and impulse magnitudes prior to the gas completely exiting the weapon system (between 27 and 30 ms). The supersonic .308WIN platform creates significant sound signature even before the gas completely exits the weapon system, as was shown in the measured muzzle sound pressure and impulse signatures in the previous section.
The overall sound signature measured at the shooter’s ear possesses significantly less amplitude in both the pressure and impulse regimes than the signature measured at the muzzle (refer to Table 1). Furthermore, the application of both pressure and impulse at the shooter’s ear is delayed when compared to the pressure and impulse at the weapon muzzle. The combination of varying amplitude and rise time to peak amplitude influences the response of the human ear.
Note the lower average pressure and impulse measured at the weapon muzzle and at the shooter’s ear in this test of the Sandman-Ti than most silencers evaluated in the Sound Signature Reviews, to date. For the given weapon system and ammunition configuration, the Sandman-Ti is an objectively quieter silencer to both the shooter and to bystanders than all the silencers shown so far, except for the Helios QD.
6.19.2 Relative Back Pressure and Suppression Rating Comparison (.30 Rifle Silencers)
PEW Science Research Note: As of February 2021, back pressure characterization has undergone refinement and Rev.2 of the Back Pressure Metric has been developed. Research is ongoing. Please see back pressure research updates starting with Sound Signature Review 6.36.
The Sandman-Ti suppressor is intended to be durable but light for its size, but without concern for back pressure. PEW Science is currently conducting silencer back pressure research. Figure 7 shows preliminary relative supersonic suppression and back pressure comparisons between selected 7.62mm (30 caliber) rifle silencers shown in public PEW Science Sound Signature Reviews, as of the date of this review publication. The results shown in Figure 7 are calculated from real test data acquired with PEW-SOFT. Please note the following:
The time to reach peak gas momentum transfer potential, as measured 1.0 m left of the weapon muzzle, is the objective quantity used to generate the back pressure data summary.
The waveform characteristics of unsuppressed shots with the same ammunition used in the respective tests are used in the calculations and the unsuppressed relative back pressure and Suppression Rating quantities are shown.
The first shot from each silencer test is omitted from the back pressure computations due to internal gas environment characteristics within the silencer (FRP) that influence peak impulse amplitude, wave-shape, and timing. All unsuppressed shots are included.
Data is normalized to the silencer with the highest back pressure and Suppression Rating shown, which is the CGS Helios QD with its Solid end-cap (Sound Signature Review 6.13).
Figure 7. Back Pressure And Suppression Rating Comparisons Of .308 Rifle Silencers Using PEW-SOFT Data
From the above data, it can be concluded that the Sandman-Ti suppressor may produce significant back pressure. It is important to note that the back pressure potential of silencers may not be significant in practical use with semi-automatic and automatic hosts, depending on the respective metric magnitudes; this is the subject of future PEW Science research. For example, it is postulated that there is a threshold back pressure metric below which adequate semi-automatic weapon function on 5.56x45mm host weapons may be achieved. Whether that threshold is 0.39 in Figure 7 (Sandman-S) or 0.66 (VOX S), for example, will depend on the particular host weapon configuration.
PEW Science note: The relative percentages described in this section are only valid when examining the data normalized to the CGS Helios QD with its solid end-cap in Figure 7. PEW Science back pressure research is ongoing. Membership contributions to PEW Science help fund such research.
The Dead Air Sandman-Ti is significantly quieter than mid-size 30 caliber rifle silencers, like the Trash Panda and Sandman-S, but is predicted to exhibit significantly higher back pressure. The Sandman-Ti does not reach the level of sound signature suppression exhibited by the CGS Helios QD with its solid end-cap.
6.19.3 Review Summary: Dead Air Sandman-Ti on a Savage Model 10 .308 with 20-in Barrel
When paired with the Savage M10 20” .308 and fired with Federal XM80C, the Dead Air Sandman-Ti Direct Thread achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 41.5 in PEW Science testing.
PEW Science Subjective Opinion:
The Dead Air Sandman-Ti is a full size but relatively lightweight 30 caliber machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses high sound signature suppression performance with relatively high back pressure. The silencer is direct-thread only and weighs 16.8 ounces, as tested.
Like the other Sandman series 30 caliber suppressors from Dead Air, the Sandman-Ti uses an iteration of a feature-reduced and modified stepped-cone baffle, similar to the feature-reduced curved-cone baffle used in the Omega 300 from SilencerCo and other companies, with the primary difference being an enlarged center orifice to facilitate higher axial gas flow rate. However, because of the length of the Sandman-Ti, the silencer inhibits more gas flow than the Sandman-S, for example, and therefore produces higher back pressure. The back pressure generation of the Sandman-Ti is higher than that of the SilencerCo Omega 300 but marginally lower than that of the CGS Helios QD in the Helios’s solid end-cap configuration. It is interesting to note that the Sandman-Ti outperforms the shorter Omega 300 in sound suppression but does not reach the level of sound suppression measured with the shorter CGS Helios QD. This is due to the internal design of the Helios; particularly the outer annulus and flow linkage geometry, as well as the varying baffle geometry in the primary section. PEW Science data indicates that silencers with technology similar to that used in the Sandman-Ti may have now reached their sound performance thresholds and further optimization may not yield significant sound suppression performance dividends in the present design envelope. This is the subject of ongoing research.
The direct-thread of the Sandman-Ti is well suited to use on precision rifles or other rifles for which a fast-attach mounting system is not desired. Users may choose to mount the silencer under a handguard on a semi- or fully-automatic AR-platform weapon due to the silencer possessing no latching mechanism. However, the user is cautioned to be mindful of heat in such configurations during sustained fire; PEW Science urges users to consider radiant heat when deciding on specific silencer mounting configurations.
The Sandman-Ti is marketed to be durable and is advertised to not have any restrictions on barrel length; therefore it may be used with aggressive semiautomatic and automatic firing schedules. Unlike the Sandman silencers that use the Keymount system, the Sandman-Ti may be used on magnum rifle cartridges up to and including 300 Remington Ultra Magnum; a testament to the strength of direct-thread mounting. PEW Science encourages the user to contact the silencer designer prior to use with high power magnum rifle cartridges.
In this review, the Sandman-Ti performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge; no easy task. PEW Science encourages the reader to remain vigilant with regard to all supersonic centerfire rifle suppression claims. The gas volume and combustion products created by the firing of the supersonic .308WIN cartridge are significant; the measured pressure and impulse magnitudes, and their durations, illustrate this fact.
The hearing damage potential of supersonic centerfire rifle use is significant. PEW Science encourages the reader to consider the Suppression Rating when deciding on an appropriate silencer and host weapon combination for their desired use.
