SSS.6.24 - Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308
/Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 on a Savage Model 10 .308 with 20-in Barrel
The ULTRA 9 is designed and manufactured by Thunder Beast Arms Corporation. 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 6.5 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum (6.5 SAUM) on a 20-inch barrel. It has a 1.5-inch diameter and is 9 inches in length. The silencer is available as a direct-thread model or as a muzzle-device mounted model. The user may choose a Thunder Beast CB muzzle brake or CB flash hider on which to mount the silencer to the host weapon. The ULTRA 9 is constructed entirely of titanium with a fully-welded core. The CB muzzle brake and flash hider are constructed of heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel. The silencer weighs 16.5 ounces with the CB flash hider. The ULTRA 9 can be obtained from Silencer Shop.
This review contains single-test results using the ULTRA 9 mounted with the CB flash hider 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 Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 with the CB flash hider achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 46.1 in PEW Science testing.
6.24.1 Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 Sound Signature Test Results
A summary of the principal Silencer Sound Standard performance metrics of the ULTRA 9 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. Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 Sound Metric Summary
6.24.1.1 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 millisecond long portion of the first round sound pressure signature of the Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 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 141.1 dB peak.
After significantly reducing in amplitude, the measured sound pressure increases, gradually, to a secondary peak of 140.5 dB
As gas continues to exit the silencer from the primary combustion event, further jetting results in a peak of 139.7 dB with the maximum sound pressure from the first shot being reached later in time, with an amplitude of 141.6 dB.
This is a somewhat atypical sequence observed when firing supersonic .308WIN ammunition from a bolt-action rifle with an attached silencer that exhibits significant flow restriction (back pressure). The magnitude of the early time peak relative to that of the latent peaks is significant, as is the duration of jetting. Internal silencer design can significantly influence the measured timing and pressure amplitudes. Preliminary back pressure comparisons are shown in Section 6.24.2 of this review.
Fig 1. Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 First Round Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature, 09-MAY-2020
For reference, the reader is also encouraged to review the performance data of the Q Thunder Chicken in Sound Signature Review 6.20. The Thunder Chicken and the ULTRA 9 are the only two full-size center-fire rifle silencers, shown in PEW Science testing so far, to exhibit combined end-cap exit and primary jetting peaks of significant magnitude and then suppresses further jetting at or near the level of those initial peaks. Early time peaks of significant magnitude are common in small (loud) silencers with extremely low back pressure such as the Dead Air Sandman-K (6.15) and the Rugged Radiant in its short configuration (6.12), but even with those small silencers, there is a decoupling of the end-cap exit event and the main flow. Both the Thunder Chicken and ULTRA 9 possess unique early-time signature characteristics relative to their latent jetting.
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 unusually extreme consistency of the coupled bullet end-cap exit and jet event, between all 5 shots during the test. Note the consistency in both amplitude and wave shape which are captured accurately due to the sample rate and raw, unfiltered data stream from 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 0.40 milliseconds (400 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. Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Early-Time Peaks, 09-MAY-2020
Fig 2b. Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Shot 1 Peak, 09-MAY-2020
The primary sound signature pressure histories for all 5 shots with the ULTRA 9 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 and Shot 3.
Fig 3a. Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature, 09-MAY-2020
Fig 3b. Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature, Short Time Window, 09-MAY-2020
Figure 4a. Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature, 09-MAY-2020
Figure 4b. Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature, Short Time Window, 09-MAY-2020
The significantly unique performance of the ULTRA 9 is further evident upon examination of the impulse waveforms in Figure 4. Although the measurements at the muzzle with the ULTRA 9 share traits with those measured with the Thunder Chicken, the ULTRA 9 possesses what appears to be a lack of first-round-pop (FRP) in both pressure and impulse space. Note that Shot 2 actually possesses the highest pressure (Fig 3b), and Shot 3 possesses the highest impulse (Fig 4b).
The fast rise-time to an initial peak impulse is noted in Shot 1, beginning at a time of approximately 30.5 ms (Fig 4b). This is typical, and indicative of the atmosphere within the silencer, which changes after the first shot. This measured impulse slope change after the first shot is always present. However, the ULTRA 9 exhibits unique behavior after the initial impulse peak; the subsequent impulse amplitudes rise to a higher magnitude than the initial peak, on all shots.
PEW Science Note 1: The unique post-peak amplitude consistency between all shots in impulse space, coupled with the observation that those amplitudes are higher than the initial step-peak from Shot 1, indicate that a bystander may not be able to perceive FRP. Although the fast rise time of Shot 1 in impulse space indicates the presence of the FRP phenomenon, the lower relative magnitude of the first peak may render it imperceptible. This is the first time such behavior (a combination of both higher latent impulse peaks and no dominant latent first round peak) has been observed in PEW Science testing. Furthermore, PEW Science modeling of human inner ear response to the ULTRA 9 indicates that FRP may be imperceptible, depending upon the hearing capability of the subject. This masking of FRP almost occurs with the Rugged Surge in its long configuration (6.22), but the Surge is unable to reduce late time first round peak impulse in the same relative fashion as the ULTRA 9. It is postulated that the Rugged Surge is the runner-up in FRP suppression and may be perceived as very similar to the ULTRA 9 by bystanders in this regard. The ability of silencers to mask FRP perception is the subject of future PEW Science research.
PEW Science Note 2: Another notable observation from the measured data is the relatively long rise-time to peak impulse exhibited by the ULTRA 9 in this test, which is longer than any other 30 caliber rifle silencer measured by PEW Science, to date. This is one objective measurement that indicates the ULTRA 9 exhibits higher gas flow restriction and therefore higher back pressure characteristics than all of those other silencers. More detailed and direct comparisons are provided in Section 6.24.2 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. It is important to note, again, that PEW Science data indicates FRP may not be of practical concern for bystanders when using the ULTRA 9.
6.24.1.2 SOUND SIGNATURES AT SHOOTER’S EAR
Real sound pressure histories from the same 5-shot test of the Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 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. Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Pressure Signature, 09-MAY-2020
Figure 5b. Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Pressure Signature, Short Time Window, 09-MAY-2020
Figure 6a. Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Impulse Signature, 09-MAY-2020
Figure 6b. Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Impulse Signature, Short Time Window, 09-MAY-2020
When examining the waveforms measured at the shooter’s ear with the ULTRA 9, a similar type of unique FRP behavior is observed to that of the muzzle behavior. There is an FRP in the pressure regime (Fig 5b). However, note the relative magnitudes of the latent peaks in impulse space to the initial impulse peaks (Fig 6). After the combustion event completely exits the weapon system, the latent impulse peaks after approximately 30 ms never rise to an amplitude exceeding the initial peaks. Once again, the presence of FRP is masked by the ULTRA 9; this time, to the shooter.
Again, this masking of FRP almost occurs with the Rugged Surge in its long configuration, but the Surge is unable to reduce the peak impulse in the same relative fashion as the ULTRA 9 at the ear or at the muzzle. The Rugged Surge is the runner-up in FRP suppression.
This is the first time, in PEW Science testing, that the impulse magnitudes at the shooter’s ear, prior to the gas completely exiting the weapon system (between 27 and 30 ms), are higher than the latent impulse for all shots.
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.
6.24.2 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 ULTRA 9 suppressor is intended to be a lightweight precision bolt-action rifle silencer with high sound suppression performance, without regard 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.
Back Pressure Data is normalized to the silencer with the highest back pressure and Suppression Rating shown, which is the ULTRA 9 in this review.
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 ULTRA 9 suppressor may produce back pressure that is significantly higher than silencers of comparable size. The reason for this increased back pressure is most likely the significant flow rate restriction which allows the ULTRA 9 to exhibit very high sound signature suppression performance.
It is important to note that the back pressure potential of silencers, in general, may not be significant in practical use. For example, the ULTRA 9 is intended for use on bolt-action rifles in which back pressure should not be of practical concern with proper silencer mount sealing.
The influence of back pressure characteristics on a silencer’s performance on semi-automatic and automatic hosts may depend 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 typical 5.56x45mm host weapons may be achieved. Whether that threshold is 0.73 in Figure 7 (Helios with its solid end-cap) or 0.57 (Omega 300), for example, will depend on the particular host weapon configuration. Recent PEW Science research at the time of this review publication indicates that a back pressure metric threshold is probable for gas operated 5.56x45mm small arms. Current research indicates that host weapon component dynamics (AR15 platform bolt carrier, buffer mass, and gas port size) can significantly influence suppressed weapon system performance. Further research is ongoing.
PEW Science note: The relative back pressure percentages described in this section are only valid when examining the data normalized to the ULTRA 9 in Figure 7. PEW Science back pressure research is ongoing. Membership contributions to PEW Science help fund such research.
The Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 is quieter than all 30 caliber centerfire rifle silencers shown in public PEW Science supersonic testing, to date. The ULTRA 9 exhibits significant back pressure. In-depth comparative analysis of the ULTRA 9 and its closest sound signature suppressing competitors is the subject of future PEW Science research.
6.24.3 Review Summary: Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 on a Savage Model 10 .308 with 20-in Barrel
When paired with the Savage M10 20” .308 and fired with Federal XM80C, the Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 with the CB flash hider achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 46.1 in PEW Science testing.
PEW Science Subjective Opinion:
The Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 is a full-size 30 caliber precision rifle silencer that possesses exceptional sound signature suppression performance with high back pressure. The silencer is advertised to have “very little to ‘no’ first round pop” which is independently verified in this PEW Science Sound Signature Review. The silencer, as tested with the CB flash hider, has a total system weight of 16.5 ounces, making it one of the lighter full-size .30 silencer systems on the market.
The ULTRA 9 has a symmetrical and fluted convexly curved blast baffle that is, along with the remaining 8 baffles and tube, constructed of titanium. The ULTRA 9 exhibits advanced sound signature suppression and is the first centerfire rifle silencer tested by PEW Science that is postulated to almost completely mask perception of first-round-pop. The silencer has a 1.5-inch diameter with a 9-inch length. Given the performance characteristics highlighted in this review, the ULTRA 9 illustrates a possible upper bound of sound signature suppression performance for that length and diameter design envelope.
The CB series of mounts from Thunder Beast are very simple to operate. Both the flash hider and muzzle brake mount can be threaded directly to the host weapon barrel. The mounts possess male threads that match those in the silencer body; there is a seating taper behind the threads onto which the silencer engages, and this seating taper provides silencer alignment and a gas seal. This taper/thread location is reversed from the location used in mounts manufactured by Rugged Suppressors and Q, for example, that place a taper forward of the mounting threads.
The test unit PEW Science received for evaluation possessed a CB flash hider mount that had been used by other shooters. The mount possessed carbon buildup and threading the silencer onto the mount was difficult and not expedient. It is postulated this occurred due to constant firing of the silencer/mount combination and gas leakage into the mount threads over time. This is a consequence of the mount design. However, it should be noted that with proper mount maintenance (cleaning) this issue is not predicted to be pervasive. PEW Science recommends that weapon and mount maintenance be a routine habit for silencer users.
The repeatability of the measured sound signature characteristics may be indicative of the repeatable accuracy potential of the ULTRA 9, but this has not been verified by PEW Science. Anecdotal information indicates that the ULTRA series from Thunder Beast exhibits high consistency with regard to accuracy. PEW Science data indicates, definitively, that the measured sound signature is consistent, from shot to shot.
Thunder Beast offers detailed load and barrel length restrictions for the ULTRA 9 on its website. Note that due to the 100% titanium construction and intended internal service loads of the ULTRA 9, severe firing schedules are not recommended. The user is encouraged to contact Thunder Beast directly for questions regarding suitability for a chosen host weapon system. Note that the ULTRA 9 is rated up to 6.5 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum (6.5 SAUM) on a 20-inch barrel.
In this review, the ULTRA 9 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.
