I have been fortunate to be involved with Ballistics Best since it was a general idea. This year is special to me, however. It’s unique because I also get to head up Ballistics Best 2025 Hunting Suppressors. I hunt with a suppressor every chance I can. Including a suppressor on your hunting rifle is one of the best things you can do. From the ability to get a follow-up shot to less recoil and a slight muzzle velocity boost, it is a significant plus. Additionally, 41 states now allow it. With my new mission laid out, it was time to get some testing done.
Ballistics Best 2025 Hunting Suppressors – The Best of the Best
First, I gathered a team of evaluators. They included two other suppressor aficionados, and among us, we have over 75 years of experience. We have all been running suppressors since George Washington was a private. The testing process was pretty simple. Each category covered something that people in the hunting suppressor market look for. The scale ranged from 0 to 5, with the opening point at three. That means every suppressor came in as a three and gained or lost points as the evaluation progressed. Evaluators could assign any point value they felt was appropriate. For consistency, we all used the same three guns for testing and the same .308 Winchester 180-gr hunting round.
The Process
The suppressors we gathered were based on feedback from over 100 hunters. The question was – What do you use and what have you seen in the field? This produced some interesting information. The most noticeable point was the use of non-hunting-specific suppressors in the field. While a specific suppressor may be marketed as “tactical,” it may also end up on the end of a bolt gun dialed in on an elk.
One other point to touch on here as well. The point of impact (POI) shift has long been a term people throw around. This is a measure of the difference in the bullet’s impact after a suppressor is added to a rifle. 99% of the people I spoke to do not consider this a significant issue, in that they zero their rifle with the suppressor attached. This is not to say it can’t be an issue, but it was almost a non-factor in the suppressors we tested.
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Regardless of that, we tested for POI shift on all the suppressors. We found that modern lightweight suppressors have significantly reduced POI shift due to their lightweight design. All the suppressors performed well.
Once we had all the suppressors in hand, we set a date and were on our way. Let’s take a look at this year’s contenders in alphabetical order.
Dead Air Sandman X
The Dead Air Sandman X is a 3D-printed, hard-use .30 caliber suppressor made from Haynes 282, designed for low back pressure, high durability, and excellent sound/flash reduction. It is full-auto rated for cartridges up to .300 RUM, with no barrel length restrictions. The suppressor is versatile, compatible with various mounting systems, such as KeyMo and Xeno, and can be adapted for smaller calibers, such as 5.56 NATO.
This was one of the non-traditional hunting suppressors that joined our list, and it performed well. Dead Air has always made solid suppressors, and the Sandman X is a prime example.
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- Highest Evaluators Score: 32
- Lowest Evaluators Score: 29
- Highest Average Category Score: Perceived Sound 3.6
- Lowest Average Category Score: Recoil 3.3
- Total Score: 31.3
Nosler SR30k
Based on the SR-30AlTi and featuring an aluminum and titanium construction for the lightest possible weight, the SR-30K strikes a balance between overall length and noise reduction. Designed specifically with hunters in mind, the SR-30K is two inches shorter and two ounces lighter than its full-sized brother, the SR-30AlTi, and features a proprietary baffle stack design for maximum performance in a minimalist package.
Being lighter and shorter, the SR-30K is easier to carry and, when mounted, is easier to maneuver than a full-sized can. Utilizing the same attachment system as the rest of the Nosler suppressor line, the SR-30k can be mounted either over a brake or direct-thread with the use of the included adapter. When space and weight are at a premium, but you want the noise and blast reduction of a suppressor, the Nosler SR-30K provides the best of both worlds.
- Highest Evaluators Score: 33
- Lowest Evaluators Score: 29
- Highest Average Category Score: OA Size 34.3
- Lowest Average Category Score: Aesthetics 2.3
- Total Score: 29.8
Rugged AXIAL
The Rugged AXIAL is a durable, high-performance 7.62mm rifle suppressor built for versatility and use in demanding conditions, including full-auto fire. Key features include its Coaxial Venting Technology to reduce gas blowback, durable Cobalt 6 baffles, and a Universal Mount (RUM) for cross-platform compatibility. It is also rated for up to .300 RUM and comes with an M2 brake and 7.62 flash hider end cap.
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The AXIAL is designed to ensure a repeatable point of impact without degrading the rifle’s accuracy. This is a critical point when you are looking through the scope at the biggest buck of your life. The AXIAL also hits that sweet spot on weight. It is light enough to be easy to carry, but it still helps take the edge off recoil.
- Highest Evaluators Score: 31
- Lowest Evaluators Score: 30
- Highest Average Category Score: Dispersion 4
- Lowest Average Category Score: Aesthetics 2.3
- Total Score: 30.1
Buck 30 by BANISH
A newer addition to the BANISH line of suppressors is the BUCK 30, a high-performance hunting suppressor in partnership with Buck Commander. Made of stainless steel and laser-welded for precision and durability, the BUCK 30 features the Buck Commander logo proudly displayed on its tubeless construction. Equipped with an accuracy baffle, the BUCK 30 minimizes point of impact shift so you may only need to make slight sight adjustments. Additionally, the BUCK 30 features an industry-standard hub mount, giving users more options for connecting it to their host firearm.
If you want to reduce your recoil, save your hearing, improve your accuracy, and protect your hunt, the BUCK 30 would serve you well.
- Highest Evaluators Score: 38
- Lowest Evaluators Score: 36
- Highest Average Category Score: Value/Price 4
- Lowest Average Category Score: Weight 3.6
- Total Score: 36.5
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SilencerCo Scythe STM
The Scythe STM is a stainless-steel version that maintains all the quality features of the Scythe-Ti but uses a different construction material. It’s intended for harder use applications due to its durability. The Scythe STM is even full auto rated with no barrel restrictions. It’s also modular, with one baffle shorter than the Scythe-Ti in its short configuration and two baffles longer in its long configuration for maximum sound suppression.
The Scythe Series suppressors handle calibers ranging from .223 REM/5.56 NATO all the way up to .300 RUM. The Scythe is a unique suppressor in our mix because it is marketed to both the hunting and tactical worlds.
- Highest Evaluators Score: 38
- Lowest Evaluators Score: 35
- Highest Average Category Score: Dispersion 4.6
- Lowest Average Category Score: OA Size
- Total Score: 35.8
Wilson Combat Silent Bandit
The Silent Bandit delivers suppressed performance in a sleek, lightweight design.
At its heart is a titanium baffle stack available in two configurations. The 5-baffle option features a 5.76-inch stack at 12.1 ounces, while the 6-baffle version offers a 6.41-inch stack at 13.3 ounces. Its refined 1 ¾-inch profile fits seamlessly with your firearm without adding unnecessary weight.
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The hub mount and end cap are constructed from rugged H13 steel with a sleek black nitride finish. The hub mount is compatible with other various firearm systems, allowing for fast disassembly and flexible configuration. For enhanced durability in demanding conditions, Silent Bandit is coated with a high-temperature resistant variant of their ARMOR-TUFF Protective Finish.
We have come to expect solid performance from any item leaving the Wilson Combat shop, and the Silent Bandit stays true to that expectation.
- Highest Evaluators Score: 32
- Lowest Evaluators Score: 28
- Highest Average Category Score: POI Shift 4
- Lowest Average Category Score: Value/Price 2.6
- Total Score: 30.1
And The Winner Is
Much to everyone’s disappointment, we eventually fired the last round of the day. While the suppressors were cooling, we eagerly calculated the results. While each of us had favorites, we all tended to score similarly across the board. When the last calculation was complete, the scores showed that this year’s winner was Buck 30 by BANISH from Silencer Central. The competition was extremely tight, with only a .7-point difference between first and second place.
As I always say. I have a deep respect for all the companies that provide suppressors for testing. It takes a confident brand to step into the ring like this without knowing what the outcome may be. It is a big deal to make this list, and we would recommend any of these suppressors to new and experienced hunters alike. We are honored to have had the chance to test them all.
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