Reason for Suppression
First it's suppression, not silencing. The reason we suppress High Power weapons in the military is detection. I urge anyone, who gets a chance, to "work the butts" with someone firing a suppressed weapon. The supersonic crack is right over your head and you have no idea where the report came from. Even if you are down range and perpendicular to the bullet path you will be hard pressed to find the source of the report. Yes, even a 338 Lapua. I keep a can (suppressor) on my m4 all the time, besides I like the balance better. I have a can on my Cheytac M-200 Intervention in 338 Lapua. The people on the range around me prefer it. Yes, you still have noise reduction, but, it's certainly not Hollywood, but close to the 338 Lapua you'll want a set of attenuators!! OH, a can also changes gas dynamics on short barreled gas operated weapons.