What to do with 308 when I start with my dog

Have started training my pup and all things going well, will be hunting with him next winter.
I am currently running with a Tikka T3 308 18” Hardy Can. Scope is a VX5.
I’m very fond of my shooting set up and would like to stick with it.

Things to note,
-I don’t reload and don’t plan on getting set up to do so.
-I won’t be hunting every week, so don’t foresee putting 100’s of shots over my dog. But I do plan on going out at least every month.
-Majority Bush hunting

What is practical in terms of not stuffing up my dogs hearing?
Is there a factory sub I could use?
Or is this not an issue I should worry about?

Any thoughts are much appreciated

Wouldn't worry about it, my Vizsla is 10 and has still got hearing despite having had shots fired around her.

H

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winchester does factory .308 subs

Keep the can on it and make sure the dog is behind the muzzle so it doesn't catch the blast.

dont stress about it. IF your worried about it.buy box of subsonics and ONLY use them for finishing off shots.
you wont shoot directly over your dogs ears....you wont shoot past your dog.....at worst they will be out to one side no different to any other of your hunting mates.

How loud is your 308?

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Originally Posted by STC

How loud is your 308?

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Pardon

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by STC

How loud is your 308?

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Loud enough

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Originally Posted by ElDax

winchester does factory .308 subs

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Yea I have seen these, are they adequate for red deer out of a 1:11 twist?
Understand that shot placement would be more critical than ever.

I think if I was to go down that path I’d have a mag of subs and a mag of supers.
And just dial accordingly??

as said earlier..keep the subs for finishing off shots..and use the reliable supers for actually downing the animals

As MD said.

Just shoot suppressed....
But get your dog use to the gunshots and you won't have any issues.
My GWP was 11 and had thousands of suppressed rounds put over him

My Dog has been hunted over for 11 years too - 7-08 and 270win all supressed. Hearing is still perfect that she can hear a chip packet rustle when I'm on the couch or the fridge door open when I'm getting a beer and she is outside on the front lawn, asleep.

She also has the amazing ability to smell and hear the toaster from equally outstanding range.

@JBNZ you'll often find the pup will pull back a bit, or lock up, so you can actually move forward so he/she is beside you when you shoot. I've hardly ever shot with the dog in front.
@stumpys you crack me up. My vizsla/gsp is conditioned to the front door, ice machine, and and kitchen meal prep.

I might get heat for this, but on our farm the dogs come out to the range with us all the time and pretty much lay around while were putting all kinds of rounds from whatever down range, none of which is suppressed. These current dogs and the ones before them. Never noticed a difference with their hearing, and they'll come clear across the yard if they hear someone bite a dorito or something. I wouldnt worry about it.

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Originally Posted by CanuckHunterAB

I might get heat for this, but on our farm the dogs come out to the range with us all the time and pretty much lay around while were putting all kinds of rounds from whatever down range, none of which is suppressed. These current dogs and the ones before them. Never noticed a difference with their hearing, and they'll come clear across the yard if they hear someone bite a dorito or something. I wouldnt worry about it.

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Do you use ear protection yourself when chain sawing and stuff?

Suppressor is enough. If you have an indicating dog on occassion you will shoot over it in the bush. I think this does not damage their hearing. My 11 year old huntaway can hear animals in bush before I do.