Originally Posted by
Solvo
I did a not too scientific test a few years ago with 3 rifles and my small assortment of moderators; I found that while overall the HW was best they all performed differently on each rifle.
Seen a fair few designs over the years including single chambers ones that report outstanding results. Given the lack of explosive shockwave in air weapons the needs for a huge sequence of traditional baffles is much reduces and the focus is on containing and deadening as much of the escaping air as possible -- to that end felt lined tubes stop the wave of air striking the outside of the moderator casing unchecked and so for the space provide a much for efficient dampening than the many baffles required to break up and soften the gasses from a cartridge.
If i had the kit to build one if love to try a design based on my DeLisle carbine, massive initial expansion chamber with a liner then a sequence of split baffles near the end that creates a cyclone effect which both reduces the initial blast and disrupts the gasses leaving the moderator.