Did you know subsonic ammo goes slower than sound, which is about 1,116.4 ft/s? This makes it quiet, unlike fast ammo. It’s perfect for sneaky shots and guns that don’t make much noise.

Subsonic ammo is made to be slow. It uses heavy bullets and special loads. For example, 9×19mm Parabellum ammo has 147-grain bullets at 980 ft/s. It’s great for tactical use and hunting.

.45 ACP guns also use subsonic ammo. They have 230-grain bullets at 850 ft/s. Adding a silencer can make it almost silent, making it fun and safe for self-defense.

To learn more about subsonic vs. supersonic ammo, check out this guide on subsonic ammo. Also, see the detailed review of 300 Blackout ammunition.

Key Takeaways

• Subsonic ammunition travels below the speed of sound, approximately 1,116.4 ft/s.
• These rounds eliminate the sonic boom, offering quieter shooting experiences.
• Subsonic ammo is ideal for stealth shooting and suppressed firearms.
• Combining subsonic rounds with suppressors can reduce noise by up to 45 dB.
• Typical calibers for subsonic ammunition include .45 ACP, 9mm, and .300 Blackout.

Understanding Subsonic Ammunition

Subsonic ammunition moves slower than the speed of sound, about 1,126 feet per second. This slow speed means it doesn’t make a loud “crack” sound. It’s perfect for situations where you need to keep quiet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaroNeSV7ak

These bullets are great for both quiet and regular guns. They’re less loud and have less kick, making them perfect for sneaky missions or fun shooting. For example, .22 LR subsonic rounds go about 1,050 fps and pack around 100 foot-pounds of energy.

Hornady’s 300 BLK subsonic 208-grain A-Max load is another example. It has 480 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle.

In 42 states, suppressors are used to make shooting even quieter. They work best with subsonic ammo. But, you might need to adjust your gun to handle these slower bullets. Things like barrel twist and ammo quality are key to getting the best results.

Standard Calibers that Have Subsonic Versions

Subsonic ammunition is becoming more popular, especially with suppressor users. Many standard calibers now have subsonic versions. These use heavier bullets to keep the speed under the sound of 1,115 feet per second. For example, the 9x19mm Parabellum round uses 147-grain bullets at about 980 feet per second for subsonic performance.

This change is key for working with semi-automatic guns. It balances bullet weight and speed for reliable gun cycling. Guns with suppressors and subsonic ammo also have less noise but still pack a punch.

The .45 ACP and .300 Blackout are also available in subsonic versions. The .45 ACP is naturally subsonic and works well with suppressors. The .300 Blackout works at both subsonic and supersonic speeds, making it great for different shooting needs.

Hornady has introduced new subsonic ammo options. Their 2020 lineup includes the 190-grain .300 Blackout and the 410-grain .45-70 Govt. These bullets are made to expand well at low speeds, important for accuracy and controlled expansion.

With more people using suppressors, subsonic ammo like the 9x19mm Parabellum, .45 ACP, and .300 Blackout is in demand. It offers quiet shooting without losing ballistic quality. So, subsonic rounds are becoming essential for many, from hunters to home defenders.

Inherently Subsonic Calibers

Some calibers are made to be subsonic from the start. The .45 ACP is a great example. It uses standard bullets and speeds that are always under the sound barrier of 1,125 feet per second. A typical .45 ACP round, with a 230-grain bullet at about 850 ft/s, is perfect for quiet and tactical needs without needing special subsonic loads.

The .45 ACP is perfect for places where you need to keep quiet, like in law enforcement or home defense. Using subsonic loads in the .45 ACP also helps with using suppressors. This makes the sound of gunfire much less loud. You can learn more about subsonic ammunition and how it works.

Other calibers can also be used with subsonic loads for quieter shooting. These subsonic rounds are key for quiet or hearing-protected environments. They are loved by tactical teams and hunters for their quiet and effective shooting.

Specialized Subsonic Calibers

Calibers like .300 Whisper and 300 AAC Blackout were made for subsonic speeds. They work best with sound suppressors, perfect for sneaky missions.

The .300 Whisper and 300 AAC Blackout are great at keeping noise down. They still pack a punch, making them perfect for tactical guns. These rounds can go below 1125 fps, but they still have enough power for tactical use.

Using these calibers with subsonic ammo makes shooting safe for your ears, especially with a suppressor. Even without one, these rounds are quiet, making them a hit among those who want less noise.

Also, .300 Whisper and 300 AAC Blackout fit well with many tactical guns. They’re a top choice for pros who need to be quiet and precise in different places.

Benefits of Subsonic Ammunition

Subsonic ammunition has many benefits for both hobbyists and professionals. One key advantage is the reduced noise it makes. Since it doesn’t go faster than sound, it doesn’t make the loud boom that supersonic ammo does. This makes shooting quieter and less disturbing.

Using suppressors with subsonic ammo makes it even quieter. These rounds also help you shoot straighter by reducing recoil. This means you can aim better and hit your target more easily. These traits give you big tactical advantages, especially when you need to be quiet and precise.

Subsonic ammo is also safer for your ears. It’s softer on the ears and doesn’t disturb people nearby as much. The heavy bullets in these rounds also expand well, making them more effective. Plus, they work well in many calibers, like 9mm, 300 Blackout, and .22, making them great for practice and tactical use.

But, subsonic ammo has some downsides. It has less power and drops faster than supersonic ammo. Still, its benefits make it a top choice for many, especially with the right suppressor and plan.

In summary, subsonic ammo is great for those who want quiet, accurate shooting. For more on ammo, check out this article on ammo history.

Comparing Subsonic and Supersonic Ammunition

Subsonic and supersonic ammunition have big differences. Supersonic ammo goes faster than sound, about 1,100 feet per second. Subsonic ammo goes slower, around 1,000 fps or less. This speed change affects how they’re used in different shooting situations.

Subsonic ammo is great for quiet shooting. It works well with suppressors, making it perfect for stealthy missions. It has heavier bullets, like the .300 Blackout, which is good for close shots and quiet hunting.

Supersonic ammo, however, has its own perks. It has more kinetic energy and flies straighter. For example, the .300 Blackout in the 110 to 180-grain range is great for hunting hogs and shooting targets far away. But, it makes a loud sound when it breaks the sound barrier.

But, each type has its downsides. Subsonic ammo doesn’t work well for long shots because of its curved path. It also doesn’t penetrate as much. Supersonic ammo is powerful but loud, which can be a problem in quiet situations.

To learn more about subsonic and supersonic ammo, like the .300 Blackout, check out Target Barn. Each type has its own strengths and should be chosen based on the shooting needs and goals.

Common Firearms for Subsonic Ammunition

Subsonic ammunition is popular in many firearms, like bolt-action rifles and handguns. Bolt-action rifles are great with subsonic rounds because they are precise and efficient. They make up about 30% of subsonic ammunition use, especially in precision shooting.

The AR-15 platform is also a favorite for subsonic rounds. It’s well-suited for use with suppressors. This makes it a top choice for many shooters.

Handguns also benefit from subsonic ammunition, especially those made for heavier bullets. Brands like Winchester and Speer offer high-quality subsonic rounds. For example, the Winchester Super Suppressed 147 Grain FMJ and the Speer Gold Dot 147 Grain JHP both have a muzzle velocity of 990 fps and muzzle energy of 320 ft-lbs.

These rounds are great for home defense and target shooting. They work well in both areas.

For those who value stealth, firearms with suppressors are key. The SilencerCo Maxim 9 is a good example. It improves the performance of subsonic ammunition. For more information, check out True Shot Ammo.

These firearms are designed for maximum efficiency and stealth. Subsonic rounds are used in 45% of suppressor-equipped firearms for stealth operations. For more on their utility, see Red Gear Guru.

Subsonic ammunition is also effective in bolt-action rifles. In law enforcement sniper rifles, they are used in 25% of cases. For civilian shooting competitions, they make up about 10% of ammunition used. This shows their growing popularity across different scenarios.

Popular Subsonic Ammunition Brands

Looking into top subsonic ammunition brands is key for both hobbyists and professionals. Brands like Hornady and Remington lead in creating top subsonic ammo. Hornady’s Subsonic Handgun line, with XTP® bullets, is known for its accuracy and stopping power. It works well with and without suppressors.

Remington also shines with its subsonic ammo, aiming for high standards. Its focus on innovation and quality wins over many shooters. The subsonic ammo market has seen a 10% growth rate recently, showing its increasing popularity.

Winchester’s Super Suppressed and Speer’s Gold Dot are also favorites. They come in 147 Grain with a muzzle velocity of 990 fps. For quieter options, the Fiocchi 158 Grain FMJ at 850 fps is a good pick. Check out Gorilla Ammo for more choices.

Subsonic ammo sales have risen by 15% from last year. This growth shows the demand for quality and new designs. The 300 Blackout round, especially with AR-15s, highlights subsonic ammo’s versatility. Online reviews show these brands are meeting and often exceeding shooter expectations.