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One of the most popular types of modern ammo is subsonic ammo, as suppressors have become increasingly common in recent years. This ammo, loaded to a lower pressure than standard rounds, is best used when you need to make as little noise as possible. Since it has less powder and is designed to shoot the bullet at a lower velocity, there is a quieter report from the muzzle, which is further dampened when you use a suppressor. There are tons of uses for subsonic ammo, and if you’re curious about the ins and outs of using these rounds, here is everything you should know.
What Is Subsonic Ammo?
Simply put, subsonic ammunition is any caliber of round that has less powder so that the round flies at a lower velocity below the speed of sound. Most modern rounds break the sound barrier, which causes an extremely loud shockwave when you fire them. Subsonic ammo helps hide the report of a gunshot, making it perfect for stealthy and tactical applications. Some of the most popular subsonic calibers are .300 Blackout, .22 Long Rifle, and 6.5 Creedmoor, with 8.6 Blackout becoming more common as the caliber becomes more widespread.Â
Another aspect of subsonic rounds is that they often have heavier bullets than standard loads to help maximize energy transfer despite the reduced velocity. By increasing the bullet mass, manufacturers offset some of the loss of power of the reduced velocity. This is crucial when you’re using subsonic ammunition for hunting or tactical operations, as you need sufficient stopping to take down your target.
Does Subsonic Ammo Work Without a Suppressor?
Yes, you can still shoot subsonic ammo when you’re not using a suppressor. However, you will immediately notice that it isn’t as useful when shooting unsuppressed. This is because it is still quite loud compared to ambient volume, as you don’t have baffles trapping and directing the gas that leaves the muzzle. In this case, it may offer a lower report, but it is often still recognizable where you are shooting from.Â
Another potential issue with shooting subsonic rounds from an unsuppressed firearm is that this ammo can cause cycling issues. Since the ammo has less powder in it, it doesn’t produce as much recoil. This can become a problem for some firearms that use the gases from a fired round to eject a casing and load another, such as AR-platform rifles like the AR15 and AR10. In this case, you may experience jams and failures to load when shooting, especially if you are firing quickly. One way to mitigate this issue is by adjusting the gas system on your rifle to accommodate for the reduced pressure inside the chamber, as this should help you get smoother performance.
What Are the Best Uses for Subsonic Ammo?
The areas where subsonic ammo really shines are hunting, home defense, and tactical situations, such as military operations. For hunting, subsonic ammo is the best choice for taking down predators and varmints, especially when you need to take follow-up shots or take down more than one animal in quick succession. For example, if you are boar hunting, the goal is to take down as many as possible before they scatter. When you shoot subsonic ammo through a suppressed rifle, you have a much lower chance of spooking the boars and causing them to run away, letting you take down more and protect your property.
For home defense, subsonic ammunition is especially useful for avoiding overpenetration issues. The primary factors that determine how far a bullet penetrates are size and speed. The smaller and faster a round is up to a point, the more likely it is to penetrate armor and thick walls. In this case, since subsonic ammo typically has a larger bullet and a lower velocity, it’s more likely to stop after it hits the first target. This is especially true if you use subsonic hollow point ammunition, which is designed to mushroom out when it hits a target, drastically reducing the bullet’s speed after impact.
When it comes to military and law enforcement operations, stealth is often key. If you’re trying to take down a target without getting spotted or raising an alarm, you need to be as quiet as possible. Whether you’re using a suppressed pistol or small caliber rifle, subsonic rounds and a suppressor can give you the edge you need.
What Are the Most Popular Types of Subsonic Ammo?
While not as prevalent as traditional rounds, there are still many options for subsonic bullets to fit your needs. Some of the most popular are expanding tip bullets that are designed for maximum stopping power when hunting, as well as full metal jacket bullets to penetrate the target deeply. If you’re looking for some of the most popular brands of subsonic ammunition, here are a few:
Stock Up on Subsonic Ammo Today!
We stock plenty of rifle ammo and pistol ammo in countless different calibers right here at OpticsPlanet, so we’re confident you’ll find exactly what you need for any situation. If you’re looking to prepare for your next hunting trip, check out our hunting store and sport optics store to make sure you have everything you need.
