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Subsonic Ammo
About Subsonic Ammo
Subsonic ammo commonly refers to ammunition that travels at a velocity below the speed of sound, which is approximately 1,126 feet per second at sea level, resulting in reduced noise and recoil.
The history of subsonic ammunition dates back to the early 20th century, when in the early 1900s, Hiram Maxim invented the first commercially successful firearm suppressor and reduced the noise level of a gunshot by slowing down and cooling the expanding gases produced when a gun is fired.
During the 1920s and 1930s, subsonic ammo was found to be more accurate and have less recoil than standard calibers and was primarily used for target shooting and hunting.
In addition to being used throughout World War 2, subsonic ammunition became increasingly popular throughout the 1950s and 1960s among special forces and covert operatives, allowing them to carry out missions with reduced noise and increased accuracy.
However, through the development of suppressors, also known as silencers, subsonic ammunition began to gain widespread use. Today, subsonic ammunition is available in a wide range of calibers.
Itbremains a popular choice for those looking to reduce noise and recoil while achieving greater accuracy, power, and is used for various purposes, including hunting, target shooting, and tactical applications.
Popular Types of Subsonic Ammo
22 Long Rifle Subsonic: This is a popular subsonic round used for target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting.
9mm Luger Subsonic: This round is commonly used in suppressed firearms and is a popular choice for self-defense due to its lower recoil and noise level.
45 ACP Subsonic: This is a popular round for use in suppressed firearms and is often used for tactical and military operations.
300 AAC Blackout Subsonic: This round was developed specifically for use in suppressed firearms and is popular for hunting and tactical applications.
308 Winchester Subsonic: This round is commonly used for hunting, tactical applications, and long-range shooting.
338 Lapua Subsonic: This round is a popular choice for long-range shooting and tactical applications due to its accuracy and stopping power.
50 BMG Subsonic: This round is used in large-caliber firearms and is popular for long-range shooting and tactical applications. It is also commonly used in military and law enforcement sniper rifles.
Subsonic Ammunition Features
REDUCED NOICE
Subsonic ammunition travels at a slower velocity than standard ammunition, resulting in reduced noise.
This makes it a popular choice for hunting, target shooting, and tactical applications where noise reduction is desired.
REDUCED RECOIL
Subsonic ammo also produces less recoil than standard ammunition, which can make it more comfortable to shoot for some people, particularly for those with smaller frames or who are new to shooting.
INCREASED ACCURACY
Subsonic ammunition is typically more accurate than standard ammunition due to the reduced velocity and resulting decrease in bullet drop and wind drift.
INCREASED PENETRATION
Because subsonic ammo travels at a slower velocity, it has a tendency to penetrate deeper than standard ammunition.
This can make it a good choice for hunting larger game or for use in self-defense situations.
VARIETY OF CALIBERS
Subsonic ammunition is available in a wide variety of calibers, making it a versatile option for use with many different firearms.
SUPPRESSED FIRE
Subsonic ammo is often used in conjunction with suppressors, also known as silencers, to further reduce noise and muzzle flash.
Subsonic Ammo FAQ
QUESTION: What is Subsonic Ammo?
ANSWER: Simply put, subsonic ammunition is any cartridge that is projected at a velocity below the speed of sound (approximately 1100 fps depending on atmospheric conditions and elevation).
For standard cartridges, their speeds will reach above the sound barrier after being fired and the bullet itself will create a sonic boom. A bullet traveling below the speed of sound will not create a distinct sonic boom.
QUESTION: What are the Benefits of Subsonic Ammo?
ANSWER: The primary benefit of subsonic ammo is the lack of noise produced after being fired (compared to non-subsonic rounds).
For firearm owners looking for stealth and discretion, subsonic rounds can make for a reliable alternative, potentially leading to an improved hunting experience and even in self-defense situations.
QUESTION: What are the Popular Subsonic Ammo Calibers?
ANSWER: Subsonic ammunition comes in a wide variety of calibers. Some of the most popular calibers include subsonic 22 long rifle, 9mm subsonic ammo, 300 Blackout subsonic ammo, and subsonic 7.62x39 ammo.
QUESTION: What is Subsonic vs Supersonic Ammo?
ANSWER: In simple terms, subsonic means the bullet is moving slower than the speed of sound, while supersonic means the projectile breaks the sound barrier, producing a sonic crack as it travels through the air.
QUESTION: Is Subsonic Ammunition Powerful?
ANSWER: In a semi-automatic firearm, there has to be enough power in the leftover gases to cycle the action of the gun.
Since subsonic ammo is inherently less powerful, you could find yourself in a situation where a specific subsonic load in a specific gun with a specific suppressor won't cycle the action on its own.
QUESTION: What are the benefits of using subsonic ammunition?
ANSWER: The benefits of using subsonic ammunition include reduced noise, reduced recoil, increased accuracy, increased penetration, and the ability to use it in conjunction with suppressors.
QUESTION: What are the disadvantages of using subsonic ammunition?
ANSWER: The main disadvantage of using subsonic ammunition is its shorter effective range and potentially different ballistics compared to standard ammunition.
It may also be more expensive and harder to find than standard ammunition.