What Is Subsonic Ammo?
Subsonic ammunition is becoming increasingly popular among hunters, tactical shooters, and suppressor enthusiasts. Unlike traditional supersonic ammo, subsonic ammo travels below the speed of sound, eliminating the sonic crack that occurs when a bullet breaks the sound barrier.
Subsonic ammo is ideal for firearms equipped with suppressors, making shooting quieter and reducing recoil. While it is available in multiple calibers, its use should depend on the firearm, intended purpose, and shooting conditions.
Is Subsonic Ammo Silent?
Subsonic ammunition travels slower than the speed of sound, roughly 1125 feet per second. Because it avoids creating a sonic boom, the downrange “crack” of the bullet is eliminated.
Even with subsonic ammo, firearms produce noise from expanding gases escaping the barrel. Suppressors work in conjunction with subsonic rounds to reduce this muzzle blast, creating one of the quietest shooting setups available.
Temperature and elevation can affect the speed of sound, so ammo labeled subsonic may occasionally exceed it under extreme conditions.
Should You Hunt With Subsonic Ammo?
Subsonic ammo is generally not recommended for big game hunting due to reduced kinetic energy. Slower bullets generate less foot-pounds of energy, which can limit stopping power.
For example, a subsonic .300 Blackout round delivers around 480 foot-pounds of energy—effective only at short distances with precise shot placement. Bullets designed for expansion may not perform well at subsonic speeds, reducing ethical hunting success.
The only practical subsonic hunting cartridge for small game is the .22LR. With a velocity of about 1050 fps, it delivers enough energy to harvest animals like rabbits or squirrels ethically.
Rimfire Subsonic Ammo
Rimfire cartridges, particularly the .22LR, perform well as subsonic ammunition. Heavier subsonic bullets in .22LR remain ballistically stable over longer distances, whereas supersonic .22 rounds can tumble.
Subsonic .22LR rounds provide approximately 100 foot-pounds of energy—sufficient for small game hunting and pest control. Competitive .22LR shooters also prefer subsonic rounds for improved accuracy and consistent performance.
Kinetic Energy Required for Deer
Ethical deer hunting generally requires bullets delivering around 1,000 foot-pounds of energy. Most subsonic rifles, even calibers like .300 Blackout, do not meet this threshold.
Subsonic bullets lack sufficient expansion and energy for deer, elk, or other big game. For these purposes, supersonic ammunition remains the preferred choice to ensure humane and effective shots.
Common Calibers to Use Subsonic Ammo With
Subsonic ammo is available in several popular calibers.
.22LR is the most commonly used, ideal for small game and target practice.
.300 Blackout is designed for subsonic or supersonic loads, typically paired with suppressors.
9mm handgun subsonic rounds reduce noise and recoil.
.45 ACP is naturally subsonic and often used with suppressed pistols.
Other calibers, like .45-70 Gov’t, .350 Legend, and .450 Bushmaster, are now offered in subsonic loads. Performance varies depending on firearm type and bullet design.
Can You Use Subsonic Ammo in Your Firearm?
Most firearms can technically fire subsonic ammo, but practical performance depends on the firearm. Semi-automatic rifles may fail to cycle properly with subsonic rounds, limiting you to bolt-actions, pump-actions, single-shots, or revolvers.
Accuracy may also be affected, requiring a barrel with a higher twist rate to stabilize slower bullets. Some high-powered calibers, such as .300 Magnum, .338 Lapua, or 6.5 Creedmoor, are not practical for subsonic loads.
Benefits of Subsonic Ammo
The primary benefits of subsonic ammunition are reduced noise and lower recoil. Combined with a suppressor, subsonic rounds create a quieter shooting experience, ideal for pest control and shooting in noise-sensitive areas.
Less recoil makes it easier for new shooters to practice and improves comfort during extended range sessions. Subsonic rounds are also useful in close-range self-defense setups, where stealth is prioritized over stopping power.
Supers or Subs?
Supersonic ammo is generally superior to subsonic ammo in overall performance, stopping power, and effective range. Subsonic rounds are suitable for niche applications, including small game hunting, target shooting, and suppressed firearms.
For big game hunting, subsonic ammo is not recommended due to reduced kinetic energy and insufficient bullet expansion. For self-defense or competition .22 shooting, subsonic rounds may offer advantages in noise reduction and recoil management.
FAQ – Subsonic Ammo
Q: What is subsonic ammunition?
A: Subsonic ammunition is loaded to travel slower than the speed of sound (about 1125 fps), eliminating the sonic crack created by supersonic bullets. It is often paired with suppressors for quieter shooting and reduced recoil.
Q: Is subsonic ammo silent?
A: No ammo is completely silent, but subsonic rounds significantly reduce the bullet’s sonic crack. When combined with a suppressor, the overall sound of firing is greatly reduced, making shooting much quieter.
Q: Can you hunt with subsonic ammo?
A: Subsonic ammo is suitable for small game hunting, like rabbits or squirrels, particularly in .22LR. It is not recommended for big game due to reduced kinetic energy and limited bullet expansion.
Q: Which calibers are best for subsonic ammo?
A: Popular subsonic calibers include .22LR, .300 Blackout, 9mm, and .45 ACP. Some newer offerings include .45-70 Gov’t, .350 Legend, and .450 Bushmaster. Performance depends on firearm and bullet design.
Q: Can subsonic ammo be used in any firearm?
A: Most firearms can fire subsonic ammo, but semi-automatics may fail to cycle properly. Bolt-action, pump-action, single-shot rifles, and revolvers are more reliable for subsonic rounds. High-powered calibers like .300 Magnum or .338 Lapua are not practical for subsonic use.
Q: What are the benefits of subsonic ammo?
A: Subsonic ammunition reduces noise, lowers recoil, and improves comfort for new shooters or extended shooting sessions. It is also ideal for pest control or shooting in noise-sensitive environments.
Q: Is supersonic ammo better than subsonic?
A: Supersonic ammo generally outperforms subsonic rounds in stopping power, range, and bullet expansion. Subsonic ammo is best used for specific applications like suppressed firearms, small game, or target shooting.
Q: Does subsonic ammo work with suppressors?
A: Yes, subsonic ammo is designed to pair with suppressors. By traveling below the speed of sound, it eliminates the bullet crack, and the suppressor reduces muzzle blast for the quietest shooting setup.
Q: How much energy does subsonic ammo produce?
A: Subsonic ammo has less kinetic energy than supersonic rounds. For example, subsonic .22LR delivers about 100 foot-pounds of energy—sufficient for small game, but inadequate for big game hunting.