Subsonic Hunting Ammo: Go Heavier, Stay Close

The short version: More hunters are running suppressors, and subsonic ammo is getting a look for game. Quiet loads give up energy, range and expansion, so cartridge and bullet choice matter more than usual.

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Suppressor sales have climbed since the $200 tax was rescinded, and a can still cuts noise, recoil and flash even with ordinary supersonic loads. The trade-offs show up once velocity drops below the sound barrier. The article's example: a 77-grain .223 Remington subsonic at 1,050 fps makes only about 364 ft-lbs at the muzzle, roughly what a 9mm handgun produces.

The answer is bullet weight, and the easiest way to add weight is a wider bullet. That is why .30-caliber and 8.6mm cartridges are popular for subsonic hunting. Texas hog hunter Troy Fowler, known as the Ranch Fairy, uses a 188-grain .300 Blackout subsonic, picks well-built bullets such as Remington Core-Lokt or Barnes, warns against varmint bullets, and limits shots to 50 to 75 yards, the way he would with a bow.

Expansion is the other catch: many standard hunting bullets simply aren't designed to open up at subsonic speeds. Hornady and Federal now sell factory subsonic hunting loads in .30-30 and .300 Blackout up to .338 ARC, .450 Bushmaster and .45-70 Government. Those long, heavy bullets often need a faster rifling twist to stabilize, so confirm your rifle's twist before buying a case.

Key takeaways

• Subsonic means staying under about 1,125 fps at sea level.
• A 77-grain .223 Rem subsonic carries about 364 ft-lbs at the muzzle, too little for most big game.
• Heavier, wider bullets in .30-caliber and 8.6mm are the common choice.
• Fowler recommends shot placement low, just above the elbow, on hogs over 150 pounds.
• Keep shots inside roughly 50 to 75 yards.
• Bullet construction matters, since many conventional bullets won't expand at low velocity.
• Factory subsonic hunting loads are available from Hornady and Federal in several cartridges.

Summary by AmmoWinner based on reporting by Athlon Outdoors. Deal links are affiliate links; AmmoWinner may earn a commission. Prices change quickly, so confirm at checkout.