The choice between subsonic and supersonic ammunition represents an important decision point for hunters employing suppressed firearms. This article covers the technical aspects, practical considerations and real-world performance characteristics of both ammunition types, with a particular focus on their application in hunting scenarios. The growing popularity of suppressed hunting has brought these distinctions to the forefront, making it essential for modern hunters to understand the nuances of each option.

The Physics Behind the Bang

At its core, the distinction between subsonic and supersonic ammunition comes down to the speed of sound – approximately 1,125 feet per second (fps) at sea level. Supersonic ammunition breaks this barrier, creating the distinctive crack that echoes across hunting grounds. Subsonic ammunition, by design, stays below this threshold, eliminating the sonic crack but introducing other considerations that hunters must weigh carefully. The physics at play here directly influence everything from terminal ballistics to effective range and shot placement.

Subsonic Ammunition Characteristics

Subsonic ammunition typically features heavier projectiles to compensate for their lower velocity, creating an interesting balance of energy and trajectory. For instance, a .300 Blackout subsonic load might push a 190- or 220-grain bullet at around 1,000 fps, delivering substantial energy while maintaining whisper-quiet operation when suppressed. The heavier bullets often demonstrate excellent accuracy potential and impressive terminal performance, particularly within their effective range. However, these rounds exhibit more pronounced bullet drop and reduced effective range compared to their supersonic counterparts.

Hornady Subsonic Ammunition

Supersonic Ammunition Performance

Supersonic loads represent the traditional approach to hunting ammunition, offering flatter trajectories and extended effective ranges. These rounds typically deliver higher energy on target and demonstrate more predictable wind drift characteristics. For example, the Barnes’ VOR-TX 110-grain TAC-TX FB supersonic ammunition has a muzzle velocity of 2,350 fps. Even when used with a suppressor, supersonic ammunition still produces the distinctive crack as the bullet breaks the sound barrier, though the muzzle blast is significantly reduced. Many describe it as sounding like shooting an unsuppressed .22LR rifle. This combination of attributes makes supersonic ammunition particularly effective for longer-range hunting scenarios where trajectory and energy retention are crucial.

Barnes’ VOR-TX 110-grain TAC-TX FB supersonic ammunition.

Suppressor Effectiveness and Sound Reduction

When paired with a quality suppressor, both ammunition types demonstrate significant sound reduction, but the degree varies considerably. Subsonic ammunition typically achieves maximum sound suppression, often resulting in noise levels that won’t spook nearby game after the shot. Supersonic loads, while still benefiting from substantial muzzle blast reduction, maintain their supersonic crack. The practical implication is that subsonic loads often allow for follow-up shots on group-feeding animals, while supersonic rounds might scatter the herd after the first shot.

Terminal Ballistics and Hunting Applications

The terminal performance of both ammunition types deserves careful consideration. Subsonic ammunition, despite its lower velocity, can deliver excellent terminal performance within appropriate ranges, typically inside 150 yards. The heavier bullets often create substantial wound channels through their mass rather than velocity-induced expansion. New cartridges such as Hornady’s 338 ARC tout better terminal performance at longer ranges such as 200-300 yards with larger subsonic bullets. Supersonic ammunition, conversely, relies more on velocity-driven expansion and energy transfer, often resulting in more dramatic terminal performance at extended ranges. For example, I prefer to hunt big bucks with supersonic loads in my .300 Blackout rifle, but I’ll gladly use subsonic ammo to give coyotes a dirt nap on my farm.

The author used a .300 Blackout to harvest a mature Tennessee buck using Barnes’ 110-grain TAC-TX supersonic ammunition.

Range Considerations and Practical Limitations

Understanding the effective range limitations of each ammunition type proves crucial for ethical hunting. Subsonic ammunition typically performs best within 150 yards, where bullet drop remains manageable and energy delivery sufficient for clean harvests. Supersonic loads can extend this range significantly, often remaining effective beyond 300 yards in capable hands. These limitations should directly influence hunting strategy and shot selection.

Environmental Factors and Performance Variables

Environmental conditions affect both ammunition types differently. Subsonic loads, operating closer to the sound barrier, can become supersonic in colder conditions as the speed of sound decreases. Altitude changes also impact performance, with higher elevations reducing the speed of sound and potentially affecting ammunition selection. Wind drift affects the heavier subsonic bullets differently than lighter supersonic projectiles, requiring hunters to develop familiarity with their chosen load’s characteristics.

Cost and Availability Considerations

The marketplace for hunting ammunition continues to evolve, with both subsonic and supersonic options becoming increasingly available with the growing popularity of suppressors. Subsonic ammunition often commands a premium price point, reflecting the specialized nature of its manufacturing process and more limited production runs. Supersonic hunting loads typically offer more options at lower price points, although some specialized supersonic ammo such as for .300 Blackout can cost just as much as the subsonic loads.

Training and Familiarization Requirements

Success with either ammunition type requires dedicated practice and familiarization. Subsonic ammunition demands thorough understanding of bullet drop and wind drift, often requiring specialized ranging and holdover techniques. Supersonic loads, while more forgiving in terms of trajectory, still benefit from regular practice to maintain proficiency at extended ranges. The investment in range time pays dividends in the field, regardless of ammunition choice.

The choice between subsonic and supersonic ammunition for suppressed hunting ultimately depends on several factors including hunting preferences, typical engagement ranges, and local hunting conditions. Both options offer distinct advantages and limitations that savvy hunters can leverage to their benefit. Understanding these characteristics allows sportsmen to make informed decisions that enhance their hunting experience while maintaining ethical harvest standards. The key lies not in declaring one option superior, but in selecting the appropriate tool for specific hunting scenarios and conditions.

19 COMMENTS

  1. Well first you have to pay and jump through hoops before you can possess a can. And instead of going after the diabolical Gun Control behind such hoops organizations supposedly on point Defending the 2A present backdoor crap to lawmakers like Suppressors help protect hearing, Braces are for the handicapped and you can state to state conceal carry but only if you belong to this or that org. Blowbags like jr., void, alley boy fall in line for such crap and by doing so they provide standing for Gun Control. And like mangy dogs they bark at Defining Centuries of Gun Control all while they proclaim to be for the Centuries Old Second Amendment. The hypocrisy these worthless Gun Talking blowbags display has no limits. Obviosly the enemy is within…sad.

  2. This is an excellent article describing the differences and considerations for subsonic versus supersonic ammunition when shooting through a suppressor.

    Here is the most important detail that you should consider when deciding whether to use subsonic or supersonic ammunition:

    “… subsonic loads often allow for follow-up shots on group-feeding animals, while supersonic rounds might scatter the herd after the first shot.

  3. Important tid-bit:

    Your maximum ethical hunting range with subsonic ammunition could be WELL UNDER 150 yards.

    While you may be able to take ethical shots out to 150 yards when shooting subsonic .30 caliber 220 grain bullets, the maximum ethical hunting range for other calibers shooting subsonic could be MUCH shorter.

    It appears that the key to effective terminal performance when shooting subsonic is being able to shoot very-heavy-for-caliber bullets. In my case I want to shoot .44 caliber subsonic through my .44 Magnum rifle for white-tailed deer hunting. The best bullet would be a hardcast 340 grain bullet. And yet I cannot find any such thing made commercially. (Hand loading is not an option for me for various reasons.) Since I cannot find such a load, the heaviest cartridge that I can find is a .44 Special cartridge with a 255 grain hardcast “Keith” semi-wadcutter. Unfortunately, that is not a heavy-for-caliber bullet and my maximum ethical range could very well be only 50 yards.

    One more critical consideration: even if you can find (or hand load) a cartridge with a very-heavy-for-caliber bullet, the twist-rate of the rifling in your barrel may not adequately stabilize that heavy bullet at subsonic velocities.

  4. What are thoughts on .338 ARC vs. 8.6 Blackout?

    Granted, I am a newbie to suppressed hunting. I have been looking to buy a bolt action short barreled rifle in cartridge substantial enough for big game like elk or muley hunting. I am hoping there is one that offers hunting suppressed with a subsonic round if the first shot is within 20 yards and the option to load a supersonic round for any follow up or if the only shot is greater than 200 yards. I think I need more than .300 Blackout. While .375 Raptor is interesting it does not seem to have sufficient critical mass. Are there others you recommend I consider?

    • At this point I am just happy to see more development in 375 bullets regardless of the cartridge. Would like to see more in 475 as well but understandably 450 and 500 took the market there

    • Bill Spencer,

      Regarding elk hunting, a large mature bull elk can weigh 1,000 pounds. That is a really big animal–about four to five times the size of a mature white-tailed buck deer. That being the situation, I believe that ethical hunting requires a MUCH larger and heavier bullet than .300 AAC Blackout. It seems to me that subsonic .338 ARC / 8.6 Blackout would be marginal at best for 1,000 pound mammals.

      Will subsonic .338 ARC / 8.6 Blackout kill a 1,000 pound bull elk every time with proper shot placement (assuming a maximum distance of 100 yards)? Sure. The question is how far the elk will walk/run before dying and whether the distance they walk/run creates problems for recovery. I don’t know the answer for that.

      In terms of mule deer hunting, I have to believe that subsonic .338 ARC / 8.6 Blackout will be fine for that application.

      The key to ethical / successful hunting at subsonic muzzle velocities is super-heavy bullets relative to the diameter of the expected permanent wound channel. For example I read a credible account of someone using .45 Colt (by definition subsonic) to harvest a mature bison at short range (less than 50 yards?). They used a very heavy bullet (I forget exactly how heavy, probably around 340 grains) and because it was a hardcast bullet with a large flat front, it made a permanent wound channel almost one-inch in diameter. They reported that bison expired pretty close to where they shot it.

      So, when it comes to hunting large mammals weighing 800 pounds or more with subsonic cartridges, I would stick to .44, .45, or .50 calibers with bullets at least 305 grains for .44 caliber, 330 grains for .45 caliber, and 410 grains for .50 caliber. Oh, and those bullets should be hardcast with large flat meplats (front faces) and limited to about 75 yards maximum range.

      • These guys claim to be getting decent penetration w/ expanding bullets. Also using high 1:3 twist rate on the premise that the rotational energy allows more impact while keeping the linear velocity limitedd to subsonic. Rather pricy, and new technology with limited field testing so far.

        h_ttps://discreetballistics.com/shop/86blk_huntdefense/

  5. “The Physics Behind the Bang”

    where is that in this article? All I saw was a basic 4th grade ‘bullet goes faster or slower’ type of thing which doesn’t explain the physics.

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