Subsonic rounds

[thebeamanater107]

I came across a box of 45acp jacketed hollow point subsonic rounds and I don't know how to compare them to other rounds.

I don't have a chronograph, so I can't say how fast they're flying

I don't have an attacker, so I can't tell you how badly they'll damage a torso. I haven't executed pumpkins lately so I can't compare the splatter from ball to jhp to subsonic jhp...

So here I go. I think the word subsonic means slower than the speed of sound, which tells me either less powder or a slower burning powder. Less speed is less momentum which is less damage to the target. Are subsonic rounds quieter? I think they're best used with a suppressor, but I haven't attempted to get one as you see I'm pretty ignorant on this subject right now.

Thanks in advance




the original point and click interface, by Smith and Wesson

 

[REM 3200]

I don't think I have ever seen any .45 ACP that is not sub-sonic, ie; less than 1100 fps.

 

[MichiganScott]

If you really push it, you might be able to get a 155gr lead SWC above the speed of sound. Other than that, REM_3200 is correct.

Damage to target is complex. Momentum is only one aspect.

 

[thebeamanater107]

I figure the weakest 45 still does plenty of damage to the target. I'm thinking "less than average" but that's still well above "enough damage."

So this box marked subsonic is simply stating the obvious? What are subsonic rounds in other calibers supposed to do? Like, say, why would you buy a box of 9mm subsonic? Are subsonic rounds supposed to work best with a suppressor?

the original point and click interface, by Smith and Wesson

 

[arjay]

Yup,stating the obvious.Set a pair of one gallon water jugs at 25-50 yards.Shoot one with ball ammo and shoot the other with a hollow point,it's very impressive.

 

[MarkL_01]

I saw some of these for sale recently, too. It seems that "subsonic" has become a sales buzzword. What used to be called standard velocity .22lr has become subsonic.
All the .45acp ammo I've ever shot was subsonic.

 

[thebeamanater107]

I saw some of these for sale recently, too. It seems that "subsonic" has become a sales buzzword. What used to be called standard velocity .22lr has become subsonic.
All the .45acp ammo I've ever shot was subsonic.

I see. That explanation makes a lot more sense. Buying into terms that sound tactical...

the original point and click interface, by Smith and Wesson

 

[thebeamanater107]

This isn't what I bought, but I did find a subsonic box of 45acp

the original point and click interface, by Smith and Wesson

 

[rwsmith]

You can be assured....

A .45 JHP traveling anywhere close to the speed of sound is pretty much guaranteed to do major damage to an attacker, more so if hit in a vital spot.

BTW Subsonic rounds go 'boom' at the muzzle just like any round, but don't have the supersonic 'crack' as the bullet goes downrange. This is a non issue in SD rounds. A silencer will cut down on the boom at the muzzle. This is good if you don't want to disturb your neighbors.

Slower velocity doesn't have to mean 'less powder' but can also mean a more massive bullet, with which supersonic velocity is not obtainable at safe pressures in the .45 ACP cartridge.

 

[SgtLumpy]

...Buying into terms that sound tactical...

Isn't there a brand of AR that calls itself "Sportical"?

How about ORC (Optics Ready Carbine). That sounds a lot more tacticool than "A gun without sights".

And while I'm at it, exactly how many retailer "teams" does Jerry Mic belong to?


Sgt Lumpy

 

[Nevada Ed]

Subsonic was the thing for most target shooters where the bullet did not have to hit the "Window" and get messed up.

Lots of .22 ammo was designed on this principal.........

There are LOTS of loads under 1,000 fps that work great in a lot of calibers.

Some of my most accurate 22-250, .270 and 30-06 loads are at or below the starting loads just above 1200 fps.

 

[thebeamanater107]

A .45 JHP traveling anywhere close to the speed of sound is pretty much guaranteed to do major damage to an attacker, more so if hit in a vital spot.

BTW Subsonic rounds go 'boom' at the muzzle just like any round, but don't have the supersonic 'crack' as the bullet goes downrange. This is a non issue in SD rounds. A silencer will cut down on the boom at the muzzle. This is good if you don't want to disturb your neighbors.

Slower velocity doesn't have to mean 'less powder' but can also mean a more massive bullet, with which supersonic velocity is not obtainable at safe pressures in the .45 ACP cartridge.

Well that explains it all. My theories on slower, faster, and momentum to damage power... All those theories we're based on the same weight and same shape bullet, which is where my theory flawed

the original point and click interface, by Smith and Wesson

 

[blujax01]

Isn't there a brand of AR that calls itself "Sportical"?

How about ORC (Optics Ready Carbine). That sounds a lot more tacticool than "A gun without sights".

...

Sgt Lumpy

"Tactical"...

Brought to you by...

"Zombie".

 

[Steve C]

All .45 acp standard pressure 200gr and heavier is sub sonic whether hp or fmj. Labeling on the box shown above is simply gratuitous marketing.

 

[Smitty357]

Even just under 1000fps. I dont think the attacker is going to be out running it.

 

[Don 73]

I think the subsonic thing came about with the 1986 FBI shoot out when "they" decided that a slower, heavier bullet for the 9mm was better than the med to high velocity lightweight round that "failed" them in Miami, they wanted a round that would penetrate "3 feet of meat" and the 147gr 9mm was the ticket, too bad that bullet technology then wasn't the same as it is now with there currently being some pretty effective 147s out there now because the 147s of 'then' left a lot to be desired.

 

[SgtLumpy]

I think sub-sonic is what all those movie guys use when they put a silencer on their revolvers.


Sgt Lumpy

 

[CTG_COLLECTOR]

I think the subsonic thing came about with the 1986 FBI shoot out when "they" decided that a slower, heavier bullet for the 9mm was better than the med to high velocity lightweight round that "failed" them in Miami, they wanted a round that would penetrate "3 feet of meat" and the 147gr 9mm was the ticket, too bad that bullet technology then wasn't the same as it is now with there currently being some pretty effective 147s out there now because the 147s of 'then' left a lot to be desired.

Don, you're spot-on.