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{{Short description|Ammunition designed to operate at velocities below the speed of sound}}
⚫ '''Subsonic ammunition''' is ] designed to operate at speeds below the ], which at standard conditions is {{convert|343.2|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}. This avoids the ] or "crack" of a supersonic bullet, which, particularly for ] firearms, influences the loudness of the shot.<ref name="Paulson1">{{cite book |last= Paulson |first= Alan C |title= Silencer History and Performance, Vol 1: Sporting And Tactical Silencers |year= 1996 |publisher= Paladin Press |isbn= 0-87364-909-5}}</ref><ref name="Paulson2">{{cite book |last= Paulson |first= Alan C |author2=Kokalis, Peter G. |author3=Parker, N.R. |title= Silencer History and Performance, Vol 2: CQB, Assault Rifle, and Sniper Technology | year= 2002 | publisher= Paladin Press | ISBN= 1-58160-323-1 }}</ref>
]
⚫ '''Subsonic ammunitions''' are ]s designed to operate at velocities below the ] (] 1), which at standard conditions is {{convert|340.29|m/s|abbr=on}}. This avoids the ] or "crack" of a supersonic bullet, which, particularly for ] firearms, influences the loudness of the shot.<ref name="Paulson1">{{cite book |last= Paulson |first= Alan C |title= Silencer History and Performance, Vol 1: Sporting And Tactical Silencers |year= 1996 |publisher= Paladin Press |isbn= 0-87364-909-5}}</ref><ref name="Paulson2">{{cite book |last= Paulson |first= Alan C |author2=Kokalis, Peter G. |author3=Parker, N.R. |title= Silencer History and Performance, Vol 2: CQB, Assault Rifle, and Sniper Technology | year= 2002 | publisher= Paladin Press | ISBN= 1-58160-323-1 }}</ref><ref>Shooting Range Industries. Shooting Terms; What Is Bullet Drag, Bow Shockwave, Mach Speed Number, Boat Tail & More - Shooting Range Industries. Available at: <http://www.shootingrangeindustries.com/shooting-terms-what-is-bullet-drag-bow-shockwave-mach-speed-number-boat-tail-more/></ref>


Subsonic ammunition usually uses heavier bullets to retain as much energy as possible at the lower velocities. Some subsonic ammunition is used in non-suppressed firearms to gain the advantages of heavier bullet weights. Subsonic ammunition usually uses heavier bullets to retain as much kinetic energy as possible at the lower velocities. Some subsonic ammunition is used in non-suppressed firearms to gain the advantages of heavier bullet weights.


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In this instance, heavier bullets are loaded in standard ammunition, which reduces muzzle velocity below the speed of sound. In this instance, heavier bullets are loaded in standard ammunition, which reduces muzzle velocity below the speed of sound.


As an example, the very common ] standard military round is a {{convert|7.5|g|gr}} bullet at velocities typically around {{convert|400|m/s|ft/s}}. Subsonic loads for 9mm commonly use {{convert|9.5|g|gr}} bullets at velocities of {{convert|300|m/s|ft/s|m/s}}. As an example, the very common ] standard military round is a {{convert|7.5|g|gr|abbr=on}} bullet at velocities typically around {{convert|360|m/s|abbr=on}}. Subsonic loads for 9×19mm Parabellum commonly use {{convert|9.5|g|gr|abbr=on}} bullets at velocities of {{convert|300|m/s|abbr=on}}.


For these ammunition loads, balancing bullet weight and velocity are required to ensure that the ammunition will still reliably cycle semi-automatic firearms. Subsonic ammunition with normal bullet weights often fails to properly function in such firearms. For these ammunition loads, balancing bullet weight and velocity are required to ensure that the ammunition will still reliably cycle ]s. Subsonic ammunition with normal bullet weights often fails to function properly in such firearms.


===Inherently subsonic calibers=== ===Inherently subsonic calibers===
Some ammunition types were inherently designed with heavier, slower standard bullet weights and velocities. For example, the traditional military standard ] ammunition load, of a 230 ] bullet, was subsonic. Some ammunition types were inherently designed with heavier, slower standard bullet weights and velocities. For example, the traditional American military standard ] ammunition load of a {{convert|14.9|g|gr|abbr=on}} bullet at {{convert|259|m/s|abbr=on}}, is naturally subsonic.


==Specialized subsonic calibers== ==Specialized subsonic calibers==
Alternatively, specialized firearms and ammunition may be used to optimize total subsonic ammunition effectiveness. These are designed from the start as dedicated subsonic projectile systems. Some examples include ] / ], ], ], ], ]. Alternatively, specialized firearms and ammunition may be used to optimize total subsonic ammunition effectiveness. These are designed from the start as dedicated subsonic projectile systems. Some examples include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].


==Use with suppressors== ==Use with suppressors==
{{main|Suppressor#Subsonic ammunition and reduced sonic signature}} {{main|Suppressor#Subsonic ammunition and reduced sonic signature}}
Combined with firearm sound suppressors, subsonic ammunition may significantly reduce sound levels compared to normal ammunition. Specific reductions depend on the ammunition and suppressor. Combined with firearm sound suppressors, subsonic ammunition may significantly reduce sound levels compared to normal ammunition.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Murphy |first=William J. |last2=Flamme |first2=Gregory A. |last3=Campbell |first3=Adam R. |last4=Zechmann |first4=Edward L. |last5=Tasko |first5=Stephen M. |last6=Lankford |first6=James E. |last7=Meinke |first7=Deanna K. |last8=Finan |first8=Donald S. |last9=Stewart |first9=Michael |date=2018-01-26 |title=The reduction of gunshot noise and auditory risk through the use of firearm suppressors and low-velocity ammunition |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2017.1407459 |journal=International Journal of Audiology |language=en |volume=57 |issue=sup1 |pages=S28–S41 |doi=10.1080/14992027.2017.1407459 |issn=1499-2027 |pmc=8588962 |pmid=29299940}}</ref> Specific reductions depend on the ammunition and suppressor.

The peak sound pressure levels of a Remington 700 .223 caliber bolt-action rifle firing high-velocity (supersonic) ammunition using a GEMTECH G5-5.56 suppressor.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Suppressor Condition!! Muzzle (dB SPL)!! Left Ear (dB SPL) !! Right Ear (dB SPL) !! Behind Shooter (dB SPL)
|-
| Unsuppressed || 176 || 160 || 160 || 148
|-
| Suppressed || 148 || 134 || 136 || 120
|-
| Reduction || 28 || 26 || 24 || 28
|}

The peak sound pressure levels of a Remington 700 .223 caliber bolt-action rifle firing low-velocity (subsonic) ammunition using a GEMTECH G5-5.56 suppressor.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Suppressor Condition!! Muzzle (dB SPL)!! Left Ear (dB SPL) !! Right Ear (dB SPL) !! Behind Shooter (dB SPL)
|-
| Unsuppressed || 157 || 140 || 140 || 127
|-
| Suppressed || 131 || 122 || 120 || 100
|-
| Reduction || 26 || 18 || 20 || 27
|}

Compared to the high-velocity (supersonic) unsuppressed condition, the combination of subsonic low-velocity ammunition and a firearm suppressor provided reductions of 45, 38, 40, and 48 dB, peak sound pressure level at the muzzle, left, right ears and behind the shooter, respectively.<ref name=":0" />


==References== ==References==

Latest revision as of 18:22, 23 October 2024

Ammunition designed to operate at velocities below the speed of sound
.22 Long Rifle Remington Subsonic hollowpoint ammunition

Subsonic ammunitions are ammunitions designed to operate at velocities below the speed of sound (Mach 1), which at standard conditions is 340.29 m/s (1,116.4 ft/s). This avoids the supersonic shockwave or "crack" of a supersonic bullet, which, particularly for suppressed firearms, influences the loudness of the shot.

Subsonic ammunition usually uses heavier bullets to retain as much kinetic energy as possible at the lower velocities. Some subsonic ammunition is used in non-suppressed firearms to gain the advantages of heavier bullet weights.

Standard calibers

Subsonic versions of standard rounds

In this instance, heavier bullets are loaded in standard ammunition, which reduces muzzle velocity below the speed of sound.

As an example, the very common 9×19mm Parabellum standard military round is a 7.5 g (116 gr) bullet at velocities typically around 360 m/s (1,200 ft/s). Subsonic loads for 9×19mm Parabellum commonly use 9.5 g (147 gr) bullets at velocities of 300 m/s (980 ft/s).

For these ammunition loads, balancing bullet weight and velocity are required to ensure that the ammunition will still reliably cycle semi-automatic firearms. Subsonic ammunition with normal bullet weights often fails to function properly in such firearms.

Inherently subsonic calibers

Some ammunition types were inherently designed with heavier, slower standard bullet weights and velocities. For example, the traditional American military standard .45 ACP ammunition load of a 14.9 g (230 gr) bullet at 259 m/s (850 ft/s), is naturally subsonic.

Specialized subsonic calibers

Alternatively, specialized firearms and ammunition may be used to optimize total subsonic ammunition effectiveness. These are designed from the start as dedicated subsonic projectile systems. Some examples include .300 Whisper, 300 AAC Blackout, .338 Whisper, 8.6mm Blackout, 9×39mm, 12.7×55mm STs-130, .500 Whisper, and .510 Whisper.

Use with suppressors

Main article: Suppressor § Subsonic ammunition and reduced sonic signature

Combined with firearm sound suppressors, subsonic ammunition may significantly reduce sound levels compared to normal ammunition. Specific reductions depend on the ammunition and suppressor.

The peak sound pressure levels of a Remington 700 .223 caliber bolt-action rifle firing high-velocity (supersonic) ammunition using a GEMTECH G5-5.56 suppressor.

Suppressor Condition Muzzle (dB SPL) Left Ear (dB SPL) Right Ear (dB SPL) Behind Shooter (dB SPL)
Unsuppressed 176 160 160 148
Suppressed 148 134 136 120
Reduction 28 26 24 28

The peak sound pressure levels of a Remington 700 .223 caliber bolt-action rifle firing low-velocity (subsonic) ammunition using a GEMTECH G5-5.56 suppressor.

Suppressor Condition Muzzle (dB SPL) Left Ear (dB SPL) Right Ear (dB SPL) Behind Shooter (dB SPL)
Unsuppressed 157 140 140 127
Suppressed 131 122 120 100
Reduction 26 18 20 27

Compared to the high-velocity (supersonic) unsuppressed condition, the combination of subsonic low-velocity ammunition and a firearm suppressor provided reductions of 45, 38, 40, and 48 dB, peak sound pressure level at the muzzle, left, right ears and behind the shooter, respectively.

References

  1. Paulson, Alan C (1996). Silencer History and Performance, Vol 1: Sporting And Tactical Silencers. Paladin Press. ISBN 0-87364-909-5.
  2. Paulson, Alan C; Kokalis, Peter G.; Parker, N.R. (2002). Silencer History and Performance, Vol 2: CQB, Assault Rifle, and Sniper Technology. Paladin Press. ISBN 1-58160-323-1.
  3. Shooting Range Industries. Shooting Terms; What Is Bullet Drag, Bow Shockwave, Mach Speed Number, Boat Tail & More - Shooting Range Industries. Available at: <http://www.shootingrangeindustries.com/shooting-terms-what-is-bullet-drag-bow-shockwave-mach-speed-number-boat-tail-more/>
  4. ^ Murphy, William J.; Flamme, Gregory A.; Campbell, Adam R.; Zechmann, Edward L.; Tasko, Stephen M.; Lankford, James E.; Meinke, Deanna K.; Finan, Donald S.; Stewart, Michael (2018-01-26). "The reduction of gunshot noise and auditory risk through the use of firearm suppressors and low-velocity ammunition". International Journal of Audiology. 57 (sup1): S28 – S41. doi:10.1080/14992027.2017.1407459. ISSN 1499-2027. PMC 8588962. PMID 29299940.
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