Subsonic

R

Rj1972

New member
I recently noticed subsonic 9mm ammo for sale. I realize this is often specifically for use in suppressors, but is there any added benefit for non-suppressed firearms? Would it have less recoil & less noise? Significantly?

I ask due to trying to help my 12 year old graduate up to the 9mm. We usually rent a 22 when she comes (not often) that she loves, but she doesn't like the 9mm.

Usually I let her shoot the critical defense loads (she only shoots 2-4 shots per range trip so it's not that much) due to it being pretty soft shooting.
 
From what I have read, it is supposed to produced a less snappy recoil than the lighter weight (124, ,115) bullets that are normally shot at higher velocities.

I have not tried any, yet but my next batch of reloads will be 147 subsonics.
 
TANSTAAFL

Launching a heavier bullet at a lower velocity will generate as much felt recoil as a lighter bullet at higher velocity. Simple physics. However, the recoil won't be quite as sharp -- more push than kick.

You might look at the opposite -- very light-for-caliber bullets at standard velocities.
 
Subsonic loads of ALL calibers produce less decibels than hypersonic loadings due to the lack of hypersonic "crack", generated by bullets going over the sound barrier. Easier on your ears, especially in enclosed spaces. Also, in my guns (at least), subsonic 147 loadings with most bullets used just seem to produce better accuracy. I have no certain explanation for this, only conjecture.
 
Subsonic ammo will not offer you any benefit for the situation you describe.

Bullet weight has more impact on recoil than velocity, 9mm subs are at the heavy end of the spectrum. For less recoil I would recommend a 115 gr fmj target load, try several, there will be a difference in power/blast between brands.

Over the blast of an unsupressed 9mm pistol going off you will not notice the difference in volume between subsonic and hearing the supersonic crack. Get really good earmuff hearing protection that is comfy and has a high decibel rating instead of spending money on subsonic ammo.
 
The vast majority of the subsonic 9mm ammo I've seen is loaded with 147gr bullets. Assuming we're talking about FMJ range ammo here, the biggest advantage that I can see is that it will shoot closer to the same POI as 147gr JHP's for those that prefer that weight.
 
Use a heavier gun , all steel .While the aluminum or plastic framed guns are popular and more convenient to carry they recoil more. Lowest recoil is probably a HK P7 M13. All steel , delayed blowback action ,you'll hardley notice the recoil.
 
As far as I know, all 147 grain nine mike ammo is subsonic. I just think more of the manufacturers are noting "Subsonic" on the box tot ake advantage of the tac-t-cool market. Regardless, 147 nine mike is my favorite self defense load for that caliber, nothing to do with the subsonic nature of it.
 
I think you have gotten some good explanations. I would just let her continue with the .22. There is no reason to risk her developing a flinch or other bad habits.
 
My son was twelve when he started shooting and it was with a Browning Hi Power chambered for 9mm. Gee I remember the day when all you had to say was Hipower and diddnt have to indicate what caliber. I was shooting competition with a 226 Sig in 9mm and he would shoot my gun bu the grip was a little big for him so we got him a Hi Power. Back then I shot nothing but 147's in lead and so did he. I thought it was the best load for smoothness and sound to reach the minor power level. I use to use W231 powder to push it. But then again the guys shooting the 1911's were pushing lead 155's up to major levels in my area anyway and liked it.
 
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