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I think this deserves it's own thread, the "Subsonic Load that Cycles" thread is missing out on a lot of potentially fun loads in the pursuit of a semi-auto load. So if we throw away the functioning action requirement and pursue accuracy and general quietness, what can we come up with?
The only realistic goal (other than reduced-power giggle factor) is to come up with a load gentle enough to be used on grouse, rabbits, and other tasty critters without the target quarry being violently detonated by high velocity loads.
Being able to shoot comfortably without hearing protection is also nice. It seems the attitude of many that subsonic rounds are not worth the trouble without the use of a suppressor, I respectfully disagree. There is no such thing as a "silent" firearm, even with a "silencer". I used to shoot subsonic 44 Mags out of a H&R Handi-Rifle with a Coastal MIMS .45 can and the hammer noise and bullet impact were the only detectable sounds from the firearm, according to my ears. However the noise was still enough to make any game within range acutely aware of my presence and would scare off deer to nearly the same extent of full power loads. I'm not trying to be sneaky, but I do value what's left of my hearing. Even supersonic reduced-loads provide a real relief to violently loud full power loads.
I like the idea of being able to carry a second magazine with reduced loads for a quick switch from full power to engage grouse while hunting for larger game. Grouse (and rabbits to an extent) are notoriously stupid so fumbling around for 5-10 seconds changing ammo isn't much of an issue. I'm trying to find something that will shoot close to my POA with the same scope settings as the higher power loads, but @ 50-100 yards.
The best one I've found so far has been 7.0gr unique behind a 140gr Nosler Part. factory blemish bullet:
7gr unique 140gr nosler.jpg
@ 50 yards I consider it Grouse/Rabbit accurate and to my surprise the 140's did not seem to tumble. Quickload seems to think this is a 1368 FPS load but it sounds subsonic. I hold 2 Mils over for zero @ 50y.
So what "Gallery Gun" loads have y'all come up with? I'd like to get a feel for what is possible with lighter bullets as well, since 140grs is way more than adequate for bunnies.
The only realistic goal (other than reduced-power giggle factor) is to come up with a load gentle enough to be used on grouse, rabbits, and other tasty critters without the target quarry being violently detonated by high velocity loads.
Being able to shoot comfortably without hearing protection is also nice. It seems the attitude of many that subsonic rounds are not worth the trouble without the use of a suppressor, I respectfully disagree. There is no such thing as a "silent" firearm, even with a "silencer". I used to shoot subsonic 44 Mags out of a H&R Handi-Rifle with a Coastal MIMS .45 can and the hammer noise and bullet impact were the only detectable sounds from the firearm, according to my ears. However the noise was still enough to make any game within range acutely aware of my presence and would scare off deer to nearly the same extent of full power loads. I'm not trying to be sneaky, but I do value what's left of my hearing. Even supersonic reduced-loads provide a real relief to violently loud full power loads.
I like the idea of being able to carry a second magazine with reduced loads for a quick switch from full power to engage grouse while hunting for larger game. Grouse (and rabbits to an extent) are notoriously stupid so fumbling around for 5-10 seconds changing ammo isn't much of an issue. I'm trying to find something that will shoot close to my POA with the same scope settings as the higher power loads, but @ 50-100 yards.
The best one I've found so far has been 7.0gr unique behind a 140gr Nosler Part. factory blemish bullet:
7gr unique 140gr nosler.jpg
@ 50 yards I consider it Grouse/Rabbit accurate and to my surprise the 140's did not seem to tumble. Quickload seems to think this is a 1368 FPS load but it sounds subsonic. I hold 2 Mils over for zero @ 50y.
So what "Gallery Gun" loads have y'all come up with? I'd like to get a feel for what is possible with lighter bullets as well, since 140grs is way more than adequate for bunnies.
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