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.338 ARC have a real advantage or should we go even larger, like a .45 offering, for subsonic hunting?
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Once you go subsonic, it’s all about projectile mass and bullet construction, as well as good case design and pressure.
.338 ARC is running at higher pressures (very moderate rifle pressures in the 38-47ksi range) than most subsonic loads, so the SDs will be tighter.
It was engineered to deliver tight SDs and consistent gas system performance, while adding another 100yds effective subsonic range over 300 Whisper.
I’ve always been intrigued about the 338 Spectre, which is the kind of performance this is delivering, only with a big brand behind it to support it with factory ammo, brass, and purpose-built bullets.
Fits in the AR-15 with Grendel bolts and mags, double-stacks like Grendel.
One advantage in 338 ARC’s favor is being able to use 9mm cans with it, whereas you need cans with big enough bores for 375 and 45. The 375 and 45 bore subsonics will obviously offer heavier projectiles, but there isn’t as much industry support for a turn-key solution for them. Hornady used a ThunderBeast Arms FLY9 for the AR-15 subsonic and supersonic testing.
Once you go bigger than the Grendel case in the AR-15, like with the 375 and 458 SOCOM cartridges, you’re at a single-stack now.
To go bigger than that, you step up into the AR-10 receiver set and mags, which is where 8.6 BLK, 375 Raptor, and 45 Raptor exist.
Just looking at subs, 300 Whisper is obviously the anemic one in the pack:
300 Whisper
190-220gr
338 Spectre
250-300gr
338 ARC
250-307gr
8.6 BLK
280-350gr
375 Raptor
400gr
45 Raptor
480-500grNRA Basic, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, RSO
CCW, CQM, DM, Long Range Rifle Instructor
6.5 Grendel Reloading Handbooks & chamber brushes can be found here:
www.AR15buildbox.com -
Has anyone seen anything about powders recommended for subsonic reloading for this 338 ARC? I've ready a little about Hornady ammo and what sounded like a blend, but nothing on reloads and successes with off the shelf powder.Comment
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Think I've seen mention of lil gun for .338 spectre, .338 razorback and folks working on 160 grain subs for grendel.Comment
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Also thought I would share this for food for thought. Subsonic hunting .458 socom. His optic is self adjusting for the range captured and ballistic profile adapted. I'm neither condemning nor encouraging what's shown here.
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They said they’re using the same powders as in 300 Whisper/300 BLK, just burning them at higher pressure more efficiently so there isn’t “corn" leftover. 300 BLK often has problems with converting the propellant, so a lot of residual and unburnt kernels will remain in the action and suppressor.Originally posted by mtnlvr View Post
It’s interesting watching all of this because I still remember JD Jones’ articles on his Whisper line of subsonic cartridges, namely the 300-221 Fireball (300 Whisper) from 1992 when he trademarked and registered it as one of his wildcats. That was 32 years ago.NRA Basic, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, RSO
CCW, CQM, DM, Long Range Rifle Instructor
6.5 Grendel Reloading Handbooks & chamber brushes can be found here:
www.AR15buildbox.comComment
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That was crazy how much drop that has, but is to be expected with a 570gr at 870fps. It just smashes those deer. Did you see the huge blood mist cloud explode out of them?Originally posted by HighDesertDrifter View PostNRA Basic, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, RSO
CCW, CQM, DM, Long Range Rifle Instructor
6.5 Grendel Reloading Handbooks & chamber brushes can be found here:
www.AR15buildbox.comComment
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I did. Pretty wicked. Like nailing 'em with a small cannon ball. Wish they had a mag with a touch more capacity but have had a soft spot for that round as both a super and sub since the first time a buddy let me shoot his. Feel like the iceberg is just starting to show for subsonic expanding copper projectiles. Maker and Lehigh are the only two I know of off the top of my head.Comment
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That 458 loooks like it would destroy a lot of meat! I guess it shouldn't be as bad as a 12 GA slug though right?
I do like the idea of an AR or even a bolt action pistol paired with a subsonic round that can readily take deer at 200 to 300 yds. I'm ready to retire the 44 mag pistol for something suppressed where I don't need to wear ear pro.Comment
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That is a valid consideration using big bore on small game. Part of why I mentioned neither condoning or condemning. I'm think the feller in the video might've been more engaged in culling vs harvesting. Part of the reason I've shied from the controlled chaos as a hunting round is knowing it was designed from the beginning as a culling round for whitetail instead of a hunting round. A fully expanded .458 would be devastating. In harvesting, it's a round I would save for moose and bear.
.338 arc might be just the right ticket.Originally posted by mtnlvr View Post
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is anyone making barrels and other components to build your own???Comment
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I've looked for them myself & have found a few different barrel manufactures that say they are coming soon. You can get on a wait list by preordering at Faxon.
I refuse to be victimized by notions of virtuous behavior.Comment
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Just recently saw palmetto is on board and will have 338 arc offerings. https://soldiersystems.net/2024/11/0...ammo-firearms/. Willing to bet it'll get discussed at shot.
As well it looks like 8.6 blk success for Q has finally lit a fire under black collar arms for .375 raptor. They have aparrently been building up inventory of their own brass offering, and will also be bringing dies, factory loads and barrels to the party. Looks like they will be the catalyst to get it to the masses. I am very pleased but trying to temper my excitement. It's not working.
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Came across this video today. Think the most interesting thing is towards the end he pulls the rounds apart so we can get a better idea of what's happening inside. Might also be helpful to those chasing the subsonic grendel dragon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUhvCd6j-WcComment
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I'd really like to see somebody start posting their groups, both subsonic and supersonic.Comment
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