HOP Blog
Best Subsonic 308 Ammo For Hunting
Apr
Hunters value subsonic .308 ammunition for its quiet performance and reduced recoil, which offer distinct advantages.
Unlike supersonic ammunition, which travels faster than the speed of sound and creates a loud sonic “crack,” subsonic rounds move slower and are significantly quieter. This makes them particularly effective for hunting medium-sized game like deer.
The HOP Munition subsonic .308 has enhanced the effectiveness of subsonic 308 ammo. That said, successful hunting with subsonic ammo demands precise shot placement, given its limited range.
Understanding Subsonic .308 Ammunition
Subsonic .308 ammunition is designed to travel at velocities below the speed of sound, which is approximately 1,125 feet per second at sea level. This reduced speed eliminates the loud sonic “crack” typically associated with supersonic bullets breaking the sound barrier, resulting in a much quieter shot. This characteristic makes subsonic ammunition particularly valuable for hunters and shooters who hunt suppressed.
The typical bullet weights for subsonic .308 rounds usually range from 175 to 220 grains, with heavier bullets favored to maintain momentum and energy at reduced velocities. These heavier bullets also aid in stabilizing the projectile’s flight path at lower speeds. Common bullet types for subsonic .308 rounds include full metal jacket (FMJ) for practice and target shooting and expanding bullets like hollow point (HP) or soft point (SP) for hunting. The expanding bullets are engineered to open upon impact, increasing the bullet’s diameter to create a more significant wound channel while transferring more energy to the target. This is crucial for ensuring a quick and humane kill.
Some manufacturers offer bullets with specific features like a wider meplat (the flat or open tip of a bullet) or a tailored jacket thickness that promotes expansion at these speeds. Companies like HOP Munition have been at the forefront of developing subsonic .308 rounds that provide reliable accuracy and terminal ballistics, making them a preferred choice among hunters who need to maintain stealth without sacrificing reliability and effectiveness.
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Can You Hunt With Subsonic 308 Ammo
The key appeal of subsonic rounds lies in their ability to operate below the speed of sound, significantly reducing the noise level, which is especially beneficial in densely wooded areas where sound travels and can easily startle game. This feature, coupled with a suppressor, can make the hunter virtually undetectable.
However, the practical effectiveness of subsonic .308 varies and heavily depends on bullet design and shot placement. Many hunters have shared their experiences, noting the critical importance of selecting the right bullet type to ensure adequate expansion and terminal performance at lower velocities.
For instance, on forums like Long Range Hunting, hunters discuss their mixed results with subsonic rounds; some recount successful, clean kills with bullets that expanded properly, while others mention challenges with bullets not performing as expected, resulting in wounded animals that escaped or required tracking.
Challenges frequently highlighted include subsonic ammunition’s limited range and reduced kinetic energy. Typical hunting scenarios for subsonic .308 are often restricted to shorter distances—commonly under 100 yards—to compensate for the decreased velocity and flatter trajectory. This limitation requires hunters to be closer to their target, which can be both a challenge and a thrill, demanding stalking skills and precise shot placement.
Bullet expansion is another significant issue, as not all bullets are designed to perform optimally at subsonic speeds. Hunters often have to select specialized bullets designed for lower velocities or modify existing bullets to improve performance. Experiences from the field suggest that well-designed subsonic bullets like those from HOP Munitions can offer reliable expansion and energy transfer, essential for humane kills.
One of the primary advantages of using subsonic .308 ammo is its reduced noise level, which is crucial for maintaining stealth in the field. Combining minimal noise and recoil ensures better accuracy and increases the chances of a successful kill. When aiming for vital areas such as the head or heart-lung region, subsonic .308 rounds from HOP Munitions are designed to penetrate thick hides and deliver a lethal blow.
Our subsonic .308 ammo pairs perfectly with suppressors, further enhancing the stealth aspect of your hunt. This setup allows for multiple shots without disturbing the entire herd, making it possible to target several hogs in one outing.
190-Grain Subsonic REX (Rapid EXpanding)
Introducing HOP Munitions’ 190-grain Subsonic REX (Rapid EXpanding) Hunting Round. This hunting round—a game-changer in the world of subsonic hunting ammunition.
Engineered for optimal performance at subsonic speeds, this round offers hunters a reliable and effective solution.
- Caliber: .308 Win
- Grain Weight: 190
- Bullet Type: Solid Copper REX (Rapid EXpanding)
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,065 FPS
- Muzzle Energy: 479 ft/lbs
- Ballistic Coefficient: .390
- Standard Deviation: .301
The Solid Copper REX bullet is designed to expand rapidly upon impact, even at subsonic velocities. This rapid expansion creates a more significant wound channel, increasing the likelihood of a quick, humane kill. Moreover, the solid copper construction ensures deep penetration and high weight retention.
With a ballistic coefficient of .390 and a low standard deviation of .301, the 190-grain Subsonic REX offers consistent accuracy and predictable trajectory. Hunters can rely on its performance shot after shot, which is essential when precision matters.
Traveling at 1,065 FPS, this round stays below the speed of sound, significantly reducing noise levels—especially when paired with a suppressor. Additionally, the lower velocity results in less recoil, allowing for better shot placement and quicker follow-up shots if necessary.
190-Grain Subsonic HPBT (Hollow Point Boat Tail)
The HOP Munitions’ 190-grain Subsonic HPBT is a precision-engineered round perfect for target practice and honing your shooting skills. Designed with a Hollow Point Boat Tail (HPBT) profile, this round offers exceptional accuracy and consistent performance at subsonic speeds.
- Muzzle Energy: 510 ft/lbs
- Caliber: .308 Win
- Grain Weight: 190
- Bullet Type: Hollow Point Boat Tail (HPBT)
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,100 FPS
The HPBT design enhances ballistic efficiency, ensuring flat trajectories and tight groupings downrange. Its aerodynamic shape reduces drag, making it ideal for shooters looking to improve precision without the added recoil and noise of supersonic rounds. While the hollow point aids in controlled expansion, this round is primarily optimized for accuracy and consistency on the range.
The Perfect Pairing for Shooters and Hunters
Pair the 190-grain Subsonic HPBT with our 190-grain Subsonic REX hunting round for a seamless shooting experience. Both rounds share similar ballistic characteristics, allowing you to practice extensively with the HPBT and confidently transition to the REX when it’s time to head into the field. This combination ensures that your practice sessions directly translate to real-world hunting scenarios, providing both efficiency and effectiveness in all your shooting endeavors.
Comparisons with Other Calibers
The subsonic .308 Winchester is often compared with other popular subsonic rounds, particularly the 300 Blackout and the newer 8.6 Blackout, each designed with specific uses in mind, especially in suppressed firearms.
RELATED – Subsonic 308 vs 300 Blackout
300 Blackout has become a favored choice for many shooters due to its versatility and efficiency in shorter barrels and suppressors. It was specifically engineered to achieve optimal performance both in subsonic and supersonic loads within a compact, suppressed platform. The ability of the 300 Blackout to provide effective performance with a reduced sound signature makes it ideal for tactical applications and hunting. In its subsonic form, it can fire a 220-grain bullet effectively, which provides significant stopping power at short to medium ranges without the sonic boom.
On the other hand, the 8.6 Blackout is relatively new and is designed to bring subsonic capabilities to a larger caliber. It typically uses heavier bullets (ranging from 250 to 300 grains) and is intended to offer even greater stopping power and energy transfer, especially at closer ranges. This makes it particularly suitable for bigger game and defensive roles. The 8.6 Blackout also aims to maximize terminal ballistics by increasing the diameter of the wound channel at subsonic velocities.
Subsonic .308 Winchester, while effective, generally offers less flexibility compared to the 300 Blackout when used in a subsonic load. The .308 is traditionally used as a long-range cartridge, and using it in a subsonic configuration limits its range and effectiveness significantly. The heavier and slower subsonic .308 rounds don’t retain energy as effectively as the 300 Blackout in similar conditions. However, it can still be a viable option for hunters who already own .308 firearms and wish to utilize them in a quieter capacity without switching calibers. This can be more economical for those not looking to invest in a new firearm system.
Pros and Cons
Pros of Subsonic .308 Winchester:
- Utilization of existing platforms: Many shooters already own .308 rifles, and using subsonic loads allows for versatility without the need for new equipment.
- Heavier bullet options: Allows for the use of bullets that can potentially offer better terminal performance at subsonic speeds due to their weight.
Cons of Subsonic .308 Winchester:
- Reduced ballistic performance: At subsonic speeds, .308 bullets lose much of their long-range efficacy and energy retention.
- Limited application: Best suited for short-range scenarios; the performance drop-off at distance is significant compared to its supersonic capabilities.
300 Blackout and 8.6 Blackout offer more optimized performance in subsonic applications with better suppressor efficiency, making them generally more suitable for users specifically looking for a firearm built from the ground up for suppressed and stealth operations. These calibers provide functional advantages in tactical and hunting scenarios where noise reduction is crucial.
Conclusion
Subsonic .308 ammunition offers a unique blend of stealth and effectiveness, making it a great choice for hunters who want to minimize noise.
For those who already own .308 rifles, switching to subsonic rounds such as the HOP Munitions’ 190gr Subsonic HPBT can significantly improve your hunts without sacrificing the rifle’s performance. This specific load is favored for its dependable performance at lower speeds, ensuring ethical kills.
Although the range might be limited, the trade-off for reduced noise and recoil is considerable.
Explore HOP Munitions today and discover the silent power of subsonic ammunition
