Subsonic 223 loads for AR pistol

M1key

M1key

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I am looking for a SD/HD load for an AR pistol. It must cycle reliably.

I will be using Blue Dot powder and Sierra 77 match bullets.

Firearm will be an 11.5-inch barreled Colt upper with pistol brace lower.

Any good loads you would recommend?
 
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Not interested in suppressed at this time. That muzzle device is a Hera Arms linear compensator. Just want a load using Blue Dot powder and 77 Sierra bullets, for short range SD that will reliably cycle the action. I have a friend who is out of town at the moment but says he has worked up a good load. Just hoping I would get some useful information here. I may just order the Atomic Subsonic 77gr factory load.


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M1key said:
If I don't like the performance, I will scrap the whole sub idea and go with a hotter load.
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read this thread on .223 Sub! very cool

Subsonic .223

I am interested in knowing if any of you guys have any experience in loading subsonic .223 loads. These will be used in an AR and if at all possible, I would like them to cycle the action. I have seen links to some Tacticool brand of ammo that claims to be exactly what I am interested in...
www.thehighroad.org
 
I'm curious . . . what meaningful value would a subsonic 77gr, .22 caliber projectile have for self-defense? It might be okay for squirrels and groundhogs?
 
rhino465 said:
I'm curious . . . what meaningful value would a subsonic 77gr, .22 caliber projectile have for self-defense? It might be okay for squirrels and groundhogs?
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Inside my home and within my property without scaring the hell out of my neighbors? I do plan on suppressing it eventually. Friend has one he will let test when we go to our local range.
 
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M1key said:
Inside my home and within my property without scaring the "H" out of my neighbors? I do plan on suppressing it eventually. Friend has one he will let test when we go to our local range.
Click to expand...

I was imprecise in my question. I was asking how something with such anemic terminal ballistics is going to be useful for self defense. If you want something subsonic for defense, a pistol caliber with a heavier, larger diameter projectile is going to be far more effective. The reason why 5.56x45mm or .223 Rem are effective for defense is because the bullets are going really, really fast. If you must have a subsonic rifle caliber, why not .300 BO?
 
I do have 150 rounds of this Atomic 112gr. I have shot this out of 14.5- and 16-inch carbines at 50 yd targets. It does group well and cycles reliably. I wouldn't hesitate to use it at all for SD/HD against any viable threat (2-legged or 4) in my tree-lined back yard (180 degrees) with no concern at all for putting my neighbors at risk.


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SUBSONIC 5.56??? You Mean .22LR? What Is Even The Point?

Visit TNVC: https://tnvc.com/ Visit Winchester: https://www.facebook.com/WinchesterOfficialVisit Daniel Defense:www.facebook.com/DanielDefense20% Off Vortex ...
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M1key said:
I do have 150 rounds of this Atomic 112gr. I have shot this out of 14.5- and 16-inch carbines at 50 yd targets. It does group well and cycle reliably. I wouldn't hesitate to use it at all for SD/HD against any viable threat (2-legged or 4) in my tree-lined back yard (180 degrees) with no concern at all for putting my neighbors at risk.

We do have Javelinas, Mountains Lions, and Black bear that roam our neighborhood on occasion. Did I fail to mention I live in the mountains of New Mexico?

www.youtube.com

SUBSONIC 5.56??? You Mean .22LR? What Is Even The Point?

Visit TNVC: https://tnvc.com/ Visit Winchester: https://www.facebook.com/WinchesterOfficialVisit Daniel Defense:www.facebook.com/DanielDefense20% Off Vortex ...
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
Click to expand...
Just start with 4 grains of Blue Dot. That should get you right at subsonic.

or do a bracket test with +/- .2 grains and see what your grouping and gun likes.

I’ve done stuff without rhythm or reason. So I understand your itch!
 
M1key said:
Inside my home and within my property without scaring the hell out of my neighbors?
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Scaring your neighbors takes priority over defending your life and the lives of your loved ones, with a more effective load?

I'd even pick a 9mm throwing 147's subs at designed speeds than a 77gn out of a 223 at the same speed. Less powder volume helps with noise too, as does the faster powders used.

2B04D847-3142-4D89-B638-16B9D7E2336D.jpeg

Factory 45 acp 230 loads will have even more energy and be subs already.
 
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jmorris said:
Scaring your neighbors takes priority over defending your life and the lives of your loved ones, with a more effective load?

I'd even pick a 9mm throwing 147's subs at designed speeds than a 77gn out of a 223 at the same speed. Less powder volume helps with noise too, as does the faster powders used.

View attachment 1192383

Factory 45 acp 230 loads will have even more energy and be subs already.
Click to expand...
Going powder shopping today. Got any suggestions for 147 9mm? Sub
 
QUOTE: Scaring your neighbors takes priority over defending your life and the lives of your loved ones, with a more effective load?

Well, hell no. That's a pretty stupid question coming from an adult. Buzz off Morris. Does your response answer my original post about what load? Nothing like a public forum to get someone else's opinion of what I should do. Your situation is not mine and you know what they say about opinions...

The Atomic loads are what I will use. The tree line is only 50 yards away and we do have 3 dogs on the property.

If I was concerned about a "more effective load" I would use something like this in 7.62x39.

BEAR CREEK 5.jpg
 
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M1key said:
If I was concerned about a "more effective load" I would use something like this in 7.62x39.
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That would be a better choice. I have killed lots of stuff including hundreds of trapped hogs with .22's going subsonic but none of them were a threat to me or anyone else.

I didn't intend to offend, just a question. Kind of like, would I be worried about ear damage if I had to fire a shot from a loud gun indoors to save my life? Some things that seem important fade into the background as more important issues need to be addressed.
 
M1key said:
QUOTE: Scaring your neighbors takes priority over defending your life and the lives of your loved ones, with a more effective load?

Well, hell no. That's a pretty stupid question coming from an adult. Buzz off Morris. Does your response answer my original post about what load? Nothing like a public forum to get someone else's opinion of what I should do. Your situation is not mine and you know what they say about opinions...

The Atomic loads are what I will use. The tree line is only 50 yards away and we do have 3 dogs on the property.

If I was concerned about a "more effective load" I would use something like this in 7.62x39.

View attachment 1192418
Click to expand...
Just Start with 4.0 grain! that should get you started.
 
A typical AR fitted with standard buffer/spring & bcg, will cycle 77gr loads running at or near 1000fps???
 
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