Possible to reload subsonic rounds?

emt1581 · 12-30-2009, 00:17

I'm thinking about getting another suppressor. Right now I'm leaning toward 9mm.

First off, is there a recipe for 9mm subsonic rounds?

Second, if I cast my own 90gr. bullets, can I use them for subsonic rounds or will they screw up the barrel/suppressor?

I use pretty much lead rounds exclusively in my .22lr suppressor with no problems. But I'm not sure how cast bullets of a larger caliber would do.

Thanks!

-Emt1581

mattellis2 · 12-30-2009, 04:45

i don't know a lot about surpressors, but loading a subsonic bullet is simple enough. also, i believe most subsonic 9mm are of the 147 grain variety...easier to slow down a heavy bullet than a light one.

-matt

CaptToyota · 12-30-2009, 04:58

Break out the printed handload book, 147gr 9mm bullets, hold max velocity to no more than 1030fps..

Lead through a suppressor, major NO NO NO NO, unless you wish to coat the inards with lead and lube

PersonOfInterest · 12-30-2009, 04:59

Very easy to do - things is your need to get the bullets moving at less then 1050fps and youll find the majortiy of most 147gn Factory 9mm's are moving at that speed - i wouldnt bother with the 90gr pills to get them to move at 1050fps will also mean lower recoil and might not cycle the action where as a 147gn will still have the recoil at that speed to cycle.
I load the 147gn Winchester Notched projectiles (someones they load there WWB round with) i can get it moving at 1050fps or 950fps or i also use the Hornday XTP.

ron59 · 12-30-2009, 05:05

A 90grn bullet probably won't cycle your gun shot subsonic.

As has been mentioned, subsonic 9mm rounds are usually of the 147gr variety.

Colorado4Wheel · 12-30-2009, 08:09

When I loaded 147 gr bullets none of them ever went over 1000fps. All of them were loaded in the 900fps range. I resprung my Glock to make that work right. If 1100 fps is you cap then you can easily make great loads even using 124gr bullets. My USPSA load with 124gr bullets averages 1050fps and none go over 1100fps.

grenadier · 12-30-2009, 08:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by emt1581

First off, is there a recipe for 9mm subsonic rounds?

Virtually all 147 grain recipes in the manuals are subsonic. Some 135 grain recipes are subsonic.

Quote:

Second, if I cast my own 90gr. bullets, can I use them for subsonic rounds or will they screw up the barrel/suppressor?

A subsonic 90 grainer will not have enough power to cycle the slide. You'd essentially be turning your pistol into a single shot firearm. Perhaps if you used a weaker recoil spring, you *might* be able to get it working, but even then I'd say the odds are against you.

It took me a good while to get a 115 grain subsonic load working with a weaker recoil spring. I had to use a fast powder (VV N320), and I only use this load and spring combination when teaching someone how to shoot their first centerfire handgun.

emt1581 · 12-30-2009, 08:44

I appreciate the information!

I think I'd order a 147gr. mold and that's only if the can comes apart for cleaning which will be important since my .22lr can does not and is a PITA!!!

Thanks!

-Emt1581

Hoser · 12-30-2009, 11:15

Just spend a few bucks and order a case of Montana Gold or Zero 124 JHPs or CMJs.

Getting the inside of your can clean will be a royal pain in the arse. Lead and cans are not a good combo.

I shoot thousands of 124s going about 1050 fps through my AAC Evo with no complaints. The 147s are a touch quieter, but not enough to be worth the extra $$$.

Quote:

Originally Posted by emt1581

I appreciate the information!

I think I'd order a 147gr. mold and that's only if the can comes apart for cleaning which will be important since my .22lr can does not and is a PITA!!!

Thanks!

-Emt1581

Jumper · 12-30-2009, 12:18

All you guys who live where suppressors are legal ... I hate you

GioaJack · 12-30-2009, 12:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jumper

All you guys who live where suppressors are legal ... I hate you

Wear really, really good ear muffs... then it sounds like you're shooting a suppressor and you save a $200 tax stamp. Next problem?

Jack

CTSixshot · 12-31-2009, 11:11

The following list shows starting load data under 1100 fps for bullet weights 95g to 147g:
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

Brian Lee · 12-31-2009, 11:19

Even if you did succeed in making a 90 grain subsonic round that cycled your gun reliably, it would have very little energy behind it. It would basically be a .380, or maybe even less than that, so would you really want that for home & SD purposes? (if that's your purpose - I don't know what you want to do) I'd not even consider anything but 147 grain for subsonic loads if you want them to be able to hurt a BG.

Have to admit a 90 grain subsonic load would probably be pretty quiet though, because of the lower pressure.

ron59 · 12-31-2009, 11:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTSixshot

The following list shows starting load data under 1100 fps for bullet weights 95g to 147g:
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

That's assuming it will cycle your gun (at least, for the 95g stuff).

I doubt if 95g loads subsonic would.

emt1581 · 12-31-2009, 12:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by GioaJack

Wear really, really good ear muffs... then it sounds like you're shooting a suppressor and you save a $200 tax stamp. Next problem?

Jack

Sort of like putting on pink fuzzy bunny slippers instead of carpeting the house.

-Emt1581

chris in va · 12-31-2009, 12:34

Supressors make no sense where I live. You have to shoot at a range anyway.

freakshow10mm · 12-31-2009, 12:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jumper

All you guys who live where suppressors are legal ... I hate you

Standby. I filed a F4 for a silencer to me as an individual. I'm testing the interpretation by Cox, since the opinion was only rendered for MGs but suppressors are in the same statute. I might be able to force the ATF to piss off Cox and approve the transfer. Then the floodgates will open.

emt1581 · 12-31-2009, 12:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris in va

Supressors make no sense where I live. You have to shoot at a range anyway.

Suppressors have a use no matter where you live unless that place is somewhere that no one else does and there are no bad guys/animals at all.

-Emt1581

PCJim · 12-31-2009, 15:42

Keep in mind that when you are developing "subsonic" loads, you need to be considerably below the generally stated 1125-1150 fps velocity (dependent on temperature and altitude). Although a bullet may be traveling at say, 1050 fps, the air passing over the nose of the bullet could easily be moving at or above the speed of sound and can still produce a shock wave.

Patrick Graham · 12-31-2009, 15:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jumper

All you guys who live where suppressors are legal ... I hate you

Move to Indiana, less snow more freedom.

CTSixshot · 12-31-2009, 19:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron59

That's assuming it will cycle your gun (at least, for the 95g stuff).

I doubt if 95g loads subsonic would.

All I know is that I loaded some sub-sonic 200 grainers in 7.62 NATO and they cycled my FR-7 just fine...
...emt1581 will have to do his own experimenting with his Nine.

DEADLYACCURATE · 12-31-2009, 21:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick Graham

Move to Indiana, less snow more freedom.

Ha Indiana

If ya want less snow move to Al.

ron59 · 12-31-2009, 21:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTSixshot

All I know is that I loaded some sub-sonic 200 grainers in 7.62 NATO and they cycled my FR-7 just fine...
...emt1581 will have to do his own experimenting with his Nine.

You're going to "compare" 7.62 with 95gr 9mm? Funny.

115gr factory ammo is 1150fps... I'd imagine 95gr stuff would be well over 1200fps. Making it "work" at under 1000fps is gonna be tough.

But hey, if it works for your 7.62, it'll work for 9mm, right?

CaptToyota · 01-02-2010, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jumper

All you guys who live where suppressors are legal ... I hate you

Nothing like no muzzle blast to ring the ears..