Need some subsonic .300 Blackout non-lead bullet recommendations

[Scout21]

A friend recently got set up to reload and was asking for some help finding a copper bullet that would expand at subsonic velocities out of their .300 Blackout. Use would be for hunting deer and hogs. I've found surprisingly little offerings so far, although one that I did find looked like a broadhead when expanded, it was absolutely nasty looking. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[mcb]

The best one I have found so far is Maker Bullets. I love them in my 300 BO. Lehigh Defense is another good option.

Maker 220gr REX on the left, Barry's 220gr plated Spire point on the right (for plinking not hunting)

Maker 220gr REX bulllet recovered from the dirt behind the last Armadillo I killed a few weeks ago. 100% weight retention. Was launch from a 9-inch barrel at ~970 fps.

 

[TEXASJD]

I know its's not copper but I had a ton of luck with 110 V-max in 300BO shooting Hogs, not expensive either.

 

[AJC1]

The maker would be first choice. I'm not sure if the Barnes 30-30 bullet would work well at subsonic speeds.

 

[mcb]

The maker would be first choice. I'm not sure if the Barnes 30-30 bullet would work well at subsonic speeds.

Given Barnes is one of the first of the all copper bullet makers I am always surprised they have not made a line of bullets for subsonic rounds. Seems like a natural extension of their product line.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Does it have to be all copper for some legal reason? Makes it a lot more $$ with few options.

 

[AJC1]

Does it have to be all copper for some legal reason? Makes it a lot more $$ with few options.

If not the subx would be a lot more available

 

[Ohen Cepel]

If not the subx would be a lot more available

That is what I was thinking.

Or, lead if shooting out of a bolt gun.

I have had good luck with Sierra Pro Hunter 220gr, but I don't expect much expansion from them.

 

[Scout21]

Given Barnes is one of the first of the all copper bullet makers I am always surprised they have not made a line of bullets for subsonic rounds. Seems like a natural extension of their product line.

Barnes was the first place we checked, but it seems that 150 grain is the heaviest they offer. Surprising, I agree.

 

[Scout21]

Does it have to be all copper for some legal reason? Makes it a lot more $$ with few options.

Lead is legal here, they've just had good experiences with all-copper before. They're actually the one that got me interested in loading up some Barnes TTSX for my hunting rifle.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Copper is great, don't get me wrong. I'm just not into the $$ of it.

 

[W.E.G.]

If you require expansion, go ahead and buy the PREMIUM bullets that do reliably expand at subsonic velocities.

Several manufacturers selling such a thing. I bought a couple hundred from Lehigh. Will last me a lifetime.

Yeah, they cost three or four times the price of non-expanding bullets, but so what? How many animals are you REALLY going to shoot with subsonic ammo. A few rounds on paper to get a 50 yard zero, and you're done wasting expensive bullets. Use the rest of them for killing. I don't know of anyone who is shooting at anything requiring an EXPANDING bullet who has put himself in the poor-house buying top-end bullets to build subsonic ammo for killing animals.

For plinking, just use the 147-grain FMJ's. They only cost about 14 cents each. You can run the 147's sub or super. I do.

If you use non-expanding for hunting, punch them in the lungs. Nothing lives long with a collapsed lung. Only a few minutes.

You should be able to place the shot pretty well if you keep your distances to 50 yards. Subs drop about 4 inches out to 50 yards. At 100 yards, its about 14 inches. 100 yards is a very questionable shot for subs. Beyond that is 100% a bad idea.

 

[243winxb]

Hornady Sub X? Hodgdon has data for 190 gr. subsonic. $40 for 100. These 175 gr. https://www.midsouthshooterssupply....08-diameter-175-grain-sub-x-100-count?Tk=DFBU

 

[Scout21]

If not the subx would be a lot more available

Hornady Sub X? Hodgdon has data for 190 gr. subsonic. $40 for 100. These 175 gr. https://www.midsouthshooterssupply....08-diameter-175-grain-sub-x-100-count?Tk=DFBU

The Sub-X looks pretty nice. I'll pass it on. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Sub X isn't all copper though if that is the ask.

 

[Scout21]

Sub X isn't all copper though if that is the ask.

It isn't, but it seems there aren't many options out there for non-lead subsonic.

 

[AJC1]

The 170 sub x is for 30-30. The 190 was the original made for the 300.