RUGER SR22 Keeping it "Subsonic"

[peck1234]

Recently picked up 1000 rounds of CCI Quiet .22lr for my (brand new) Ruger SR22. Little did I know these rounds would not have the appropriate power to properly function the slide.

The chart below shows how various ammo performs out the muzzle of barrel. So it seems that I should have no issue running standard .22lr ammo, such as CCI Mini Mag because the veolicity out of my 3.5 inch barrel will still be subsonic? Am I correct here? Seeing that the speed of sound is 1125fps?

 

[Theohazard]

CCI Mini Mag is high-velocity ammo and I'll bet the velocities in that chart are from a rifle, but yes, you're correct that most .22 ammo -- including most high velocity stuff -- will still be subsonic out of most pistols. I've alternated CCI low-power subsonic ammo with high-velocity CCI Mini Mags in the same magazine with a Spectre .22 silencer and a 4" MkIII. Both rounds were subsonic. The Mini Mags were a tiny bit louder because of the extra power, but not by much.

 

[peck1234]

Excellent! Thanks!

 

[DPris]

Anything in .22LR you shoot through that barrel will be subsonic.
No reason whatever to buy "subsonic" ammunition for it.
Denis

 

[Gtscotty]

Yep, I run regular bulk pack high velocity through my SR22 and 22/45 lite with a can, and both are subsonic and quiet. Save the pricier subsonic stuff for rifles.

 

[weblance]

IF you are trying for the quietest shot, and reliable functioning, even though High Velocity ammo is subsonic out of a short barrel, it will be louder than standard velocity ammo. There is a difference.

I have found the subsonic barrier is around 6" of barrel length, with high velocity ammo.

 

[paul105]

Agree with above that High Vel 22 Rimfire will be subsonic in most handguns (don't know about fixed breach Contender or Bbl length required to go super sonic). Also agree that subsonic ammo will be quieter than Hi Vel ammo in pistols. This is subtle, but noticeable.

Also, longer barrels will be quieter than shorter ones as will fixed/closed breach vs semis. Fixed breach, silenced rifles will be virtually "Hollywood Quiet".

For whatever reason, I have a Nelson Custom 1911 .22 Conversion that is quieter than my Ruger (both with silencer attached). Might be that the Nelson is an inch longer. Might also be that they are breached differently (or maybe both).

Got the Nelson recently and just had to try it with the silencer (Tactical Innovations Quest). You can't believe how loud those steel poppers are when hit with silenced, subsonic .22 LRs and no hearing protection (make sure you aren't inside or under a cover). This things a bit heavy with the can, but shoots like a laser -- brings a smile to my face every time.



FWIW,

Paul

 

[paul105]

I've tried (in fact have a brick) of the Quiet 22s -- to me they are worthless. Personally I think you are better off with standard subsonic ammo. I've tried several different varieties -- Rem, Aquilar, etc and don't find them enough quieter to offset the lack of power vs standard velocity subsonics.

Although a bit range challenged, the Subsonic CCI Segment Hollow points are just outstanding performers on small varmints (especially from a silenced rifle).

Have a gun shy dog and tried everything I could lay my hands on and came to the above conclusion.

Just my opinion of course.

Paul

 

[ssyoumans]

IF you are trying for the quietest shot, and reliable functioning, even though High Velocity ammo is subsonic out of a short barrel, it will be louder than standard velocity ammo. There is a difference.



I have found the subsonic barrier is around 6" of barrel length, with high velocity ammo.

Agreed. About 20% of High Velocity 36gr ammo (Bulk Federal and Winchester) will go super out of my 5.5" Ruger MK III. They average around 1080 out of the 5.5" barrel, with some going super.

40gr CCI blazer runs 962 FPS out of my SR22.

I do prefer the standard velocity ammo for both my rifles and pistols when shooting with a can.

 

[kcofohio]

The Quiet 22 LR ammo (500-700s fps) is not intended to cycle a semi-auto.

These cartridges may be used in semi-automatic firearms, however manual cycling of the action may be required.

http://www.cci-ammunition.com/products/detail.aspx?use=5&loadNo=960

But will do fine in a revolver.

 

[jstert]

cci quiet and magtech (brazil made) 22lr are about the only rounds that give my sr22 hiccups. i always bring a 22lr revolver (ruger or heritage) to the range to clean up anyway.