Suppressed .223

[o'l fart]

I don't know if anyone plays around with suppressors,(I think it's mandatory in Texas and other really great States),but I'm looking for a good sub-sonic load for my .223. I am trying one now that seems to work pretty well, but I'm always looking for a better one. I am now using 8 grains of Unique with a 50gr Barnes TSX FB with an OAL of 2.20".It shoots the same in both my 1 in 12 and 1 in 9 twists.The groups @ 100yds are 3/4 inch or less. I sent it through a cantaloupe at 100yds and it did OK. Entry hole was .22 and the exit hole was about .32, so I'm guessing it opened up a little considering it was moving at sub-sonic speed. Should be good for a late night coyote. It sounds about like a .22LR so it's not too bad. Any suggestions?

 

[jmorris]

Well my supersonic suppressed .223 loads sound about like a .22lr without one. I have a few .223 cans but quit playing with subsonic loads for it once I found that they didnt do much more than a .22lr. Once I had a better collection of cans for rounds that would carry more energy down range, I lost all interest.

147's out of 9mm's running subsonic are the lightest load I use these days followed by 150's out of a .308, all the way to 500gn out of a 458. All of them are as quite or make less noise that the .223 loads and the 9 and 458 loads cycle in semiautos.

 

[ssyoumans]

Suppressed 223 is nothing more than a 22LR, heck, maybe even less. Might as well suppress a 22LR and run standard velocity 22's, a lot less work . I doubt the Barnes 223 rounds are expanding at 1,050 FPS.
Just don't see the point. I'm somewhat surprised that the 50gr Barnes bullet would even stabilize out of a 1:12 twist at 1,050 FPS. Be careful you don't get a baffle strike if you change bullets.
As mentioned above, I too prefer subsonic 9mm, 147gr. Even those are hard to keep subsonic out of an 8.5" barrel AR.

 

[jmorris]

I too prefer subsonic 9mm, 147gr. Even those are hard to keep subsonic out of an 8.5" barrel AR.

3.1g N310 with a Berrys plated 147 @ 1.160" or 3.3g of N320 or titegroup works just fine.

 

[moxie]

Sounds about like a .22LR because that's about what it is!

 

[redbullitt]

Subsonic 223 is reloadable for one! Cannot say that for rimfires. For many of us that is handy since 22lr is difficult to find. Variety is a good thing! Use your same rifle, load different ammunition based on what you need. Sounds like a win win to me.

You can also run jacketed bullets without fear of leading up your suppressor. Don't see that happening with a 22lr. I would not be surprised if you can get better accuracy as
well.

OP it sounds like that unique load would be an excellent plinker or close up varmint round. Hit them right and you should be set!