Thread: Quiet effective sub caliber for hunting, is there such a thing?

Originally Posted by Bradp

So those of you with some sub experience is there actually a viable subsonic calibre that is still quiet and ammunition that is commercially available?

Not really. If you're disciplined and have the opportunity to take well placed head/neck shots, then yes I suppose, otherwise no. I tried subsonic 300BLK (identical to subsonic .308 ballistics) and the factory ammunition offerings are unimpressive, or at least highly variable in performance. Penetration wasn't the problem, expansion was an issue. I also had quite a few rounds going supersonic, so the worst of all worlds. Like you, I thought about a subsonic larger calibre (e.g. 45/70), but they are loud even when suppressed.

It didn't end too badly for me. I resigned myself to using supersonic 300BLK ammunition in my Bergara single shot with a large suppressor. It's a short, relatively quiet rifle that is handy in the bush.