The Art of Crafting Subsonic Loads: Dispelling Myths and Finding Success

As an avid shooter, I've had my fair share of experimenting with various calibers and load configurations. Recently, I've been exploring the world of subsonic loads, particularly those with a 22 short barrel length. The allure of creating quiet, yet effective, cartridges has proven to be both fascinating and challenging.

One common misconception about subsonic loads is that they are inherently quiet simply because they operate below the speed of sound (around 1,100 fps). However, I've found that many so-called 'subsonic' loads can still produce significant noise, even if they're running at velocities below this threshold. This got me thinking – what makes a load truly subsonic and quiet?

In my experience, it's not just about the velocity of the cartridge. Factors such as bullet design, propellant choice, and overall load configuration play critical roles in determining the final result. For example, I've experimented with various .22 LR loads using WC820 propellant and 224 bullets, which have yielded velocities ranging from Long Rifle to 22 Magnum.

One particularly effective setup involved a 223 Handi-Rifle chambered for .45 gr cast bullets. While some might consider this combination 'silly,' I've found it to be extremely accurate and reliable. In fact, I've developed an entire load profile around this configuration, which has served me well in various shooting applications.

But what about handgun loads that operate at subsonic velocities? Are they inherently quiet? Not always. I've worked with 44 Specials, 45 Colts, 38 Specials, and even some 9mm rounds that are designed to run below the speed of sound – but they're far from silent. It's clear that there's more to creating a truly subsonic load than just achieving a certain velocity.

In my own experiments with subsonic loads, I've found that using the right propellant and bullet combination can make all the difference. For example, loading 3-4 grains of Red Dot into a .22 LR cartridge has yielded impressive results – including extremely quiet performance. In fact, I've developed two winning load profiles using this configuration: one with a gas-checked bullet and slightly more Red Dot, and another featuring a 55 gr cast bullet with no gas checks.

The latter combination, paired with 4.6 grains of Red Dot, produced velocities ranging from 1682 fps to 2022 fps – impressive results for a subsonic load. Meanwhile, adding just 0.5 grains more Red Dot brought the velocity down to around 1800 fps while still maintaining excellent accuracy.

My experience has shown that crafting truly subsonic loads requires attention to detail and experimentation. It's not simply a matter of selecting a specific caliber or propellant – rather, it's about understanding how each component interacts with the others to produce the desired outcome.

In conclusion, the art of crafting subsonic loads is both fascinating and challenging. By exploring different calibers, propellants, and bullet configurations, shooters can create quiet, yet effective, cartridges that meet their specific needs. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just starting out, I encourage you to experiment with different load profiles and see what works best for you.

22 short barrel length subsonic