Author Topic: Subsonic Loads Possible? (Read 930 times)

Patriot_1776 · « **on:** December 18, 2005, 04:59:12 AM »

I was wondering if anyone here has experimented with rolling subsonic loads for their shotguns? If it is possible, what is the approximate noise level when compared to standard loads? I'm looking at the shot traveling around the 1000fps mark or so.

I'm envisioning this idea as a quiet pest control load that has way less lethal range than a rimfire, but still good for small pests (squirrel at the largest) maybe out to 15 yds. Any chances it could be done with non-toxic shot such as steel?

Sorry if this sounds stupid; I don't reload shotgun ammo at this time, nor do I shoot enough of it (yet) to make it a worthwhile investment. I was just curious. Thanks.

-Patriot

jgalar · « **Reply #1 on:** December 18, 2005, 05:20:27 AM »

I have seen low velocity loads listed - it shouldn't be a problem. Not sure about the noise or lack of.

dave375hh · « **Reply #2 on:** December 18, 2005, 05:52:12 AM »

Precision Reloading has a shotgun loading manual called subsonic's to high velocity loadings. It should give you what your looking for.

JoeG52 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 18, 2005, 11:23:09 AM »

Loading sub-sonic is easy but it isn't much quieter unless you add something like this....

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0005577224961a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnString=hasJS=true&_D%3AhasJS=+&QueryText=metro+tube&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.22&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=metro+tube&noImage=0&returnPage=search-results1.jsp

gino · « **Reply #4 on:** December 19, 2005, 03:10:04 AM »

Quote from: JoeG52

Loading sub-sonic is easy but it isn't much quieter unless you add something like this....

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0005577224961a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnString=hasJS=true&_D%3AhasJS=+&QueryText=metro+tube&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.22&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=metro+tube&noImage=0&returnPage=search-results1.jsp

Yeah, that would be real handy for hunting rabbit or quaill in the brush! :-D
gino

jgalar · « **Reply #5 on:** December 19, 2005, 04:58:52 AM »

You've got to be kidding!!! Put a bayonet on the thing and you could spear em out of the trees....

Robert · « **Reply #6 on:** December 19, 2005, 05:38:31 AM »

OK....Light loads with a shotgun are way easier than with rifles. First off...you don't have a solid projectile that can get stuck in the bore. I have loaded 410 and 12 gauge. The 410 is of course the most practical for this. I have loaded all the way down to 2.0 grs of Red Dot and then fill the shot to capacity. However, if you want to kill a squirrel or something....4.0 grs is more practical and still fairly quiet. 3.0 will work very close. Also....be aware that with these very light loads....if you hit something solid....it can and will bounce back toward your face. Read your manual for the maximum loads with RedDot......make sure you do not exceed published data if you start experimenting with hotter loads.
Do not try loads below 4.0 grs of Red Dot with any rifle. Subsonic rifle should be started at 5-6 grs minimum and even then be very careful.