.223 Sub Sonic - Reloading Methodology https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/ AllGunStuff Discussion Board en-US Fri, 08 May 2026 09:31:52 +0000 wpForo 60 Re: .223 Sub Sonic https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/3/#post-1800 Tue, 18 Oct 2022 23:30:32 +0000

The reason for heavy bullets is that lighter bullets need very small charges so as to not exceed the speed of sound. The extra weight of the bullet needs more oomph and charges then increase in volume and tend to give better consistency and then accuracy.

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Which is the exact opposite of hyper sonic reloading where heavier has less charge than lighter bullets


Correct yes. The whole exercise of going subsonic is a field of its own. The rules that apply are such that it needs careful study and following the recipes that have been found to be safe through practical experimentation.]]> Reloading Methodology Tripodmvr https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/3/#post-1800 Re: .223 Sub Sonic https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/3/#post-1798 Tue, 18 Oct 2022 22:45:39 +0000
The reason for heavy bullets is that lighter bullets need very small charges so as to not exceed the speed of sound. The extra weight of the bullet needs more oomph and charges then increase in volume and tend to give better consistency and then accuracy.

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Which is the exact opposite of hyper sonic reloading where heavier has less charge than lighter bullets]]> Reloading Methodology Treeman https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/3/#post-1798 Re: .223 Sub Sonic https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1796 Tue, 18 Oct 2022 08:41:09 +0000 Reloading Methodology Tripodmvr https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1796 Re: .223 Sub Sonic https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1795 Tue, 18 Oct 2022 08:31:34 +0000


Does the general mantra then hold true in your opinion, use the heaviest bullet for subsonic loads.
I have found this to be untrue unless the barrel is changed for subsonic - heavy bullets.

Provided you stay away from the transonic zone, yes. Anything faster than 950fps you take your chances.


The transsonic zone gave me trouble with my .22 and standard ammunition. For some reason, standard ammunition deviated from 940fps up  to 1200fps, especially on hot days. It gave erratic groupings - up to two flyers for every five shots.

After I changed to supersonic (high velocity) and subsonic ammunition, the groupings became more consistent.

When I loaded 173gr LRN for my 308, I stuck to 800fps to say clear from the transsonic zone.

For some reason, the accuracy is not very good yet. I still get flyers now and then.

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You having erratic ignition, I found my subsonics to be stupid accurate. 800 fps is just to slow, here on the coast we stay at 1000 - 1040, even the late 900+ fps. Below this funny things seem to happen.
Also, get a proper over powder wad, use quite a bit of toilet paper or cotton wool even a sheet of paper cut in a circle pushed in with a pencil, then kapok, I put a lot in,almost a compressed load, just get better ignition.
I must buy another sedate caliber rifle and play again.]]> Reloading Methodology Treeman https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1795 Re: .223 Sub Sonic https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1792 Tue, 18 Oct 2022 07:12:51 +0000 Reloading Methodology janfred https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1792 Re: .223 Sub Sonic https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1789 Tue, 18 Oct 2022 00:29:05 +0000

Does the general mantra then hold true in your opinion, use the heaviest bullet for subsonic loads.
I have found this to be untrue unless the barrel is changed for subsonic - heavy bullets.

Provided you stay away from the transonic zone, yes. Anything faster than 950fps you take your chances.


The transsonic zone gave me trouble with my .22 and standard ammunition. For some reason, standard ammunition deviated from 940fps up  to 1200fps, especially on hot days. It gave erratic groupings - up to two flyers for every five shots.

After I changed to supersonic (high velocity) and subsonic ammunition, the groupings became more consistent.

When I loaded 173gr LRN for my 308, I stuck to 800fps to say clear from the transsonic zone.

For some reason, the accuracy is not very good yet. I still get flyers now and then.]]> Reloading Methodology Ds J https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1789 Re: .223 Sub Sonic https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1785 Mon, 17 Oct 2022 19:03:43 +0000
Does the general mantra then hold true in your opinion, use the heaviest bullet for subsonic loads.
I have found this to be untrue unless the barrel is changed for subsonic - heavy bullets.

Provided you stay away from the transonic zone, yes. Anything faster than 950fps you take your chances.]]> Reloading Methodology janfred https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1785 Re: .223 Sub Sonic https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1784 Mon, 17 Oct 2022 13:43:03 +0000


past some mental block.


A heavier bullet has a larger tendency to stray and therefore needs more spin to keep it in check.

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You sound like a priest - speaking of the bullet who lost its way along the righteous path and strayed of target.]]> Reloading Methodology Treeman https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1784 Re: .223 Sub Sonic https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1783 Mon, 17 Oct 2022 13:40:24 +0000
Does the general mantra then hold true in your opinion, use the heaviest bullet for subsonic loads.
I have found this to be untrue unless the barrel is changed for subsonic - heavy bullets.

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:o You posted while I was asking.
]]> Reloading Methodology Treeman https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1783 Re: .223 Sub Sonic https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1782 Mon, 17 Oct 2022 13:39:45 +0000 I have found this to be untrue unless the barrel is changed for subsonic - heavy bullets.]]> Reloading Methodology Treeman https://systemz.online/reloading-methodology/223-sub-sonic/paged/2/#post-1782