I was at the range the other day and found that out of all the ammo I tested, the subsonic .22 LR was the most accurate of the bunch (CCI Subsonic) - I was able to consistently hit a 1 inch target at 100 yds with the subsonic. I didn't test it against any high quality .22 LR ammo (Eley/RWS/etc..) however. So I'm wondering, should I be expecting the same accuracy from higher quality supersonic ammo, like Eley/RWS ammo as I have been able to achieve with the subsonic? Or would it be better to bed the rifle before I try testing more ammo?
Subsonic vs. Supersonic .22 LR ammo and accuracy
- Thread starter JS2
- Start date
Subsonic usually does the best at 100 yards because your supersonic ammo is actually going subsonic at about 80 yards. Passing the sound barrier often introduces some instability resulting in reduced accuracy. That's why the highest quality match stuff is subsonic.
Now if you're going long with the .22 (300+ yards) you may get better results with a high quality supersonic, because the extra speed helps you more than breaking the sound barrier hurts you.
Now if you're going long with the .22 (300+ yards) you may get better results with a high quality supersonic, because the extra speed helps you more than breaking the sound barrier hurts you.
At the top of this forum there is some excellent reference on RF external ballistics.
Typically standard velocity(usually subsonic) will provide the best consistency even at long range. Your looking for ammo that has the lowest deviation in speed . For long range however more come-up is needed to accomodate the bullet drop. There is no predicting whether higher quality high speed ammo will work.
Above all the gun will show a preference for a particular ammo or types which may change with a different batch.
Yes, a solid bedding of the action is recommended otherwise the ammo performance may be affected due to movement of the gun in the stock.
Typically standard velocity(usually subsonic) will provide the best consistency even at long range. Your looking for ammo that has the lowest deviation in speed . For long range however more come-up is needed to accomodate the bullet drop. There is no predicting whether higher quality high speed ammo will work.
Above all the gun will show a preference for a particular ammo or types which may change with a different batch.
Yes, a solid bedding of the action is recommended otherwise the ammo performance may be affected due to movement of the gun in the stock.
762Russian
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Here's a tag-along question in the same vein:
Who makes standard-velocity ammunition for the .22, other than CCI?
Who makes standard-velocity ammunition for the .22, other than CCI?
All of the higher end target ammo will be subsonic, none of it is high velocity, for the reasons mentioned above.
Winchester, Federal and Remington all make standard velocity target ammo in addition to Eley, RWS and Lapua.
Mark
camster
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As much as I dislike Remington .22 ammo (filthy) I've had great luck with their sub-sonics. Not a surprise it worked well for you accuracy-wise at 100yds for the reason mentioned above...wobble induced by passing through the barrier.
Thanks for the replies, sounds like I'll stick with subsonics until I work my way out to further ranges.
On another note, regarding shooting to ranges (300+ yards), from the rimfire ballistic charts it looks like the standard subsonic velocity has less wind drift than high velocity. So would the subsonic still be more accurate at these ranges, just without the advantage of a higher impact velocity?
On another note, regarding shooting to ranges (300+ yards), from the rimfire ballistic charts it looks like the standard subsonic velocity has less wind drift than high velocity. So would the subsonic still be more accurate at these ranges, just without the advantage of a higher impact velocity?
762Russian
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I suppose a better question would have be who carries them in my area; subsonic ammo is rather hard to find out here.
I'll keep sniffing around.
762Russian
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I'm a student, and shipping prices for live ammo are bloody insane.
My local Canadian Tire carries Winchester T22, Remington Subsonic and CCI subsonic. WSS carries Federal Gold Medal Match. Not sure about semi-local for the Eley, RWS and Lapua. I think Hirsh Precision (the Lapua importer) sells all of the good stuff, but the price will make you choke (think $10+ per box).
I bought Eley Sport (the green box) from Guns and Games in Stettler last year. It was the cheapest of the decent stuff at $5.99/box of 50.
Mark
Peter Dobson(Hirsch Precision) does a fine job in catering to shooters and will send a sample of several batches he may have on hand.
Shoot several groups and order a bunch of what your gun likes in keeping with the depth of your pocket.
Shoot several groups and order a bunch of what your gun likes in keeping with the depth of your pocket.
If you are referring to my post, I buy a box to test. If it works out I will buy several bricks at a minimum.
Mark
