300 Blackout subsonic with 110gr bullets

quillgordo · March 9, 2021, 01:22 PM

Has anyone tried 110 gr bullets for back yard subsonic plinking. If so, is it practical in terms of twist rate, and smooth operation of an AR platform?

dyl · March 9, 2021, 10:04 PM

Wow that's really light for subsonic, I don't think it would work to cycle an AR.

I use 200+ grains for subsonic, powder coated lead.

imashooter · March 10, 2021, 07:26 AM

Practical for "backyard" plinking? No.

raimius · March 12, 2021, 04:15 AM

Depends on your backyard range, for sound.
For cycling an AR-15? It probably won't work without a lot of work (gas port adjustment, light buffer, weaker spring, etc)

If you want real quiet, suppressed bolt actions are where it's at.

Geezerbiker · March 12, 2021, 05:27 AM

I've been shooting powder puff loads from a .300 Blackout single shot for a few years. I'm too close to neighbors to shoot in my back yard but if I were out of town a ways, I think they'd be OK. Over at http://www.300blktalk.com they have a reloading section dedicated to light loads for single shots and bolt guns.

I wonder if one could manually cycle light loads from a .300 Blackout AR or if the light load would cause the rifle to jam.

I have to admit that a .300BO AR15 is on my want list but so are several other guns I'll probably never buy.

Tony

smee78 · April 1, 2021, 07:37 PM

I agree with the group, 110grn seems a bit light for subsonic AR shooting. Are you referencing any load that you have seen?

Urbanrecon · April 1, 2021, 08:45 PM

Do yourself a favor and dump the 300 bk and pick yourself up a 350L upper and a few 20 round 350L mags.

reddog81 · April 2, 2021, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urbanrecon

Do yourself a favor and dump the 300 bk and pick yourself up a 350L upper and a few 20 round 350L mags.

He'll be able to shoot subsonic 110 grain bullets out of a 350L?

smee78 · April 4, 2021, 09:13 AM

Why would he dump the 300BLK (known for running well suppressed) for a flash in the pan 350L?

Urbanrecon · April 5, 2021, 02:19 AM

I was generally just kidding but now that you ask; for self-defense with an AR at 200 yards and closer, I prefer the hard hitting 350L that will still fit up to twenty rounds of readily available cartridges per mag in an easily weildable fighting package. I don't do suppressors or reloading my own ammo although I probably should.

Nanuk · April 5, 2021, 11:11 AM

Why dump the 300AAC for the 350L? Because the 350L is a better cartridge. At least that is my opinion.

rickyrick · April 5, 2021, 12:54 PM

The op wants quiet plinking... since we are in another caliber war thread now, why not offer 22lr or some other pistol cartridge.

If the op had asked about 350L he would have been shot down for that choice too.

stagpanther · April 5, 2021, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Why would he dump the 300BLK (known for running well suppressed) for a flash in the pan 350L?

LOL--I'm not a big fan of 350 L either, 5.56 case wins hands down in terms of overall robustness over the 350L flimsy case (aka 9mm viagra).

taylorce1 · April 5, 2021, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nanuk

Why dump the 300AAC for the 350L? Because the 350L is a better cartridge. At least that is my opinion.

Better for what? Hunting in a state that requires a minimum .35 cal and a straight walled case, I'll agree with you. Hunting in general, there are better suited cartridges than both in an AR platform. Shooting subsonics and suppressed, I'll have to disagree.

Urbanrecon · April 6, 2021, 01:11 AM

More like .357 viagra.

Geezerbiker · April 6, 2021, 01:17 AM

If it was really .357 rather than .355, I think it would be more popular with those that like to reload. Reloading isn't something we all do because we have to but most do it because we like the results better...

Tony

stagpanther · April 6, 2021, 07:36 AM

Quote:

More like .357 viagra.

except that the bore is cut the same as 9mm Luger.

T. O'Heir · April 6, 2021, 12:32 PM

Depends on where your backyard is located. However, Hornady loads a couple 110 grain bullets. Apparently only a 190 in a subsonic load.
The op hasn't been back either.

stagpanther · April 7, 2021, 06:15 AM

Winchester's own 180 gr power point is the most righteously excellent bullet for the 350 legend--it also mics at .355.

Getting back to the OP's original question--the problem I see with what he's asking is using a short-shanked bullet which I would assume creates a lot of unoccupied space in the case if getting the loads subsonic. This can result in unpredictable ignition characteristics. I thought about trying it out just out of curiosity--then I considered the potential of secondary pressure spike or bullet stuck in the bore...sounds great, you go first.

wild cat mccane · April 8, 2021, 09:10 AM

Backyard plinking? Sound concerns for neighbors?

On a limb here. Having kids, I'd be a more ticked neighbor with you for having shot a gun in any distance than I would be about sound.

A thought on your logic

taylorce1 · April 8, 2021, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stagpanther

Getting back to the OP's original question--the problem I see with what he's asking is using a short-shanked bullet which I would assume creates a lot of unoccupied space in the case if getting the loads subsonic.

Trail Boss powder would probably do it, but then the issue is cycling in an AR which was the OP's other concern. If I had some TB I'd load it up and run it through my Ruger Ranch rifle and tell you how slow they were. M1 Carbine 110 grain bullets are cheap, but there isn't a whole lot of difference between spitzer 110 grain bullets and 180+ grain bullets suitable for subsonic loads.

rickyrick · April 8, 2021, 11:46 AM

I don’t get it? Lots of people shoot safely in their backyard where allowed, I’m pretty sure we aren’t talking about downtown somewhere lol.

I had a backyard range for many years
I’ve had neighbors shoot in their own back yards too

I don’t own a suppressor, but I think they should be required and not restricted heavily.

Road_Clam · April 9, 2021, 03:13 PM

I almost guarentee that 110 gr bullets wont allow cycling. i tried 180 gr SMKs and could not get them to work. You need a 210+ gr bullet to generate the ideal gas pressure and speed to completely subsonic cycle the bolt. Incorrect gas pressure or speed typically causes short stroking of the bolt and you get FTF's and FTE's .

March 9, 2021, 01:22 PM	#1
quillgordo Member Join Date: September 23, 2005 Posts: 41	300 Blackout subsonic with 110gr bullets Has anyone tried 110 gr bullets for back yard subsonic plinking. If so, is it practical in terms of twist rate, and smooth operation of an AR platform?

April 1, 2021, 07:37 PM	#6
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,918	I agree with the group, 110grn seems a bit light for subsonic AR shooting. Are you referencing any load that you have seen? __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

April 4, 2021, 09:13 AM	#9
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,918	Why would he dump the 300BLK (known for running well suppressed) for a flash in the pan 350L? __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

April 5, 2021, 11:11 AM	#11
Nanuk Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2005 Location: Where the deer and the antelope roam. Posts: 3,082	Why dump the 300AAC for the 350L? Because the 350L is a better cartridge. At least that is my opinion. __________________ Retired Law Enforcement U. S. Army Veteran Armorer My rifle and pistol are tools, I am the weapon.

April 6, 2021, 12:32 PM	#18
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Depends on where your backyard is located. However, Hornady loads a couple 110 grain bullets. Apparently only a 190 in a subsonic load. The op hasn't been back either. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

March 9, 2021, 10:04 PM	#2
dyl Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,310	Wow that's really light for subsonic, I don't think it would work to cycle an AR. I use 200+ grains for subsonic, powder coated lead.

March 10, 2021, 07:26 AM	#3
imashooter Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 395	Practical for "backyard" plinking? No.

March 12, 2021, 04:15 AM	#4
raimius Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2008 Posts: 2,199	Depends on your backyard range, for sound. For cycling an AR-15? It probably won't work without a lot of work (gas port adjustment, light buffer, weaker spring, etc) If you want real quiet, suppressed bolt actions are where it's at.

March 12, 2021, 05:27 AM	#5
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	I've been shooting powder puff loads from a .300 Blackout single shot for a few years. I'm too close to neighbors to shoot in my back yard but if I were out of town a ways, I think they'd be OK. Over at http://www.300blktalk.com they have a reloading section dedicated to light loads for single shots and bolt guns. I wonder if one could manually cycle light loads from a .300 Blackout AR or if the light load would cause the rifle to jam. I have to admit that a .300BO AR15 is on my want list but so are several other guns I'll probably never buy. Tony

April 1, 2021, 08:45 PM	#7
Urbanrecon member Join Date: February 8, 2021 Location: Bullhead Chity, AZ. Posts: 75	Do yourself a favor and dump the 300 bk and pick yourself up a 350L upper and a few 20 round 350L mags.

April 5, 2021, 02:19 AM	#10
Urbanrecon member Join Date: February 8, 2021 Location: Bullhead Chity, AZ. Posts: 75	I was generally just kidding but now that you ask; for self-defense with an AR at 200 yards and closer, I prefer the hard hitting 350L that will still fit up to twenty rounds of readily available cartridges per mag in an easily weildable fighting package. I don't do suppressors or reloading my own ammo although I probably should.

April 5, 2021, 12:54 PM	#12
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,238	The op wants quiet plinking... since we are in another caliber war thread now, why not offer 22lr or some other pistol cartridge. If the op had asked about 350L he would have been shot down for that choice too.

April 6, 2021, 01:11 AM	#15
Urbanrecon member Join Date: February 8, 2021 Location: Bullhead Chity, AZ. Posts: 75	More like .357 viagra.

April 6, 2021, 01:17 AM	#16
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	If it was really .357 rather than .355, I think it would be more popular with those that like to reload. Reloading isn't something we all do because we have to but most do it because we like the results better... Tony

April 7, 2021, 06:15 AM	#19
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,789	Winchester's own 180 gr power point is the most righteously excellent bullet for the 350 legend--it also mics at .355. Getting back to the OP's original question--the problem I see with what he's asking is using a short-shanked bullet which I would assume creates a lot of unoccupied space in the case if getting the loads subsonic. This can result in unpredictable ignition characteristics. I thought about trying it out just out of curiosity--then I considered the potential of secondary pressure spike or bullet stuck in the bore...sounds great, you go first. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!* Last edited by stagpanther; April 7, 2021 at 06:29 AM.

April 8, 2021, 09:10 AM	#20
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,627	Backyard plinking? Sound concerns for neighbors? On a limb here. Having kids, I'd be a more ticked neighbor with you for having shot a gun in any distance than I would be about sound. A thought on your logic __________________ My wife is a pulmonologist (respiratory Dr) and epidemiologist. If you have any questions on COVID, please reach out to me in PM.

April 8, 2021, 11:46 AM	#22
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,238	I don’t get it? Lots of people shoot safely in their backyard where allowed, I’m pretty sure we aren’t talking about downtown somewhere lol. I had a backyard range for many years I’ve had neighbors shoot in their own back yards too I don’t own a suppressor, but I think they should be required and not restricted heavily. Last edited by rickyrick; April 8, 2021 at 12:48 PM.

April 9, 2021, 03:13 PM	#23
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,695	I almost guarentee that 110 gr bullets wont allow cycling. i tried 180 gr SMKs and could not get them to work. You need a 210+ gr bullet to generate the ideal gas pressure and speed to completely subsonic cycle the bolt. Incorrect gas pressure or speed typically causes short stroking of the bolt and you get FTF's and FTE's . __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid"