Subsonic .223/5.56

HAMMER1DOWN · December 11, 2011, 07:15 PM

I would like to load some subsonic .223 rounds just to fool around with and test on some coyotes. I have a can, and just wanna try it out with subsonics that I load fer way cheaper than buyin them. Does anyone have any suggestions?

mikejonestkd · December 11, 2011, 09:18 PM

trail boss will get you down to about 1050 fps...IIRC somewhere around 4.0 grains under a 55 gr bullet is about right. I have had good results with trail boss in .223, 243, 30-30 and .308 but have not tried it all the way down to subsonic velocities.

Google " .223 trail boss " and it'll steer you in the right direction.

A friend used unique for sub sonic loads in .223 which may also be something to look into.

I would be hesitant to use the subsonic loads on a coyote, you are basically duplicating standard velocity .22LR loads, which I personally consider inadequate for coyotes. YMMV

jmorris · December 11, 2011, 10:22 PM

If you want a cheap subsonic 22 go with a .22lr. A 55 grain subsonic round out of a 223 has less energy than a 60 grain Aguila .22 lr. IMO both would be a bad choice for Coyotes, unless you had the muzzle against the skull.

MADISON · December 12, 2011, 07:40 AM

For over ten years I have been loading what I call my "city load".
5.6 grains of UNIQUE and produces an stimated 1850 fps.

When you get down into actual SUB-SONIC velocities they are usually
no accurate.

amathis · December 12, 2011, 08:59 AM

Quote:

For over ten years I have been loading what I call my "city load".
5.6 grains of UNIQUE and produces an stimated 1850 fps.

I hate to second guess you madison, but just to clarify, your load at an estimated 1850fps is not subsonic. In order to be subsonic, it must be below 1126 fps.

As to the original post, there are several different recepies out there for subsonic loads, but as with all data found especially online, use caution.

I'd have to agree with mike though, something like a subsonic 223 or a 22lr is not a wise choice for coyotes. Yeah I know I've seen people take deer with a 22lr, and I personally dispatch my livestock that I am slaughtering with a 22 sometimes, but unless you get that perfect shot its just a bit cruel.

That said, its your call

Safe shooting!

PA-Joe · December 12, 2011, 02:19 PM

google calhoon gopher loads.

FrankenMauser · December 13, 2011, 01:49 AM

Hodgdon recommends 3.1 gr Titegroup under 55 gr FMJs for ~1000 fps. For more details, check their website or manual.

HAMMER1DOWN · December 15, 2011, 01:56 PM

Thanks ya'll. This will give me a little to play with while I am home on Leave. As for the ethics of coyotes I planned on using it at shot gun ranges nothing more really 50~70 yards, also on the numerous jack rabbits that plague my country side!

bluetopper · December 15, 2011, 04:44 PM

If going subsonic.....22lr is the way to go.

jmorris · December 15, 2011, 05:05 PM

If you want to keep energy when going subsonic get a big bore upper. Seven of those 55g bullets don't have the energy of one of those 405's.

December 11, 2011, 07:15 PM	#1
HAMMER1DOWN Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2008 Location: Close Enough to Canada to say "EH!!"... MT Posts: 418	Subsonic .223/5.56 I would like to load some subsonic .223 rounds just to fool around with and test on some coyotes. I have a can, and just wanna try it out with subsonics that I load fer way cheaper than buyin them. Does anyone have any suggestions? __________________ "Worthy is Freedom to only those who are prepared to stand behind their rifles and fight for their rights" -Robert W. Hambley....A.K.A. Myself-

December 11, 2011, 09:18 PM	#2
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,717	trail boss will get you down to about 1050 fps...IIRC somewhere around 4.0 grains under a 55 gr bullet is about right. I have had good results with trail boss in .223, 243, 30-30 and .308 but have not tried it all the way down to subsonic velocities. Google " .223 trail boss " and it'll steer you in the right direction. A friend used unique for sub sonic loads in .223 which may also be something to look into. I would be hesitant to use the subsonic loads on a coyote, you are basically duplicating standard velocity .22LR loads, which I personally consider inadequate for coyotes. YMMV __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

December 12, 2011, 07:40 AM	#4
MADISON Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2000 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 2,678	"Subsonic" 223 loads For over ten years I have been loading what I call my "city load". 5.6 grains of UNIQUE and produces an stimated 1850 fps. When you get down into actual SUB-SONIC velocities they are usually no accurate. Last edited by MADISON; December 15, 2011 at 08:46 AM. Reason: Adding information

December 13, 2011, 01:49 AM	#7
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Hodgdon recommends 3.1 gr Titegroup under 55 gr FMJs for ~1000 fps. For more details, check their website or manual. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

December 15, 2011, 01:56 PM	#8
HAMMER1DOWN Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2008 Location: Close Enough to Canada to say "EH!!"... MT Posts: 418	Thanks ya'll. This will give me a little to play with while I am home on Leave. As for the ethics of coyotes I planned on using it at shot gun ranges nothing more really 50~70 yards, also on the numerous jack rabbits that plague my country side! __________________ "Worthy is Freedom to only those who are prepared to stand behind their rifles and fight for their rights" -Robert W. Hambley....A.K.A. Myself-

December 11, 2011, 10:22 PM	#3
jmorris Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2006 Posts: 3,077	If you want a cheap subsonic 22 go with a .22lr. A 55 grain subsonic round out of a 223 has less energy than a 60 grain Aguila .22 lr. IMO both would be a bad choice for Coyotes, unless you had the muzzle against the skull.

December 12, 2011, 02:19 PM	#6
PA-Joe Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2010 Location: NEPA Posts: 909	google calhoon gopher loads.

December 15, 2011, 04:44 PM	#9
bluetopper Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2005 Location: Northeast TX Posts: 1,197	If going subsonic.....22lr is the way to go.