The Best Ammo for Suppressors: Supers vs Subs

If you’re new to the suppressor world and noticed that your suppressor isn’t as quiet as you expected, a large reason behind that may be your ammo choice. Choosing the right ammo for your suppressor can be a game changer. If you’re wanting to be as quiet as possible, subsonic ammo is generally going to be your best option. However, subsonic and supersonic ammo offer distinct advantages. Each has unique characteristics that cater to different shooting needs. Depending on if you're hunting, defending your home or competing can all result in a different ammo choice.

Let's dive into the world of subsonic vs supersonic ammo and find the best fit for your suppressor.

Suppressors have transformed modern shooting. They provide the only reliable hearing protection when paired with traditional ear protection (read more about this here) and offer a much more pleasant shooting experience.

Choosing the right ammunition is critical in maximizing suppressor efficiency. The ammo type impacts noise levels and performance. Factors include speed, weight, and energy.

Generally, both subsonic and supersonic ammo work with suppressors. Each offers distinct benefits. Key considerations include:

• Noise reduction

• Range and accuracy

• Terminal Ballistics

• Cost and availability

Understanding these elements aids shooters in achieving their desired performance.

Supersonic ammunition travels faster than the speed of sound (roughly 1,125 fps at sea level under standard atmospheric conditions) resulting in a distinct supersonic crack. This supersonic crack is the high pitch crack that is very noticeable while shooting suppressed. No matter how effective your suppressor is, supersonic ammunition will still produce a noticeable ballistic crack. That’s where subsonic ammo comes in. Subsonic ammo is designed to travel slower than the speed of sound. This significantly reduces noise levels when shooting suppressed.

Mitigating that supersonic crack does come at a price though. With the slower muzzle velocities subsonic ammo is not ideal for shooting long ranges. Subsonic rounds utilize heavier bullets to maintain kinetic energy for close quarters, however if you’re shooting out to 300 yards or more you’ll feel like you’re shooting a mortar system to hit the target.

Subsonic Ammo

Subsonic ammo is ideal for short ranges where sound suppression is a priority. For example, home defense and indoor ranges. *There are some specialized subsonic calibers for hunting, however they are limited to close range use.*

Pros

• Significantly Quieter

• Generally Less Recoil

• Less Muzzle Flash

Cons

• Limited Range

• Generally Worse Terminal Ballistics (especially with an armored or large target)

• Generally a Higher Cost / Limited Availability

Supersonic Ammo

Supersonic ammo is ideal for scenarios where terminal ballistics, cost and long range is a priority. For example, long range shooting and hunting.

Pros

• Better for Long Range

• Better Terminal Ballistics

• More availability

Cons

• Significantly Louder

• Pistol suppressors are rated for certain subsonic calibers, but not supersonic

• Generally More Muzzle Flash 

When considering subsonic vs supersonic ammo, it’s important to know that not all calibers are available in both options. A majority of traditional rifle calibers are only available in supersonic options. On the other hand some calibers like 45ACP are generally all subsonic. Most straightwall calibers (commonly used in leverguns) are available in subsonic and supersonic. Below is a list of the most common subsonic calibers:

• 22 LR

• .300 BLK (generally 190gr or heavier bullets)

• .338 ARC

• 9mm (generally 147gr or heavier bullets)

• .45 ACP

• .38 Special

• .45-70 Government (depending on the load data)

• 8.6 Blackout

A major consideration for rifles when shooting supersonic and subsonic ammo is your rifle’s zero and reliable cycling. If you’re consistently going back and forth between supers and subs on your rifle, a popular option is to zero a magnified optic for your supersonic ammo and have an offset optic that is zeroed for your subs. You can then mark your magazines for supers and subs to further optimize your setup. Marking your magazines will also prevent you from mixing up 5.56 and 300blk which will have catastrophic issues.

If you’re optimizing the cycling on your rifle it’s important to test it with supers and subs for proper cycling. If you tune your rifle for only supersonic ammo, your rifle most likely won’t cycle with subsonic ammo due to having less pressure. This is especially true if you’re using a low blockback suppressor.

If maximum sound reduction is your priority, subs are generally the way to go. If range, velocity, trajectory, and energy are more important, supers are usually the better choice. Ultimately, the best ammunition depends on your firearm, suppressor, caliber and intended use.

We know this can all be overwhelming. If you have questions on any of it, don't hesitate to give us a call or email.