Crossbow vs Subsonic Rifle: Not Even Close?

Published on September 26, 2025
Duration: 14:58

This video compares the lethality and noise of a TenPoint Titan 400 crossbow against a suppressed 8.6 Blackout rifle. Both were found to be equally quiet at approximately 73-75 decibels. However, the 8.6 BLK rounds, particularly expanding and fracturing types, demonstrated significantly greater energy transfer and wound cavity creation in ballistic gel tests compared to crossbow broadheads.

Quick Summary

A suppressed 8.6 Blackout rifle and a TenPoint Titan 400 crossbow were tested for noise, both registering around 73-75 decibels. However, the 8.6 BLK rounds showed superior lethality, creating larger wound cavities in ballistic gel and maintaining better penetration through simulated bone due to high rotational speeds.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Crossbow vs Subsonic Rifle
  2. 00:18Sound Level Test: Decibel Comparison
  3. 01:23Lethality Test Methodology: Water Jugs & Broadheads
  4. 05:118.6 Blackout Bullet Testing: Expanding & Fracturing Rounds
  5. 08:40Ballistic Gel Speed Round: Penetration & Wound Channels
  6. 11:08Bone Simulation Test: Plywood & Gel

Frequently Asked Questions

How do a crossbow and a subsonic rifle compare in terms of noise?

In a direct comparison, the TenPoint Titan 400 crossbow and a suppressed 8.6 Blackout rifle registered very similar sound levels, both around 73-75 decibels at the shooter's ear, indicating they are effectively tied in quietness.

Which is more lethal: a crossbow broadhead or an 8.6 Blackout subsonic rifle round?

The 8.6 Blackout subsonic rifle rounds demonstrated significantly higher lethality in tests, creating much larger wound cavities and showing better penetration through simulated bone compared to crossbow broadheads.

What is the energy output of the TenPoint Titan 400 crossbow?

The TenPoint Titan 400 crossbow, firing a 542-grain bolt at 385 feet per second, generates approximately 178 foot-pounds of energy, according to the technical overlay shown in the video.

How does the twist rate of the 8.6 Blackout rifle affect its performance?

The 8.6 Blackout rifle's 1:3 twist rate allows projectiles to spin at extremely high speeds (over 236,000 RPM), which significantly enhances energy transfer and contributes to its impressive terminal ballistics and wound channel creation.

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