Crossbow vs Subsonic Rifle: Not Even Close?

Published on September 26, 2025
Duration: 14:58

This video features a detailed comparison between a TenPoint Titan 400 crossbow and an 8.6 Blackout subsonic rifle, assessing lethality and noise. The expert host, from Banana Ballistics, utilizes specialized equipment and testing methodologies, including water jug and ballistic gel tests, to analyze projectile performance. The 8.6 Blackout demonstrates superior energy transfer and penetration, particularly with expanding and fracturing rounds, despite both platforms achieving similar low decibel readings when suppressed.

Quick Summary

Expert analysis from Banana Ballistics compares the TenPoint Titan 400 crossbow against the 8.6 Blackout subsonic rifle. The 8.6 Blackout, particularly with specialized expanding and fracturing rounds, demonstrated superior energy transfer and penetration through simulated bone compared to the crossbow bolt, despite both achieving similar suppressed noise levels around 73-75 decibels.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Crossbow vs Subsonic Rifle
  2. 00:18Sound Level Testing: Crossbow vs Suppressed Rifle
  3. 01:23Lethality Testing Methodology: Water Jugs & Broadheads
  4. 05:11Subsonic Rifle Bullet Testing: 8.6 Blackout Rounds
  5. 08:40Ballistic Gel Speed Round: Penetration & Wound Channels
  6. 11:08Bone Simulation Test: Plywood & Gel Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the noise level of a suppressed 8.6 Blackout rifle compare to a modern crossbow?

In tests conducted with a Toptes TS-501B sound level meter, both a suppressed 8.6 Blackout rifle and the TenPoint Titan 400 crossbow registered approximately 73-75 decibels at the shooter's ear, indicating they are effectively tied in terms of quietness.

What are the key differences in lethality between a crossbow bolt and an 8.6 Blackout subsonic round?

The 8.6 Blackout subsonic rifle, especially with expanding and fracturing ammunition, demonstrates significantly higher energy transfer and creates larger wound cavities in ballistic media compared to a crossbow bolt. Specialized 8.6 Blackout rounds also show better penetration through simulated bone.

What specialized equipment was used in the Banana Ballistics comparison video?

The video utilized a TenPoint Titan 400 Crossbow with a Vortex optic, an Aero Precision Solus pistol in 8.6 Blackout with a suppressor, Gorilla Ammunition (342gr Punisher, 285gr Fracturing), Sierra MatchKing 300gr bullets, and a Toptes TS-501B Sound Level Meter for testing.

How does the 1:3 twist rate of the 8.6 Blackout affect projectile performance?

The 1:3 twist rate on the 8.6 Blackout barrel allows for extremely high rotational speeds (measured at 236,328 RPM). This rapid spin is crucial for stabilizing heavy projectiles and contributes significantly to the bullet's energy transfer and the creation of temporary and permanent wound cavities.

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