Loading 223 Subsonics

Published on August 22, 2017
Duration: 13:10

This video details the process of loading and testing .223 Remington subsonic ammunition using various powders. The instructor, Johnny, demonstrates the loading process, emphasizing the small powder charges and the importance of overall length. He then conducts live-fire testing with a chronograph and suppressor to evaluate velocity, accuracy, and sound levels, providing insights into the performance of Trail Boss, Tightgroup, and Clays powders in this application.

Quick Summary

Loading .223 subsonic ammunition involves using very small powder charges, such as 4 grains of Trail Boss, 3.1 grains of Tightgroup, or 3.2 grains of Clays, to achieve velocities below the speed of sound. These loads are designed for single-shot use as they will not cycle a semi-automatic rifle's action. Testing with a chronograph and suppressor reveals velocities around 1000-1100 fps and a significantly reduced sound signature.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to .223 Subsonic Loads
  2. 00:17The Divisive Topic of Subsonic .223
  3. 01:32Hodgdon Data for Subsonic .223
  4. 02:13Bullet and Powder Selection
  5. 03:23Primers and Case Preparation
  6. 04:37Overall Length Considerations
  7. 05:16Loading Tiny Powder Charges
  8. 06:09Live Fire Testing: Trail Boss
  9. 07:26Live Fire Testing: Tightgroup
  10. 08:05Live Fire Testing: Clays
  11. 08:30Testing with Suppressor at 50 Yards
  12. 09:32Trail Boss Grouping Results
  13. 09:41Tightgroup Grouping Results
  14. 10:27Clays Grouping Results
  15. 10:56Analysis of Load Performance
  16. 11:34Bullet Stability and Fliers
  17. 12:15Audio Experience with Suppressor
  18. 12:31Conclusion and Future Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

What powders are recommended for loading .223 subsonic ammunition?

According to Hodgdon data, powders like Trail Boss (4 grains), Tightgroup (3.1 grains), and Clays (3.2 grains) are suitable for loading .223 subsonic rounds with 55-grain Full Metal Jacket bullets. These small charges are crucial for achieving velocities below the speed of sound.

What are the typical velocities achieved with .223 subsonic loads?

When testing .223 subsonic ammunition loaded with light charges of powders like Trail Boss, Tightgroup, and Clays, velocities typically fall in the range of 1000 to 1100 feet per second. This velocity range ensures the rounds remain subsonic.

Will .223 subsonic ammunition cycle the action of a semi-automatic rifle?

No, .223 subsonic ammunition is loaded with such minimal powder charges that it will not generate enough gas pressure to cycle the action of a semi-automatic firearm. These loads are intended for single-shot testing and experimentation, not for standard operation.

How does a suppressor affect the shooting experience with .223 subsonic loads?

Using a suppressor with .223 subsonic ammunition dramatically reduces the sound signature, making the shooting experience 'ridiculously quiet.' This allows for a more enjoyable and less intrusive shooting session, even with a larger caliber rifle.

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