subsonic "pistol" bullets and/or sub-x

[deer_hunter132]

Where i have some hunting access is a small parcel and would like to keep the noise down during our straight wall "primitive" season. Its a thick area so its basically bow range only. How effective are most pistol bullets; from what i can find the info varies, usually by typical opinion without first hand experience.
350L is the cartridge of choice. i have 147gr sig v crown and 158gr vintage hornady SPHP in .357 dia on hand. It seems no one local carries the 250gr sub x, which seems to have lack luster reviews.

I can just stick with the bow in there, but with just a little extra "easy" from a rifle, i would like to utilize it if its "feasible".

2nd question if it is feasible, high/forward CNS or lung shots like a bow?

 

[Taudisio]

Where i have some hunting access is a small parcel and would like to keep the noise down during our straight wall "primitive" season. Its a thick area so its basically bow range only. How effective are most pistol bullets; from what i can find the info varies, usually by typical opinion without first hand experience.
350L is the cartridge of choice. i have 147gr sig v crown and 158gr vintage hornady SPHP in .357 dia on hand. It seems no one local carries the 250gr sub x, which seems to have lack luster reviews.

I can just stick with the bow in there, but with just a little extra "easy" from a rifle, i would like to utilize it if its "feasible".

2nd question if it is feasible, high/forward CNS or lung shots like a bow?

While I have no first hand experience, I have been researching for a similar use case. I don’t think you will have penetration problems, and I think a cns shot placement would be the way to go. From what I have seen, you will be looking at most bullets performing like a hard cast. Punching through. You will kill the animal regardless, but tracking may be longer than expected. I have been watching some bullet testing videos with guys shooting 357 bullets from 2” barrels to get an idea of what they will do. I haven’t seen anything promising coming from a subsonic MV. I’d love to hear from folks that have experience and learn about other options.

Edit to add, I would love to see these shot at subsonic velocities. Seems they would have a higher chance for success.

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[deer_hunter132]

While I have no first hand experience, I have been researching for a similar use case. I don’t think you will have penetration problems, and I think a cns shot placement would be the way to go. From what I have seen, you will be looking at most bullets performing like a hard cast. Punching through. You will kill the animal regardless, but tracking may be longer than expected. I have been watching some bullet testing videos with guys shooting 357 bullets from 2” barrels to get an idea of what they will do. I haven’t seen anything promising coming from a subsonic MV. I’d love to hear from folks that have experience and learn about other options.

the only "more concrete" data i have is when i called sierra, who makes the v crown bullet, and asked about using them at rifle speeds, in the 2200-2500fps range from that rifle, he said it was a no go. he said they are meant for pistol speeds, to not over/fully penetrate a human. from pictures in water, they seem to expand well. i will be shooting them in that same rough velocity range from the muzzle. sure, distance will drop that velocity pretty quick. loaded ammo had them marked at 985fps from a pistol, not sure if its a 3" or 4" barrel. regardless, thats close enough of a comparison imo. what happens on deer is a whole 'nother thing i guess.

I dont like playing guinea pig on animals if i can help it.

i did shoot 2 squirrels at about 50yds at 2200-2300 MV with the v crown, it was not kind to the squirrels lol

 

[deer_hunter132]

i worked up a 2550fps load of H110 & 140gr FTX for this gun that shoots really well at 100yds. hornady advertises them at 800-2100fps usage. they drop like a rock in velocity due to the BC so i wasnt worried about the top end speed.

 

[Taudisio]

I misinterpreted your question entirely! I thought you were talking about shooting subsonic.

For supers (I’m working with a 357 mag carbine) I plan to use the 158gr xtp. I haven’t loaded them yet, but I’m expecting 1600-1700fps and from my ballistic calculator and video observations, I feel comfortable the combination will perform out to 200 yards (not saying I will ever shoot a deer that far). The data shows I will have 4” revolver muzzle velocity at the 140 yard mark. You should be able to find load data to slow down the 350 legend to magnum speeds.

 

[deer_hunter132]

No I was talking about shooting subsonic, but I touched bullets that I have have shot through this gun in supers, since it's it's possible for them to work as subs

 

[Taudisio]

No I was talking about shooting subsonic, but I touched bullets that I have have shot through this gun in supers, since it's it's possible for them to work as subs

Gotcha. I punched the sub-x into the calculator at 1050fps. Their minimum velocity is 900fps. It should be good expansion out to 200 yards. That’s ignoring the rainbow trajectory and 44” of drop with a 75 yard zero.

 

[06 SB]

Just to ask the obvious question, are you shooting subs with a suppressor or not?

 

[deer_hunter132]

Just to ask the obvious question, are you shooting subs with a suppressor or not?

Fair enough question lol with a can