Subsonic 147gr

[Colohunter]

Hey, I know I have seen subsonic loads for the 147 gr Winchester FMJs on here before, I was just wondering what you guys use. I was thinking of going to either the Winchester or maybe the 150gr Hornady FMJ as a cheap, subsonic plinking bullet. I've got some 220gr SMKs and 125gr Pro Hunter's that I am loading for, but since I got the rifle to shoot subsonics I would like to experiment with the cheaper bullets, possibly for IDPA side matches and such.

[Garrett]

Try here for starters.

[Colohunter]

Thanks Garrett, I didn't go back far enough I guess, I knew that I had seen that. What powders work best with the lighter bullets to cycle subsonic?

[JFettig]

I've shot 165 hornady soft points subsonic with AA#9. Not many of them though.
I have a .120 gas port with an adjustable gas block, its screwed out to the same point I shoot 220 subsonics. I don't remember the exact load.

Jon

[Garrett]

Originally Posted by Colohunter

What powders work best with the lighter bullets to cycle subsonic?

I couldn't say. I'm using a single-shot Contender.

Sorry.

[pug]

I bought the bulk Hornady 150gr FMJ and for subsonic loads use 8.3gr H110 with bullet seated to cannelure. There is a note to myself saying it doesn't always lock bolt back so you may have to play with it.

[ranger dave]

that is my pet load 8g of 2400 with a 147g fmj that is all i shoot now

[Colohunter]

Pug: Do you use an adjustable gas block, or just a standard one. I am using a standard right know, but hope to add an adjustable soon.

Thanks everyone for the input, I may also try to use some 150gr Copper Plated bullets I have from Berry's for 30-30. They would be pretty cheap for plinking ammo.

[carcass]

Originally Posted by Colohunter

Thanks Garrett, I didn't go back far enough I guess, I knew that I had seen that. What powders work best with the lighter bullets to cycle subsonic?

I have loaded 147s subsonic with H4227 before. The problem is that the peak pressure never gets high enough to expand the case and seal the chamber well, so there's tons of blowback gas and dirt from the chamber. Not real good for the bolt or chamber. When I did that I got good velocities and a very low variance, but dirty as hell and most of the powder didn't burn. I modeled it in QuickLOAD and it predicted about 60% burn or so. I'd believe it based on the unburnt powder.

The 4227 loads cycled the action but would not lock back on last round.

Anyway, a faster powder might be in order if you want to get peak pressures high enough to seal the chamber. I modeled some loads with Titegroup and Clays, but I haven't tried them yet--QuickLOAD still says peak pressures are pretty low.

[Colohunter]

I finally got some Hornady 150 FMJs while Midway was having a sale a little while ago. I've got H110 and some 1680 on hand, I will probably start with th H110 and see where to go from there.