Hornady Subsonic 7.62x39mm: Shhhh – The Mag Life

Running an AK-47 or other 7.62x39mm chambered rifle? Want subsonic ammo? Hornady’s Subsonic 7.62x39mm 255 grain Sub-X ammunition is designed to deliver optimal performance at subsonic speeds. This is especially ideal if you’re running your gun suppressed. The Sub-X ammo is designed to deliver reliable expansion and substantial wound cavities, just at subsonic velocity.

The Sub-X bullet used in Subsonic Rifle features a lead core. (Photo credit: Hornady)

Hornady provides details of their Sub-X line of ammunition:

Hornady Subsonic Ammunition — designed for accuracy and performance below the speed of sound — now comes in both rifle and handgun loads.

Subsonic Handgun utilizes tried-and-true XTP bullets that expand reliably at subsonic velocities. The Sub-X bullet used in Subsonic Rifle features a lead core. Long grooves in its gilding metal jacket combine with the bullet’s flat profile and the patented Flex Tip insert within its hollowpoint cavity to help it expand reliably at low velocities.

Powders are selected for optimal performance and consistency from lot to lot.

Hornady subsonic bullet
The bullet has a lead core and Flex Tip insert within its hollowpoint cavity to help it expand reliably at low velocities. (Photo credit: Hornady)

Features of the subsonic ammo include:

  • Proven performance
  • Performance of 300 Blackout Subsonic meets or exceeds FBI Protocol terminal ballistic test requirements. The XTP bullet in Subsonic Handgun has built a world-class reputation for accuracy and stopping power.
  • Silent and stealthy
  • Hornady Subsonic Ammunition doesn’t have the loud report of a supersonic round, and paired with a suppressor, it’s even quieter. Unique powders optimized for subsonic use result in a low flash signature, ideal for either suppressed or unsuppressed performance.
  • High-quality components
  • With high-quality cartridge cases and primers, Subsonic Ammunition offers the performance and accuracy shooters have come to expect from Hornady.
round of ammo
Hornady Subsonic Ammunition doesn’t have the loud report of a supersonic round and paired with a suppressor, it’s even quieter. (Photo credit: Hornady)

This ammunition is suitable for hunting small to medium-sized game animals, varmints, and predators. Thanks to the design of its bullet, these Sub-X loads expand reliably and can drop your target with a single shot, provided you provide the shot placement, of course. 7.62x39mm is a great cartridge; if you’ve never tried it, you’re missing out.

The ammo maker provided details of the Sub-X bullet as well:

Sub-X (Subsonic — eXpanding) bullets deliver big results without a big bang! Designed to provide deep penetration below the speed of sound, Sub-X features a lead core. Long grooves in its gilding metal jacket combine with its flat profile and the patented Flex Tip insert within the bullet’s hollowpoint cavity to help it expand reliably at low velocities. Cannelures provide positive case crimp, making Sub-X ideal for semiautomatic weapons.

Specifications

Cartridge: 7.62x39mm

  • Bullet: 255 grain Sub-X
  • Product: Subsonic
  • Sectional density: .374
  • Ballistic coefficient: .365 (GI)
  • Application: Varmints (under 50 pounds), coyotes, and medium sized game (50 to 300 pounds)

Check out this video from Hornady to learn more about this Sub-X load: