Latest Loads: 9 mm Luger Subsonic

by
posted on November 9, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
9mmluger.jpg

Though firearm-mounted sound suppressors significantly reduce the ear-damaging noise of supersonic ammunition, maximum benefit from their use is achieved through the use of subsonic loads; in fact, when the latter are paired with a suppressor, the report of the firearm is reminiscent of a pneumatic nail gun. Beyond protecting one’s hearing, the combination is also beneficial for maintaining positive relationships with neighbors. Subsonic loads are typically assembled using a heavy-for-caliber bullet atop of a small propellant charge. The recipe below follows suit. Using 3.3 grs. of IMR’s new Target propellant, Hornady’s boattail-base, 147-gr. HP eXtreme Terminal Performance (XTP) bullet achieved 846 f.p.s. from the 3½" barrel of a SIG P250. Because of the modest velocity, even when not suppressed, the bullet forgoes the sonic boom, thereby reducing noise—and it’s superbly accurate to boot.

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.