Subsonic 9mm question

[BucDan]

I've been doing more reading on what type of ammo to use for carry and for a PCC.

I have tons of 115gr 9mm because it's cheap. But now, I see that many people prefer shooting 124gr and 147gr. Any reason why?

I have Hornady 115gr Critical Defense as my current carry, but I've been wondering if switching it to a subsonic 147gr round would possibly be better for carry and for the PCC.

The idea of firing a round that is subsonic "sounds" more pleasant for the ears, of course I'd rather lose my hearing than die due to an underperforming round.

Thoughts?

Seeing that we can't have suppressors in this state for home use, nor is it practical for carry, I figured saving 20 decibels would make a big difference.

[sigstroker]

I've been doing more reading on what type of ammo to use for carry and for a PCC.

I have tons of 115gr 9mm because it's cheap. But now, I see that many people prefer shooting 124gr and 147gr. Any reason why?

Some people like heavier bullets. Or supposedly the heavier bullet loads cause less muzzle flip.

I have Hornady 115gr Critical Defense as my current carry, but I've been wondering if switching it to a subsonic 147gr round would possibly be better for carry and for the PCC.

The idea of firing a round that is subsonic "sounds" more pleasant for the ears, of course I'd rather lose my hearing than die due to an underperforming round.

Thoughts?

Subsonic ammo is probably going to be supersonic through a 16" barrel.

Seeing that we can't have suppressors in this state for home use, nor is it practical for carry, I figured saving 20 decibels would make a big difference.

20 decibels? Where do you get that?

[BucDan]

I was thinking 300BO when I posted that last part.

https://www.ammoman.com/blog/subsonic-ammo-bang-without-the-sonic-boom/

[Oneaudiopro]

Many LE agency's use subsonic ammo as it has better penetration with hollow points through car doors and the like. I never noticed a difference in decibel level.

[walmart_ar15]

Subsonic just means the bullet won’t create a sonic boom, but the noise of expanding gas from the muzzle without a suppressor will be just as loud in doors.

Terminal performance depends a lot on momentum. Heavier bullet tend to retain its energy better at longer distance. With lower velocity the gun will also cycle slower, good for sub guns. It depends less on wound channels and penetration for momentum transfer, so better against body armored opponents.

With longer barrels, u also gain a bit more velocity that u lost with heavier bullet in pistol. Thus it makes sense why folks tent to use heavier bullet for PCC.

[k1dude]

Standard 147's usually have less recoil or perceived less recoil due to the longer dwell time vs a faster and lighter round. More of a push than a snap.

Make sure it can cycle your handgun or PCC unless you're running a suppressor.

[dozer wright]

I'd be wary of sub sonic function wise in a Hand gun.
On different note I can tell you my Sp5k/ Mp5K with a Suppressor is amazing with sub sonics

[CoopsDad]

I run 147 grain Sig Sauer JHP in my Beretta Nano and Ruger LC9S because they function flawlessly. I've had a couple of FTEs using WWB 115s but none at all with the heavier bullets.

[Epaphroditus]

Hornady Critcal Defense is designed for short barreled pistols. Hornady Critical Duty is designed for full sized pistols.

Critical Defense out of a PCC seems a waste.

Hand loaded 147gr 9mm is pretty easy and could be tuned to be subsonic out of your 16" barrel.

[DaveInOroValley]

I always thought that with a suppressor subsonic was recommended. Just normal shooting I can?t see it making any difference but since I haven?t shot any I guess I?ll reserve judgment.

[sigstroker]

Hornady Critcal Defense is designed for short barreled pistols. Hornady Critical Duty is designed for full sized pistols.

Critical Defense out of a PCC seems a waste.

Hand loaded 147gr 9mm is pretty easy and could be tuned to be subsonic out of your 16" barrel.

I have doubts. You would have to load it pretty light to stay subsonic, and then might have function problems. Factory 147's are supposed to be about 1000 fps but that's with a pistol length barrel. Federal 147's are supersonic out of my 16" pcc, I could hear the crack. You would have to load them to 950 or 900 probably, to be reliably subsonic out of a 16".

[sigstroker]

I always thought that with a suppressor subsonic was recommended. Just normal shooting I can?t see it making any difference but since I haven?t shot any I guess I?ll reserve judgment.

It's much quieter with a silencer, subs or supers. Hearing safe with either. But somewhat noisier with supers.

[FNGGlock]

Here is a datapoint on defensive loads in a pcc, which are hotter loaded than typical. Seems 147gr doesn?t gain much in a pcc.

https://youtu.be/rxcFK3rcqU8?si=p4eE4RkFsumRssT9

[sigstroker]

Whatever. The Federal 147 fmj definitely exhibited an unmistakable supersonic crack out of my 16" AR with a silencer on it. Judging by the youtube, some varieties will stay subsonic.

[BucDan]

I need to test 147. Never really put thought into the weight. I guess I should be doing power factor math more.