Brodie Posted August 3, 2016 Report Share Posted August 3, 2016 Because of noise complaints we are considering trying subsonic loads to try and minimise the problem. Are they noticeably different to shoot - I'm thinking lower speed and what do they break clays like? Also some of us use semi-autos and wonder how they cycle. Thanks for any advice or opinions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted August 3, 2016 Report Share Posted August 3, 2016 I have used them a fair bit for the reasons that you have mentioned and CERTAINLY NOT by choice. They were the worst thing that I have ever had the misfortune to have to put through a gun. Shooting an incoming target that I use for Instruction purposes, you could pull the trigger, go and put the kettle on, and come back in time to see the clay break ! It made getting a first time shooter to hit a target, very difficult. As far as getting them to work in my Beretta 391, well, they did not even have enough energy to throw the bolt back. If you can use an auto like a bolt action, then you should be alright. If anyone does a 36 gram sub-sonic, you might be OK ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timps Posted August 3, 2016 Report Share Posted August 3, 2016 A friend of mine who used to post on here used them to shoot ABT in an all round comp once (he was given a load for free and is tight) he's not a bad shot and it's the funniest thing I have ever seen. I drew a childish drawing at the time to post on here explaining what happened. I don't doubt you could get used to them but they are not good. Here is the childish drawing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldfarmer Posted August 3, 2016 Report Share Posted August 3, 2016 Why don't you buy a few and try them out for yourself? The report is certainly 'softer'. While you are at it buy some 21g loads by different manufacturers and see how they compare. We used the Gamebore subsonic for many years - both in 12 & 20 bore - because they were so soft on the shoulder in spite of having 28g loads. I have never tried them in an auto. They will kill at good distance - but at distance they will need more lead - but that is only a case of getting used to them. Most of the time we now use 21g as the recoil is not much different and they are significantly cheaper. If it means the difference between being able to shoot and not being able to shoot it is worth investigating. Other options you could try are creating acoustic barriers - either straw bales, earth bunds or shooting boxes with absorbing linings. 'Silenced' shotguns are very effective - especially when using subsonic cartridges - but one you have used one you will probably take up golf or fishing! John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Poon Posted August 3, 2016 Report Share Posted August 3, 2016 A friend of mine who used to post on here used them to shoot ABT in an all round comp once (he was given a load for free and is tight) he's not a bad shot and it's the funniest thing I have ever seen. I drew a childish drawing at the time to post on here explaining what happened. I don't doubt you could get used to them but they are not good. Here is the childish drawing Lol lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brodie Posted August 3, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 3, 2016 Thanks for the replies. Didn't expect an illustrated answer. Looks like I might be better off buying a catapult or peashooter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamster Posted August 3, 2016 Report Share Posted August 3, 2016 I have used them a fair bit for the reasons that you have mentioned and CERTAINLY NOT by choice. They were the worst thing that I have ever had the misfortune to have to put through a gun. Shooting an incoming target that I use for Instruction purposes, you could pull the trigger, go and put the kettle on, and come back in time to see the clay break ! It made getting a first time shooter to hit a target, very difficult. As far as getting them to work in my Beretta 391, well, they did not even have enough energy to throw the bolt back. If you can use an auto like a bolt action, then you should be alright. If anyone does a 36 gram sub-sonic, you might be OK ! Interesting what is their claimed velocity ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted August 3, 2016 Report Share Posted August 3, 2016 Subsonic cartridges aren't that bad, but I wouldn't use them for competition shooting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted August 3, 2016 Report Share Posted August 3, 2016 Interesting what is their claimed velocity ? Good question, they were too ashamed to print that on the box, but if I had to hazard a guess, probably around 1500ft/week ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldfarmer Posted August 3, 2016 Report Share Posted August 3, 2016 In the Gamebore catalogue they are just listed as 'subsonic'. We have broken crossing clays consistently at 40 yards so they will do the business. In the Hull catalogue they are also just listed as 'subsonic'. In most O/U's they will reset the inertia blocks as long as the gun is held firmly in the shoulder - but not every gun. They won't cycle the mechanism on my 20 bore 1100. Certainly not a first choice cartridge unless recoil or noise are an issue, but if they are then once you have got used to them they can be very effective. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted August 3, 2016 Report Share Posted August 3, 2016 Don't right them off, give them a try, you might be surprised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cookoff013 Posted August 4, 2016 Report Share Posted August 4, 2016 subs are awsome, they pattern really really well - tight and not a mm gap at all. everyone knows i have a liking for them so much i invested in making and proofing them from 21grams all the way to a 3" 42g subsonic. been there done that got the tshirt and flag. the best subs i made were the 28gram ones, but the cheapest were the 32g ones. they pattern very well and near identical through any choke. as for game, reload up #4 for near identical performance at 40yards, comparing subs #4 to a 1300fps #6. no poo there either.... time to target and energies.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougall Posted August 4, 2016 Report Share Posted August 4, 2016 whn my local had noise issues went to subs only....club soon shut down.......they were pants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TONY R Posted August 4, 2016 Report Share Posted August 4, 2016 How many ftlbs of energey does it take to smoke a clay to dust? Answer not very much at all Put some time in on the pattern plate pick a load that patterns swap out chokes get it to work that way if need be, then you will have no issues with subsonics. As for lead>>>>> If you need or to be more accurate if you think you need that extra couple of hundred FPS to alow you to hit that trickey clay i have some bad news for you you would have missed it anyway. 1050fps or 1500fps its not significant on lead within these speeds.it is inches rather than feet re leed in shotshells. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
four-wheel-drive Posted August 4, 2016 Report Share Posted August 4, 2016 There is a part time clay shoot by where I live and it does surprise me what a difference in the sound when different people shoot some of them are really lowed while others are not at all lowed it could be people shooting different size guns maybe 12g and 410 or is it down to the powder load I do not no. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cookoff013 Posted August 5, 2016 Report Share Posted August 5, 2016 There is a part time clay shoot by where I live and it does surprise me what a difference in the sound when different people shoot some of them are really lowed while others are not at all lowed it could be people shooting different size guns maybe 12g and 410 or is it down to the powder load I do not no. its to do with the speed and powder producing the gas, the gas breaks the sound barrier too. its the same principal as fireworks. a guy here wanted to use up some hodg longshot powder, his recipes were very powder heavy and fast, this caused some abusement as the shells were phenominally loud. thats why its nickname is "loudshot". whereas if it is used in normal formulations with subgauge, its normal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TONY R Posted August 5, 2016 Report Share Posted August 5, 2016 (edited) its to do with the speed and powder producing the gas, the gas breaks the sound barrier too. its the same principal as fireworks. a guy here wanted to use up some hodg longshot powder, his recipes were very powder heavy and fast, this caused some abusement as the shells were phenominally loud. thats why its nickname is "loudshot". whereas if it is used in normal formulations with subgauge, its normal. Longshot and lil gun are two very interesting powders, lil gun in 20s is something else. Shame we cant get anymore of these powders over here. Edited August 5, 2016 by TONY R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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