Editor’s Choice: Hornady Subsonic Ammunition

by
posted on May 6, 2020
** 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. **
hornsubson.jpg

Hornady launched its Subsonic Ammunition line (and the Sub-X projectile utilized therein) back in 2018 with a single .300 Blackout load, a cartridge already well-known for its subsonic suitability.

For 2020, the Nebraska-based company is taking the opposite tack, expanding the Subsonic family to include ammunition options for .30-30 Win., .450 Bushmaster and .45-70 Gov’t—greatly increasing the versatility of three rifle chamberings not traditionally loaded for use at speeds below the sound barrier.

The three new offerings include a 175-gr. .30-30 Win. load, a 395-gr. .450 Bushmaster load and a 410-gr. .45-70 Gov’t load, all using powders optimized for a minimal flash signature and tipped with the Sub-X bullet designed to initiate immediate expansion upon impact at velocities as low as 900 f.p.s.

In addition to the new rifle options, the Subsonic line is also growing to accommodate three new pistol cartridges, all employing heavy-for-caliber XTP bullets: a 147-gr. 9 mm Luger load; a 180-gr. .40 S&W load; and a 230-gr. .45 ACP load. For more information on this load and other new loads for 2020, visit
hornady.com.

Latest

Mossberg 990 Aftershock Rr 1
Mossberg 990 Aftershock Rr 1

Rifleman Review: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

In 2025, Mossberg added to the non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm category with its 990 Aftershock, which uses a semi-automatic operating mechanism while still maintaining a compact form factor.

Next-Gen Micro Red-Dot: The Steiner MPS 2.0

Steiner Optics has introduced the next-generation version of its Micro Pistol Sight, a red-dot optic that first hit the market in 2021.

Rifleman Interview: Banish Suppressors

The “Plinkapalooza” event in May saw a rimfire extravaganza, with hearing protection from Banish suppressors.

Hunting for the “Grail” Gun in the Modern Era

To really enjoy hunting for “that gun,” burn shoe leather instead of your mouse pad.

5 New Rimfire Suppressors for 2026

Generally speaking, rimfire suppressors tend to be less-expensive than their centerfire counterparts, providing an entry point in the world of suppressor use for many firearm enthusiasts.

Top Firearm Manufacturers Estimated from ATF Report

Orchid analyzed the ATF’s Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report for 2024 (the most recent data available) and compiled a list of the industry’s top 30 domestic firearms manufacturers.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.