Subsonic ammunition in the .300 AAC Blackout (7.6235mm) cartridge offers reduced noise levels compared to supersonic counterparts. This is achieved by using heavier bullets propelled at lower velocities, often in conjunction with a suppressor. A typical example would be a 220-grain projectile traveling below the speed of sound (approximately 1125 feet per second). This combination minimizes the characteristic crack associated with supersonic projectiles.
Reduced sound signatures provide tactical advantages in various scenarios, from hunting to military operations. Minimizing noise pollution protects the shooter’s hearing and reduces disturbance to the surrounding environment. This characteristic has contributed to the cartridge’s growing popularity among those seeking discrete firearm solutions. Developed in the early 2000s, the .300 AAC Blackout cartridge was designed to achieve these performance characteristics in short-barreled rifles while maintaining acceptable accuracy and terminal ballistics.