Subsonic .223 loads

[Buddy55]

I am interested in a subsonic load for home defense. I have researched the subject and there are a number of opinions. From what I understand, the lighter weight bullets will not cycle and they are single shot only, whereas the heavier bullets have a better chance at normal operation. I have some 77gr SMK and some 85gr Barn Burner bullets. I have a plan to work up, or work down, a load but I think it would involve too many rounds and a lot of time. So, without having to re-invent the wheel, does anyone have a load they have used that cycles the gun properly and remains subsonic? I have a .223 suppressor, and the gun is a 10.5 inch AR pistol. Before I get hate mail and too many other options for gun type and caliber, this is my plan and I would like to see it through. If my testing does not produce a viable round then I will look for alternatives. Thanks for you help.

 

[ggmanning]

Subsonic, the .223 would be worthless for energy. The optimum subsonic defense load with a 10.5" barrel is 300BO in my opinion. Subsonic .223 is essentially a .22 rimfire. If you don't want to reinvent the wheel and this is your goal get a .22RF upper in 10.5" and shoot 60gr bullets, lead. The bullets you list will perform horribly at subsonic velocites.

 

[Engine 22]

NO subsonic 223 reliably cycles a gas gun. Good luck, but as mentioned, go 300BLK and be done.

 

[Ex E6]

Bad option caliber for home defense ,IMO .

Better is 9mm 147gr. , .357 with 158 gr. , .44 with 225 gr. or a 12,20 or 28 ga. shotgun W/#6's along with a reserve #2's ,if they want too run make em pay

 

[Buddy55]

Well, I was hoping someone had a positive experience with subsonic 223. I was looking at 300BO but I don’t really want to add another caliber to my reloading bench, so I wanted to look at subsonic 223. Rats. I guess I found something the gun actually won’t do. Wow. My big concern was the flash, concussion, and bang if fired in the house for home defense. I have been to an indoor range and ,even suppressed, the 223 seemed to have a pretty noticeable bang, whereas I e seen 300BO suppressed at the indoor range and they were awesome. Well at least I can use the existing lower if I switch to 300 BO. Thanks for y’all’s input.

 

[mtrmn]

IF you ever get 223 subs to cycle an AR, it would have to be a special built gun dedicated to those rounds only. Not sure that's even possible. But sub 223 is pretty worthless in anything other than a bolt action. 22LR subs for the win.

 

[redbullitt]

.224 sub pull action repeater wouldn't be my first pick for fighting lol.

It will be a waste of time effort and powder if goal is a serious rifle.

and at least 22lr bullets can expand lol.

Sounds like you need a 300 blk or 9mm to be honest.

 

[RTH1800]

If you want SS HD and a compact form factor make your life easy. .45 ASP in a suppressed 1911.

 

[MustangGreg66]

I've played with pistol powders in 223. It's some interesting stuff. The 55gr Clays load that Hodgdon published stabilized in longer barrels but tumbled in my 14" Contender (1:12 twist).

I haven't played with heavy bullets but found this when researching it.

Ammo: Custom Reloads of Dallas with 112 grain EXPANDING SUBSONIC projectile
https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/8671202
https://dallasreloads.com/product-category/subsonic-ammo/223subsonic/

 

[nvhunter2]

I haven't loaded any .223 that will cycle an AR, but they are fun in a bolt gun with a suppressor. Probably unless but fun