A History of Excellence and Innovation
The crisp snap of a .22 Long Rifle cartridge is a familiar sound for shooters of all backgrounds. It’s a round that has rightfully earned its place as a cornerstone of firearms, from plinking at tin cans to controlling varmint populations. But within the .22 LR realm, there’s a quieter, more discreet player: the subsonic .22. These rounds are designed to travel below the speed of sound, eliminating the sonic boom that often accompanies a standard .22 LR. Today, we’re putting the spotlight on one of the most popular options: the Remington Subsonic 22. This review delves into its performance, accuracy, and suitability for different applications.
Remington, a name synonymous with American firearms and ammunition, boasts a rich heritage. Founded in the early 19th century, the company quickly became a prominent manufacturer of both guns and ammunition. Over the decades, Remington has consistently innovated in the realm of ammunition, pushing the boundaries of performance and adapting to the evolving needs of shooters. From military contracts to hunting rounds, Remington’s products have earned a reputation for quality and reliability. The Remington Subsonic 22, a product of this legacy, continues that tradition, offering a specific solution for those seeking a quiet yet effective round.
Delving into the Specifications
Before we get to the performance, let’s consider what makes the Remington Subsonic 22 tick. Understanding these specifications is key to understanding how it performs.
The Remington Subsonic 22 typically features a lead round nose (LRN) bullet. The weight is often around forty grains. This weight, combined with a low muzzle velocity, contributes to the round’s subsonic nature. This specific weight allows for an optimal balance of energy transfer and the desire to stay subsonic.
The key element of this cartridge is its subsonic velocity, which is kept intentionally below the speed of sound. This, of course, is the round’s defining feature. The exact stated muzzle velocity will vary depending on the manufacturing batch and the barrel length of the firearm used, but it will be generally somewhere around 1050 feet per second. This careful design is crucial for optimal performance with suppressors.
The packaging of Remington Subsonic 22 rounds is usually straightforward. You can typically find these rounds in boxes of fifty rounds. This makes it easy to keep track of your ammunition supply. The packaging itself is usually designed for easy storage and handling, with a label that clearly indicates the round’s specifications, including its subsonic nature.
Performance Under the Scope: Velocity, Accuracy, and More
The proof, as they say, is in the shooting. To properly evaluate the Remington Subsonic 22, a rigorous testing process is necessary.
To start, we’ll test the velocity. A chronograph, which measures the bullet’s speed as it passes by, is essential. We’ll take multiple readings to get an average and check the consistency. The stated velocity from Remington is often a target, and the real-world velocity is what we’re interested in. The barrel length of the firearm will also affect the results.
Accuracy is paramount, and this is where the Remington Subsonic 22 has the chance to shine. We’ll set up a target range at various distances, such as twenty-five and fifty yards. We will test these rounds in different rifles to gain a complete picture of how the rounds perform. We’ll be shooting off a benchrest, where a stable platform can eliminate shooter error and provide us with the most reliable results. We will carefully measure the groups to assess the accuracy. Smaller groups obviously suggest better performance.
Now, let’s discuss terminal ballistics. This includes the bullet’s performance upon impact. Given the lead round nose bullet design, expansion is generally not a primary objective. This design is intended to ensure reliable feeding in various firearms and penetrate consistently. We will also test penetration in various media to see how it impacts. These results are crucial for understanding how the round will work in a hunting environment.
Finally, the noise level is critical. The primary selling point of the subsonic round is that it makes the shot more quiet. By using a decibel meter, we can get a sense of the sound signature. However, a subjective assessment is also important. The difference between the noise of the subsonic round is noticeable. When coupled with a suppressor, the noise reduction is dramatic.
Evaluating the Application: Uses of the Remington Subsonic 22
The Remington Subsonic 22 has a number of possible applications. Each application will have different requirements.
For hunting, the subsonic round can be effective on small game and vermin. The impact of the round should be considered in context to the potential game. Proper shot placement is critical. The quiet report of the round also reduces the chance of alerting other game in the area.
Target shooting and plinking are also suitable applications. These rounds are generally accurate enough for target shooting. The cost, while slightly higher than standard .22 LR, is manageable. The lack of a sonic crack makes it a favorite for backyard plinking.
The compatibility with a suppressor is another important feature. The subsonic rounds are designed to work best with a suppressor. The suppressed .22LR is incredibly effective. The ability to keep the sound signature to a minimum makes it ideal for recreational shooting and vermin control.
Pros and Cons: What to Consider
Let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the Remington Subsonic 22.
The pros begin with its exceptional accuracy. When used with a quality firearm, the round often delivers tight groups at reasonable distances. It is reasonably priced, and the round is generally easy to find. The round’s performance is especially good when paired with a suppressor.
The cons, while not numerous, are still important. The lack of expansion is one potential drawback. While not intended for expansion, this might limit its effectiveness on certain game. The overall velocity is inherently limited.
Comparing with the Competition: The Subsonic Landscape
The market for subsonic .22 LR ammunition is competitive, with several manufacturers vying for the shooter’s attention. Comparing the Remington Subsonic 22 to some of its main competitors offers a sense of its standing.
Other popular subsonic options include those offered by CCI, Eley, and Aguila. Each brand provides different bullet weights and designs. CCI’s Quiet-22 is particularly effective in suppressed firearms. Eley’s subsonic offerings are known for target shooting, but the cost is somewhat higher. Aguila offers affordable subsonic options as well.
The Remington Subsonic 22 stacks up well against the competition. The accuracy and availability of the round make it a strong choice. The performance is very similar to many of the competitors.
The Final Verdict: A Well-Rounded Choice
After comprehensive testing and evaluation, what’s the final assessment of the Remington Subsonic 22?
The Remington Subsonic 22 is a solid performer that successfully delivers what it promises. The rounds are accurate, reliable, and the low noise profile is welcome. This cartridge excels when used with a suppressor, creating a stealthy and effective combination.
For shooters who value quiet operation, accuracy, and a versatile round, the Remington Subsonic 22 is certainly worth considering. For those looking to hunt small game, enjoy some backyard plinking, or pair it with a suppressor, the Remington Subsonic 22 is a strong choice. The round strikes a great balance of performance and value.
The Remington Subsonic 22 is an excellent and affordable subsonic option for a variety of uses. If you are looking to make a purchase of subsonic .22, then you won’t be disappointed with the Remington Subsonic 22.
