Subsonic vs Supersonic Ammunition: Understanding the Key Differences

Ammunition is commonly classified as subsonic or supersonic based on whether the bullet travels below or above the speed of sound (≈343 m/s or 1,125 fps). This distinction directly affects noise, recoil, accuracy, and practical use for civilian shooters in India.

What Is Subsonic Ammunition?

Subsonic ammunition travels below the sound barrier, producing no sonic crack.

Advantages

• Lower noise

• Softer recoil

• Better accuracy at short ranges (25–50 m)

• Reduced barrel and action wear

Common Subsonic Examples in India

• .22 LR subsonic/standard velocity

• .32 ACP

• .45 ACP (naturally subsonic)

What Is Supersonic Ammunition?

Supersonic ammunition exceeds the speed of sound and creates a sharp sonic crack, making it significantly louder.

Advantages

• Higher velocity and energy

• Flatter trajectory

• Longer effective range

• Reliable Cycling in Semi-Autos

  • Generates enough pressure

  • Especially important for:

    • Semi-auto pistols

    • Semi-auto .22 rifles

Common Supersonic Examples in India

• .22 LR high velocity

• .315 sporting rifle

• 9×19 mm

• 7.62×25 Tokarev

• .30-06 Springfield

Is .22 LR Subsonic or Supersonic?

Both, depending on the loading.

• Subsonic / Standard Velocity .22 LR → Subsonic

• High Velocity / Hyper Velocity .22 LR → Supersonic

Most match and competition shooters prefer subsonic .22 LR to avoid instability when bullets cross the sound barrier.

Is CCI .22 Supersonic?

Most commonly available CCI .22 LR loads (Mini-Mag, Blazer, Stinger) are supersonic.

CCI also produces subsonic options, including:

• CCI Standard Velocity

• CCI Subsonic

• CCI Quiet-22

Always verify the velocity printed on the box.

Why Shotgun Ammo Is Often Called “Subsonic”

Although some shotgun loads have muzzle velocities around 1,150–1,200 fps (near or slightly above the speed of sound), they lose velocity extremely quickly due to poor aerodynamics. Pellets and slugs drop below the sound barrier within a few metres, spending most of their flight subsonic. As a result, they do not produce a sustained sonic crack like rifle bullets. Shotgun noise comes mainly from muzzle blast, not bullet speed, which is why shotgun ammunition is commonly described as functionally subsonic.

Why Subsonic Ammo Works Best With Suppressors (Concept)

A gunshot produces two separate sounds:

1. Muzzle blast (escaping gases)

2. Sonic crack (only if the bullet is supersonic)

A suppressor can reduce muzzle blast, but cannot eliminate the sonic crack.

• Suppressor + supersonic ammo → still loud

• Suppressor + subsonic ammo → maximum noise reduction

Even in India, where suppressors are restricted, subsonic ammunition remains quieter and easier to shoot due to reduced blast.

Subsonic vs Supersonic: Quick Comparison

Feature	Subsonic	Supersonic
Velocity	Below the sound barrier	Above the sound barrier
Sonic crack	No	Yes
Noise	Lower	Much louder
Recoil	Mild	Sharper
Accuracy (short range)	Excellent	Good
Range	Limited	Long
Typical Indian use	Target, training	Sporting, defense

Transonic Bullets: The Accuracy Zone Around the Sound Barrier

Transonic is the speed range around the sound barrier, where a bullet transitions between supersonic and subsonic flight, typically in the Mach 0.8–1.2 range.

In this zone:

• Airflow around the bullet becomes unstable

• Shock waves form and break down

• The bullet may yaw or lose stability

• Accuracy often degrades

This is why subsonic ammunition is preferred for precision shooting, as it avoids passing through the transonic zone, while rifle bullets are designed to stay supersonic as long as possible.

Subsonic ammunition prioritizes accuracy, control, and shootability, while supersonic ammunition emphasizes range, speed, and penetration. For Indian civilian shooters—especially .22 LR users—subsonic ammunition remains highly practical. Calibers like .45 ACP demonstrate that effectiveness does not require high velocity, whereas cartridges such as 7.62×25 Tokarev and .30-06 Springfield are supersonic by design, built for speed and power rather than quiet shooting.