Hornady Subsonic 7.62x39mm
Product Overview
As an avid firearms enthusiast, I was excited to get my hands on the Hornady Subsonic 7.62x39mm ammunition. With its reputation for producing high-quality cartridges, I was eager to put this product to the test. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this ammunition, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.
Packaging and Quality
The ammunition arrived in a standard plastic box with Hornady’s signature doves and the product label clearly displayed. The packaging was sturdy and well-protected the cartridges during shipping. The rounds themselves were neatly arranged in a neat and compact formation, making it easy to load and store.
Performance
I put the Hornady Subsonic 7.62x39mm ammunition through its paces using my trusty AK-pattern rifle. The results were impressive, with the following key observations:
- Accuracy: The rounds performed admirably, with a 1.5 MOA group at 100 yards using a magnified optic.
- Expansion: The 255-grain Sub-X bullets expanded consistently, with a disturbing effect on gel-filled water jugs and pig carcasses. The bullet’s design worked as advertised, decelerating the projectile and creating a devastating wound channel.
- Expansion and penetration: The Sub-X bullets expanded reliably, with most expanding to around 1.5-2.0 inches in diameter. The expansion created a significant wound channel, while the bullet’s design prevented over-penetration.
Range and Shooting Experience
I shot the ammunition at various ranges, from 25 to 100 yards, with the following observations:
- Range performance: The subsonic rounds performed admirably at shorter ranges, with an average group size of 1.25 MOA at 25 yards. At 100 yards, the group size increased to an average of 2.5 MOA, which is still impressive for a subsonic round.
- Shooting dynamics: The 255-grain weight made for a nice, smooth recoil impulse, making it easy to handle and control the rifle.
- Sound: The subscale speed resulted in a surprisingly muted report, which was a welcome change from the loud, supersonic rounds I’m used to.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of my experience with the Hornady Subsonic 7.62x39mm:
- Pros:
- Accurate and reliable
- Consistent expansion and penetration
- Smooth recoil and suppressed report
- Excellent packaging and quality control
- Cons:
- Higher cost compared to other 7.62x39mm rounds
- Limited Casevie options (only available in 20-round boxes)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hornady Subsonic 7.62x39mm ammunition is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, accurate, and effective cartridge for suppressed or subsonic applications. While it may be pricier than other options, the performance, accuracy, and expansion make it well worth the investment. If you’re in the market for a high-quality, subsonic 7.62x39mm load, the Hornady Sub-X is definitely worth considering.
I’m impressed with the Hornady Subsonic 7.62x39mm and would recommend it to anyone seeking a reliable and effective cartridge for their suppressed or subsonic firearms. With its excellent accuracy, expansion, and penetration, this ammunition is an excellent choice for law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters alike.
