22 subsonic handgun suggestions?

[Lloyd Smale]

I want to shoot subsonic through a semi auto handgun with a can. I know that full power loads are subsonic in a handgun but my can is for a 223 and isn't as effective as a 22lr can and theres a big difference in sound between subsonic and full power loads out of it. Problem is my 22/45 just doesn't run them reliably. is there a gun you have experience with that will run subsonic level loads?

[jmorris]

Eley subsonic 22 ammunition is the best that I have found that will run semiautos. It's not cheap though, as you said regular .22 or is subsonic out of pistols and generally what I use with them.

I don't use my .223 cans on rimfires because I can not take them apart to clean them like I can my .22 or cans, they would also be really heavy on the end of a pistol.

[rond]

You could try reducing the recoil spring weight, most subsonic .22s don't have the power to operate the blowback action.

[Mica_Hiebert]

Shoot cci standard velocity, you can try gemtec ammo but its spendy.

[Tackleberry41]

I have a 22/45 and it will eat just about any ammo you can buy. Only thing it won't cycle 100% is the CCI quiet. But will run the CCI standard velocity all day without an issue, can or not. My S&W M&P compact also runs thru subsonic like it was made to. Thats a handy little unit compared to the weight of the 22/45. But not near as accurate.

Yes regular ammo will stay subsonic in a short barrel, but there is more muzzle blast from the excess powder. I stocked up on CCI standard velocity, for it and my rifle. One of the brands may consider some sort of 'pistol' subsonic. The standard velocity does run 1050 or so in a rifle, but loses some in the shorter pistol barrel. So a little more powder where it would get that full velocity in a pistol, but not as much muzzle blast as high velocity ammo.

[Nueces]

Has anyone tried that Aguilla 60 grain stuff in an auto pistol?

[reed1911]

The S&B 40g works very well. My 22/45 loves it. My little sig shot it just fine as well, but I never could get the sights to regulate for SS ammo (W/ or wo/ the can). Agreed the Eley SS (blue box HP) is fantastic! not cheap like the S&B though.

[Outpost75]

In mine I run RWS Subsonic HP as obtained from Champion's Choice.
http://www.champchoice.com/store/Main.aspx?p=ItemDetailOptions&item=2132664

[jmorris]

Has anyone tried that Aguilla 60 grain stuff in an auto pistol?

You better test them in anything before you put a suppressor on it. They key hole out of most firearms I have tried them in.

[reed1911]

My shoots it okay, if it is the same thing, the very short case with the very long for 22LR bullet, it will not cycle my action and it is not good accuracy wise.

[rbuck351]

What jmorris said. Most of the guns I have tried the 60 grs SSS in will put it through paper sideways at 50yds if you can even hit the paper.

[rfd]

i can't imagine how a low velocity rimfire cartridge can cycle the average semi-auto that expects a high velocity .22, and so comes fitted with a compatible "stiff" recoil spring. to add a can to that firearm would probably make matters worse. using a lighter recoil spring could be the first step, but once swapped out it would pound the action if hi-vel ammo was used, i'd think.

i have a ruger mark III competition coming (but no can) and will be testing out more than a few types/brands of .22's to check both accuracy and cycling (after i run a brick of hi-vel through the gun to "break it in').

[DanWalker]

I've shot Remington subsonics through my buckmark (Tactical solutions barrel and Outback2 can). They function reliably. I normally just use the Federal 22 hp's though.

[Randy C]

I have a http://www.phoenix-arms.com/ Hp22a with both barrels I sent it to the factor and they replaced the frame for free, I think we may have been using the wrong ammo at one time or I bent the spring putting it back together. It calls for standard velocity, we have had it for many years and everybody loves shooting it.

[warf73]

Dad runs 22 standard velocity CCI's in his Mark III slab side target model with little report (no can) and hasn't had a cycling issue yet.
He shoot's some rim fire game at 25 yards and has run a few thousand threw it. Only problem now is finding them somewhere.

154167

[rfd]

plenty of cci sv ammo out there, i just bought 600 rounds, but you will pay the current high price tag + shipping.

[Artful]

I want to shoot subsonic through a semi auto handgun with a can. I know that full power loads are subsonic in a handgun but my can is for a 223 and isn't as effective as a 22lr can and theres a big difference in sound between subsonic and full power loads out of it. Problem is my 22/45 just doesn't run them reliably. is there a gun you have experience with that will run subsonic level loads?

Most any 22 handgun with a barrel 4 1/2" or shorter will run bulk pack ammo at subsonic speeds.
I tried using my first TAC-16 223 can on a handgun and found it too heavy and blocked the sights,
which suppressor are you trying to use?

My Ruger Mk2 runs Aquilla SE 40 grains reliably as well as Federal Match and CCI Standard Velocity.
So in my mind your Ruger 22/45 should work as well - is it a new gun? Does it cycle with out the can?
Have you polished the internals?

And the other 22 I would consider would be the
P22 Walther
http://www.waltherarms.com/handguns/p22/
or S&W equivalent
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_840547_-1_798155_773655_757781_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
And Ruger SR22
http://www.ruger.com/products/sr22Pistol/specSheets/3604.html

All seem to work OK from my observations

[Geezer in NH]

Has anyone tried that Aguilla 60 grain stuff in an auto pistol?
Fine if you like keyholes. Through my Gemtec outback can Never happen.

[Kestrel4k]

Fine if you like keyholes. Through my Gemtec outback can Never happen.
I also get keyholes from my MkII (4" bbl), although the 60gr's are stable from my 16" bbl Marlin semi-auto.

With regards to function, I'm curious about the bbl length for the OP as it definitely can make a difference.
Even 'HV' ammo is subsonic from my 4" bbl, and I get complete function from ~1070 fps Wolf M/T as well.

Edit: IMO 40gr is much better than 36gr for these situations; I'm hoping that the OP is using the standard weight .22LR.

[Happyguy]

I use a Walther P22 and Aquila Super Sniper, 60 grains at about 850 FPS.

[Lloyd Smale]

my ruger wont run the 60 grain stuff reliably and either will my ar22 or my 1022s. Even if they did they key hole through all of them. Rws runs well in my 1022 takedown but not in any of the others. cci quiet wont run in any of them. I know that most 22 ammo is subsonic through handguns but hv stuff is still much louder then subsonic through my suppressor and what im really looking for is a round that is quiet and subsonic in both my handguns and rifle so that I can build up a stash of ammo that will work in both..

[wlc]

I've found that for my use the CCI standard velocity is the best. Not too expensive and runs subsonic out of both my rifles and pistols and cycles everything I have tried it in. It is quiet when suppressed and fairly accurate.

[Lloyd Smale]

that's the same recommendation I got from a buddy whos opinion I value.

[Markbo]

I cant believe I didnt see this sooner. I just went through this Lloyd. Tested my MK II with about 6-7 different loads recently. I have a rimfire specific can though. All of them cycled fine except one-sorry I dont remember which one. As could be expected Wolf Match Target shot very well but CCI SV was the accuracy winner. The Gemtech 'for supressor use' was expensive and very unimpressive accuracy. The report is a little louder with the CCI but still fine for shooting without ears. You probably already know but nothing will be Hollywood quiet.

Like all .22 ammo advice, get your hands on everything you can find and try it. FWIW I have found sub sonic ammo just fine for squirrel & cottontails but nothing larger.