Winchester 22 sub-sonic
As a hunter I would have to say that the most fun, if not the most excitement is to be had from rabbit and hare shooting. These days I tend to use my 17HMR more and more for both species, but sometimes and with very twitchy rabbits; it has to be 22 sub-sonics!
Just recently I have been shooting more rabbits again with my Ruger M77/22 and had some disappointing results with a brand of subs I was using. No problem hitting them, but the terminal effect was less than swift, unless it was in the head!
Aussi-made
As I was casting around for another brand of subs I decided to see what Winchester had to offer. Made in Australia, the first and most noticeable aspects of the ammo was its 40-grain hollow point bullet and the fact the nose looked like a bucket.
Pulling a random selection showed an average bullet weight of 39.7-grains and a powder charge of 0.95-grains. What I really liked was the long bearing surface on the projectile, the near truncated cone ogive (nose) and the wide and deep hollow point cavity.
With that done it was time for the chrono – a Tim Hannam ProChrono, the test rifle is my 20” barrel, wood-stocked Ruger M77/22. The only change is that I fitted a Rifle Basix’s trigger, which does make a difference. For a moderator I use a Wildcat Growler, this reflex-type makes the overall package just that bit shorter when compared to muzzle-mounted.
I fired a five round string, which gave the following figures:
High – 1042
Low – 1009
Average – 1026
Extreme Spread – 33 fps
Shot at 50 yards prone/supported my Ruger as keeping it around the ½-3/4”, which is not bad for a field rifle. Speaking of that; the Winchesters did appear to hit rabbits with a rather more pleasing ‘thwack’ and chest shot rabbits rolled over and died a lot quicker with a lot less thrashing about than brand X.
Out of interest I ran the figures over my new Sierra Infinity 6, which now carries common rimfire data and includes all the calibres. Ranged out to 100 yards and in 10 yard increments I also factored in a 10 mph cross wind; here’s how it shoots:
Range | yards | Velocity fps | Energy ft/lbs | Drop " | Wind"
00 | 1026 | 93.5 | 1.67 | 00
10 | 1008.1 | 90.2 | -0.63 | 0.05
20 | 991.4 | 87.3 | +0.07 | 0.18
30 | 975.7 | 84.5 | +0.42 | 0.4
40 | 961.0 | 82.0 | +0.4 | 0.71
50 zero | 947.0 | 79.6 | 0.0 | 1.1
60 | 933.7 | 77.4 | -0.78 | 1.57
70 | 921.1 | 75.3 | -1.96 | 2.12
80 | 909.0 | 73.4 | -3.56 | 2.74
90 | 897.3 | 71.5 | -5.57 | 3.44
100 | 886.1 | 69.7 | -8.01 | 4.22
Overall and with the occasional popper and cracker aside, which is unavoidable with 22 LRs, the Winchester SUBSONIC proved to be a good one
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Name | Winchester SUBSONIC |
| Price | £6.80 per 100 |
All Prices Are Guides Due to the Changes in US & European Exchange Rates
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I have used Winchester Sub Sonic ammo for many, many years. I remember when it was a 38grn head. I have never had any complaints during the 1000's of rounds that I have fired. Most of these were used in my BRNO bolt action rifle. The majority of their use was against rabbits, squirrels(on the ground) and crows/jackdaws (again, on the ground)
I have tried many other makes of this caliber, but will now only use Winchester. I recommend it 100%
Comment by: Steve Bradshaw Posted on: 21 Feb 2009 at 11:39 AM
Though there are many good makes of 22 sub around, the Winchester; especailly with its big hollow point nose is still one of my favourite choices, as it delivers exceptional terminal performance and good accuracy.
Good hunting
PM
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 22 Feb 2009 at 10:18 AM
I have just started shooting a.22lr rim fire after obtaining my FAC. I was recommended Winchester X and so far I have had only 1 round that part jammed in my CZ 452. Enjoying my shooting.
Comment by: Richard Stephens Posted on: 18 Mar 2009 at 07:56 PM
It's a good choice and in terms of ability right up there with the likes of Eley etc. It might be worth doing a 22 LR sub-sonic round-up in the magazine, as it's by far the most popular rimfire type in the UK. What do you reckon?
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 19 Mar 2009 at 09:50 AM
An excellent hunting round - very accurate with much more thump on impact that others. However the cost has risen too much recently compared with other ammo.
Comment by: Richard Gibson Posted on: 01 Apr 2009 at 11:48 AM
Not a lot we can do about prices; certainly with the current exchange rate, as we are all falling foul of that. Buying in bulk might be one solution, as often you can get the price down a little. But if it works for you and it appears it does; then well worth the effort...
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 02 Apr 2009 at 07:59 AM
I only use Eley subs in my CZ American with a Parker Hale Moderator.
Eley never pop or misfire.
Bullet on bullet at 50 yards and very tight at 100 yards.
Eley wins hands down.
Graham
Comment by: Graham Gibbs Posted on: 15 Jun 2009 at 03:27 PM
No doubt Eley Sub Sonic Xtras are very good, as I too use them, but I have yet to find a brand of 22 Rimfire that does not have some poppers and crackers amongst it and that includes all the top end manufacturers too... But if you like a certain brand and it works for you then by all means stick with it...
Good shooting
PM
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 16 Jun 2009 at 07:10 AM
I have used quite a range of sub sonic brands but i always come back and now stay with the Winchester as nothing else can match the Knock down power and that awsome THWOP sound!!!!! The only down side i have found is they don't always cycle nice in my Anschutz 1710HB.
ATB
K.B
Comment by: Kevin Baker Posted on: 28 Jul 2009 at 01:52 PM
Anybody have a current RRP on these?
Comment by: Pete Williams Posted on: 02 Aug 2009 at 08:36 PM