First Impressions of **Hornady Subsonic 7.62×39 255 Grain Sub X Brass Riffle Ammunition
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The 7.62×39 round has always been a favorite of mine, ever since I got my first SKS a decade ago. The Hornady Subsonic 7.62×39 255 Grain Sub X Brass Riffle Ammunition
80787 19% Off promises to bring a whole new level of quiet performance to this already versatile cartridge. Hornady has a reputation for quality, and I was eager to see if this subsonic offering lived up to it.
I’ve always been intrigued by the possibilities of suppressed rifles, especially for hunting purposes. I needed a reliable, accurate subsonic round that would cycle consistently in my custom AK platform, allowing me to take ethical shots on hogs without disturbing the entire county. I was also looking for a round that would expand reliably at subsonic velocities, something many other subsonic rounds struggle with.
Upon receiving the ammunition, the first thing I noticed was the clean, brass casing and the distinct Sub-X bullet with its patented Flex Tip. The rounds felt well-made, and the packaging was typical Hornady quality. The heft of the 255-grain bullet was also immediately apparent, suggesting good potential for terminal performance.
I considered other subsonic 7.62×39 options from companies like Sellier & Bellot and Wolf, but Hornady’s reputation for consistent quality and the specifically designed Sub-X bullet for expansion swayed me. Plus, the 19% off deal made it an offer I couldn’t refuse! My initial impression was excitement – this ammo looked the part, now it just needed to perform.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Hornady Subsonic 7.62×39 255 Grain Sub X Brass Riffle Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I first tested the Hornady Subsonic 7.62×39 255 Grain Sub X Brass Riffle Ammunition
80787 19% Off at my local shooting range, using my suppressed AK with an 8.5-inch barrel. The weather was clear and mild, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The primary goal was to assess cycling reliability, accuracy, and subjective sound suppression.
The ammo cycled flawlessly through my AK, which is already a good sign given the finicky nature of some AK platforms. Even better, the report was noticeably quieter than standard supersonic 7.62×39, a significant advantage when using a suppressor. I was hitting a 4-inch steel target consistently at 50 yards, which is decent accuracy for subsonic ammunition out of an AK platform.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and a couple of hog hunts, the Hornady Subsonic 7.62×39 255 Grain Sub X Brass Riffle Ammunition
80787 19% Off has proven to be remarkably consistent. I have fired approximately 200 rounds with zero malfunctions. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the brass cases after firing.
Cleaning the rifle after shooting subsonic ammunition, including this Hornady offering, is always more important compared to supersonic rounds. Subsonic loads tend to burn dirtier. Fortunately, routine cleaning with a standard solvent is all that’s required to keep my AK running smoothly. This round outperforms other subsonic 7.62×39 ammo I’ve used in the past, particularly in terms of cycling reliability in my specific AK platform.
Breaking Down the Features of **Hornady Subsonic 7.62×39 255 Grain Sub X Brass Riffle Ammunition
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Specifications
The Hornady Subsonic 7.62×39 255 Grain Sub X Brass Riffle Ammunition
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- Caliber: 7.62x39mm.
- Bullet Weight: 255 grain.
- Bullet Type: Subsonic eXpanding (Sub-X).
- Case Material: Brass.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1050 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 624 ft-lbs.
- Ballistic Coefficient (G1): 0.365.
- Ballistic Coefficient (G7): 0.183.
- Rounds per Box: 20.
The 255-grain Sub-X bullet is the star of the show, designed to expand at subsonic velocities, increasing its effectiveness on game. The brass casing ensures reliable feeding and extraction, which is critical for consistent performance. The listed muzzle velocity of 1050 ft/s keeps the round subsonic, minimizing noise when used with a suppressor.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Subsonic 7.62×39 255 Grain Sub X Brass Riffle Ammunition
80787 19% Off performs exceptionally well in its intended role: quiet, accurate, and effective subsonic shooting. The Sub-X bullet expands reliably, creating a larger wound channel compared to non-expanding subsonic projectiles. The round’s key strength is its ability to maintain consistent accuracy and expansion at subsonic velocities.
One area for potential improvement might be the ballistic coefficient. A slightly higher BC could improve long-range accuracy, though this ammo is primarily intended for closer-range engagements under 100 yards, as one user feedback stated. Overall, the round meets and largely exceeds my expectations for subsonic 7.62×39 ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward and functional. The brass casing is clean and well-finished. The Sub-X bullet is visibly different from standard FMJ or hollow-point rounds, with its distinctive Flex Tip insert designed for reliable expansion.
There is virtually no learning curve with this ammunition. As long as your rifle is properly chambered and maintained, it should function without issue. The weight is standard for a 7.62×39 round of this grain.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Subsonic 7.62×39 255 Grain Sub X Brass Riffle Ammunition
80787 19% Off should last indefinitely if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The brass casings are reloadable, extending the value proposition for handloaders. As mentioned earlier, cleaning the rifle after shooting subsonic ammunition is always recommended to prevent carbon buildup.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ammunition itself doesn’t require any accessories. However, it is designed to be used with a suppressor to maximize its noise reduction capabilities. While this ammunition is specifically designed as is, reloading enthusiasts could experiment with different powder loads and bullet seating depths for fine-tuning. The Hornady website and reloading manuals offer guidance on compatible components and safe loading practices.
Pros and Cons of **Hornady Subsonic 7.62×39 255 Grain Sub X Brass Riffle Ammunition
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Pros
- Reliable Expansion: The Sub-X bullet is specifically designed to expand at subsonic velocities, maximizing terminal performance.
- Excellent Sound Suppression: When paired with a suppressor, this ammunition offers significant noise reduction, ideal for hunting or tactical applications.
- Consistent Cycling: The ammo has proven to cycle reliably in my AK platform.
- High-Quality Components: Hornady is known for using high-quality brass and primers, ensuring consistent performance.
- Suitable for Personal and Home Defense: This round is very effective for short distances.
Cons
- Limited Range: Subsonic ammunition is generally less accurate at longer ranges compared to supersonic rounds.
- Price: Subsonic ammunition tends to be more expensive than standard supersonic loads.
Who Should Buy **Hornady Subsonic 7.62×39 255 Grain Sub X Brass Riffle Ammunition
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The Hornady Subsonic 7.62×39 255 Grain Sub X Brass Riffle Ammunition
80787 19% Off is perfect for hunters seeking a quiet and effective round for close-range engagements on hogs or other game. It’s also well-suited for tactical shooters who prioritize noise reduction and reliable performance. This ammunition is also a good choice for anyone seeking a discreet personal or home defense option, especially when used with a suppressor.
Those primarily focused on long-range shooting or those on a very tight budget might want to explore other options. This ammo performs best within 100 yards. A must-have accessory for maximizing the benefits of this ammunition is a high-quality suppressor.
Conclusion on **Hornady Subsonic 7.62×39 255 Grain Sub X Brass Riffle Ammunition
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The Hornady Subsonic 7.62×39 255 Grain Sub X Brass Riffle Ammunition
80787 19% Off is a well-engineered and effective subsonic option for the 7.62×39 platform. The price is justified by the reliable expansion, consistent cycling, and quality components that Hornady is known for. I would definitely recommend this ammunition to anyone seeking a quiet and effective solution for hunting, tactical applications, or personal defense. If you’re looking to tame the roar of your 7.62×39, give this Hornady offering a try – you won’t be disappointed!