Let’s Talk About Atomic Ammunition Atomic Ammo .308 Win. Subsonic 175gr. Sierra Bthp 00430 13% Off
The Atomic Ammunition Atomic Ammo .308 Win. Subsonic 175gr. Sierra Bthp 00430 13% Off promises to deliver .308 Winchester performance at subsonic speeds, a seemingly impossible feat. Manufactured by Atomic Ammunition, this round combines the power of the .308 with the stealth of subsonic ammunition, offering a unique blend of capabilities designed for specialized applications. It caught my attention with its promise of reduced noise and recoil, paired with the accuracy of a Sierra BTHP bullet.
I’ve always been intrigued by subsonic ammunition, especially in larger calibers. My interest was piqued by its potential for suppressed shooting and its applications in hunting situations where noise discipline is paramount. The challenge of finding a subsonic .308 round that is both accurate and reliable is what ultimately led me to the Atomic Ammunition offering.
Unboxing the Atomic Ammunition Atomic Ammo .308 Win. Subsonic 175gr. Sierra Bthp, the first thing I noticed was the clean, consistent appearance of the rounds. The brass casing looked pristine, and the Sierra BTHP bullet had a sharp, well-defined profile. The weight felt substantial, giving me confidence in the quality of the components used.
Compared to other subsonic options I’ve explored – hand-loaded .300 Blackout or even some factory-loaded 9mm subsonic – the Atomic Ammunition .308 promised a different level of energy downrange. My primary alternative was considering assembling my own subsonic .308 loads. Ultimately, I opted for the Atomic Ammunition due to its factory-loaded consistency and the guaranteed performance that came with it.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. Subsonic .308 is a niche product, and I was eager to see if Atomic Ammunition could deliver on its promises. Would it cycle reliably? Would the accuracy be acceptable? Only time, and the range, would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Atomic Ammunition Atomic Ammo .308 Win. Subsonic 175gr. Sierra Bthp 00430 13% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an indoor shooting range specifically designed for rifle calibers. The range allowed for distances up to 100 yards, perfect for evaluating the subsonic performance of the Atomic Ammunition. I tested it in two rifles: a bolt-action rifle with a 1:10 twist rate and an AR-10 platform with a 1:11.25 twist rate.
Performance was immediately impressive in terms of noise reduction, especially through a suppressor. Even unsuppressed, the sound signature was significantly quieter than standard .308 loads. The felt recoil was minimal, almost nonexistent, which made for comfortable shooting even over extended sessions.
The bolt-action rifle cycled flawlessly, as expected. The AR-10, however, initially experienced some cycling issues, failing to fully extract the spent casings on a few occasions. Adjusting the gas block on the AR-10 remedied this issue, allowing for reliable cycling after a few tweaks.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Atomic Ammunition Atomic Ammo .308 Win. Subsonic 175gr. Sierra Bthp has proven to be a reliable performer. I’ve put approximately 300 rounds through both rifles with only the initial cycling issue on the AR-10 to note, which was resolved with gas block adjustments. The ammo performs consistently, and group sizes have remained tight.
The brass casings show no signs of excessive wear or deformation after firing, indicating a well-balanced load. Cleaning the rifles after shooting the subsonic ammunition is no different from cleaning after standard .308 loads. There is no noticeable increase in fouling or residue.
Compared to my previous experiences with subsonic .300 Blackout, the Atomic Ammunition .308 offers noticeably better long-range performance and greater retained energy. While the .300 Blackout is excellent for close-quarters work, the Atomic Ammunition .308 extends the effective range while maintaining a suppressed sound signature.
Breaking Down the Features of Atomic Ammunition Atomic Ammo .308 Win. Subsonic 175gr. Sierra Bthp 00430 13% Off
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Atomic Ammunition
- Caliber: .308 Winchester
- Number of Rounds: 50
- Bullet Type: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) – Sierra BTHP
- Bullet Weight: 175 grain
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass
- Muzzle Velocity: 1050 ft/s
- Application: General
- Package Type: Box
- Included Accessories: None
- Primer Style: Centerfire
- Lead Free: No
- Dimensions: 2.95 X 3.60 X 7.40 in
These specifications highlight several key aspects of the ammunition. The 175-grain Sierra BTHP bullet is known for its accuracy and consistent ballistic performance. The subsonic muzzle velocity of 1050 ft/s ensures that the round remains below the speed of sound, reducing noise.
Performance & Functionality
The Atomic Ammunition Atomic Ammo .308 Win. Subsonic 175gr. Sierra Bthp performs admirably within its intended parameters. Accuracy is impressive, with consistent groupings of around 1.5 MOA at 100 yards from the bolt-action rifle, and slightly larger groupings of 2 MOA from the AR-10 after gas block adjustment. Reliability has been excellent after addressing the initial cycling issue in the AR-10.
The primary strength of this ammunition is its ability to deliver .308 Winchester performance at subsonic speeds, providing a balance of power and stealth. The weakness lies in its limited effective range compared to standard .308 loads due to the lower velocity.
Overall, the Atomic Ammunition meets expectations for subsonic .308 ammunition, offering a reliable and accurate option for specialized applications. It fills a niche that few other factory loads currently address.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition’s design is straightforward and functional, focusing on delivering consistent performance. The brass casing is well-formed, and the bullet is seated securely, contributing to reliable feeding and extraction. The weight of the cartridge feels appropriate, providing a sense of quality and consistency.
There is no learning curve associated with using this ammunition. It functions like any other centerfire rifle cartridge. The only consideration is ensuring that the firearm is properly configured to cycle subsonic loads, particularly in semi-automatic platforms.
Durability & Maintenance
The Atomic Ammunition Atomic Ammo .308 Win. Subsonic 175gr. Sierra Bthp is expected to last as long as any standard brass-cased ammunition if stored properly. The brass casings are reloadable, offering an additional level of value for those who handload.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply keep the ammunition stored in a cool, dry place to prevent corrosion or degradation. The ammunition itself does not require any special cleaning or maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Atomic Ammunition Atomic Ammo .308 Win. Subsonic 175gr. Sierra Bthp does not come with any specific accessories. However, its performance is enhanced when used with a suppressor to maximize noise reduction.
This ammunition is compatible with any .308 Winchester rifle with a suitable barrel twist rate (1:11″ or faster, as recommended by Atomic Ammunition). It also works well with various optics and sighting systems, depending on the intended application.
Pros and Cons of Atomic Ammunition Atomic Ammo .308 Win. Subsonic 175gr. Sierra Bthp 00430 13% Off
Pros
- Significantly reduced noise compared to standard .308 loads, especially when used with a suppressor.
- Minimal felt recoil, making it ideal for shooters sensitive to recoil or those training new shooters.
- Excellent accuracy for subsonic ammunition, providing consistent groupings at 100 yards.
- Reliable performance in both bolt-action and properly configured semi-automatic rifles.
- Offers a unique blend of power and stealth, filling a niche in the .308 ammunition market.
Cons
- May require gas block adjustment on some AR-10 platforms to ensure reliable cycling.
- Limited effective range compared to standard .308 loads due to lower velocity.
Who Should Buy Atomic Ammunition Atomic Ammo .308 Win. Subsonic 175gr. Sierra Bthp 00430 13% Off?
The Atomic Ammunition Atomic Ammo .308 Win. Subsonic 175gr. Sierra Bthp is perfect for hunters seeking to minimize noise while hunting predators or varmints. Law enforcement and military professionals using suppressed rifles in tactical situations will also find this ammunition ideal. Those shooting at indoor ranges with noise restrictions, or shooters sensitive to recoil will find value in this round.
Those who need maximum effective range from their .308, or those unwilling to adjust their AR-10’s gas system should skip this product.
Must-have accessories include a quality suppressor, a reliable optic, and potentially an adjustable gas block for AR-10 platforms.
Conclusion on Atomic Ammunition Atomic Ammo .308 Win. Subsonic 175gr. Sierra Bthp 00430 13% Off
In summary, the Atomic Ammunition Atomic Ammo .308 Win. Subsonic 175gr. Sierra Bthp delivers on its promises of reduced noise and recoil without sacrificing accuracy. It represents a unique and valuable option for shooters needing a balance of power and stealth in a .308 platform. The Atomic Ammunition is a niche offering but one that delivers on its promise.
The price of $103.39 for a box of 50 rounds is justified given the specialized nature of the ammunition and its performance characteristics. It’s not cheap, but you’re paying for a precisely engineered product designed for a specific purpose.
I would personally recommend the Atomic Ammunition Atomic Ammo .308 Win. Subsonic 175gr. Sierra Bthp to anyone seeking a reliable and accurate subsonic .308 option. If you value noise reduction, minimal recoil, and consistent performance, this ammunition is worth the investment. Give it a try and experience the power of silence!