Uncharted Territory - Sub Sonics and Velocitors

Joshua M. Smith · 12-26-2007, 05:08 PM

Hello,

I ran out of hollowpoint .22 while squirrel hunting today. I tried to take too many shots into the sun, I think.

While I have several hundred (thousand?) rounds of solids, these are mostly plinking and target munitions.

So, I took a trip into Dunham's as I wanted to see what they were doing with the 7.62x54r as well. Turns out they're totally out, and that could be a good thing.

Anyway, I use one type of .22 brand for serious practice and for hunting: CCI Mini-Mags. I use solids to practice, and the hollowpoint version to hunt.

Guess what? No Mini-Mags.

I'd been wanting to go quieter, so I picked up 100 rounds of subsonic Remington HP. I also picked up some Velocitor out of sheer curiosity.

I got back too late for the squirrel to still be out, though I did go out for a bit anyway mainly to test gear. I love that Camelbak.

In full camo (something which is relatively recent for me), heavy coat, gloves, etc, I found I could hold an offhand, quarter sized group with the subsonic stuff at 25yds.

With accuracy established, I set up a position that I figured would get me squirrel if they were still out. None showed.

So here's my question: Will these things reliably expand? I have no experience with subsonic .22 ammo, save for some CB caps I once used for indoor practice. When I shoot a squirrel through the shoulders with CCI Mini-Mag inside 25yds, they drop instantly and their lungs and heart are no longer discernible when field dressing. Out to 50yds, they still drop reliably, though it may take a few seconds.

What will this Remington subsonic hollowpoint ammo do? I've had some very bad experiences with losing game to non-expanding ammo. I'm figuring that if it doesn't expand, it will, at least, act as semi wadcutters.

I'm hoping it works out alright, because the noise level is so low that I doubt I'll have to wait as long between shots on game.

Next, for what is this Velocitor stuff intended? I've not shot any yet, but it advertises over 1400fps, and that's just hot for the .22lr. The fastest I've used were Stingers, and that wasn't all that accurate due to light weight and speed, among other things. I wasn't impressed. Any ideas?

Thanks all,

Josh <><

webs · 12-26-2007, 06:23 PM

The sub-sonic stuff will work well on Squirrel.I shoot CCI Mini Mag 40 Gr. solid points because I like the minimal damage they deliver.The Hollow Points although much more destuctive have been a favorite of mine for longer range shooting.My shots at 40 and 50 yards aren't near as accurate as closer ranges and I want the bullet to do more damage.
I have shot stingers and other hyper velocity rounds but my rifles don't seem to shoot them well.Some people love them though, and claim to get good accuracy from their rifles.
I like the .17 Mach 2 for longer shots in the open woods this time of the year, and find that although it is a hyper round,it does damage about equal to a .22 caliber hollow point.The advantage is the increase in longer range accuracy.

CZer · 12-28-2007, 08:37 PM

I'm with Webs. HP's will turn decent long shots into killing shots. I've used CCI Minimag HP, & CCI Subsonic HP with very good success. Have'nt tried the Rem SS but don't like Rem rimfire in general. Although I haven't hunted with em yet the Eley SS HP seem to be just as accurate as Match grade roundnose loads in my rifle. HP's are better IMO.

blaster · 12-28-2007, 09:04 PM

I use solids for squirrels, less meat damaged

irish murphy · 12-31-2007, 04:55 PM

If you shoot the squirels with the velocitors you will blow them to bits.I use these rounds for spotlighting and have shot foxes out to 70m with them for a one shot kill.My wife shot a fox that was running away from us at 60m.Shot him fair up the freckle(texas heart shot) and it dropped.When we got there it had a blood nose.They are a speer gold dot hollow point.And they are a 40gn pill that is going around 1400fps.

12-26-2007, 05:08 PM	#1
Joshua M. Smith Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Wabash IN Posts: 324	Uncharted Territory - Sub Sonics and Velocitors Hello, I ran out of hollowpoint .22 while squirrel hunting today. I tried to take too many shots into the sun, I think. While I have several hundred (thousand?) rounds of solids, these are mostly plinking and target munitions. So, I took a trip into Dunham's as I wanted to see what they were doing with the 7.62x54r as well. Turns out they're totally out, and that could be a good thing. Anyway, I use one type of .22 brand for serious practice and for hunting: CCI Mini-Mags. I use solids to practice, and the hollowpoint version to hunt. Guess what? No Mini-Mags. I'd been wanting to go quieter, so I picked up 100 rounds of subsonic Remington HP. I also picked up some Velocitor out of sheer curiosity. I got back too late for the squirrel to still be out, though I did go out for a bit anyway mainly to test gear. I love that Camelbak. In full camo (something which is relatively recent for me), heavy coat, gloves, etc, I found I could hold an offhand, quarter sized group with the subsonic stuff at 25yds. With accuracy established, I set up a position that I figured would get me squirrel if they were still out. None showed. So here's my question: Will these things reliably expand? I have no experience with subsonic .22 ammo, save for some CB caps I once used for indoor practice. When I shoot a squirrel through the shoulders with CCI Mini-Mag inside 25yds, they drop instantly and their lungs and heart are no longer discernible when field dressing. Out to 50yds, they still drop reliably, though it may take a few seconds. What will this Remington subsonic hollowpoint ammo do? I've had some very bad experiences with losing game to non-expanding ammo. I'm figuring that if it doesn't expand, it will, at least, act as semi wadcutters. I'm hoping it works out alright, because the noise level is so low that I doubt I'll have to wait as long between shots on game. Next, for what is this Velocitor stuff intended? I've not shot any yet, but it advertises over 1400fps, and that's just hot for the .22lr. The fastest I've used were Stingers, and that wasn't all that accurate due to light weight and speed, among other things. I wasn't impressed. Any ideas? Thanks all, Josh <>< __________________ Is it better to live by a corrupt society's standards rather than face persecution for not doing the same? This is the dilemma we now face. We must hold fast to our convictions as we confront this dilemma. Knowing one's self goes a long way in the crisis. - Me, Standup Philosopher

12-28-2007, 09:04 PM	#4
blaster Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: big pine key, florida Posts: 372	I use solids for squirrels, less meat damaged __________________ peace through superior firepower

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12-26-2007, 06:23 PM	#2
webs Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 220	The sub-sonic stuff will work well on Squirrel.I shoot CCI Mini Mag 40 Gr. solid points because I like the minimal damage they deliver.The Hollow Points although much more destuctive have been a favorite of mine for longer range shooting.My shots at 40 and 50 yards aren't near as accurate as closer ranges and I want the bullet to do more damage. I have shot stingers and other hyper velocity rounds but my rifles don't seem to shoot them well.Some people love them though, and claim to get good accuracy from their rifles. I like the .17 Mach 2 for longer shots in the open woods this time of the year, and find that although it is a hyper round,it does damage about equal to a .22 caliber hollow point.The advantage is the increase in longer range accuracy.

12-28-2007, 08:37 PM	#3
CZer Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Harlan, KY Posts: 43	I'm with Webs. HP's will turn decent long shots into killing shots. I've used CCI Minimag HP, & CCI Subsonic HP with very good success. Have'nt tried the Rem SS but don't like Rem rimfire in general. Although I haven't hunted with em yet the Eley SS HP seem to be just as accurate as Match grade roundnose loads in my rifle. HP's are better IMO.

12-31-2007, 04:55 PM	#5
irish murphy Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canberra,Australia Posts: 1,028	If you shoot the squirels with the velocitors you will blow them to bits.I use these rounds for spotlighting and have shot foxes out to 70m with them for a one shot kill.My wife shot a fox that was running away from us at 60m.Shot him fair up the freckle(texas heart shot) and it dropped.When we got there it had a blood nose.They are a speer gold dot hollow point.And they are a 40gn pill that is going around 1400fps.