Remington Ammunition has announced the addition of three new loads to its Subsonic Rifle line: .308 Winchester, 360 Buckhammer, and .45-70 Government. These new factory loads are now shipping to dealers, tailored for optimal performance when fired through a suppressor.
The strategic value of subsonic ammunition for suppressed firearms lies in its ability to eliminate the sonic crack that a bullet generates upon exceeding the speed of sound—approximately 1,125 feet per second (fps). While a suppressor effectively mitigates muzzle blast, it has no effect on this downrange sonic signature. By keeping projectile velocities below the sound barrier, these new loads aim to provide a truly quieter shooting experience.
The new .308 Win. load features a 205-grain hollow point bullet traveling at 1,050 fps. This bullet weight is notably heavier than the 150- to 180-grain range commonly associated with .308 Win., a design choice intended to help the projectile retain a measure of energy at its reduced speed. For the 360 Buckhammer, Remington is offering a 250-grain bonded hollow point at 1,030 fps, while the .45-70 Gov't load utilizes a 300-grain bonded hollow point moving at 1,000 fps.
Bullet construction for these new loads incorporates an enclosed-base design. This means the bullet’s jacket completely wraps the rear of the projectile, avoiding the exposed lead typically found on some conventional bullets. This design is intended to reduce the accumulation of lead fouling inside suppressors, as exposed lead can vaporize under the intense heat and pressure of firing, depositing material that can quickly build up over time.
Kris Carson, Remington’s centerfire product director, noted that each load is built for versatility. Carson stated that the loads are "assembled with tight quality control and premier components to ensure consistent subsonic performance," and are designed to provide “quiet operation, reduced recoil and minimal shooter signature.” This combination makes them an adaptable choice for a range of uses, including hunting, training, and tactical applications.
All three new loads are packaged in 20-round boxes. The 360 Buckhammer has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $47.99. The .308 Win. load is listed at an MSRP of $49.99, and the .45-70 Gov't offering carries an MSRP of $59.99.
This expansion joins Remington's existing subsonic rifle offerings, which include a .300 Blackout 220-grain load with a muzzle velocity of 940 fps.
