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Ammo Test Winchester 42-grain sub-sonic

Ammo Test Winchester 42-grain sub-sonic

Let’s face it the seemingly humble 22 Long Rifle (LR) sub-sonic loading has been with us forever! Doubtless the slowest of the LR family I’d wager it has taken more scalps regardless of size than all other hunting rifles and calibres put together! Average speed is just on the plus side of 1000 fps and that soft lead, 40-grain hollow point pill generates 100 ft/lbs +/- at the muzzle. It’s quiet too; and with a half decent 22 moddy in a bolt-action you just hear a ‘tock-type’ noise from the muzzle with more sound coming from working the bolt.

IF IT AIN’T BROKE!

There are many makes of 22 subs and we all have our favourites and one of mine is Winchester. Launching a 40-grain, truncated cone pill with a hollow point like a bucket it’s a cracking game getter. Through my Ruger M77/22 it’s running 1036 fps for 97 ft/lbs and is great out to 100 yards. So why would I change it?

Well Winchester obviously thought that they could build a better mouse trap with their new SUBSONIC 42 MAX, which has replaced the original 40-grain loading. The name is a giveaway as the bullet weighs 42-grains and is slightly different to the original. Obviously the cartridge overall length (COL) cannot be changed so it’s the bullet that makes the difference. The hollow point cavity is slimmer and less deep by around a 1/3rd and the original truncated nose ogive has gone to be replaced with a parallel-sided, flat point with rounded shoulders. I think this change was done to give a bit more surface area on impact as the reduced HP cavity will doubtless expand less than the older bucket-type. Ammunition is made by OLIN Australia Ltd!

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TESTING TIMES

Testing was done with my 20”, M77/22 with the new Hawke Vantage IR 3-9x50 rimfire sub-sonic scope and A-TEC Wave moddy. The 42 is quoted at 1065 fps, I got 1062 fps/107 ft/ lbs; an increase of 10 ft/lbs over the 40-grainer. The chart below show the ballistics, which I took out to 150 yards out of interest, however for me 100 yards-ish is a sensible maximum distance!

I’d say accuracy is a tad better with the 40s cutting ¾” @ 50 yards and the 42s coming in just under that, but it might shoot different in your gun, though for bunny bashing it’s more than adequate! I also tested it through my S&W 15-22 semi-auto and feed and function were reliable. As can be seen the 42-grain does give marginally better ballistic results, which can only be a good thing; making it potentially more effective!

PRICE: £118 per 1000, £5.90 per box of 50
CONTACT: International Sports Brand,
01235 514550 (for nearest dealer)

 

  • Ammo Test Winchester 42-grain sub-sonic - image {image:count}

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  • Ammo Test Winchester 42-grain sub-sonic - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Ammo Test Winchester 42-grain sub-sonic - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

gun
features

  • Model: Winchester Subsonic 42 Max
  • Weight: 42-grains
  • Type: Hollow point
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