As hunters, we look for every advantage we can obtain. Sometimes, that’s better camouflage; other times, taking game from greater distances; and still others, being as quiet as possible before and after you pull the trigger – hence your current search for the best 308 subsonic ammo for hunting.
The best subsonic 308 ammo for hunting is Beck Ammunition 150 grain Maker REX because it expands at lower velocities, is accurate, and has low recoil. But if this 308 Win ammo doesn’t work for you (or you can’t find it for sale), don’t worry. I have several other excellent options below.
My Top Picks of 308 Subsonic Ammo for Hunting
| Best Overall | Beck Ammunition 150 grain Maker REX |
|---|---|
| Most Accurate | HOP Munitions 190 grain HPBT |
| Budget-Friendly | Winchester Power-Point 185 grain JHP |
| Honorable Mention | Winchester Super Suppressed 168 grain Open Tip |
| Honorable Mention | Beck Ammunition 220 grain RNSP |
Testing Procedure
Finding the best 308 subsonic ammo for hunting isn’t easy, primarily because so few options are available. Most .308 Win ammo is supersonic. What’s more, some loads advertised as being subsonic are actually supersonic when fired out of a 20”+ barrel. That’s why I talked to some subsonic and suppressed shooting experts and did my own research before taking a few apparently solid options to the range.
Here are the characteristics I looked for in the best subsonic hunting ammo for the 308 Win:
- Quietness
- Ethical lethality
- Cost
- Accuracy
The chief appeal to hunting with a subsonic variant of a cartridge that is normally supersonic is its low report. A subsonic cartridge doesn’t break the sound barrier on ignition, thereby noticeably reducing noise signature (even more so if it is fired through a suppressor). With this in mind, if a round is advertised as being subsonic – but is very audibly supersonic – then it isn’t mentioned in this article.
Most hunters’ biggest concern when using subsonic ammo is its effectiveness at anchoring game. This is fair, as you might suppose a slower-moving bullet also wouldn’t hit as hard. But lower striking energy doesn’t necessarily equate to ineffectiveness. I can confidently say that the subsonic cartridges on this list are effective for hunting. They’re all deadly on deer (or varmints) so long as they’re aimed correctly and within reasonable distances.
We’re all constrained by our budgets, so the price of ammo always factors into our decisions. Be forewarned that good subsonic 308 ammo tends to run a little pricey, although I did make sure to include a budget-friendly option.
Missing the animal you’re trying to shoot is bad. I don’t need to elaborate any further on the importance of accuracy. I just have to assure you that each round in this list is fiercely accurate in the hands of a competent marksman.
Best 308 Subsonic Ammo for Hunting Reviews
Beck Ammunition 150 Grain Maker REX - Best Overall
Specs
- Case: Brass
- Bullet Type: Rapid EXpanding (REX)
- Bullet Weight: 150 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: 990 fps
- Muzzle Energy: 326 ft/lbs
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Designed for subsonic hunting | Expensive |
| Excellent low-velocity expansion | Does not cycle in semi-auto firearms |
| Capable of taking deer | |
| Accurate |
Why I Chose It
The Beck 150 grain REX is the best 308 subsonic hunting ammo because it’s designed for subsonic hunting, capable of ethically harvesting deer, and plenty accurate in 16” to 20” barrels.
This round is designed for subsonic hunting with or without a suppressor. Its REX bullet has excellent terminal ballistics, with expansion that can triple its diameter accompanied by virtually 100% weight retention. Such terminal performance helps hasten the quarry’s demise, and may also compensate for less-than-ideal shot placement.
Factor in the sleek, balanced, and monolithic REX bullet’s high accuracy, and you’ve got all the makings of an excellent subsonic (and lead-free) 308 hunting load.
As great as these rounds are, they do have a major downside: their price tag. If you’re on a tight budget or shoot a lot, Beck’s finest will hurt your wallet.
Another downside applies only to semi-auto rifle hunters. These rounds don’t cycle a semi-automatic rifle, so you’re limited to a bolt-action hunting rifle.
Overall, Beck 150 grain REX ammo is ideal for hunting with your 308 Winchester rifle whether you’re pursuing deer, hogs or varmints. (Don’t expect significant terminal expansion on small game, though.)
HOP Munitions 190 Grain HPBT - Most Accurate
Specs
- Case: Brass
- Bullet Type: Hollow Point Boat Tail (HPBT)
- Bullet Weight: 190 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,100 fps
- Muzzle Energy: 510 ft/lbs
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredibly accurate | Not for deer hunting |
| Good for varmint hunting | Expensive |
| Solid long-distance performance | Does not cycle semi-autos well |
Why I Chose It
House of Payne (HOP) Munitions 190 grain Subsonic HPBT is some of the most accurate subsonic 308 Win ammo you’ll ever encounter, and it’s all thanks to that bullet.
The 190 grain HPBT bullet has a G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.515, which indicates that it resists wind drift and stays on course well, which can only help you strike where you’re aiming.
Some hunters might consider a 190 grain bullet a bit much for coyotes and other varmints. On the plus side, the HPBT doesn’t expand much after impact, which helps preserve the pelt. The downside of minimal expansion is that it’s suboptimal terminal performance for deer hunting. It won’t inflict a very large wound channel, thus reducing the odds of a humane kill.
These rounds are also expensive, but that’s also to be expected of long-range precision ammo.
HOP Munitions 190 grain Subsonic HPBT ammo is perfect for suppressed hunting and long-range shooting. Get some and witness those high-BC bullets in action.
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