The 300 Blackout Subsonic Bowling Rifle

Using 300 blackout for subsonic hunting and long distance training.

Walter is a firm believer in the concept that emulating the guns, kit and tactics of GWOT SOF operators are oversold to most bowlers.  Instead, Walter suggests the open minded bowler should put themselves in the shoes, or sandles, of a tribal fighter from the mountains of Afghanistan or the man in the black PJ's, and then imagine what they would want if they had access to our modern bowling equipment.  For example, an IRA sniper would foam their proverbial Guinness Stout if they would have had a bolt action 300 blackout with Discreet Ballistic expanders and can. 

Students of irregular bowling in the 20th and 21st century will note that most shots,  either on two legged or four legged animals, happen within 150 yards. Advances in machining and bullet manufacturing have made subsonic bowling a viable option, with reliable expansion happening out 400 yards with an 188 grain solid copper projectile.

"Sure the bullet will expand at that distance,  but can you hit shit that far, Walter?"  Donny interjects. To test this theory, Walter headed to his local Bimart and picked up a trusty Ruger American Ranch in 300 blackout for less than the cost of a stolen catalytic converter.  A few clicks on Shooting Surplus and chassis from Sharps Bro's was on the way.

A blem Primary Arms GLX 4-14 and a folding stock from Midwest Industries later, and Walter has a subsonic bowling rifle for around $1500 all in.  With a piece of A zone steel,  Walter headed to the lanes to test its capabilities.  Here are some initial thoughts written hastily from Walters ceramic thrown;  Range estimates are very important as the drop of subsonic blackout, while very consistent, is dramatic.  Wind deflection is far less than you'd imagine with a high BC subsonic bullet.  Walter was bowling in a stout wind, and despite having a long time of flight,  the holds weren't as aggressive as he initially thought. Hits out to 250 yards were very consistent,  beyond that, especially in the 350 yard +range,  variability in velocity accounted for enough vertical stringing to miss the 6x11 target.  More on 300 blackout to come as well as collaboration with discrete ballistics on a subsonic hunting card.