Ammunition in the .22 Long Rifle caliber, engineered to travel at speeds below the sound barrier (approximately 1125 feet per second), is designed to reduce the audible report produced upon firing. This type of ammunition is commonly used in situations where minimizing noise is beneficial, such as pest control, hunting in noise-sensitive areas, or target practice where sound levels are a concern. Examples include rounds specifically labeled “subsonic” or “suppressor-ready” by manufacturers like CCI, Aguila, and Remington.
The advantages of using low-velocity .22 LR rounds include decreased disturbance to wildlife, reduced risk of startling livestock, and a more discreet shooting experience. Historically, this ammunition has been favored by hunters and trappers for its ability to dispatch small game without alerting other animals in the vicinity. Its adoption has also grown in recreational shooting, particularly among users of sound suppressors, as it maximizes the noise reduction capabilities of those devices.
