I was following the thread that was asking if .223 was big enough to kill hogs and was reminded that several of the forum members use suppressors when hunting hogs. Does that mean y'all shoot sub-sonic ammo? If so where can you buy it or do you load/reload your own? If you don't use subsonic ammo, what effect does the suppressor have?

Thanks for any feedback and sorry if this has been discussed before but I must have missed it if so.

My BIL had one on a 308 and he said they still run like the dickens when the first shot is fired. Its not totally silent.

We use suppressors and standard velocity ammo. The muzzle blast is reduced to virtually nothing and down range a .223/5.56 sounds about like a cap gun.

It also has the effect of the hogs not knowing where the shot came from since the sound they hear is just the sonic crack of the bullet. Often they'll run towards the shooter and since the sound will echo off tree lines and sound louder from that direction they'll run away from tree lines and farther out in the open allowing time for more shots than if you were shooting unsuppressed.

Using a suppressor when hunting hogs is a big advantage in more ways than one.

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'd like to try it by booking a hunt sometime (probably after deer season). I've been toying with the idea of one for my AR but hate to buy without trying if you know what I mean.

Well, I can tell you this. I've never had anyone shoot my suppressed gun or been around when I was shooting it say that they didn't like it or weren't interested. Usually it's, "How much does that cost?" and "How can I get one?".

Also beware because suppressors are addictive. They make shooting so much more pleasant that you'll want one for all of your guns.

A friend has an integrally suppressed Ruger 22/45 that you can barely hear if you're very far away. We use it to shoot coons off of feeders and armadillos off the golf course.

Every rifle and pistol we use in our guide operation is suppressed and we do that for several reasons. Because of the reduced noise levels, we don't have to worry nearly as much about spooking livestock, waking the neighbors and having late night calls placed to the Game Warden. They also greatly reduce the recoil of a rifle, which is especially helpful when using night vision or thermal weapon sights with pressure-activated eyecups.

The main advantage is that the suppressors do away with the need for hearing protection....so our clients can hear our instructions and range commands. "Swing right", "Swing Left", "Take a couple of steps forward", "Don't shoot that hog...that one's a cow" !

We also never shoot subsonic ammo...we're more interested in ballistics than sound. Since we use AR-style rifles, the noise of the action is enough to spook hogs, so the sonic "crack" isn't an issue. Like Ponyboy mentioned, the hogs may wind up coming toward you after the first few shots, especially if there is a treeline past them for the sonic crack to echo off of.

If you're interested in a demo, that can be arranged! We have our manufacturing FFl, so we build and sell suppressors. If you have a particular brand in mind, we're dealers for most so we can help you there too. We'll also help you with the paperwork for your suppressor...individual, corporate or trust.

If you're interested in night vision or thermal gear (weapon sights, goggles, monuculars etc.) we've got a collection that's second to none. Book a hunt and you can try it before you buy it!
Give us a holler,
Clark

Clark,

Thanks for all the info. At some point I will book a hunt with you. I actually talked with you via email earlier this year to get info but the guys that had agreed to go with me backed out when it was time to book. Then came the heat........ You're less than an hour from me so Might try to swing a booking for myself and sons after the new year when the youngest returns from deployment. (Both are active duty military). Looking forward to trying the suppressors and night vision gear.