Today, I was asked by a younger shooter for a recommendation for a powder to shoot 180-190 gr
Jacketed bullets subsonic in a ..308 bolt action. His problem is that the go-to choice for this --
Trail Boss -- has been unavailable for years, and from my quick research, it doesn't look like it will
be back within the next year. The shooter has special, machined copper projectiles very similar in
concept to LeHigh Defense models, designed to expand at subsonic velocities (woods ranges),
and he wants to shoot them suppressed. The cast bullet data i checked didn't start anywhere near
below ~1050 fps, and given the higher engraving forces of jacketed bullets, etc., I'm reluctant to give recommendations in an area in which I have no experience.
How feasible is his idea, given the normal powders one might choose, and does anyone have any
experience-based or well researched powders and possible starting charges they can recommend?
My thought was to have him start supersonic and lower the powder charges while chronographing
to get to the desired velocity with minimum risk of sticking a bullet in the bore.
Any suggestions other than "shoot supersonic" are welcome -- this young man is well aware of the
issues surrounding subsonic and hunting, has his twist rate/stability worked out, and wants to give it a try.
For what it's worth, he is a highly ranked national level competitive shooter, so accurate bullet placement
shouldn't be an issue.
Thanks to all in advance for your consideration!
Sincerely,
John