Several manufacturers produce .22 Magnum ammunition loaded to subsonic velocities. This specialized ammunition type utilizes a heavier bullet traveling at a lower speed than standard .22 Magnum rounds. For instance, one might find a 45-grain projectile instead of the more common 40-grain projectile, and at velocities below the speed of sound (approximately 1125 feet per second). This results in reduced noise levels, making it appealing for certain applications.
The quieter report of subsonic .22 Magnum loads offers advantages in various scenarios. Hunters appreciate the decreased noise signature for pest control or small game hunting, minimizing disturbance to surrounding areas and potentially improving accuracy on follow-up shots. It can also be a preferable option for recreational shooting where noise reduction is a priority. Historically, the development of subsonic ammunition arose from the need for quieter firearms for specialized military operations and eventually found a wider market among civilian shooters.