Proxenus developing a 7.62 mm Sub-sonic Cartridge

Proxenus has initiated an R&D program to develop a 7.62 mm (.308 Winchester) sub-sonic cartridge.

Summary

• Suppressed firearms are increasingly in use by military, police, wildlife controllers, hunters and target shooters.
• Suppressors attenuate harmful muzzle effects on firing.
• If using conventional ammunition, suppressors cannot attenuate the supersonic ‘crack’ of the projectile, which can disclose the firer’s position and/or startle game.
• Sub-sonic ammunition reduces the projectile’s signature.

The problem

Proxenus’ experience with a number of commercial sub-sonic ammunition products has shown they often exhibit erratic muzzle velocities and/or inconsistent grouping performance, particularly as range increases.

The aim

Proxenus’ R&D task seeks to develop a 7.62 mm sub-sonic round with improved grouping capability and more consistent muzzle velocity. A secondary goal is to use Australian-produced components where possible.

Progress to date

Using our in-house bespoke ammunition production capability and test and evaluation capacity, a series of loads has been developed and tested.

Proxenus has subsequently developed a 7.62 mm subsonic load that displays consistent (low standard deviation) muzzle velocities and exhibits promising grouping performance.

Future

Future development will examine the safety and suitability of the developed round in representatives of in-service and proposed (Land 159) firearms and confirm preliminary performance characteristics.