New Federal Subsonic Ammo Line Announced for 2026
January 13, 2026
On January 7, 2026, Federal Ammunition announced a new Federal Subsonic rifle line designed for suppressed shooting, alongside a broad slate of 2026 cartridge updates. The Subsonic family focuses on reduced report with reliable, low-velocity expansion—a combo that’s especially attractive for hunters and shooters running suppressors. Federal says the program will debut with multiple cartridges and will be joined by additions to Terminal Ascent, Berger Elite Hunter, and Fusion Tipped.
While velocities sit below the speed of sound to avoid the supersonic “crack,” Federal emphasizes terminal performance. Early materials highlight offerings like a 300 Blackout hunting load at ~1050 fps and new subsonic shotshell options for clays and practice, signaling that this isn’t a one-off SKU but a broader strategy around quiet shooting. (Your neighbors might thank you.)
Why Federal Subsonic matters
- Purpose-built for suppressors: Subsonic loads prioritize consistent ignition and expansion at lower velocities, which helps suppressed rifles deliver practical terminal effect without excessive noise.
- Broad cartridge coverage: Federal is rolling out “20+” centerfire options across lines in 2026, with the new Subsonic series as a headliner—good news for hunters and trainers seeking quiet practice or minimal disturbance on private land.
- Complement to existing lines: Expect Subsonic to sit alongside Terminal Ascent, Berger Elite Hunter, and Fusion Tipped—so you can match ammo to use case without switching brands.
Alternatives & related options
If you’re shopping suppressed platforms, start with our Bolt-Action Rifles for easy threading and barrel length comparisons. For ammo research, prioritize subsonic loads that match your caliber and intended use (practice vs. hunting), and confirm real-world velocity from your barrel length—especially if you’re trying to stay below the sound barrier.
Subsonic ammo: early highlights
| Category | Subsonic centerfire rifle (suppressed focus) |
| Goal | Maximum noise reduction + reliable terminal performance at low velocity |
| Common starting points | .300 Blackout subsonic (often ~1,000–1,050 fps); select subsonic shotshell options where appropriate |
| What to verify | Bullet type/weight, published velocity, and whether the load is designed to expand at subsonic speeds |
| Availability | Varies by caliber and season—check current listings and lot-to-lot notes |
As more load specs (bullet types, weights, and SKUs) populate the catalog, we’ll keep this section focused on what matters most for suppressed use: consistent subsonic velocities from typical barrel lengths and bullets built to perform at those speeds—so “quiet” doesn’t come at the cost of predictable results.