The .300 Whisper is a specialized rifle cartridge designed by J.D. Jones of SSK Industries in the early 1990s. It is notable for its versatility in various shooting applications, particularly in subsonic and supersonic performance.
Key Features:
1. Design and Development: Created for use in both AR-15-type rifles and bolt-action rifles, the .300 Whisper is based on a necked-up and fire-formed .221 Remington Fireball case.
2. Bullet Types: It can be loaded with a wide range of bullet weights, typically ranging from 110 grains to 250 grains, making it adaptable for different purposes.
3. Subsonic Performance: When loaded with heavy bullets (e.g., 220-240 grains), the .300 Whisper can be fired at subsonic velocities (~1,050 feet per second), making it ideal for use with suppressors, significantly reducing noise.
4. Supersonic Capability: It can also be loaded with lighter bullets to achieve supersonic velocities, suitable for longer-range shooting and higher terminal performance.
5. Use Cases: Its quiet operation with subsonic ammo makes it popular in tactical applications, hunting (especially with suppressors), and specialized shooting competitions.
However, it is worth noting that the .300 Whisper requires careful handloading to achieve its full potential due to its versatility.