From:	Richard Pieri <ratinox@***.NEU.EDU>
Subject:	Re: Ammo, ammo, ammo....
Date:	Tue, 29 Jun 1993 17:02:51 EDT

>>>>> "bellovar" == bellovar <bellovar@***.wisc.edu>
writes:

Just a few comments...

bellovar> Subsonic Rounds

bellovar> -20% to all ranges

Ok.

bellovar> The target number modifier is doubled for all ranges beyond short
bellovar> due to tumbling of the bullet.

I'm not sure if doubling is all that appropriate. A flat +2 might be easier
to deal with.

bellovar> Vision magnification will only compensate for the actual range
bellovar> part, not the tumble, so someone with Op Mag 3 can fire subsonic
bellovar> rounds as accurately as unaugmented people fire normal rounds.

Sound's good.

bellovar> +1 to ballistic ratings if ballistic armor is present. (lack of
bellovar> penetrating power)

Ok.

bellovar> +1 to power

Huh?! Why *more* damage? I think you mean -1 Power. In fact, I'd suggest
either +1 Ballistic *or* -1 Power, but not both.

bellovar> -3 to perception checks for noticing rounds fired.

Only if the weapon has a sound suppressor.

bellovar> You can never make a normal round as silent as a subsonic round,
bellovar> due to the fact supersonic rounds create a sonic boom just like
bellovar> any other supersonic object (even with a silencer) But subsonic
bellovar> rounds with silencers are about as loud as a bb gun.

Technically, it's the gasses escaping from the barrel that creates the
"bang!" noise, not the projectile itself--supersonic projectiles make a
whip-crack sound. Sound suppressors (silencer is a misnomer and never used
by anyone who knows better) trap those gasses and reduce their velocity to
subsonic, eliminating the sonic boom.

bellovar> Law enforcement officials versed in guns will not be pleased to
bellovar> see subsonic rounds - as they are tools of professional hitmen.

Difficult for them to notice unless they're being fired or mass-checked.

bellovar> Any military grade pistol can load subsonic rounds, but
bellovar> non-military pistols cannot becuase subsonic rounds are 2
bellovar> millimeters longer than normal rounds. For example, todays Smith
bellovar> and Wesson 38 cannot load them, but the 38S (the famous police
bellovar> special 38) can.

Only nominally true. It is quite easy to make standard-sized rounds and
just use less powder than normal.

--Rat <ratinox@***.neu.edu> Northeastern's Stainless Steel Rat
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