About SBR (Southern Ballistic Research)
Southern Ballistic Research (SBR) stands as one of America’s leading names in high-performance ammunition, renowned for crafting precision-engineered cartridges trusted by law enforcement, military professionals, hunters, and civilian shooters alike.
Founded in 1982 by Major Dan Thompson, a decorated military veteran and seasoned ballistics expert, SBR was built on a mission to transform modern ammunition technology through innovation, quality, and unwavering reliability.
From its headquarters in Brunswick, Georgia, SBR quickly earned a reputation for producing specialized ammunition that pushes the boundaries of ballistic performance.
Major Thompson’s extensive combat experience fueled a vision for cartridges that perform flawlessly under extreme conditions while delivering superior accuracy and consistency.
One of SBR’s most significant contributions to the firearms industry is the development and refinement of the .458 SOCOM cartridge, a powerful round designed to bring formidable stopping power to AR-platform rifles for tactical operations and big-game hunting.
This innovation propelled SBR into the spotlight, solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in large-caliber and specialty ammunition solutions.
The company further expanded its lineup with unique calibers like the .375 SOCOM and .338 Spectre, offering shooters enhanced ballistic performance and versatility.
A hallmark of SBR’s product range is its expertise in subsonic ammunition. Carefully engineered for use in suppressed firearms, SBR’s subsonic loads deliver reduced noise while maintaining exceptional energy retention and pinpoint accuracy.
These quiet yet potent rounds are highly favored among special operations units, law enforcement professionals, and tactical shooters seeking stealth and precision.
Beyond tactical and hunting applications, SBR caters to competitive and precision shooters with its match-grade ammunition, designed to achieve tight groupings and consistent performance across long distances.
Every SBR round is produced under meticulous quality control, ensuring shooters experience reliability, safety, and optimal performance shot after shot.
SBR’s dedication to research, development, and advanced manufacturing techniques has allowed the brand to set new standards for excellence in specialty ammunition.
Over decades of operation, SBR has not only contributed to ammunition technology but has also become a vital force within the shooting sports community, collaborating with firearms manufacturers, participating in industry trade shows, and supporting tactical training programs nationwide.
Their presence continues to shape the future of ballistics, ensuring that shooters—from law enforcement officers to hunting enthusiasts—have access to cutting-edge ammunition they can trust.
Whether you’re preparing for tactical operations, pursuing big game in rugged terrain, or competing for precision on the range, Southern Ballistic Research offers ammunition built to perform when it matters most.
With a legacy rooted in innovation and a passion for excellence, SBR remains committed to producing ammunition that meets the rigorous demands of high-level marksmanship and pushing the limits of what modern ammunition can achieve.
Popular SBR Calibers
.458 SOCOM
One of SBR’s most well-known calibers, the .458 SOCOM is designed for AR-15 platforms, delivering powerful stopping force for hunting, defense, and tactical applications.
.375 SOCOM
A high-energy, large-caliber round, the .375 SOCOM offers better ballistics and flatter trajectory compared to the .458 SOCOM, making it an excellent choice for hunting and precision shooting.
.338 Spectre
Designed for subsonic and suppressed applications, the .338 Spectre is ideal for stealth operations, tactical use, and hunting with AR-15 and bolt-action rifle platforms.
.500 Auto Max
A high-power cartridge built for the Big Horn Armory AR500 rifle, the .500 Auto Max is designed for big game hunting and defense against dangerous animals.
.300 Blackout (Subsonic & Supersonic)
SBR manufactures precision .300 Blackout rounds for both suppressed and unsuppressed shooting, making it a favorite for home defense, tactical use, and hunting.
.450 Bushmaster
A heavy-hitting, straight-walled cartridge, the .450 Bushmaster is a top choice for hunting large game and is widely used in states with straight-wall cartridge hunting regulations.
9mm Subsonic
Designed specifically for suppressed firearms, SBR’s 9mm subsonic ammo provides smooth cycling, low noise, and reliable performance for defense and law enforcement applications.
5.56 NATO / .223 Remington
SBR produces high-quality 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington rounds for military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters, offering consistent accuracy and reliability.
.50 Beowulf
A high-energy round for AR-platform rifles, the .50 Beowulf delivers massive stopping power, making it ideal for hunting and barrier penetration.
.40 S&W & .45 ACP Subsonic
Designed for silent operations, SBR’s subsonic .40 S&W and .45 ACP rounds provide smooth cycling and deep penetration, perfect for suppressed handguns and tactical use.
SBR Firearm Parts and Accessories
Southern Ballistic Research (SBR) primarily focuses on manufacturing high-quality ammunition and firearm components.
While they do not produce complete firearms, they offer a range of firearm parts and accessories to support custom builds and enhance existing platforms for various applications, from hunting to tactical use.
Here are some of their notable products:
AR-15 Upper Receivers
SBR provides complete upper receivers compatible with AR-15 platforms, including options for calibers like .458 SOCOM and .338 Spectre. These AR-15 uppers are designed for seamless integration and optimal performance.
Rifle Barrels
Offering a selection of precision rifle barrels, SBR caters to various calibers and lengths, ensuring shooters can find the ideal barrel for their specific needs.
Bolts and Bolt Carrier Groups
SBR supplies bolts and bolt carrier groups tailored for specific calibers, such as .458 SOCOM and .338 Spectre, ensuring reliable cycling and durability.
Reloading Supplies
For enthusiasts who prefer custom ammunition loading, SBR offers reloading supplies, including cartridge brass, bullets, and die sets, supporting calibers like .338 Spectre.
Southern Ballistic Research (SBR) FAQs
QUESTION: What is Southern Ballistic Research (SBR) known for?
ANSWER: Southern Ballistic Research (SBR) is renowned for producing high-quality, precision-engineered ammunition trusted by law enforcement, military personnel, hunters, and civilian shooters. SBR specializes in specialty rounds like .458 SOCOM, subsonic cartridges, and match-grade ammunition that deliver exceptional performance in tactical, hunting, and competitive shooting applications.
QUESTION: Where is SBR ammunition manufactured?
ANSWER: SBR ammunition is proudly manufactured in Brunswick, Georgia, USA. Each round undergoes meticulous quality control to ensure the reliability, accuracy, and consistency that shooters expect from Southern Ballistic Research ammo.
QUESTION: Does SBR make subsonic ammunition?
ANSWER: Yes! SBR manufactures subsonic ammunition designed specifically for use in suppressed firearms. Their subsonic loads provide lower noise levels while maintaining excellent energy retention and accuracy, making them ideal for tactical operations, hunting, and stealth shooting scenarios.
QUESTION: What calibers does SBR produce?
ANSWER: Southern Ballistic Research ammo offers a broad range of calibers, including popular rounds like .458 SOCOM, .375 SOCOM, .338 Spectre, .300 Blackout, .223 Remington, 9mm, and many others. They produce both high-velocity and subsonic options to cater to various shooting disciplines.
QUESTION: Is SBR ammunition good for hunting?
ANSWER: Absolutely! SBR ammunition is highly regarded among hunters for its powerful and precise performance. Calibers like the .458 SOCOM deliver impressive stopping power for big game, while other SBR loads offer excellent accuracy and terminal performance for medium and small game hunting.
QUESTION: Can civilians buy Southern Ballistic Research ammo?
ANSWER: Yes, civilians can purchase Southern Ballistic Research ammunition for hunting, sport shooting, and personal defense. However, availability may vary depending on caliber, local laws, and regulations.
QUESTION: What makes SBR ammunition different from other brands?
ANSWER: SBR ammo is known for its specialty loads, innovative cartridge designs, and unmatched attention to quality control. Products like their subsonic rounds and powerful SOCOM cartridges set Southern Ballistic Research apart, delivering precision and reliability under demanding conditions.
QUESTION: Does SBR offer match-grade ammunition?
ANSWER: Yes! Southern Ballistic Research ammunition includes match-grade options designed for precision shooting and competitive events. These loads provide consistent velocities and tight groupings, making them popular among long-range and competitive shooters.
QUESTION: Where can I buy SBR ammo online?
ANSWER: You can find SBR ammo for sale online at reputable firearm and ammunition retailers, specialty ammo suppliers, and select authorized dealers. Always ensure you’re buying from a trusted source and comply with all local laws regarding ammunition purchases.
QUESTION: Is Southern Ballistic Research ammunition used by law enforcement or military units?
ANSWER: Yes. Many law enforcement and special operations units trust Southern Ballistic Research ammo for its reliable performance, especially in specialty calibers like subsonic rounds for suppressed firearms and powerful cartridges like .458 SOCOM for tactical applications.
QUESTION: Does SBR make ammunition for AR-15 platform rifles?
ANSWER: Definitely! SBR manufactures ammo designed for AR-platform rifles, including the popular .458 SOCOM, .375 SOCOM, and .300 Blackout cartridges. These loads deliver superior ballistics and reliable function for tactical, hunting, and sport shooting use.
