Introduction
The .300 Blackout ammunition, also known as 300 BLK or 7.62x35mm, has been gaining popularity in recent years among gun enthusiasts, and for good reason.
Developed by Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC), this cartridge was designed to address some of the limitations of the standard 5.56mm NATO/.223 Remington round, while still being compatible with the AR-15 platform.
The Blackout 300 offers shooters a versatile and flexible option for various shooting applications, from hunting to home defense and target shooting.
One of the standout features of the AAC Blackout is its adaptability. It can be loaded with a wide range of bullet types, including supersonic and subsonic loads, making it suitable for different scenarios.
Its compatibility with existing AR-15 rifles with a simple barrel change has made it a cost-effective choice for those looking to expand their firearms capabilities.
In this article, we will dive into the world of .300 Blackout ammunition, exploring the best options available on the market, their specifications, key features, and pros and cons.
Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a newcomer to the cartridge, we aim to provide you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision when choosing the best .300 Blackout ammo for your needs.
Buying Guide for 300 Blackout Ammo
Choosing the best ammo for the .300 Blackout can greatly impact your shooting experience and performance. To make an informed decision, consider the following factors:
Bullet Type
The Blackout cartridge offers a wide range of bullet types, including full metal jacketed (FMJ), hollow pointed (HP), soft point (SP), and more. Your choice should align with your intended use.
For example, FMJ loads are suitable for target shooting, while HP or SP loads may be preferable for hunting or own defense due to their expansion capabilities. If you think that all 300 AAC Blackout ammunition are the same bullet, you might learn a new thing or two here.
Purpose
Identify the primary purpose for which you’ll be using AAC Blackout ammunition. Are you planning to hunt, engage in home defense, or practice target shooting? Different scenarios may require different types of ammunition. Consider the specific performance characteristics needed for your intended use.
Supersonic vs. Subsonic
The .300 AAC Blackout cartridge can be loaded with both supersonic and subsonic bullets. Supersonic bullets offer higher velocity and energy, making them suitable for longer-range accuracy and hunting. Subsonic ammo are quieter, making them ideal for use with suppressors and for scenarios where noise reduction is essential.
Brand Reputation
Stick to well-established and reputable ammunition manufacturers known for producing high-quality and consistent rounds. A brand with a track record of reliability is more likely to deliver ammunition that performs as expected.
Cost
Ammunition costs can vary widely, so it’s essential to consider your budget. While high-quality ammunition may be more expensive, it can also offer better performance and consistency. Balancing your budget with your needs is key to finding the right ammunition for you.
Best 300 Blackout Ammo Review
1. Magtech First Defense 123gn 300 BLK
Specifications:
- Bullet Weight: 123 grains
- Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacketed (FMJ)
- Velocity: Approximately 2,200 feet per second (fps)
- Supersonic
Key Features:
Reliable Performance: Magtech has a longstanding reputation for producing consistent and reliable ammunition. The First Defense 123gn 300 BLK rounds are no exception. They are known for their dependability, which is crucial for any shooting scenario.
Supersonic Velocity: These rounds are designed to be supersonic, providing the shooter with increased velocity and muzzle energy. This is particularly advantageous for long-range accuracy and hunting applications.
Full Metal Jacketed: The FMJ design ensures that the bullet retains its shape upon impact and minimizes expansion. This makes the Magtech First Defense 123gn 300 BLK rounds suitable for target shooting, training, and even home defense situations where over-penetration is a concern.
Pros:
- Accuracy: The consistency of Magtech ammunition translates into excellent accuracy, making these rounds suitable for precision shooting.
- Reliability: Magtech is known for its quality control, so you can trust that these rounds will feed reliably and fire consistently.
- Versatility: While primarily designed for target shooting, these rounds can also serve well for home defense due to their supersonic velocity.
Cons:
- Limited Terminal Ballistics: The FMJ design means limited expansion upon impact, which may not be ideal for hunting or home defense where controlled expansion is preferred.
- Cost: While not the most expensive option on the market, Magtech First Defense 123gn 300 BLK rounds may be pricier compared to some budget alternatives.
Final Verdict
The Magtech First Defense 123gn 300 BLK ammunition offers reliable and accurate performance, making it a solid choice for those looking for supersonic rounds for target shooting, training, or even home defense scenarios.
These rounds are known for their consistent performance and dependability, which are essential qualities for any ammunition. However, keep in mind that the full metal jacketed design limits their terminal ballistics, so they may not be the best choice for hunting applications where controlled expansion is crucial.
If you prioritize accuracy and reliability for your shooting needs, the Magtech First Defense 123gn 300 BLK rounds are worth considering.
2. Sellier & Bellot 200gn Subsonic
Specifications:
- Bullet Weight: 200 grains
- Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacketed (FMJ)
- Velocity: Subsonic speeds, typically around 1,050 feet per second (fps)
Key Features:
Subsonic Velocity: One of the standout features of the Sellier & Bellot 200gn Subsonic round is their subsonic velocity. These rounds are intentionally loaded to be quieter than supersonic ammunition, making them ideal for suppressed platform rifles where noise reduction is a priority.
Accuracy: While subsonic ammo tend to have slightly less velocity and energy than their supersonic counterparts, Sellier & Bellot is known for producing subsonic ammunition with excellent accuracy.
Feeds reliably: These rounds are designed for feeding smoothly in semi-automatic and bolt-action firearms chambered in the Blackout. This reliability is essential for consistent performance in various shooting scenarios.
Pros:
- Stealthy Shooting: The subsonic velocity of these rounds makes them significantly quieter than supersonic ammo, making them perfect for discreet ballistics/hunting or home defense with a suppressor.
- Accuracy: Sellier & Bellot’s reputation for accuracy shines through in these subsonic premium ammo, making them an excellent choice for precision shooting.
- Reliability: These rounds are known for their reliability in feeding, cycling, and firing, ensuring consistent performance.
Cons:
- Limited Range: Due to their subsonic velocity, these rounds have a limited effective range compared to supersonic ammo. They are best suited for close range engagements (guns with shorter barrels).
- Terminal Ballistics: Subsonic ammunition may have reduced terminal ballistics, which can affect its performance in hunting scenarios, especially at longer distances.
Final Verdict
The Sellier & Bellot 200gn Subsonic 300 BLK ammunition is an exceptional choice for those seeking subsonic rounds. These rounds excel in providing quiet shooting experiences, making them ideal for use with a suppressor.
While they may have limited effective range and terminal ballistics, they shine in scenarios where stealth and accuracy are paramount. Whether you’re engaging in discreet hunting or require a home defense round that won’t wake the neighborhood, these subsonic rounds from Sellier & Bellot are worth considering.
Their reputation for reliability and precision ensures that you can trust them in your Blackout rifle.
3. Barnes VOR-TX Tipped Triple-Shock X Hollow Point 110gn
Specifications:
- Bullet Weight: 110 grains
- Bullet Type: Tipped Triple-Shock X Hollow
- Muzzle Velocity: Supersonic, typically around 2,350 feet per second (fps)
Key Features:
Premium Hollow Design: The Barnes VOR-TX ammunition is known for its high-quality hollow pointed bullets. The Tipped Triple-Shock X Hollow is designed for controlled expansion upon impact, delivering devastating terminal ballistics.
Copper Bullet Construction: Barnes is renowned for its copper bullets, and this ammo is no exception. Copper bullets are lead-free and offer consistent performance and weight retention, even upon expansion.
Supersonic Velocity: These rounds are loaded to be supersonic, providing excellent velocity and energy for accurate shooting and effective target penetration.
Pros:
- Excellent Terminal Ballistics: The Barnes Tipped Triple-Shock X Hollow Pointed is designed to expand reliably upon impact, delivering maximum stopping power and energy transfer. It’s an excellent choice for hunting, especially for deer-sized game.
- Copper Bullet: The use of copper in the bullet construction ensures that these rounds are environmentally friendly and provide consistent performance.
- Accurate: Barnes is known for its precision, and these rounds are no exception. Expect excellent accuracy and tight groupings.
Cons:
- Cost: Premium performance comes with a premium price tag. The Barnes VOR-TX ammo tends to be more expensive compared to budget options.
- Over-Penetration: Due to the controlled expansion of the hollow pointed bullets, there’s a possibility of over-penetration in own defense scenarios, which may not be ideal for home defense.
Final Verdict
The Barnes VOR-TX Tipped Triple-Shock X Hollow Pointed 110gn 300 BLK ammunition is a top-tier choice for those seeking exceptional terminal ballistics and hunting performance. These rounds are designed to expand reliably, delivering devastating stopping power while maintaining excellent accuracy.
The use of copper in the bullet construction makes them a responsible choice for the environment, and their supersonic velocity ensures that they are suitable for various shooting scenarios.
While the price point may be higher compared to some alternatives, if you prioritize premium performance for hunting or self-defense, the Barnes VOR-TX ammo is an excellent investment.
However, due to the potential for over-penetration in self-defense situations, users should be mindful of their specific use case when choosing this ammunition.
4. Federal Power-Shok Blackout 150gn
Specifications:
- Bullet Weight: 150 grains
- Bullet Type: Soft Point (SP)
- Velocity: Supersonic, typically around 1,900 feet per second (fps)
Key Features:
Soft Point Design: The Federal Power-Shok .300 AAC Blackout ammo is equipped with soft point (SP) round. SP round is designed to expand upon impact, transferring energy efficiently to the target while minimizing the risk of over-penetration.
Reliable Performance: Federal has a long history of producing reliable ammunition. The Power-Shok line is known for consistent quality and dependable performance, making it suitable for various shooting applications.
Supersonic Velocity: These rounds are loaded to be supersonic, providing good velocity and energy for hunting and target shooting.
Pros:
- Effective Expansion: The soft point design of the bullets promotes reliable expansion upon impact, making them an excellent choice for hunting medium to large game.
- Reliable and Smooth Feeding: Federal ammunition is known for its reliability, ensuring that these perfect round will feed and fire consistently in your Blackout rifle.
- Affordability: Federal Power-Shok ammo typically offers good performance at a reasonable price, making it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
Cons:
- Limited Range: While suitable for hunting and target shooting, the supersonic velocity of these rounds may limit their effective range compared to some other high-velocity options.
- Terminal Ballistics: While the soft point design promotes expansion, it may not provide the same level of controlled expansion as premium hollow pointed ammo for hunting.
Final Verdict
The Federal Power-Shok Blackout 150gn ammunition is a solid choice for shooters seeking reliable and affordable performance. These rounds are well-suited for hunting medium to large game thanks to their soft point design, which promotes effective expansion upon impact.
Federal’s reputation for quality control ensures that these rounds will reliably feed and fire in your Blackout rifle.
While they may have a limited effective range compared to some higher-velocity options, the affordability of Federal Power-Shok ammo makes it an attractive choice for those who prioritize a balance between performance and cost.
If you’re a hunter looking for reliable and cost-effective ammunition for your Blackout AR Pistol or rifle, these rounds are definitely worth considering.
5. Fiocchi 125gn BLK 300
Specifications:
- Bullet Weight: 125 grains
- Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacketed (FMJ)
- Velocity: Supersonic, typically around 2,000 feet per second (fps)
Key Features:
Reliable Performance: Fiocchi is a well-respected ammunition manufacturer known for producing consistent and reliable products. The 125gn 300 BLK rounds are no exception, offering dependable performance.
Supersonic Velocity: These rounds are designed to be supersonic, providing good velocity and energy for target shooting and training.
Cost-Effective: Fiocchi ammunition often offers a balance between quality and affordability, making it appealing to a wide range of shooters.
Pros:
- Reliable and Smooth Feeding: Fiocchi’s reputation for quality control ensures that these rounds will feed and fire consistently in your Blackout AR pistol or fiel, contributing to a smoother shooting experience.
- Accuracy: These rounds are known for their accuracy, making them suitable for precision shooting and target practice.
- Affordability: Fiocchi ammunition is often priced competitively, providing good value for those who shoot frequently.
Cons:
- Limited Terminal Ballistics: The FMJ design limits expansion upon impact, which may not be ideal for hunting or self-defense scenarios where controlled expansion is preferred.
- Not Ideal for Hunting: Due to the FMJ design, these rounds are generally not recommended for hunting applications as they may not provide sufficient stopping power or ethical performance on game, including both thick and thin skinned animals.
Final Verdict
The Fiocchi 125gn 300 BLK ammunition is a reliable and cost-effective choice for target shooting and training. These rounds are known for their consistent performance, feeding reliably in your Blackout AR, and offering good accuracy for precision shooting.
Fiocchi’s reputation for quality control ensures that these rounds will function smoothly.
However, it’s important to note that these rounds feature a full metal jacket (FMJ) design, which limits their terminal ballistics. As a result, they are not ideal for hunting or self-defense scenarios where controlled expansion is preferred.
If your primary use for Blackout ammunition is target shooting or training, and you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Fiocchi 125gn 300 BLK ammo is a solid choice.
6. Hornady 300 Blackout 125gn HP
Specifications:
- Bullet Weight: 125 grains
- Ammo Type: Hollow Pointed (HP)
- Velocity: Supersonic, typically around 2,215 feet per second (fps)
Key Features:
Premium Hollow Pointed Design: The Hornady Blackout 125gn HP ammunition features high-quality hollow pointed ammo. Hollow pointed ammo are designed to expand upon impact, maximizing stopping power and energy transfer.
Reliable Performance: Hornady is renowned for producing reliable and consistent ammunition. These rounds are known for their quality control and dependable performance.
Supersonic Velocity: These rounds are designed to be supersonic, providing excellent velocity and energy for accurate shooting and effective target penetration.
Pros:
- Outstanding Terminal Ballistics: The hollow pointed design of these rounds ensures reliable expansion upon impact, delivering maximum stopping power. This makes them an excellent choice for hunting and own defense.
- Accuracy: Hornady is known for its precision, and these rounds are no exception. Expect excellent accuracy and tight groupings.
- Reliable Feeding: Hornady ammunition typically feeds reliably in a wide range of gun, contributing to a smoother shooting experience.
Cons:
- Cost: Premium performance comes with a premium price tag. The Hornady Blackout 125gn HP rounds tend to be more expensive compared to budget options.
- Over-Penetration: Due to the controlled expansion of the hollow pointed loads, there’s a possibility of over-penetration in own defense scenarios, which may not be ideal for home defense.
Final Verdict
The Hornady Blackout 125gn HP ammunition is a top-tier choice for shooters seeking exceptional terminal ballistics and performance. These rounds are designed for controlled expansion upon impact, maximizing stopping power and energy transfer.
Hornady’s reputation for quality control ensures that these rounds will feed and fire reliably in your Blackout AR Pistol or rifle.
While they may come at a higher price point compared to some alternatives, if you prioritize premium performance for hunting or own defense, the Hornady Blackout 300 125gn HP rounds are a worthwhile investment.
However, be mindful of the potential for over-penetration in own defense scenarios, and consider your specific use case when choosing this ammunition. For those looking for maximum stopping power and accuracy, these rounds are an excellent choice.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Selecting the best 300 Blackout ammunition boils down to your specific needs and preferences. Each of the reviewed options has its strengths and may cater to different shooting scenarios:
- Magtech First Defense 123gn 300 BLK: Reliable and accurate supersonic rounds suitable for target shooting and own defense.
- Sellier & Bellot 200gn Subsonic 300 BLK: Ideal for discreet shooting with a suppressor, making it perfect for hunting and home defense scenarios where noise reduction is crucial.
- Barnes VOR-TX Tipped Triple-Shock X Hollow Pointed 110gn 300 BLK: Offers premium terminal ballistics for hunting, especially on deer-sized game.
- Federal Power-Shok Blackout 150gn: A reliable and affordable choice for hunting medium to large game.
- Fiocchi 125gn 300 BLK: Cost-effective rounds best suited for target shooting and training, offering consistent performance.
- Hornady Blackout 125gn HP: Premium ammunition known for its outstanding terminal ballistics, making it ideal for hunting and own defense.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your intended use, budget, and personal preferences. Whether you prioritize accuracy, power, or subsonic performance, there’s an ammunition option among those reviewed that can meet your needs.
FAQ
Can I shoot .223 or 5.56mm ammo in my Blackout 300 rifle?
While .223 and 5.56mm cartridges may physically fit in a Blackout chamber, it is not safe to do so. Always use the appropriate caliber ammunition for your rifle to prevent potential safety issues.
What is the effective range of Blackout 300?
The effective range of Blackout can vary based on the specific load and bullet type. Generally, it is effective up to 300 yards for supersonic rounds and around 100-200 yards for subsonic rounds. However, factors like bullet weight and barrel length can influence this range.
Do I need a special magazine for .300 AAC Blackout ammunition in my AR-15?
It is advisable to use dedicated Blackout magazines to prevent accidental mixing with other calibers. These magazines are designed to accommodate the specific dimensions of Blackout cartridges and ensure reliable and smooth feeding, reducing the risk of malfunctions.