About 300 Blackout Ammo
The .300 AAC Blackout, also recognized as 300 Blackout or 7.62×35mm, has established its reputation for versatility and performance—especially within modern sporting rifles.
.300 Blackout is optimized for AR-15 rifles, offering enhanced ballistic performance while utilizing standard AR-15 components, including AR-15 magazines and bolt carriers.
After several years of meticulous development, 300 Blackout was officially introduced in 2011 through a collaborative effort between Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) and Remington Defense, led by Kevin Brittingham.
The goal was to deliver a .30 caliber cartridge that exceeded the performance of 5.56 NATO in suppressed firearms and close-quarters operations. Built from .223 Remington casings, .300 Blackout is designed to fit seamlessly into AR-15/M4 platforms without requiring extensive modifications.
It functions exceptionally well with both subsonic and supersonic loads, making it highly adaptable for various tactical and civilian applications.
Subsonic rounds, especially those with heavier bullets (up to 220 grains), are ideal for use with suppressors, offering reduced noise signature and recoil.
Today, .300 Blackout is a go-to choice for a range of shooting applications—from hunting and home defense to tactical use and suppressed shooting.
Its development has had a lasting impact on the ammunition industry, proving that caliber innovation within standardized firearm platforms can elevate both performance and adaptability.
Common Names for .300 Blackout Ammo
Since its initial release over 13 years ago, 300 Blackout has become a formidable ammo choice and is utilized by military, law enforcement, and gun owners across the globe. Common designations include:
- 300 Blackout
- 300 Blackout Ammunition
- 300 BLK
- 300 AAC
- 300 AAC Ammunition
- 300 AAC Blackout Ammo
Regardless of your preferred terminology, 300 Blackout has continued to gain popularity over a short period, is readily available, and is an excellent choice for firearm owners searching for an accurate mid-range caliber.
Popular .300 Blackout Manufactures
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Ammo Inc.
Known for their precision engineering and innovative designs, Ammo Inc. offers a variety of .300 Blackout rounds catering to both supersonic and subsonic preferences. -
Armscor
As a well-established brand, Armscor provides shooters with affordable and reliable .300 Blackout ammunition options, ensuring consistent performance. -
Prvi Partizan (PPU)
PPU has a long-standing reputation for manufacturing high-quality ammunition, including a range of .300 Blackout cartridges suitable for various shooting applications. -
Federal Premium
Federal Premium provides shooters with a wide range of .300 Blackout ammunition, including options for hunting, self-defense, and target shooting. -
Sellier & Bellot
This European manufacturer is renowned for its consistency and reliability, offering a variety of .300 Blackout ammo choices for both target shooting and hunting. -
Magtech
Offering affordable and reliable ammunition, Magtech’s .300 Blackout lineup caters to shooters looking for cost-effective options. -
Sig Sauer
With a legacy in firearms manufacturing, Sig Sauer also produces top-tier ammunition. Their .300 Blackout rounds are engineered for precision and reliability. -
Winchester
As one of the most iconic names in the ammunition industry, Winchester provides a wide array of .300 Blackout options, including rounds designed for optimal performance in suppressed firearms. -
Liberty Ammunition
Known for their innovative and high-performance rounds, Liberty Ammunition’s .300 Blackout cartridges offer exceptional speed and lethality. -
Nosler
Renowned for their precision and innovation, Nosler’s .300 Blackout rounds are meticulously engineered for accuracy and performance.
300 Blackout Ammo Features
VERSATILITY
300 Blackout ammo is designed to work in a wide range of firearms, including AR-15 rifles, bolt-action rifles, and even some pistols. This versatility makes it an attractive choice for shooters who own multiple firearms and want to use the same ammunition across different platforms.
STOPPING POWER
300 Blackout ammunition is known for its good stopping power, making it an effective choice for hunting and self-defense.
BALLISTICS
The .300 Blackout cartridge is designed to deliver good ballistics, with a flat trajectory and good accuracy at long ranges. This makes it a popular choice for both hunting and target shooting.
PERFORMANCE
Regarding performance, .300 Blackout is commonly compared to 5.56 ammo and is generally considered to be the more adequate caliber (although this is also largely dependent more on the shooter's skill). Additionally, 300 Blackout ammo offers low recoil and a high velocity that maintains performance at range - with or without a suppressor.
SUPERSONIC AND SUBSONIC OPTIONS
.300 Blackout ammunition is available in both supersonic and subsonic options. The supersonic rounds are designed for hunting and target shooting, while the subsonic rounds are designed for use with suppressors and for shooting at shorter ranges.
AVAILABILITY
300 AAC Blackout ammunition is widely available in-store, online, and is produced by most major ammunition manufacturers. 300 Blackout ammunition is generally more expensive than 5.56x45mm NATO, but is comparable in price to other hunting and tactical cartridges.
Popular .300 Blackout Firearms
- Black Rain
Black Rain Ordnance Fallout15: A well-built AR-15 style rifle known for its accuracy and reliability, perfect for shooting .300 Blackout ammunition. - Diamondback
Diamondback DB15: A versatile and affordable option, the DB15 in .300 Blackout offers great performance for both hunting and tactical shooting. - Sig Sauer
Sig Sauer MCX Virtus Patrol: Offering a modular design and exceptional performance, the MCX Virtus Patrol in .300 Blackout is well-regarded among tactical shooters. - Ruger
Ruger American Ranch: This bolt-action rifle is compact, lightweight, and designed for precision, making it a popular choice for .300 Blackout enthusiasts. - Rock River Arms
Rock River Arms LAR-300 X-1: This AR-15 style rifle is built for precision and durability, offering a reliable platform for shooting .300 Blackout rounds. - Connecticut Valley Arms (CVA)
CVA Scout V2: A single-shot rifle with a reputation for accuracy, the Scout V2 in .300 Blackout is a favorite among hunters and shooters alike. - American Tactical Inc.
American Tactical Omni Hybrid Maxx: This AR-15 style rifle combines lightweight construction with reliability, making it a popular choice for .300 Blackout shooters. - Springfield Armory
Springfield Armory Saint Victor: A high-performance AR-15 style rifle, the Saint Victor in .300 Blackout is known for its accuracy and reliability. - Remington
Remington Model 700 SPS Tactical: A bolt-action rifle with a strong reputation for accuracy, the Model 700 SPS Tactical in .300 Blackout is a top choice for precision shooting. - Wilson Combat
Wilson Combat AR-15 Ranger: Known for its exceptional craftsmanship, the AR-15 Ranger in .300 Blackout provides top-tier performance and accuracy. - Daniel Defense
Daniel Defense DDM4V7: Known for its quality and reliability, the DDM4V7 in .300 Blackout is a preferred choice for both hunters and tactical shooters. - BCM (Bravo Company Manufacturing)
BCM Recce-16: A well-regarded AR-15 style rifle, the Recce-16 in .300 Blackout is known for its accuracy, reliability, and top-notch craftsmanship.
Supersonic vs Subsonic .300 Blackout: What’s the Difference?
When shopping for .300 Blackout ammo, one of the most common choices shooters face is between supersonic and subsonic .300 Blackout ammunition. While both are designed for the same caliber, they serve very different purposes depending on your shooting needs.
What is Supersonic .300 Blackout Ammo?
Supersonic .300 Blackout ammunition travels faster than the speed of sound—typically above 1,125 feet per second (fps). These rounds are designed to deliver maximum velocity, energy, and long-range performance, making them ideal for hunting, tactical use, and defensive applications.
- Bullet Weights: Generally 110 to 150 grains
- Best For: Longer-range shooting, hunting, and barrier penetration
- Performance: Higher recoil and louder report
- Suppression Compatibility: Can be used with suppressors, but not optimized for ultra-quiet performance
- Supersonic rounds shine in situations where you need terminal power and trajectory similar to 7.62x39mm or .308 Win in a more compact package.
What is Subsonic .300 Blackout Ammo?
Subsonic .300 Blackout ammo is engineered to stay below the speed of sound, keeping velocities under 1,125 fps. The slower speed reduces the sonic crack of the bullet, making it a favorite for suppressed firearms and stealth shooting.
- Bullet Weights: Typically 190 to 220 grains
- Best For: Suppressed shooting, close-range use, and home defense
- Performance: Quieter with reduced recoil, but less terminal velocity
- Suppression Compatibility: Excellent—designed for quiet operation with suppressors
- Subsonic ammo is particularly effective in short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and AR-15 pistols outfitted with suppressors, offering whisper-quiet performance and reliable cycling.
.300 Blackout Ammo FAQs
QUESTION: What is 300 Blackout ammo used for?
ANSWER: 300 Blackout ammo and 5.56 NATO are considered intermediate-class rifle cartridges and are typically used for target shooting, game hunting, home defense, and plinking.
QUESTION: What is the advantage of 300 Blackout Ammo?
ANSWER: Compared to similar calibers, 300 Blackout Ammo has many advantages. 300 AAC / 300 Blackout offers a broader range of projectile choices thanks to its 30-caliber bore. It can also cycle super and subsonic ammunition without modification.
QUESTION: Is 300 Blackout Ammo good for hunting?
ANSWER: While caliber size and type generally come down to personal preference, the short answer to whether or not 300 Blackout is well-suited for hunting game is yes. 300 AAC is a good choice for deer hunting, especially compared to the 223 Remington or 5.56 NATO. Although, it might not be terribly effective with bigger game.
QUESTION: Can 300 Blackout Ammunition go bad?
ANSWER: There is no real expiration date for 300 Blackout. If you keep it stored in the correct conditions (cool and dry) it can last over a lifetime! For more information, check out our article How to Store Ammo.
QUESTION: What is the difference between 300 Blackout and 300 AAC?
ANSWER: There is no difference between 300 Blackout and 300 AAC, as they are two names for the same cartridge. The name "AAC" in the original cartridge designation refers to the company that developed it.
QUESTION: Can I buy 300 Blackout Ammo in bulk?
ANSWER: Most definitely. Thanks to its continued popularity, 300 Blackout Ammo is readily available in bulk quantities at most ammunition retailers and online sellers. At Ammunition Depot, we carry a vast selection of 300 AAC / 300 Blackout from all the brands you know and at a price point that won’t break the bank.