Best 300 Blackout Ammo
Barnes VOR-TX 110gr TAC-TX is your best overall pick for 300 Blackout ammo.
It is an all-copper supersonic load that reaches 2,350 fps and 1,349 ft-lbs of energy from a 16 inch barrel, ranking as the top supersonic choice in RifleConfigurator's 2026 head-to-head testing of eight loads.
300 Blackout runs two distinct roles in the same rifle. Supersonic loads in the 110 to 150 grain range give you a fast, flat-shooting round for home defense, hunting, and general range use.
Subsonic loads in the 190 to 220 grain range trade velocity for a quiet, suppressor-friendly round built around expansion at low speed.
We picked loads across both categories using terminal ballistics, barrel-length performance, and application, drawing on testing from RifleConfigurator, Pew Pew Tactical, and Field & Stream.
Below are the 5 best 300 Blackout loads available at Ammunition Depot.
1. Barnes VOR-TX 110gr TAC-TX - Our Overall Pick
Best for: All-purpose supersonic use, home defense, and general range work.
The all-copper TAC-TX bullet is built to expand reliably across a wide velocity range, which matters in 300 Blackout since barrel length swings performance significantly.
RifleConfigurator clocked this load at 2,350 fps and 1,349 ft-lbs of energy from a 16 inch barrel, ranking it the top supersonic option in its 2026 comparison of eight leading 300 Blackout loads.
Specs
- Grain: 110
- Velocity: ~2,350 fps (16" barrel)
- Bullet type: All-copper TAC-TX, expanding
- Case: Brass
The Barnes VOR-TX 110gr TAC-TX is a popular .300 Blackout hunting load, particularly for shooters who want reliable terminal performance from a lightweight, all-copper projectile.
The 110-grain TAC-TX bullet is designed to expand rapidly while retaining much of its weight, helping it deliver effective penetration on game.
Unlike traditional lead-core bullets, the TAC-TX uses a solid copper construction with a polymer tip that initiates expansion after impact. Its lighter weight also allows for higher velocities than heavier .300 Blackout loads, producing a flatter trajectory and strong energy within the cartridge’s practical hunting range.
Barnes loads VOR-TX ammunition with quality components for dependable feeding and consistent performance.
Overall, the 110gr TAC-TX is a well-regarded .300 Blackout hunting option for deer, hogs, and similarly sized game where controlled expansion and penetration are priorities.
2. Hornady Subsonic 190gr Sub-X
Best for: Suppressed home defense and hunting.
The Sub-X bullet uses a Flex Tip design engineered to expand reliably even at subsonic velocities, which is a real limitation for many hollow points once they drop below the sound barrier.
Ammo.com and ProArmory both name this Hornady load their top subsonic pick, citing consistent expansion and accuracy from a suppressed AR platform.
Specs
- Grain: 190
- Velocity: ~1,050 fps (subsonic)
- Bullet type: Sub-X Flex Tip, expanding
- Case: Brass
The Hornady Subsonic 190gr Sub-X is a purpose-built .300 Blackout load designed to deliver controlled expansion at the lower velocities associated with subsonic ammunition.
Its 190-grain Sub-X projectile uses a polymer Flex Tip that helps initiate expansion within the bullet’s intended velocity range. Unlike conventional rifle bullets that may require higher impact velocities to expand reliably, the Sub-X is engineered specifically around subsonic performance.
The heavier projectile also produces the low-velocity characteristics that make .300 Blackout popular for specialized suppressed shooting applications.
Hornady pairs the Sub-X bullet with carefully selected components to promote consistent cycling and dependable accuracy in compatible firearms.
Overall, the 190gr Sub-X stands out as a specialized .300 Blackout option for shooters seeking an expanding projectile designed specifically for subsonic velocities.
3. Hornady BLACK 110gr V-MAX
Best for: Home defense and varmint hunting.
The polymer-tipped V-MAX bullet creates rapid expansion on impact, which Pew Pew Tactical names as the deciding factor in naming this load its top home defense pick.
RifleConfigurator measured it at 2,375 fps and 1,377 ft-lbs of energy from a 16 inch barrel, the highest muzzle energy of any supersonic load in its test.
Specs
- Grain: 110
- Velocity: ~2,375 fps (16" barrel)
- Bullet type: V-MAX polymer tip, rapid expansion
- Case: Brass
The Hornady BLACK 110gr V-MAX is a lightweight .300 Blackout load designed to deliver high velocity, accuracy, and rapid bullet expansion. Its 110-grain V-MAX projectile features a polymer tip and thin jacket engineered to initiate fast expansion and fragmentation upon impact.
Compared with heavier .300 Blackout offerings, the 110gr V-MAX achieves higher velocities and a relatively flat trajectory, making it well suited to applications where quick terminal performance is preferred.
The V-MAX design is especially well known for varmint and predator hunting, where rapid energy transfer is an important consideration. Hornady’s BLACK ammunition line is manufactured for reliable functioning across a variety of firearm platforms, with consistent components and quality control.
Overall, the 110gr V-MAX is a strong .300 Blackout option for target shooting, varmint hunting, and other applications that benefit from a fast, rapidly expanding projectile.
4. Federal Power-Shok 150gr JSP
Best for: Deer and hog hunting at close range.
Pew Pew Tactical names this jacketed soft point its top supersonic hunting round for 300 Blackout.
The heavier 150 grain bullet sits between the fast 110 to 125 grain defensive loads and the heavy subsonic hunting options, giving controlled expansion without sacrificing too much velocity.
Specs
- Grain: 150
- Velocity: Supersonic (barrel-length dependent)
- Bullet type: Jacketed soft point, expanding
- Case: Brass
The Federal Power-Shok 150gr JSP is a straightforward .300 Blackout hunting load built around a traditional jacketed soft-point bullet.
Its 150-grain projectile features an exposed lead tip designed to promote controlled expansion on impact while maintaining enough weight for dependable penetration.
Compared with lighter, faster .300 Blackout loads, the 150gr Power-Shok offers a heavier projectile and a more conventional hunting-bullet design. This makes it a practical choice for hunters who prefer proven soft-point construction rather than specialized polymer-tipped or all-copper bullets.
Federal’s Power-Shok line is designed to provide reliable performance at an accessible price, making it suitable for both practice and hunting.
Overall, the 150gr JSP is a solid, no-frills .300 Blackout hunting option for deer and similarly sized game within the cartridge’s appropriate range.
5. Ammo Inc. Signature Target 150gr FMJ
Best for: High-volume range training.
Pew Pew Tactical names this the most affordable 300 Blackout load in its lineup.
It is a straightforward FMJ built for reliable cycling and low cost per round rather than terminal performance, making it the practical choice for putting a lot of rounds downrange.
Specs
- Grain: 150
- Velocity: Supersonic (barrel-length dependent)
- Bullet type: Full metal jacket
- Case: Brass
The Ammo Inc. Signature Target 150gr FMJ is a straightforward .300 Blackout range load designed for practice, training, and recreational shooting.
Its 150-grain full metal jacket projectile provides consistent performance without the specialized expanding bullet construction found in hunting or defensive ammunition.
As a supersonic load, the 150gr FMJ offers a useful middle ground between lightweight, high-velocity .300 Blackout ammunition and the cartridge’s much heavier subsonic offerings.
The conventional FMJ design also makes it well suited to high-volume range sessions where reliable feeding and predictable accuracy are the primary considerations.
Ammo Inc.’s Signature line is produced with reloadable brass cases and components intended to provide dependable function across compatible .300 Blackout firearms.
Overall, the 150gr FMJ is a practical choice for shooters looking for general-purpose target ammunition without paying the premium associated with specialized expanding projectiles.
Manufacturer Information
Federal Premium is one of America’s best-known ammunition manufacturers, with a history dating back to 1922. The company produces everything from affordable range ammunition to specialized hunting and defensive loads.
Federal is especially recognized for product lines such as HST, Power-Shok, American Eagle, and Gold Medal, giving shooters options across a wide range of applications.
Barnes is best known for pioneering premium all-copper hunting bullets and ammunition. Founded in 1932, the brand has built its reputation around controlled expansion, deep penetration, and high weight retention.
Products such as the TAC-TX and TSX reflect Barnes’ focus on advanced projectile design, making the company particularly popular among hunters seeking lead-free, high-performance ammunition.
Hornady has been producing bullets and ammunition since 1949 and has become one of the most recognizable names in the shooting and hunting industry. The company is known for developing specialized projectile designs rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Lines such as BLACK, Sub-X, V-MAX, and Critical Defense showcase Hornady’s emphasis on innovation, consistency, and application-specific performance.
Ammo Inc. is a comparatively newer American ammunition manufacturer that has developed a broad catalog of handgun and rifle cartridges for recreational, competitive, and specialized shooting.
Its Signature line focuses on dependable, general-purpose ammunition, while other offerings incorporate more specialized projectile designs. The brand provides shooters with options spanning everyday range use and performance-focused applications.
Supersonic vs. Subsonic: Know What You're Buyin
Supersonic 300 Blackout loads typically run 110 to 150 grains and break the sound barrier, producing a normal rifle report and a flatter trajectory out to about 300 yards.
Subsonic loads run 185 to 220 grains and stay under about 1,100 fps, which is what makes them quiet through a suppressor.
The two load types are not interchangeable for purpose.
A subsonic round through an unsuppressed rifle still sounds like a rifle shot, and a supersonic round through a suppressor will still crack from the sonic boom of the bullet itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is 300 Blackout good for home defense?
Answer: Yes. Supersonic loads like the Hornady V-MAX deliver rapid expansion and manageable recoil from an AR-15 platform, and the cartridge cycles reliably in short-barrel configurations suited to indoor use.
Question: Do I need a different barrel to shoot 300 Blackout in my AR-15?
Answer: Yes. 300 Blackout uses the same bolt and magazines as .223/5.56, but it requires a dedicated 300 Blackout barrel. Never fire 300 Blackout ammunition from a .223/5.56 chamber, which can cause a catastrophic failure.
Question: What twist rate do I need for 300 Blackout?
Answer: Most 300 Blackout barrels use a 1:7 or 1:8 twist, which stabilizes the full range of bullet weights from 110 to 220 grains. A 1:7 twist gives the most stability margin for the heaviest 220 grain-plus subsonic loads.
Question: Can I shoot subsonic 300 Blackout without a suppressor?
Answer: Yes, subsonic ammunition functions in any 300 Blackout rifle. It simply will not be quiet without a suppressor, and some subsonic loads may not generate enough gas pressure to reliably cycle certain AR-15 platforms.
Additional Reading
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