I was thinking the same thing. My local hardware store had two 300 blackouts on the rack for 750 each. With plenty of ammo to go along with it. I was seriously thinking about getting one myself. Its been about a month and they havent sold a single box of ammo. Im with Kev on this. What do yall guys think?

 

I own a 300 blackout- the 9" SBR AAC upper. I love the gun for its quiet shooting (suppressed). The main problem I have is ammo selection. If it is subsonic it is almost useless for taking game animals without head shots. Supersonic rounds are great for hunting but kill the quietness. So you have to ask yourself what you want the platform to do?

This will probably not answer your question and create a few more, but if you want to know anything specific I will do my best to answer.

Saltydaog

 

If it is subsonic it is almost useless for taking game animals without head shots. Supersonic rounds are great for hunting but kill the quietness. So you have to ask yourself what you want the platform to do?

One of the reasons why I wanted a 300 is to hunt with a suppressor. This would be for wild hogs mainly, coyotes and other stuff secondly.

 

In my opinion, the 300 BLK is too much middle of the road. It has a fairly short range for a rifle (~500 yards supersonic), and actually has less muzzle energy than 5.56. Its only major advantage is its ability to be suppressed, but that takes you into a whole new ballgame of paperwork.
There might be ammo available, but there's still lots of 5.56/.223 for MUCH cheaper if you spend a bit looking (.40+/per round cheaper).
Another issue, for me at least, is that I force myself to buy the gear needed to reload every caliber I shoot. This would be just one more to stock for.
I've thought about it many times myself, and every time I reach the same conclusion, theres just not enough benefit for me to justify buying into a new caliber.

 

I decided just to go for it and will be building one here soon. I will cut down my own brass and if any 5.56/223 ammo gets a split neck it will end up going into a bin to be cut down.

 

Home defense. Close quarter combat. It's effective and quiet with a can because it's subsonic and slow. Long distance it's more like a mortar. I'm not a fan. 6.8 SPC or 6.5 Grendel are much better.

 

It all depends on what you plan on using it for.

Do you reload? If no, I wouldn't bother.
Do you plan on getting a suppressor? Again, if no I wouldn't bother.

If both questions above were answered yes then I think it's an obvious green light. I think it's awesome for HD and hunting from 0-200(ish) meters. It's super quiet in subsonics and delivers a lot of energy at closer ranges. Also using the same magazines and bolts as AR's is a plus.

 

Brass is easy to make, very efficient powder usage and wide selection of projectiles as in any .30 cal. bullet. What isn't to like ?
Not to mention same mags and platform.
Cast boolits too !

 

Like everyone else has already stated it's a niche round. If you thing you might ever have a need to fill the niche then get one. But it only makes since to me in an SBR with a suppressor. If you don't want to go the SBR route(for out of state travel or state laws) than build an AR pistol. But either way it needs to be suppressed.

For pig hunting IDK what 220gr subs would do and if they make since on a pig. If they don't I'd go with 6.8 unless you reload and then it would be a close call.

 

I'm a big believer in "doing it right or not doing it at all..." In this state- .223 is legal to hunt deer with anyways- and .300 BLK seems to be a bastard cartridge at best. I know some that have gone to it for the wrong reasons ( like I can use my 5.56 mags- but then sell their only 5.56 upper ? ). It's a CQB round.. Optimized typically for shorter barrels & suppressors. Ammo pretty darn hard to find around here too & expensive to boot.. To me, doing it right would be 5.56 and stepping up to .308 when you need more oomph. On the civilian side- going .300 BLK is akin to turning the little 5.56 into not much more than a pistol carbine round.. Specialty round. Limited use. Muted!

 

Some time ago, Savage announced it would be chambering the Model 10 Precision Carbine in 300 AAC Blackout. Since that time, we have tested many variants of this cartridge in various barrel lengths and rates of twist. This exhaustive testing left us quite unsatisfied with the accuracy we were able to get from the subsonic loads in this chambering. Accuracy with the lighter, faster loads in this caliber was actually quite good. But we believe the real value in this cartridge lies in the use of subsonic loads for suppressed rifles. Therefore we have decided to scrap the project.
It is our understanding that pushing these heavy, slow bullets presents challenges not found in typical loadings and that our experience is not unique. Subsequently, many in the industry have simply adopted a lower standard for accuracy for these subsonic loads. While this does seem reasonable and we don't criticize any in our industry that have taken this approach, it just won't work for Savage.
Our brand was built on accuracy and we are too protective of our reputation for building the most accurate factory rifles available. We would rather walk away from this opportunity than sell a product that requires an explanation.

That was clipped from a Savage press release. Ironic, isn't it... the 300 BLK's niche is short range suppressed work, but the subsonic bullets are the most inaccurate of all 300 BLK loadings. If that doesn't turn you off, go for it.

To the OP, have you considered .458 SOCOM?

 

What accuracy was Savage getting ? and at what ranges ? Plenty of info out there on how accurate 300BLK sub-sonic rifles and loads are....

 

I was in the same situation in November. I had been saving to build my first "Nice" AR. I have had others but they were never really nice. I bought a nice lower and all of it's parts and I couldn't decide on the upper. I have had my eyes on this upper for quite a while. http://www.advanced-armament.com/300-BLK-Upper-16-Barrel_p_463.html

I ran across someone I know selling it pretty cheap and it was barely used so I grabbed it. No I won't be using a suppressor due to paperwork and such and I won't be reloading so as someone stated above it is kind of a waste for me. However, I have been interested in this caliber for quite some time so I finally decided to go for it. It will be more of a hobby gun as I have quite a bit into it. More than I care to think about!!!

I can't give you any reason except that I wanted it so I bought it! I only have 400 or so rounds as I haven't come across any at a decent price as of yet. I wish I could find it local like you guys!

 

The biggest advantage for using 300 BLK is that it will cycle AR action firing sub-sonic loads. The 200-220 grain bullets at sub-sonic velocity is far deadlier than sub-sonic 5.56 loads. Very quiet and deadly at short range.

 

For 0-200m or so, the 300BLK offers better terminal effect than the 5.56 with no downsides. Past that, trajectory begins to become more and more a factor.

Currently the best performing ammunition in 5.56 expands to around 0.45-0.50", while the 300BLKL manages 0.50-0.60".

The nice thing about 300BLK is the high-mass projectile which allows batter penetration and effect after car doors, windscreens, etc.

Another nice thing you are obviously aware of is parts commonality. Also, it is a reliable platform by now. The kinks have been worked out at this point, and it has some serious and growing even still industry support.

The other aspect is that if you want a shorter rifle, say, 8-12", you will give up MUCH LESS velocity, percentage wise, than in 5.56.

My opinion? Game 300# and under and barrels 14.5" or greater, 5.56 works fine. Barriers, shorter barrels, larger critters, I would prefer the 300BLK.

As soon as Remington works out the kinks, practice ammo should be available for around $0.50 a round factory new. Currently we are at 0.60 a round for factory reloads from reputable companies. Of course you can always roll your own.


What it amounts to is this:

Higher mass projectile with less muzzle concussion at the expense of "rifle-like" velocity much past 200 yards, and a more dramatic trajectory, as compared with 5.56. If you feel like the 7.62x39 was/is a good round, then this is a solution to have it, with modern projectiles, in a more ergonomic platform.

 

I was once in the same corner that 300Black had no real advantages for me.

But I am slowly coming around, I now intend to get a SBR in 300 with a Can.
I realize it is really a niche gun but it fills that Niche very well.

.

 

With the current prices of uppers, lowers and availability of ammunition, should I go with a 300 Blackout?

Do you intend to also go the NFA route to put a suppressor on it? If not, you're not really doing anything positive. You'll get similar ballistics out of a 7.62x39 upper (and be firing a much more common and available cartridge). Suppressed, it's nice--limited, but nice. Unsuppressed, it's an underpowered .30 caliber.

 

Yes, but the 300BLK is reliable in the AR platform. The 7.62x39 eats bolts like candy, for one.

 

I have been on 300 BO almost since the beginning ! I have a 9.5" AAC with a AAC can and it is an incredible weapon MOM accurate at 220 yds. I bet I am reloading it a bunch cheaper then you can buy it! I turn all my 5.56 brass into 300 brass, by crap loads of 7.62x54r and pull it apart for the bullets, use IMR 4227 powder. I only reload sub sonic.

 

I have a 10" Noveske 300BLK.
It's sex, seriously.

300BLK is an incredibly versatile med range round.
More energy than 5.56 in a shorter barrel, same effective range.
Suppression is outstanding, bullet choices are too.
The 110 Barnes TSX has been described as 'black magic for anything made of meat."
The 220 subsonic is basically a 45ACP smacking things...
IMHO, it's a great addition to a safe.
If, for some reason, you end up hating it, just buy a 5.56 barrel for the rest of the upper and sell the 300BLK.

 

Here is my 300. It is by far my favorite weapon I own!

 

Silent...and invisible. FTW!

 

Kev. Sounds like your firearms are well rounded. If you are seeing a need for a 300 BLK get it! Can never go wrong with a good firearm as you know!
Pics please!!

 

kev... the question isnt really if you are sold on 300 blackout, the question is if you are vested in reloading... if the answer is yes, then go for the 300, if the answer is no, you might want to stick with what you got.

i got into 300 blk about 4-5 months ago... got a YHM fluted 16" bbl at a nice price, but my main deciding factor was that i have .223 brass stock and could convert plenty at a low price. i also have a good stock of H110 and W296 powder since i already reloaded for 30 carbine, 357 mag and 44 mag. Plus i had an extra upper reciever laying around to put the bbl on, so the 'stars aligned' so to speak.

I do enjoy the round, its easy to reload for, and lehigh defense makes some absolutely fantastic projectiles (controlled chaos, 110 gr) that i also use for hot .308 hunting loads out of my ruger gunsight.

300 blk is flexible in that it can accept a very wide array of projectile weights in .308, but again this primarily points to feasibility to a reloader. if you plan on only purchasing new factory, it might not be worth the capital cost if you have other priorities right now.

personally i dont think it does much on the external ballistic front any better then the 7.62x39, but i own 2 of those already, and i reload for .308, 30-06 and 30 carbine already so i figured, why not, and i wasnt really looking at it from a pragmatic standpoint. that being said, it is now sitting next to my night stand with a 60 round surefire mag, a surefire x300hd and a aimpoint compm4 on it... the controlled chaos rounds that i loaded in there dont over penetrate through household barriers and are absolutely devastating in flesh... so thats what i am rolling with in the house (outside of pistols). that isnt to say i couldnt load those 110 grain rounds in my 30 carbine, but i would have to do some custom load work and adjust the OAL...

i have loaded about 600 rounds or it (both match and controlled chaos projectiles), and i have bought only about 400 PNW 125 grain a-max rounds, which i spent just over $1 per round on... so i only have about 1100 rounds on hand for 300 blk which pales in comparison to every other stock of caliber i have to include 6.8 SPC, so know its not for particularily high volume shooting. i think i was reloading the match rounds for about 40-45 cents per round.

 

kev... the question isnt really if you are sold on 300 blackout, the question is if you are vested in reloading... if the answer is yes, then go for the 300, if the answer is no, you might want to stick with what you got.
Okay...why? Ammo is $0.60 a round. What centerfire rifle ammo is cheaper? 5.56, and some of the Russian calibers, basically. Would you advise anyone to avoid .30-06, .308, etc. if they did not reload? I never understood this stance.

i got into 300 blk about 4-5 months ago... got a YHM fluted 16" bbl at a nice price, but my main deciding factor was that i have .223 brass stock and could convert plenty at a low price. i also have a good stock of H110 and W296 powder since i already reloaded for 30 carbine, 357 mag and 44 mag. Plus i had an extra upper reciever laying around to put the bbl on, so the 'stars aligned' so to speak.

I do enjoy the round, its easy to reload for, and lehigh defense makes some absolutely fantastic projectiles (controlled chaos, 110 gr) that i also use for hot .308 hunting loads out of my ruger gunsight. Lehigh has some brains and know-how, also. The AR platform is new to them, but they are learning it rapidly, and evolving nicely. Otherwise, they are a seriously evolved operation. Moreover, they are VERY responsive to customer input. I have enjoyed my interaction with them.

300 blk is flexible in that it can accept a very wide array of projectile weights in .308, but again this primarily points to feasibility to a reloader. if you plan on only purchasing new factory, it might not be worth the capital cost if you have other priorities right now. Sure it is. Just the same as any other weapon. I don't reload and am quite happy.

personally i dont think it does much on the external ballistic front any better then the 7.62x39, but i own 2 of those already, and i reload for .308, 30-06 and 30 carbine already so i figured, why not, and i wasnt really looking at it from a pragmatic standpoint. that being said, it is now sitting next to my night stand with a 60 round surefire mag, a surefire x300hd and a aimpoint compm4 on it... the controlled chaos rounds that i loaded in there dont over penetrate through household barriers and are absolutely devastating in flesh... so thats what i am rolling with in the house (outside of pistols). that isnt to say i couldnt load those 110 grain rounds in my 30 carbine, but i would have to do some custom load work and adjust the OAL...
How has that 60 round mag done? I personally would not run one, and I am a huge SureFire fan. I talked with...a few people...about it before I came to that conclusion. As to the 300BLK, no, you're absolutely right, it's a 7.62x39 in different clothing, as far as I'm concerned---not that that's a bad thing!

i have loaded about 600 rounds or it (both match and controlled chaos projectiles), and i have bought only about 400 PNW 125 grain a-max rounds, which i spent just over $1 per round on... so i only have about 1100 rounds on hand for 300 blk which pales in comparison to every other stock of caliber i have to include 6.8 SPC, so know its not for particularily high volume shooting. Yes it is. Why wouldn't it be? I have thousands of rounds of the stuff. Priorities and preferences...that's all. i think i was reloading the match rounds for about 40-45 cents per round.

No need to reload to enjoy this round.

 

I found this very educating.

 

I found this very educating.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxxVCWHE1Xs

I'm sure we've all seen this one, but I'll add...

This is kindof cool...

 

I read the beginning of this thread at work and had a lot to add but its pretty much been said..Its a great cartridge that is definitely here to stay. It has a purpose for sure and my 300blackout ar pistol is absolutely my favorite ar. This thing was meant to be small and a lot of firepower with plenty of energy for 400-500 yards even out of 8.5-9" barrels..you simply can not do that with a 5.56...when i was reading about this cartridge and debating on 5.56 pistol or 300 i found the smallest i would even want to go with 5.56 is 11.5" and even going down another inch was a huge loss. Yes ammo is a bit hefty right now but not so much because its simply a more expensive round, when remington was putting out standard rounds they were 11-12 a box of 20 but since most companies ramped up 5.56 production over anything else from the panic they aren't being made in big enough quantity to see those prices just yet, the stuff that is out there is expensive but its match grade which is still same cost as 5.56 match grade etc. Reloading is just a bonus for this round its not something that should make you not get it, i do want to get into reloading because of this round since i do shoot 5.56 and the brass could go to good use and even seen people using 7.62x54r and pulling bullets to make 300blkout....the round is very versatile an offers plenty of advantages over other rounds to make it a worthy purchase..the ONLY downside imo is the cost of ammo at this point in time..but thats about it as far as disadvantages go. I also do plan to sbr and suppress my 300 which for home defense with 220gr subsonic is honestly probably best hd setup...you typically can't put some type of hearing protection on in a home invasion and shots inside are ridiculously loud...so shooting something thats heavy slow and quiet that won't over penetrate is perfect! .....Here's mine since putting x300 on an angle and using samson handstop...feels great!!

 

i hope that kel tec comes out with a PRL16 in 300 blk... i am not a fan of those pistol buffer tubes on ARs.

 

All I can say is...... nanny nanny popo. Bahaaahaaaahaaa. And I got wads of converted brass by now I still love mine.

 

i hear 300 blk is great for fighting off a polar vortex... enjoy your foot of predicted snow...

 

I'll toss in my .02 worth. I own one and will be building another. I do reload and have all the components for this and the other flavors I roll. My wife and I both hunt and really enjoy the lethality of this rnd on white tail, with supersonic. I like to equate this rnd to the old 30-30. Shorter range less recoil, yet still plays well with all the m4 toys, mags and add on's. I will eventually sport a can or two for them. I do love the rnd though.

 

Ah, cool video. Lehigh Defense sent me some 110gr Controlled Chaos to try when my SBR goes through...