Published: November 2025 | Last updated: April 2026
The 300 Blackout (300 AAC Blackout, 300 BLK) was developed by Advanced Armament Corporation and Remington Defense in 2011 to solve a specific problem: Special Operations forces wanted a cartridge that could deliver subsonic suppressed fire through a standard AR-15 with nothing more than a barrel change, while also offering supersonic performance comparable to the 7.62x39mm for unsuppressed use. The result is a cartridge with two completely different ballistic personalities that require different thinking about zero, trajectory, and application.
Supersonic 300 Blackout (110-125 grain at 2,200-2,350 FPS) is a moderate-range hunting and tactical cartridge. Subsonic 300 Blackout (190-220 grain at 1,010-1,050 FPS) is a close-range suppressed cartridge. These are different tools with different capabilities, and the ballistics below address them separately.
For reloading data, see the 300 Blackout complete guide. For comparisons, see 7.62×39 vs 300 Blackout.
Core Ballistic Parameters
| Load | Type | MV | BC (G1) | Muzzle Energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110 gr Hornady V-MAX | Supersonic | 2,350 FPS | 0.295 | 1,349 ft-lbs |
| 125 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip | Supersonic | 2,215 FPS | 0.328 | 1,362 ft-lbs |
| 190 gr Lehigh Maximum Expansion | Subsonic | 1,050 FPS | 0.185 | 465 ft-lbs |
| 220 gr Sierra MatchKing | Subsonic | 1,010 FPS | 0.310 | 498 ft-lbs |
All data below uses a 100-yard zero for supersonic loads. Subsonic loads are typically zeroed at 50 yards for suppressed close-range use; the table below shows subsonic data from a 100-yard zero to allow direct comparison. In practice, subsonic shooters often re-zero for their specific suppressed application.
Bullet Drop (100-Yard Zero)
| Range (yards) | 110 gr Super | 125 gr Super | 190 gr Sub | 220 gr Sub |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | -1.5 | -1.5 | -1.5 | -1.5 |
| 50 | +1.0 | +1.1 | -3.5 | -3.2 |
| 100 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 150 | -3.8 | -4.2 | -19.5 | -18.0 |
| 200 | -10.2 | -11.4 | -48.0 | -44.5 |
| 300 | -31.5 | -35.5 | -128.0 | -119.0 |
| 400 | -67.5 | -76.5 | -248.0 | -232.0 |
| 500 | -122.5 | -139.0 | -412.0 | -387.0 |
Drop in inches. Subsonic data from a 100-yard zero for reference only – practical subsonic use is inside 150 yards.
The supersonic loads show the 300 Blackout’s modest performance envelope clearly. At 200 yards with a 100-yard zero, the 110-grain load is 10.2 inches low – requiring deliberate holdover. At 300 yards it drops 31.5 inches. The 300 Blackout is a 200-250 yard supersonic hunting cartridge, not a long-range platform.
The subsonic data illustrates why subsonic 300 Blackout is strictly a close-range proposition. At 150 yards the 190-grain subsonic load is nearly 20 inches low from a 100-yard zero. Subsonic loads are realistically used inside 100-150 yards where their minimal trajectory arc is acceptable in a suppressed hunting context.
The 300 Blackout’s most practical zero depends on application: for supersonic hunting use, 100 yards. For suppressed subsonic use, 50 yards or even 25 yards keeps the bullet on target for the 50-150 yard distances where subsonics are effective.
Wind Drift – 10 MPH Full-Value Crosswind
| Range (yards) | 110 gr Super | 125 gr Super | 190 gr Sub | 220 gr Sub |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 1.0 |
| 100 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 4.8 | 4.2 |
| 150 | 3.4 | 3.5 | 11.0 | 9.5 |
| 200 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 20.0 | 17.5 |
| 300 | 14.5 | 15.3 | 45.0 | 40.0 |
| 400 | 26.5 | 28.0 | 80.0 | 72.0 |
| 500 | 43.0 | 45.5 | 126.0 | 113.0 |
Drift in inches.
The wind drift contrast between supersonic and subsonic loads is dramatic. At 200 yards, the 190-grain subsonic drifts 20 inches in a 10 MPH crosswind – nearly twice the width of a deer’s vital zone. This is primarily because the subsonic bullet’s slow velocity (1,050 FPS) means it spends much more time in the wind than the supersonic loads. At 100 yards, the 190-grain subsonic drifts 4.8 inches – still more than the 110-grain supersonic’s 1.5 inches.
The supersonic loads show acceptable wind drift inside 250 yards – 8-9 inches at 250 yards in a 10 MPH full-value crosswind. In calm or light wind conditions (under 5 MPH), the 300 Blackout supersonic produces reliable hits on deer-sized vital zones to 250 yards. In a 10 MPH crosswind, limit shots to 200 yards for reliable results.
Velocity Retention
| Range (yards) | 110 gr Super | 125 gr Super | 190 gr Sub | 220 gr Sub |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2,350 | 2,215 | 1,050 | 1,010 |
| 50 | 2,216 | 2,093 | 1,027 | 991 |
| 100 | 2,087 | 1,976 | 1,005 | 972 |
| 150 | 1,963 | 1,864 | 984 | 954 |
| 200 | 1,844 | 1,757 | 963 | 937 |
| 300 | 1,622 | 1,555 | 924 | 904 |
| 400 | 1,418 | 1,369 | 888 | 872 |
| 500 | 1,233 | 1,200 | 854 | 842 |
Velocity in FPS. Supersonic threshold approximately 1,340 FPS at sea level.
The supersonic 110-grain load crosses into transonic territory around 450 yards. The 125-grain load goes transonic at approximately 430 yards. Past those distances, accuracy becomes unreliable as the bullets transition through the turbulent transonic zone. The 300 Blackout supersonic is genuinely limited to approximately 400 yards for consistent accuracy.
The subsonic loads begin below the transonic zone – at 1,010-1,050 FPS they are already subsonic from the muzzle. This is what makes them effective for suppressed use: no supersonic crack from bullet flight, combined with the suppressor’s reduction of muzzle blast. The subsonic loads remain effective for their application (quiet, close-range) regardless of this velocity level.
Note that from a 16-inch AR-15 barrel (the standard 300 Blackout platform), supersonic loads produce approximately 2,150-2,350 FPS. From a 9-inch suppressor host barrel, they drop to approximately 2,000-2,100 FPS. The drop data assumes 16-inch barrel velocities.
Energy Retention
| Range (yards) | 110 gr Super | 125 gr Super | 190 gr Sub | 220 gr Sub |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 1,349 | 1,362 | 465 | 498 |
| 50 | 1,198 | 1,215 | 445 | 479 |
| 100 | 1,064 | 1,083 | 426 | 462 |
| 150 | 940 | 963 | 408 | 444 |
| 200 | 831 | 857 | 391 | 428 |
| 300 | 643 | 671 | 360 | 399 |
| 400 | 491 | 521 | 333 | 371 |
| 500 | 372 | 400 | 308 | 346 |
Energy in ft-lbs.
The energy contrast between supersonic and subsonic loads is the most important practical distinction. Supersonic loads deliver 1,064-1,083 ft-lbs at 100 yards – adequate for deer on clean broadside shots. At 200 yards they are at 831-857 ft-lbs – below the 1,000 ft-lbs deer threshold. The supersonic 300 Blackout is a 150-175 yard deer cartridge.
Subsonic loads deliver 426-462 ft-lbs at 100 yards and 391-428 ft-lbs at 200 yards. These energy levels are adequate for hogs and deer inside 100 yards with bullets designed for reliable expansion at subsonic velocities – this is critical, as standard cup-and-core bullets do not expand reliably at 1,050 FPS. Subsonic hunting requires purpose-designed expanding bullets (Lehigh Maximum Expansion, Hornady Sub-X, Barnes TAC-TX subsonic) to produce reliable terminal performance.
Terminal Performance Profiles
Hornady V-MAX 110 gr (Supersonic)
Construction: Polymer tip with thin expanding jacket. At 2,350 FPS, the V-MAX produces reliable fragmentation effective on coyotes and medium predators.
Terminal behavior: Fragments violently at 300 Blackout supersonic velocities – 8-12 inches of penetration with a large temporary cavity. At 150 yards where velocity drops to approximately 1,963 FPS, fragmentation is still reliable on coyotes. At 200 yards (1,844 FPS) expansion is adequate but less explosive.
Hunting application: Coyotes and medium predators to 200 yards supersonic. For deer, the V-MAX’s limited penetration and the cartridge’s modest energy make it a marginal choice – use a controlled-expansion bullet like the Ballistic Tip or Barnes TTSX for deer. The V-MAX in 300 Blackout is a predator and varmint load, same as in other calibers.
More details: Hornady V-MAX bullet profile
Nosler Ballistic Tip 125 gr (Supersonic)
Construction: Polymer tip with tapered copper jacket, lead core. The standard reference supersonic hunting load for 300 Blackout.
Terminal behavior: Expands to 0.45-0.55 inches at 300 Blackout supersonic velocities. At 2,215 FPS muzzle velocity, the Ballistic Tip produces controlled expansion with 12-16 inches of penetration in deer-sized tissue – adequate for broadside shots inside 175 yards. At 150 yards where impact velocity drops to approximately 1,864 FPS, expansion remains reliable.
Hunting application: Deer and hogs inside 175 yards supersonic. The 300 Blackout 125-grain Ballistic Tip at 200 yards delivers 857 ft-lbs – below the 1,000 ft-lbs deer threshold. Limit shots to inside 150-175 yards on deer with broadside or clear quartering-away shots. On hogs, the Ballistic Tip works inside 150 yards on broadside shots; use the Barnes TTSX for any angle through heavy shoulder muscle.
More details: Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet profile
Barnes TTSX 110 gr (Supersonic)
Construction: All-copper expanding bullet, lead-free, 100% weight retention.
Terminal behavior: Expands to a four-petal mushroom at 300 Blackout supersonic velocities. At 2,350 FPS the TTSX expands reliably and produces 16-22 inches of penetration – the best penetration depth of the supersonic options. Exit wounds are common on deer from broadside shots. The all-copper construction handles the 300 Blackout’s moderate velocities reliably.
Hunting application: The best 300 Blackout supersonic hunting bullet for deer and hogs where shot angles are uncertain. The TTSX’s deep penetration from the full weight retention provides margin on quartering shots through heavy muscle. California legal lead-free. At 200 yards delivers 831 ft-lbs – below the deer threshold; best used inside 175 yards. The superior penetration makes it more reliable than the Ballistic Tip on non-ideal shot angles at those distances.
More details: Barnes TTSX bullet profile
Lehigh Defense Maximum Expansion (Subsonic)
Construction: Solid copper bullet with a large cavity designed to peel back into petals at subsonic velocities. Purpose-engineered to expand at 900-1,100 FPS where standard bullets typically fail to open.
Terminal behavior: At 1,050 FPS, the Lehigh Maximum Expansion opens to 0.90-1.20 inches – nearly three times the original diameter. This massive expansion creates a very large permanent wound channel in soft tissue. Penetration depth is 8-12 inches – adequate for vital access on deer and hogs with broadside shots inside 100 yards. The bullet does not exit, which keeps all energy in the animal.
Hunting application: Suppressed deer and hog hunting inside 100 yards. The defining 300 Blackout subsonic hunting bullet – designed to do what no standard hunting bullet can at these velocities. Inside 75 yards, the Maximum Expansion’s wound channel is highly effective on deer and hogs. Beyond 100 yards, the subsonic velocity and extreme wind sensitivity make reliable hits on vital-zone-sized targets very difficult in any wind.
More details: Lehigh Defense Maximum Expansion bullet profile
Hornady Sub-X 190 gr (Subsonic)
Construction: Polymer-tipped subsonic-specific bullet with a flexible polymer tip that initiates expansion at subsonic velocities. Lead core with interlock ring for weight retention.
Terminal behavior: Expands at 1,000-1,100 FPS to approximately 0.55-0.65 inches with 65-75% weight retention. Penetration of 14-18 inches – deeper than the Maximum Expansion but less expansion diameter. The Sub-X is designed to balance expansion reliability at subsonic speeds with adequate penetration depth for deer-sized game.
Hunting application: The mainstream subsonic 300 Blackout hunting load, widely available in factory ammunition. Reliable expansion inside 100 yards on deer and hogs from broadside shots. The 190-grain weight at 1,050 FPS produces 465 ft-lbs at the muzzle and approximately 426 ft-lbs at 100 yards – at the minimum threshold for ethical deer kills, requiring precise shot placement on broadside shots inside 75 yards with ideal conditions.
Practical Range Recommendations
Supersonic – deer and hogs – 125-grain Ballistic Tip or 110-grain Barnes TTSX inside 175 yards on broadside shots. Energy at 175 yards (approximately 900-940 ft-lbs) is below the 1,000 ft-lbs threshold but adequate for clean lung shots. Self-imposed limit of 150 yards in variable conditions. The 300 Blackout supersonic is a short-range deer cartridge – the same category as the 30-30 Winchester but with an AR-15 platform advantage.
Supersonic – coyotes and predators – V-MAX or similar fragmentation load to 200 yards. Inside 200 yards the 300 Blackout supersonic produces good coyote results with minimal recoil and report.
Subsonic suppressed – hogs and deer – Lehigh Maximum Expansion or Hornady Sub-X inside 100 yards. With a quality suppressor, the 300 Blackout produces hearing-safe levels inside 100 yards on deer and hogs – the quietest practical hunting configuration in a standard AR-15. Limit shots to broadside lung hits inside 75 yards for the most reliable results.
Platform note – the 300 Blackout is a 9-16 inch barrel cartridge. Unlike most cartridges, it was specifically designed for short barrels and loses relatively little velocity from a 9-inch barrel compared to a 16-inch barrel (approximately 200 FPS difference). This makes it ideal for suppressed SBR (short-barreled rifle) builds where the suppressor adds length but the barrel remains short.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effective range of the 300 Blackout for deer? 150-175 yards supersonic with the 125-grain Ballistic Tip or 110-grain TTSX. Energy drops below 1,000 ft-lbs at approximately 175-200 yards. For subsonic suppressed deer hunting, limit shots to inside 75-100 yards with purpose-designed expanding bullets. The 300 Blackout is comparable to the 30-30 Winchester in effective deer hunting range.
Can the 300 Blackout use standard 5.56/223 magazines and bolts? Yes – this is one of its defining design features. A standard AR-15 bolt carrier group works with 300 Blackout; only the barrel needs to change. Standard 5.56/223 magazines feed 300 Blackout reliably. This makes converting an existing AR-15 upper for 300 Blackout straightforward and inexpensive.
What suppressor works best with 300 Blackout subsonic? Any quality 30-caliber suppressor rated for 300 Blackout or 308 Winchester will work. The 300 Blackout subsonic produces some of the lowest sound signatures of any rifle cartridge through a quality suppressor – typically 130-135 dB at the shooter’s ear, which is hearing-safe for a single shot without additional protection. Common choices include the SilencerCo Omega, Dead Air Sandman, and AAC 762-SDN-6.
Is the 300 Blackout the same as 7.62x35mm? Yes – 300 AAC Blackout and 7.62x35mm are two names for the same cartridge. The military designation is 300 AAC Blackout; the metric designation 7.62x35mm describes the same dimensions. Both names appear on factory ammunition from different manufacturers.
Why does my 300 Blackout subsonic load not expand reliably? Standard cup-and-core hunting bullets require approximately 1,800-2,000 FPS for reliable expansion. At 1,010-1,050 FPS subsonic velocity, standard hunting bullets arrive too slowly to deform the jacket and typically pass through without expanding. Subsonic 300 Blackout hunting requires purpose-designed bullets: Lehigh Defense Maximum Expansion, Hornady Sub-X, Barnes TAC-TX in subsonic configuration, or similar designs with thin jackets and wide hollow points engineered for sub-1,200 FPS expansion.
What twist rate does 300 Blackout need for subsonic heavy bullets? A minimum 1:8 twist is recommended for reliable stabilization of 190-220 grain subsonic bullets. The standard 300 Blackout barrel twist is 1:8, which handles both supersonic and subsonic loads across the full weight range. Older AR-15 barrels with 1:9 twist may marginally stabilize 190-grain bullets but can struggle with 208-220 grain subsonic loads. Always verify stabilization with your specific barrel before hunting season.
Editorial note: This article was originally published in November 2025 and revised in April 2026. The revision reorganized the article to clearly address supersonic and subsonic loads as separate applications with different practical limits, added 50-yard and 150-yard data rows to the tables for better subsonic reference, added velocity retention table with transonic analysis and barrel length note, replaced Hornady ELD-X (not practical for 300 Blackout at these velocities) with Hornady Sub-X 190 gr as a more appropriate fifth bullet profile for the subsonic application, corrected the impractical ELD-X “suitable for elk” claim from the original, added the platform note about 9-inch SBR suitability, and added FAQ section.
