.300 AAC Blackout

The .300 AAC Blackout, also known as .300 BLK or 7.62×35mm, was introduced in 2011 by Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) in partnership with Remington. This cartridge was designed for the U.S. military to achieve superior performance in short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and to optimize the use of sound suppressors. Prior to its development, attempts to create .30-caliber cartridges compatible with the AR-15 platform faced challenges such as reliability and compatibility with standard AR-15 magazines. The .300 Blackout overcame these issues by utilizing the same case head diameter and overall cartridge length as the 5.56 NATO, while delivering a larger, heavier projectile for increased terminal performance. This historical innovation allowed users to convert a conventional 5.56mm AR-15 to shoot 30-caliber bullets by simply switching barrels, greatly enhancing versatility for military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters alike.

In terms of application, the .300 AAC Blackout is renowned for its flexibility. Its ability to switch seamlessly between supersonic and subsonic ammunition makes it ideal for a wide array of uses, including home defense, tactical applications, and hunting. Reloaders appreciate its adaptability, as it excels in both suppressed and unsuppressed platforms. With supersonic loads, the cartridge offers ballistics comparable to the venerable 7.62x39mm, while subsonic ammunition allows for exceptionally quiet operation when paired with a suppressor. This makes the .300 BLK a go-to choice for shooters seeking to minimize noise without sacrificing stopping power. The popularity of the cartridge in SBR- and AR-pistol configurations further enhances its appeal for those seeking compact, maneuverable firearms with robust performance.

For hunters and target shooters, the .300 Blackout provides excellent terminal ballistics on a range of game species. Its heavier bullet weights and moderate velocities ensure effective performance on small- to medium-sized game such as hogs, coyotes, and deer—particularly within 200 yards. The cartridge’s performance at shorter distances mirrors the classic .30-30 Winchester, making it a preferred option in states or regions where hunting with AR-platform rifles is permitted. reloaders tailor their loads to achieve specific terminal effects, whether that's maximum expansion for hunting or tighter groups for target shooting. The availability of subsonic loads also popularizes the caliber for game control in areas sensitive to noise disruption.

When discussing bullet weights and characteristics, .300 AAC Blackout offers remarkable variability. Bullet weights commonly range from 110 grains up to 220 grains, allowing for a spectrum of applications. Supersonic loads generally employ lighter bullets in the 110-150 grain range, delivering higher velocities and flatter trajectories ideal for hunting or self-defense. Subsonic loads focus on heavier bullets in the 190-220 grain spectrum, maximizing projectile mass at reduced velocities to facilitate effective suppressor usage and reduce acoustic signature. Reloaders find the cartridge forgiving when using a broad assortment of powders, and cases are often formed from readily available .223/5.56 brass—an additional advantage for handloaders. The .300 BLK’s overall efficiency in powder and velocity, combined with its compatibility across AR-15 platforms, continues to drive its popularity among reloaders seeking a powerful, flexible, and innovative intermediate cartridge.