Best 300 Blackout Ammo for a 7.5" Barrel

Now that you've bought a 7.5-inch barrel for your 300 Blackout, you need to know which ammo will work best for it.

After hours of research and testing, I've concluded the best 300 Blackout ammo for a 7.5" barrel is Barnes Precision Match 300 AAC Blackout 125 Grain OTM FB.

But we're not content to crown a single 300 AAC Blackout cartridge as "best." Many other manufacturers offer great rounds for more specialized applications – and we're giving nods to all of them in this scintillating article about ammunition. Continue reading or prepare for a lifetime of regret.

The Best 300 Blackout Ammo for a 7.5" Barrel on the Market

1) Barnes Precision Match 300 AAC Blackout 125 Grain OTM FB - Best Range Ammo Overall - 9/10

2) Black Hills 300 AAC Blackout 110 Grain TTSX - Best Defensive Ammo - 9/10

3) Winchester Super Suppressed 300 AAC Blackout 200 Grain Open Tip - Best Suppressed Ammo - 8/10

4) Ammo Inc. 300 AAC Blackout 150 Grain FMJ - Best Plinking Ammo - 7/10

Best 300 Blackout Ammo Overall

Barnes Precision Match 300 AAC Blackout 125 Grain OTM FB

Specs

Barnes Precision Match 300 AAC Blackout Ammo - 20 Rounds of 125 Grain OTM BT Ammunition

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• Case: Brass
• Bullet Type: Open Tip Match Flat Base (OTM FB)
• Bullet Weight: 125 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,215 fps
• Muzzle Energy: 1,362 ft-lbs

Pros

• Trusted Brand
• Accurate
• High Velocity
• Lightweight Bullet

Cons

• Expensive

Why We Chose It

Barnes bullets are loaded by many ammunition manufacturers and handloaders because of the Utahan company's high standards for quality.

Barnes' "Match Burner" bullet isn't named that way because it's polite in public restrooms. The OTM FB exhibits the consistent ballistic performance needed to win competitions, yet it doesn't cost as much as premium OTM bullets by manufacturers like Berger and Sierra.

The OTM FB bullet is sleek and balanced, with a high 0.305 G1 ballistic coefficient in light of its 125 grain weight. While short-barreled rifles (SBRs; defined as having a barrel shorter than 16"), are less than ideal for long-distance shooting, they can still prove impressively accurate while firing this ammo.

I prefer lighter recoil while firing 300 BLK. Alongside this 125 grain load's flat and predictable trajectory, that gives me all the accuracy I need to do my fanciest shooting.

The Barnes Precision Match 300 AAC Blackout 125 grain OTM FB ain't the costliest – but it ain't the cheapest, neither. But do you know what I say? I say it's OK to cheap out on unimportant things such as food, clothing, medicine and education. But when it comes to 300 AAC Blackout ammunition, nothing's too good for baby.

Honorable Mention

A slightly less expensive option with comparable ballistics is Winchester USA Ready 300 AAC Blackout 125 grain open tip. It's made in the best country I've ever gotten a speeding ticket in. It's loaded with an open tip bullet, which utilizes its form-fitted lead core and concentric jacket to exhibit a level and predictable trajectory (and which doesn't cost as much as a premium open tip match). The open tip is also 125 grains, which means it'll still hit supersonic muzzle velocity in conjunction with a short barrel.

I choose Winchester ammunition year after year because it's reasonably priced and reliable. I also like the horse in the logo, which I have named "Winnie."

Best Defensive Ammo for the 300 AAC Blackout

Black Hills Ammunition 300 AAC Blackout 110 Grain TTSX

Specs

Black Hills Ammunition 300 AAC Blackout Ammo - 20 Rounds of 110 Grain TTSX Ammunition

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• Case: Brass
• Bullet Type: Tipped Triple-Shock X (TTSX)
• Bullet Weight: 110 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,250 fps
• Muzzle Energy: 1,237 ft-lbs

Pros

• Reliable
• Accurate
• Effective terminal ballistics
• Ledad-free

Cons

• Expensive

Why We Chose It

Black Hills Ammunition doesn't make the cheapest ammo. But the South Dakotan company, which was founded by a cop, and which currently produces match-grade 5.56x45mm for military snipers, and which exerts excruciatingly exact quality control over its products, just so happens to make intensely reliable ammo. It's worth what it costs.

The TTSX is a lead-free bullet: solid copper, which makes it compliant for hunting in certain jurisdictions. You may not be concerned about lead exposure during a defensive scenario, but the TTSX's monolithic construction is still a boon while you're shooting for all the marbles.

The copper TTSX shoots clean. It is accurate – thanks not just to its balanced weight distribution, but to its sharp polymer tip and sleek frontal profile as well. The tough TTSX also exhibits great weight retention, which enables it to enter deeply into body mass while simultaneously undergoing fast and massive terminal expansion.

This round's bullet is light at 110 grains. That helps reduce the risk of over-penetration, which can prevent tragedy if you ever have to defend yourself around innocent bystanders (including the very people you were put here on earth to protect).

You will pay more for all the benefits of Black Hills 110 grain TTSX – and it's worth it. You can't compromise when it comes to defending someone important (e.g. yourself). You think those goofy Buckingham Palace guards use cheap ammo?

Honorable Mention

Another great 300 BLK round for defense is the Sierra GameChanger 125 grain Tipped GameKing (TGK). This round's heavier bullet has a lower muzzle velocity (2,115 fps), though its close-range striking energy is virtually identical.

The Sierra TGK is designed for hunting applications. It's fiendishly accuate at long range (and no less true over short distances), and it unleashes massive expansion immediately after impact. As a matter of fact, Sierra GameChanger is one of your best options if you plan to use your 300 BLK rifle for hunting and home defense.

Best 300 Blackout Ammo for Suppressors

Winchester Super Suppressed 300 AAC Blackout 200 Grain Open Tip

Specs

Winchester Super Suppressed 300 AAC Blackout Ammo - 20 Rounds of 200 Grain Open Tip Ammunition

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$18.99

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• Case: Brass
• Bullet Type: Open Tip
• Bullet Weight: 200 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,060 fps
• Muzzle Energy: 499 ft-lbs

Pros

• Trusted Brand
• Reasonably Priced
• Reliably subsonic
• Accurate

Cons

• Not ideal for defense

Why We Chose It

Winchester Super Suppressed 200 grain open tip ammo is specifically designed for use with silencers. If you paid good money to stick a can to the tip of your 300 Blackout 7.5" barrel, then this one's for you.

This round's bullet weighs a beefy 200 grains. It has substantially more inertia than a lighter bullet, which is why its muzzle velocity is a mere 1,060 fps out of a 16" test barrel. That's around 65 fps lower than the speed of sound, which means the bullet won't produce a sharp "crack" on ignition. In short, Super Suppressed ammo gives your suppressor an easier job to do. You'll hear the difference.

The open tip "range" bullet isn't built to the same high standards as an open tip match. It's also not designed for terminal expansion, and is therefore less than ideal for hunting or defense. That said, the open tip does generally display better accracy than a run-of-the-mill FMJ, and its fully jacketed base nearly eliminates lead fouling – perfect if you don't want to spend too much time cleaning your suppressor's baffles.

This ammo's not cheap. It's also not expensive. It's a middle-of-the-road kind of price tag experience. If you want to save money, then you can buy Winchester Super Suppressed in bulk like the absolute legend you are.

Honorable Mention

Another great option for shooting indoors is Ammo Inc. stelTH 220 grain TMJ. This round also has a heavyweight bullet to guarantee subsonic performance. Its total metal jacket may not offer any amount of terminal expansion, althoguh it does virtually eliminate lead aerosolization during ignition. You'll breathe cleaner air (especially if you're firing in a stuffy indoor range). You'll keep your barrel and suppressor cleaner as well.

Best 300 AAC Blackout Ammo for Plinking

Ammo Inc. 300 AAC Blackout 150 Grain FMJ

Ammo Inc. 300 AAC Blackout Ammo - 20 Rounds of 150 Grain FMJ Ammunition

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$17.99

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Specs

• Case: Brass
• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
• Bullet Weight: 150 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,850 fps
• Muzzle Energy: 1,140 ft-lbs

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Versatile

Cons

• Less than ideal for self-defense

Why We Chose It

If you're looking for ammo that's not going to drain your bank account – yet is accurate and reliable enough for plinking – then look no further than Ammo Inc. 150 grain FMJ.

This round is loaded with a 150 grain projectile, and achieves supersonic muzzle velocity because of it. Recoil is agreeable. Point of aim is consistent. Terminal performance does not include terminal expansion (although you could absolutely use this ammo's FMJ bullets to torment hogs).

Ammo Inc.'s simple offering isn't a good choice for competition or defense, but it prints reasonably tight groups and doesn't make you pay for a needlessly fancy bullet. It's made in Wisconsin, too, which means buying this ammo will support good people who need to be able to afford beer, brats, and beer brats.

Federal American Eagle 300 AAC Blackout Ammo - 500 Rounds of 150 Grain FMJ Ammunition

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$449.99

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Honorable Mention

I often use Federal American Eagle 150 grain FMJ when I feel like popping off a few mags because it's also inexpensive and reliable.

I rarely get a malfunction when firing Federal American Eagle. It is slightly pricier than Ammo Inc., but it has marginally better ballistic performance to show for it.

When you buy Federal ammo, you're supporting a Minnesotan business, which means you're helping good people afford ... whatever it is Minnesotans like. I don't know. Hats? They probably like hats.

Now that you have a clearer understanding of the best ammo for a 7.5" 300 Blackout Barrel, get back to our top 4 list by clicking HERE!

Buyer's Guide: What to Look for in the Best 300 BLK Ammo

Buying ammo gets confusing when you're a new shooter. It doesn't have to be so long as you know (A) how to spot quality ammo, (B) which bullet types and weights are best, and (C) what ballistics you should expect to get out of your 300 BLK carbine.

How to Spot Quality Ammo

Look for trusted brands. Remington, Winchester, Nosler, Barnes, Sierra, Black Hills, Hornady and Federal Premium are several of our country's best manufacturers.

That's not to say that smaller brands can't deliver great quality. Likewise, many European companies make exquisite ammo. Just be sure to research a brand you haven't heard of before, or else you run a risk of buying duds.

Take care when buying steel-cased ammunition. Sometimes it functions flawlessly, though it is known to malfunction more often. It's also magnetic, not suitable for reloading, and known to produce more fouling as well.

If you still have problems after purchasing high-quality ammo (and you won't consider changing your barrel length), consider speaking with a gunsmith about your gas system.

300 Blackout Bullet Types

Many types of bullets are loaded in 300 BLK ammo. Its bullet determines which application(s) a cartridge is ideal for. Here are the most common options when you're shopping for your .30 cal AR.

FMJ

A full metal jacket is often the least expensive bullet because it's the least technologically advanced (that a semi-automatic will reliably fire, at least).

It's great for plinking or hunting animals with a thick hide (like hogs), but it's not as accurate as some of the other bullet types, nor is it suitable for self-defense.

TMJ

A total metal jacket bullet is identical to an FMJ but with one exception: its lead core is fully encapsulated by its copper jacket. The heat of ignition can't burn lead off the base of a TMJ's core, which promotes a cleaner barrel and shooting environment. The TMJ is a bit more expensive than the FMJ, and similarly unsuitable for hunting/defense.

HPBT

A hollow point boat tail is the most accurate type of bullet – especially when it features a polymer tip (in which case it is referred to as a "polymer tip," or by a brand name)}.

The HPBT is one of the more expensive bullets, as creating its thin, concentric jacket and form-fitted lead core requires more work. Despite what its nose cavity suggests, the HPBT is *not* designed for terminal expansion. It's also not designed for deep penetration, which limits its suitability for hunting to small game.

Standard 300 AAC Blackout Bullet Weights

Bullet weight is one of the most critical factors to consider when choosing ammo for a 300 Blackout AR pistol (or rifle with a 16" or shorter barrel).

Heavy bullets (i.e. 200+ grains) achieve subsonic velocity, and accordingly work better with a suppressor. Heavy bullets also conserve more momentum, which tends to make their trajectory more predictable wherever cross winds are present. Ligther bullets are superersonic: more vulnerable to wind deflection, albeit able to streak across a flatter, easier-to-aim trajectory.

With that in mind, here's a list of several bullet weights commonly loaded in 300 BLK:

• 110 grains
• 125 grains
• 147 grains
• 150 grains
• 200 grains
• 208 grains
• 220 grains

It's important to note that barrel twist rate can affect your rifle's effective range. Experimenting with different twist rates and bullet weights will allow you to discover the ammo you like best. This is easy to do on the AR platform, as you only have to switch the upper receiver to change the barrel quickly.

300 Blackout Ballistics

Note: The following data come from the manufacturer and are for informational purposes only. The actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from the advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type load.

Check out these articles to learn how the 300 AAC Blackout compares to other rifle cartridges:

• 300 Blackout vs. 308 Win
• 300 Blackout vs. 223
• 300 Blackout vs. 5.56mm NATO
• 350 Legend vs. 300 Blackout
• 7.62x39 vs. 300 Blackout

Brief 300 Blackout History

Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) developed the .300 AAC Blackout in conjunction with Remington in 2010. Their goal was to create a .30 caliber cartridge that outperforms the 5.56x45mm ammunition currently in use by the U.S. Armed Forces.

AAC and Remington designed their .30 cal round to function in the M4 rifle system. That way the Armed Forces wouldn't have to buy a lot of new rifles and magazines, which would cost approximately infinity billion dollars.

The 300 AAC Blackout works in the M4 system (its parent case is the 223 Rem, which is functionally identical to the 5.56). It also works in the same STANAG magazines. Converting an M4 (or AR-15) to fire 300 BLK only requies a barrel swap.

SAAMI approved the 300 AAC Blackout cartridge on January 17th, 2011. The round failed to earn widespread military adoption, althoguh it has become fairly popular among American sportsmen.

How to Save Money on Ammo for the 300 Blackout

We're all looking for ways to save money as ammo prices continue to increase. A few of them are available to everyone ... even you.

The first is buying in bulk. Yes, it costs more money upfront, but when you factor in the lower price to pull the trigger each time, you'll be glad you bought 300 Blackout ammo in bulk.

You can also try your hand at handloading. It is expensive to start, but once you've bought the equipment and supplies, you'll be "rolling your own" and "saving big."

I like handloading because it gives me total control over what I'm firing. If I can't find ammo with the exact specs I want, I can just make it myself. That's called "freedom," brother. The Founding Fathers loved it.

The last way to save money on 300 Blackout ammo is to combine both approaches. By reloading spent cases from ammo you bought in bulk, you will MAXIMIZE YOUR SAVINGS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "AAC" stand for in 300 AAC Blackout?

"AAC" stands for Advanced Armament Corporation. AAC is one of the companies that developed the cartridge.

Is 300 AAC and 300 Blackout the same?

Yes; 300 AAC and 300 Blackout are the same cartridges.

Is 300 Blackout effective with a 7.5" barrel?

Yes, the 300 Blackout cartridge is effective with a 7.5" barrel in close quarters. However, a short barrel does not perform especially well when it comes to firing across long distances.

What is the best round for a 300 Blackout with a 7.5" barrel?

The best round for a 300 Blackout rifle with a 7.5" barrel is Barnes Precision Match 125 grain OTM FB.

Parting Shots

Now that you know that Black Hills 300 AAC Blackout 110 grain TTSX is the best for a 7.5" barrel in home defense situations, you can confidently purchase a box or two to protect your loved ones.

Remember that a lightweight bullet tends to be better for a short barrel. I would go with a 110 or 125 grain bullet in that instance.

Don't miss your chance to stock up on 300 Blackout ammo while you can at Ammo.com!

Written by

Wes Littlefield