As explained by Robert Silvers, AACs R&D Director: [You can] shoot 30 caliber from your AR while still using normal magazines with full capacity. It didnt take long for engineers at two of the industrys finest to solve the problem, though. Built for use with suppressors but still maintaining subsonic speeds, the .300 Blackout is designed to penetrate heavy barriers while still maintaining an overall manageable weight profile. Yeah, but 9 barrel in a folder housed in a backpack is absolutely useless in .308 or 5.56. However, if you want to hit targets at over 100 yards, the best barrel length for .300 Blackout subsonic is 16 inches. Though the .300 Blackout was designed to offer the best results in close-range targets, you can use it for long-range targets as well. We are not only talking about powder burn, but the pressure created by the expanding gasses of the powder. Accuracy is hard to figure.I have a real 25 yd range and with the red dot thing on it it stuffs all loads into a ragged hole but the point of impact does vary between them. I have seen some measurements as high as 123db which is still VERY quiet. This gives more energy on target, a flatter trajectory and less wind drift. Except if it some of those overbuilt pistol cans that are rated for subsonic rifle ammo. For those who need to run a .30-caliber cartridge from a standard AR15 platform (as opposed to the AR10), the 300 AAC Blackout makes sense. 4 models Rainier Arms AR Ultramatch MOD2 300BLK Barrel $400.00 Final Sale. Supersonic ammo in a 10-inch barrel retains rifle caliber velocities but experiences greater bullet drop at distances. At Ballistic Advantage, we offer high-quality barrels for AR-style rifles, and you can find one with the perfect length to meet your handling and accuracy preferences. The longer the barrel, the greater the tendency for it to move while firing imparting a POA-POI shift. FBI: Crime Rate Dropped During 2013, Year of Record Gun Sales. The 30 BR is expected to shoot sub .5 MOA out to 300 meters and weight is at a premium for most of these guns. Any discussion on the effective range is a minefield full of opinion best tiptoed over by indicating those figures make the .300 BLK at 300-yard shot territory most comfortable for veteran shooters. laughably entertaining. What happened to it will fire from any AR-15 you might have doesnt appear to be the case since now you say a 9 barrel is optimal but which would require an SBR $200 stamp, you may need an adjustable gas block to handle over gassing & shoot subsonic and then theres the ammo is twice the cost what I pay for my 556 rounds.. My interest in building a 300 AAC for hog hunting that I could just slap in my upper is quickly deteriorating, especially since the gun may not even cycle without, additional hardware if you want to what was promised, which is shoot both supersonic and supersonic through a stock 16 barrel. They straight stole J.D. Yes, there are loads that can use longer barrels, but you need to have a specific goal in mind before there is a large benefit in this caliber. Whether you decide to go long or short on your barrel is entirely a matter of what you are shooting at and where the shooting is taking place. Important correction Mr. Leghorn: the SilencerCo Harvester suppressor provides about 30 dB of suppression according to your graphic, not 40%. Its not going to be long until you want to suppress it and/or SBR it. and ask bribes of companies to remove bad reviews. Its a 30 second swap from 300blk to .556 Barrel twist rate also impacts performance and should be considered when selecting barrel length and determining the effective range of the 300 Blackout. Shorter barrels do not result in less accuracy. AAC didnt develop a damned thing. So many thanks for your article and any advice you can give. 9 models V Seven 300 AAC Blackout Stainless Match Barrel (8) As Low As (Save Up to $10.00) $359.99 Best Rated. A lighter gun via barrel would allow more other things to be used. At 10-inches, muzzle velocity hasnt reached its peak. Not sure, and maybe Im just splitting hairs. Factory Starline and SIG produced 300 HAMR cases are available, but cases can be made from common and available 5.56/.223 cases. A 16-inch barrel will provide more velocity to compensate for the weight of the bullet, allowing it to travel further on a flat trajectory. What happened to the big appeal of the 300 AAC for the average guy when this round was first released, which was you can put it on any AR-15 upper you have and go shooting?? The only real question is what twist rate to go with. A lot of variables involved. And yes, the .300 blk is designed to burn off in 9, but its not guaranteed that every round you could possibly put through it will do so. Attaching a 6 suppressor to this barrel length results in a total length of 14 to 16, which provides optimal muzzle velocity for accurate long-range shots. Because the Blackout is wider, yet they tend to have similar weight, the Blackout has a lower Ballistic Coefficient than the 6.5 Grendel. Its an ad. We stand behind all our products and were here to support you. Affordable Factory 300 BLK Ammo is Available. Scopes For Beginners: What is the Parallax Adjustment Knob and How Do I Use It? And it is VERY quiet AND compact. The .300 BLK bullets are 0.30 inch in diameter (7.62 mm) and the .223 Rem (5.56 mm) is 0.224 inch. When you pair the barrel with .300 Blackout ammo, you get an easy-to-carry gun that spits rounds capable of penetrating heavy barriers. When picking out a muzzle for your assembly, keep in mind the muzzle's compatibility with available suppressor fittings. Besides being powerful and efficient, .300 Blackout rounds are ideal for home defense because they are lethal when fired from short-barreled guns. The last thing you ever want is a loosening silencer while shooting rapid fire or full auto. I dont know much about ballistics, but wouldnt the higher velocity associated with a longer barrel mean less bullet drop over longer distances, thus increasing accuracy? Perfect for integral suppressor or just using as an SBR/pistol. Realize that this gun is SPECIFICALLY designed for ultra close covert CQB use and is not concerned with supers and 100% powder burn. Web5 models Noveske Lo-Pro Gas Block 300 AAC Blackout Barrel (1) As Low As (Save Up to 14%) $351.50 Final Sale. Even so, 1:7 isnt terrible. Saying things like at 10, the muzzle velocity hasnt yet reached its peak is misleading when youve got a cartridge with a wide swing of bullet weights and charge weights. A long barrel also provides the runway a bullet needs to stabilize fully before exiting the muzzle. Really -- the largest difference is barrel length. For example, with a 10.5-inch barrel, the .300 Blackout clocks an average velocity of 2200 feet per second. The Hornady Sub-X 190-grain load, for example, exits the muzzle of a 16-inch barrel at 1,050 fps, where it is carrying 465 foot-pounds of energy. One important consideration before you set out to build your AR-15 in the .300 Blackout is knowing the scope of usage of your gun. Converting an AR-15 to fire 300 Blackout is as simple as swapping its barrel. The .300 Blackout also comes in a supersonic variant, which means once fired, the bullet travels faster than the sound barrier. A whole new world of hunting and target-shooting options open with that difference, a fact sometimes obscured by the cartridges subsonic and military roots. Lots of reasons for one to get get launched down range, but most have one thing in common, HUMAN ERROR. The SAAMI diagram for the 300 BLK is shown below. Remington now sells a variety of 300 BLK ammo: 1) 125 grain open-tip match with a custom Sierra bullet; 2) 220gr subsonic, and 3) 125gr AccuTip (photo below). Dennis- 300 BLK starts with a 5.56 casing that they neck down much shorter, allowing for a wider and longer bullet that can now weigh significantly more than any 5.56 can. Ive seen a few other suppressors suffer the same fate, for the same reason. You are incorrect on one critical detail: Adding more barrel length after that point might still increase the velocity a bit, but the added weight isnt always worth the extra dollop of velocity.. In barrels16 or longer it is going to have a good 100-200 fps over the BLK using 110-115 grain projectiles. This is because the latter is thicker and wider, causing more drag as a projectile. Sig does plan for a civilian 300 barrel. I get a lot of questions like this and figured that rather than responding to one specific email I should put it out there for other people as well. Once all of the powder in the case has been burned, theres no more fuel to add to the combustion and the gasses are at their maximum energy. 7.62 x 39 usually runs in barrels with a 1:10 (ish) twist. Avoiding the logistical nightmare that would have been to replace the military's standard issue rifle during an ongoing war, the .300 Blackout was designed to be compatible with the M4 system. A longer barrel also offers a long line of sight for you to better aim your rifle even if the rifle is not equipped with sight extensions. If you look up brown recluse or rattlesnake bites on the internet youll be scared shitless from the images. A need for a nimble, stealthy firearm capable of stopping an adversary at moderate to short distances is one of the reasons for developing the .300 BLK. By design, the 300BLK just doesnt give up that much velocity until you get down below 9-10 of barrel using factory ammo. Longer barrels tend to be less rigid, so people go for bull barrels, but those get heavy so people go for fluted barrels. ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? For example, if you shoot the same Hornady Sub-X 190-grain load from a 16-inch barrel, it will drop 33 inches at 200 yards a 14-inch improvement over shooting with a 10-inch barrel. It gets pretty messy from there. Military manufacturers will still load for 20, because they have to accommodate the M4, M16, M249, etc. [Email your firearms-related questions to Ask Foghorn via[emailprotected]. Or is it a different type of powder altogether? Because the Blackout is wider, yet they tend to have similar weight, the Blackout has a lower Ballistic Coefficient than the 6.5 Grendel. Heavy, slow moving subsonic bullets experience more bullet drop than fast, more aerodynamic bullets. A big boom, and a really big flash, sounds like fun, when fun is the goal, anyway. I know thats a long discussion, but Im primarily wanting close range tactics with a very short barrel (likely 9). Here are answers to common questions asked about .300 Blackout barrel length: The length of a .300 Blackout barrel affects accuracy in several ways. The main question you need to ask yourself is whether or not you plan on using a suppressor. Compared to other bullets, a .300 Blackout is a 30-caliber bullet in a .223/5.56mm shell casing. So in the case of .308, the longer barrel makes sense (at least 16 inches is needed to get full powder burn) because of the greater powder quantity. Twitter and other social media icons below. So would that be what theyre doing to make that so-called dragons breath novelty ammo, just adding a lot of extra powder to burn beyond the muzzle? As always, train with your rifle and make sure you know your intended purpose before you buy. Have an 8.2, 10.5 and a 16.0 inch. If you are shooting only subs, then even something as short as the Sig Rattlers 5.5 barrel (less than 3.25 of rifling!) Its the pressure of expanding gas behind the bullet that accelerates it, and it doesnt fall off at 9. Wondering if you know if theres a significant advantage in range with a 10.5 (both sub and super-sonic). or youll solve them. The accuracy of a .300 Blackout barrel will depend on the exact round and barrel length you use. These days, #1 on my list, especially for new silencer owners, is the Liberty Mystic-X. The end caps on this rifle can be changed as well to mount it on different rifles with different thread pitches, but the stainless steel baffles arent great for full auto fire (they will probably melt). The case heads are identical on 223 Rem and 300 BLK ammo, which makes the bolts on both interchangeable in many cases. That typically occurs in much longer barrels that are commonly in use. Everything from .22lr to subsonic .308 Winchester, and even 5.56 NATO from a 16 barrel. Even at 300 yards holdover is nearly 9 feet. . As for velocity gained with added barrel length (from loads not tailored for subsonic), Hornadys website FAQ explains there is no way to simply calculate gain or loss because due to variations in individual firearms, but on average, velocity gains or losses will be approximately 25 or 35 feet per second per inch of barrel differenceTo truly measure performance, the load should be tested over a chronograph.. Higher velocity results in less drop at longer ranges, which of course effects point of impact. I need to get the lathe going as well, and I havent had the time or patience to do it. Nicole Krenze, *Competitive Shooter of the Week* Developed in 2009 by the Advanced Armament Corporation or AAC, the .300 Blackout is regarded as a round that gives top-class performance when compared to similar calibers. Some powders should not fill the case because of their density and overpressure problems with that much powder. For long-range targets, barrel lengths of up to 16 inches are available. Even though it is short, a 6-inch barrel can generate enough velocity to hit close-range targets. The accuracy of a .300 Blackout barrel will depend on the exact round and barrel length you use. Hornadys American-Made Ammo Cabinets Keep Your Gun Food Secure. 300 BLK was a way to achieve similar ballistics as the .308- with the least modifications to your 5.56. said. Maybe he purchased them for a few hundred dollars prior to 1986 or inherited them from someone who purchased them for a few hundred dollars prior to 1986. The .300 AAC Blackout is designed as a variation of the older .300 Whisper ammunition. })(); To comment on a post, click Post Title or "Comment" Link. Great Brass: No Case forming is required just buy Lapua 300 BLK brass. What failed exactly? The best option is one that youre not going to like: wait. I dont shoot subsonic. The 300 Blackouts sleeker bullet has a higher. Thats water weight capacity. We also offer our patented AR-15 and .308 Easy Jigs which is the first 80% lower jig that makes it ridiculously easy for a non-machinist to finish their 80% lower in under 1 hour with no drill press required. For hunting expeditions or other long-range requirements, the .300 AAC Blackout has a maximum effective range of approximately 460 meters. Best Barrel Length For Suppressed 300 Blackout For optimal performance with a suppressed 300 Blackout, we recommend a barrel length of 8-10. Pistol calibers often reach near optimum velocity at about 8-10; longer lengths may increase velocity, but only by slight amounts. WebThe 300-Blackout is a lower-power 30-caliber cartridge. Supersonic bullets travel fast enough to generate sonic booms, and the resulting noise gives even suppressed gunshots a loud "crack.". But for hunters using a bolt gun, there are any number of tried and true options, such as the 7.6239, .30-30, and, of course, the .308 Winchester (7.6251 NATO). Also, you shouldn't trust in Trustpilot. So, if a 5.56 requires 20 inches of barrel to burn all of its powder, would it make sense to reduce the powder quantity when shooting a 5.56 through a 16 inch barrel (or even something much shorter like a 5.56 pistol)? ), while others may be better in 8 or 10 barrels. Affordable Factory 300 BLK Ammo is Available. Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates and exclusive offers, Copyright 2023- Ballistic Advantage - All Rights Reserved. despite the short barrel. Its also long enough to deliver sufficient bullet velocity to hit targets accurately at 100 yards. will be fine. In instances where that is not an option, however, you can always go long or brace yourself for those loud blasts with every shot. The 6.5 Grendel is a lower to mid-power 26 caliber cartridge. Currently they offer a 16 300 Blackout barrel for their MCX. A 125 gram .300 BLK bullet fired from a 16-inch barrel has an effective range of about 500 yards , while the same ammo shot from a 9-inch barrel has an effective range of about 480 yards. If you want the longest range with a suppressed .300 Blackout barrel, get a 16-inch barrel and add a suppressor. This adaptability to the existing rifle specifications was made possible by the fact that the designers and engineers chose not to go down the path of building up from scratch. 4. At this point, you should use internal ballistic calculation tools to match your selected variable to the other. Nothing further than that is as effective since the gunpowder burning would be inefficient in the spare room. Such large projectiles convey a subsonic muzzle velocity that is accompanied by a quiet report. How is the recoil of the 6.8 vs 300 Blackout? So, I dont know, but its all very interesting to me. The .300 Whisper developed by J.D. Without unnecessary weight and length implications, the gun barrel's length is used to produce room for the gun powder in your ammo to burn out before the bullet exits. 300BLK vs. 5.56? Our initial research data covered the relationship between barrel length and velocity for some 13 common handgun calibers/cartridges. creates and publishes industry standards for safety, interchangeability, reliability and quality, as well as coordinates technical data for agencies, enthusiasts and manufacturers. Planes that increase their velocity until it reaches and exceeds that mark generates a sonic boom. Converting an AR-15 to fire 300 Blackout is as simple as swapping its barrel. These loads are heavier than most rounds and feature an adjusted powder charge that delivers peak bullet velocity by combusting completely within short barrels. Results are in inches/foot-pounds of energy and based on a 100-yard zero with the scope 1.5 inches above the bore. http://thetruthaboutguns.com/author/foghorn/, Illinois Freedom Week Starts Today: Federal Court Blocks Enforcement of Illinois Assault Weapons Ban. Sig ONLY uses that 6.75 (not 6) barrel length for their Military full auto Black Mamba entry gun MCX. My test gun is a Remington 700 with 16 5R barrel. This is actually much tighter twist required to stabilize the short 124gn. 4 models Rainier Arms AR Ultramatch MOD2 300BLK Barrel $400.00 Final Sale. A major benefit for me of using a 10 barrel on my blackout is that I can run a 9 or 10 handguard and still be able to use my can, that extra inch opens up a little bit more options in handguards. That number comes from multiple conversations with the people who designed the 300 AAC Blackout cartridge, did the initial testing, and who continue to design guns around that caliber. Your muzzle choice should also be in consideration of the flash produced and the muzzle rise with every shot. All the pics are Faxon barrels. 9 models V Seven 300 AAC Blackout Stainless Match Barrel (8) As Low As (Save Up to $10.00) $359.99 Best Rated. One of the best things about 300 BLK is that it gets complete burn in a much shorter barrel. Like you stated, as long as there is more pressure pushing the bullet forward than barrel friction retarding it, the bullet will continue to accelerate. AR-platform rifles optimized to run subsonic 300 Blackout tend to fire supersonic ammo poorly. Most bullets from both cartridges weigh around 125-Grains. So you recommended the harvester- the same can that BLEW OFF a rifle at TIFF and flew 40 yds into the berm. Heavy subsonic ammo in a 10-inch barrel may have lower velocities, but allows for the use of a suppressor without damaging your hearing. The 6.5 Grendel is a lower to mid-power 26 caliber cartridge. Any 2015 announcement would probably not hit shelves until 2017 and then figure the ATF wait and you are probably going to need to wait until 2018 to get your suppressor.