As the .300 Blackout travels downrange, a 110-grain supersonic bullet sheds its speed steadily, dropping to roughly 650 fps at 1,000 yards. At the muzzle, velocities measure roughly 2,350 fps for lightweight 110-grain supersonic loads and 1,050 fps for heavy 220-grain subsonic projectiles. The charts below detail these velocity measurements across extreme distances and varying barrel lengths.
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.300 Blackout Velocity Chart at 100 to 1,000 Yards
Note: The .300 Blackout is a dedicated short to medium range cartridge optimized for engagements within 200 yards. Data beyond 300 yards represents mathematical model extrapolations. Firing this cartridge at extreme long ranges requires high trajectory angles, and the bullet will destabilize well before the 1,000 yard mark.
| Distance (yards) | Distance (meters) | Ammunition / Bullet Weight | Barrel Length (inches) | Estimated Velocity (fps) | Velocity Loss from Muzzle (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle (0) | 0.0 m | 110-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.290) | 16.0 | 2,350 fps (Published) | 0 fps |
| 100 yards | 91.4 m | 110-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.290) | 16.0 | 2,010 fps (G1 Calculation) | 340 fps |
| 200 yards | 182.9 m | 110-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.290) | 16.0 | 1,700 fps (G1 Calculation) | 650 fps |
| 300 yards | 274.3 m | 110-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.290) | 16.0 | 1,430 fps (G1 Calculation) | 920 fps |
| 400 yards | 365.8 m | 110-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.290) | 16.0 | 1,200 fps (G1 Calculation) | 1,150 fps |
| 500 yards | 457.2 m | 110-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.290) | 16.0 | 1,030 fps (Transonic) | 1,320 fps |
| 600 yards | 548.6 m | 110-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.290) | 16.0 | 920 fps (Extrapolation) | 1,430 fps |
| 700 yards | 640.1 m | 110-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.290) | 16.0 | 830 fps (Extrapolation) | 1,520 fps |
| 800 yards | 731.5 m | 110-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.290) | 16.0 | 760 fps (Extrapolation) | 1,590 fps |
| 900 yards | 823.0 m | 110-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.290) | 16.0 | 700 fps (Extrapolation) | 1,650 fps |
| 1,000 yards | 914.4 m | 110-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.290) | 16.0 | 650 fps (Extrapolation) | 1,700 fps |
.300 Blackout Muzzle Velocity Chart
| Ammunition Type | Bullet Weight (grains) | Barrel Length (inches) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110-grain Polymer Tip |
Hornady V-Max
[Manufacturer Spec] | 110 | 16.0 (Standard Rifle) | 2,350 (Advertised) | 1,349 |
| 110-grain Polymer Tip
Hornady V-Max
[Independent Estimate] | 110 | 9.0 (SBR / Pistol) | 2,150 (Estimated) | 1,129 |
| 125-grain FMJ
Federal American Eagle
[Manufacturer Spec] | 125 | 16.0 (Standard Rifle) | 2,175 (Advertised) | 1,313 |
| 125-grain FMJ
Federal American Eagle
[Independent Estimate] | 125 | 9.0 (SBR / Pistol) | 1,980 (Estimated) | 1,088 |
| 200-grain Subsonic
Hornady Subsonic ELD-X
[Manufacturer Spec] | 200 | 16.0 (Standard Rifle) | 1,050 (Advertised) | 490 |
| 220-grain Subsonic
Remington UMC OTM
[Manufacturer Spec] | 220 | 16.0 (Standard Rifle) | 1,015 (Advertised) | 503 |
| 220-grain Subsonic
Remington UMC OTM
[Independent Estimate] | 220 | 9.0 (SBR / Pistol) | 980 (Estimated) | 469 |
Factors Affecting Velocity
- Barrel Length Efficiency: The .300 AAC Blackout was specifically engineered to achieve full powder burn within a very short barrel. Unlike the 5.56 NATO which relies on a 20 inch barrel for maximum velocity, the .300 Blackout reaches its optimal ballistic potential in just 9 inches. Using a 16 inch barrel only adds about 150 to 200 fps to supersonic loads and barely changes subsonic performance.
- Two Distinct Velocity Classes: The cartridge is unique because it serves two entirely different purposes. Shooters can load 110 grain bullets that travel at 2,350 fps for medium range hunting and defense. Alternatively, they can load massive 220 grain bullets that stay under 1,050 fps, making them incredibly quiet when paired with a suppressor.
- Aerodynamics and Ballistic Coefficient: The supersonic 110 grain to 125 grain bullets have relatively low ballistic coefficients compared to standard .30 caliber rifle bullets. Because they are short and light for their diameter, they shed velocity quickly downrange, making the .300 Blackout much less effective past 300 yards.
- Suppressor Use: Firing subsonic ammunition through a suppressor provides a slight boost in velocity. The trapped expanding gases inside the suppressor baffles act as an artificial barrel extension, slightly increasing the speed of the bullet as it exits the muzzle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the effective hunting range of the .300 Blackout?
When using supersonic 110 grain to 125 grain expanding bullets, the .300 Blackout is highly effective on deer and feral hogs out to roughly 150 to 200 yards. When using heavy subsonic ammunition, the ethical hunting range drops dramatically to roughly 75 yards because the bullet relies entirely on mass rather than high speed hydrostatic shock.
At what distance does a supersonic .300 Blackout go subsonic?
Due to its moderate starting velocity and lower ballistic coefficient, a standard 110 grain supersonic bullet launched at 2,350 fps will drop below the speed of sound (roughly 1,125 fps) near the 450 yard mark depending on atmospheric conditions.
Is a 9 inch barrel too short for the .300 Blackout?
No. A 9 inch barrel is widely considered the ideal length for this cartridge. It allows the weapon to remain extremely short and maneuverable even with a 6 inch suppressor attached, while still delivering full terminal performance.
How does the velocity compare to the 5.56 NATO?
The 5.56 NATO fires a very light bullet at incredibly high speeds (often over 3,000 fps). The .300 Blackout fires a much heavier bullet at significantly slower speeds (2,350 fps or less). The 5.56 NATO shoots flatter and further, but the .300 Blackout delivers more kinetic energy at close range and is vastly superior when suppressed.