300 Blackout Ballistics Chart

The 300 Blackout Ballistics Chart is a comprehensive reference table that details the velocity, kinetic energy, and trajectory of the 300 Advanced Armament Corporation Blackout cartridge at various distances. By reviewing this chart, you can understand exactly how a specific bullet behaves from the moment it leaves the barrel until it strikes a target hundreds of yards downrange. It provides critical data points such as how much the bullet drops at three hundred yards or how much energy it retains for ethical hunting applications.

Shooters, hunters, reloaders, and tactical enthusiasts use a 300 Blackout Ballistics Chart to make informed decisions about their ammunition choices. By knowing the precise drop and energy retention of a particular load, a hunter can ensure they are within the ethical killing range of a game animal. A tactical shooter relies on this data to understand the massive difference in trajectory between supersonic and subsonic ammunition. Reloaders study these numbers to optimize their powder charges for specific barrel lengths. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to interpret ballistics data, choose the right bullet weight, select the optimal zero distance, and understand exactly how the 300 Blackout performs in the real world.

300 Blackout Ballistics Chart

Below is a detailed ballistics table featuring some of the most popular and proven factory ammunition available today. The data represents a standard sixteen inch test barrel and assumes a one hundred yard zero. Atmospheric conditions are based on standard sea level metrics.

Bullet Weight	Bullet Type	Manufacturer	Muzzle Velocity	Velocity At 100 Yards	Velocity At 200 Yards	Velocity At 300 Yards	Velocity At 400 Yards	Velocity At 500 Yards	Muzzle Energy	Energy At 100 Yards	Energy At 200 Yards	Energy At 300 Yards	Energy At 400 Yards	Energy At 500 Yards	Trajectory At 100 Yards	Trajectory At 200 Yards	Trajectory At 300 Yards	Trajectory At 400 Yards	Trajectory At 500 Yards	Ballistic Coefficient	Sectional Density
110 Grain	V MAX	Hornady	2375 fps	2055 fps	1760 fps	1495 fps	1265 fps	1085 fps	1378 ft lbs	1030 ft lbs	756 ft lbs	545 ft lbs	390 ft lbs	287 ft lbs	0 inches	7.5 inches drop	26.5 inches drop	62.0 inches drop	122.5 inches drop	0.290	0.166
110 Grain	TAC TX	Barnes	2350 fps	2035 fps	1745 fps	1485 fps	1260 fps	1080 fps	1349 ft lbs	1011 ft lbs	744 ft lbs	538 ft lbs	388 ft lbs	285 ft lbs	0 inches	7.8 inches drop	27.2 inches drop	63.5 inches drop	125.0 inches drop	0.289	0.166
120 Grain	Power Shok	Federal Premium	2250 fps	1960 fps	1695 fps	1455 fps	1250 fps	1090 fps	1349 ft lbs	1024 ft lbs	765 ft lbs	564 ft lbs	416 ft lbs	316 ft lbs	0 inches	8.8 inches drop	30.5 inches drop	70.0 inches drop	135.5 inches drop	0.280	0.181
125 Grain	FMJ	Prvi Partizan	2198 fps	1935 fps	1696 fps	1486 fps	1300 fps	1145 fps	1340 ft lbs	1038 ft lbs	797 ft lbs	611 ft lbs	468 ft lbs	364 ft lbs	0 inches	9.2 inches drop	32.0 inches drop	72.5 inches drop	138.0 inches drop	0.325	0.188
147 Grain	FMJ	Sellier & Bellot	2077 fps	1882 fps	1706 fps	1547 fps	1402 fps	1275 fps	1411 ft lbs	1159 ft lbs	953 ft lbs	783 ft lbs	643 ft lbs	531 ft lbs	0 inches	10.5 inches drop	35.0 inches drop	76.5 inches drop	141.5 inches drop	0.407	0.221
150 Grain	Deer Season XP	Winchester	1900 fps	1715 fps	1545 fps	1390 fps	1255 fps	1145 fps	1202 ft lbs	979 ft lbs	795 ft lbs	644 ft lbs	525 ft lbs	437 ft lbs	0 inches	13.5 inches drop	44.5 inches drop	97.0 inches drop	178.5 inches drop	0.392	0.226
190 Grain	Sub X	Hornady	1050 fps	998 fps	956 fps	919 fps	886 fps	856 fps	465 ft lbs	420 ft lbs	385 ft lbs	356 ft lbs	331 ft lbs	309 ft lbs	0 inches	33.4 inches drop	104.6 inches drop	217.3 inches drop	374.2 inches drop	0.437	0.286
200 Grain	FMJ	Magtech	1017 fps	980 fps	948 fps	920 fps	895 fps	875 fps	459 ft lbs	427 ft lbs	399 ft lbs	376 ft lbs	356 ft lbs	340 ft lbs	0 inches	36.2 inches drop	110.9 inches drop	228.5 inches drop	392.0 inches drop	0.570	0.301
208 Grain	A MAX	Hornady	1020 fps	987 fps	959 fps	933 fps	909 fps	887 fps	480 ft lbs	454 ft lbs	424 ft lbs	402 ft lbs	382 ft lbs	364 ft lbs	0 inches	33.5 inches drop	108.5 inches drop	225.0 inches drop	385.5 inches drop	0.787	0.313
220 Grain	OTM Subsonic	Federal Premium	1000 fps	970 fps	944 fps	920 fps	897 fps	876 fps	488 ft lbs	460 ft lbs	435 ft lbs	413 ft lbs	393 ft lbs	375 ft lbs	0 inches	38.5 inches drop	115.5 inches drop	235.0 inches drop	405.0 inches drop	0.659	0.331

Understanding The Chart

A ballistics chart can look overwhelming at first glance due to the sheer amount of data presented. However, once you break down each column, the numbers paint a clear picture of how a specific load will perform in the field. Understanding these metrics is crucial for maximizing your success whether you are hunting or shooting steel targets.

Muzzle Velocity

Muzzle velocity is the speed at which the bullet exits the barrel of the firearm. It is measured in feet per second. In this unique caliber, you will see a massive divide between supersonic loads and subsonic loads. Supersonic ammunition travels faster than the speed of sound, providing a flatter trajectory. Subsonic ammunition intentionally leaves the barrel below the speed of sound to completely eliminate the loud sonic crack, making it incredibly quiet when paired with a suppressor.

Retained Velocity

Retained velocity refers to the speed of the bullet at specific distances downrange, such as one hundred or five hundred yards. Air resistance constantly slows the bullet down as it travels. Retained velocity is incredibly important for hunters because most expanding bullets require a minimum velocity to open up properly upon impact. If a bullet slows down too much, it will pass straight through the target without transferring its energy.

Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is the amount of destructive force the bullet carries, measured in foot pounds. It is calculated using the weight of the bullet and its velocity at any given distance. Hunters pay close attention to this metric on a 300 Blackout Energy Chart to ensure they have enough power to ethically harvest game animals at extended distances. Because subsonic loads travel slowly, their kinetic energy is significantly lower than supersonic alternatives.

Trajectory

Trajectory indicates the path the bullet takes as it flies through the air, factoring in the effect of gravity. The 300 Blackout Trajectory Chart displays the bullet drop in inches at various yardages relative to the line of sight. By knowing the exact trajectory, shooters can adjust their aim or their scope turrets to hit targets without guessing. Subsonic bullets have a severely curved rainbow trajectory compared to the much flatter supersonic options.

Ballistic Coefficient

The Ballistic Coefficient is a numerical value that represents how well a bullet cuts through the air. A higher number means the bullet is more aerodynamic and will retain its velocity and energy better over long distances. High Ballistic Coefficient bullets also resist wind drift much better than bullets with a lower rating. The heavy two hundred and twenty grain subsonic bullets boast massive Ballistic Coefficient numbers due to their extreme length.

Sectional Density

Sectional density is the ratio of a bullet weight to its diameter. This metric is a strong indicator of how deeply a bullet will penetrate into a target. A higher sectional density generally results in deeper penetration. Because this cartridge uses large thirty caliber projectiles, heavy subsonic bullets possess incredible sectional density, allowing them to penetrate very deeply even at low speeds.

Common 300 Blackout Bullet Weights

The 300 Blackout is incredibly versatile, largely due to the wide variety of bullet weights it can fire accurately. Selecting the proper weight is the most important decision a shooter can make for a specific application.

110 Grain

The 110 grain bullet is among the lightest options available for this cartridge. It offers the fastest muzzle velocities and exceptionally low recoil. This weight is primarily used for home defense and medium game hunting. Premium solid copper choices like the Barnes TAC TX provide devastating terminal performance and reliable expansion on whitetail deer.

120 Grain

Moving up slightly in weight, the 120 grain bullet provides a great balance of high velocity and deep penetration. It is an excellent choice for hunting wild hogs and deer. While it shoots very flat at short distances, it sheds energy steadily past two hundred yards.

125 Grain

The 125 grain category is heavily dominated by full metal jacket target loads and polymer tipped hunting bullets. It strikes the perfect balance between velocity and kinetic energy, offering a flat enough trajectory for most practical field distances while maintaining manageable recoil.

147 Grain

The 147 grain weight is the standard for military surplus ammunition designed for the larger 308 Winchester, but many manufacturers load these cheap projectiles into the 300 Blackout. It is heavily utilized for affordable target practice and tactical training. While not suitable for hunting due to its lack of expansion, it remains one of the most popular range loads.

150 Grain

The 150 grain bullet is considered heavy for supersonic use in this caliber. It maximizes kinetic energy and penetration but suffers from a noticeably curved trajectory compared to lighter bullets. This weight is often chosen by hunters who operate in dense brush where shots are close and maximum penetration is preferred.

190 Grain

The 190 grain bullet marks the beginning of the heavy subsonic category. Projectiles like the Hornady Sub X are specifically engineered with deep hollow cavities and polymer tips to guarantee expansion at velocities under one thousand feet per second. This is the premier choice for hunters who want to remain perfectly silent while ethically harvesting medium game.

200 Grain

The 200 grain weight is a common and affordable subsonic option. These are typically loaded with full metal jacket bullets designed purely for range practice. They provide the exact same quiet performance as premium hunting loads but at a fraction of the cost, making them perfect for tactical training drills with a suppressor.

208 Grain

The 208 grain bullet was originally designed for precision long range shooting in larger magnum calibers. However, its long aerodynamic shape makes it highly efficient at subsonic speeds. It retains its momentum brilliantly and cuts through the wind better than lighter options, making it a favorite among accuracy enthusiasts.

220 Grain

The 220 grain bullet is the absolute gold standard for subsonic performance. It provides the maximum possible mass that can be efficiently stabilized in a standard AR 15 barrel. When fired through a quality suppressor, it is incredibly quiet while delivering massive momentum and deep penetration on close range targets.

Effective Hunting Range

The effective range of the 300 Blackout depends heavily on whether you are using supersonic or subsonic ammunition. A responsible hunter must understand their own limitations as well as the ballistic capabilities of their rifle.

Whitetail Deer

For whitetail deer, supersonic loads in the 110 grain to 125 grain range are highly effective out to two hundred yards. The bullets carry plenty of velocity to expand properly and deliver a quick ethical kill. If using specialized expanding subsonic ammunition, hunters must limit their shots to one hundred yards due to the rapid bullet drop and lower kinetic energy.

Elk

Hunting elk with this cartridge is highly controversial and generally discouraged by professionals. Elk are massive tough animals that require deep penetration and massive energy transfer. While a perfectly placed supersonic solid copper bullet could theoretically harvest an elk at very close range, the cartridge simply lacks the foot pounds of energy required for reliable and ethical elk hunting.

Black Bear

Black bears share similar anatomy to large feral hogs and deer. A quality supersonic bullet will deliver devastating results on a black bear out to one hundred and fifty yards. The cartridge provides plenty of bone crushing power at close ranges, but hunters must ensure they use premium expanding bullets rather than full metal jacket target loads.

Wild Hogs

Feral hogs are perhaps the perfect target for this cartridge. Tactical hog hunters who operate at night heavily favor subsonic ammunition paired with thermal optics. Because shots are typically taken within fifty yards, the heavy subsonic round provides massive momentum while keeping the rifle completely silent, often allowing the hunter to harvest multiple hogs before the sounder scatters.

Coyotes

When hunting coyotes and other predators, a flat trajectory is far more important than retained energy. Using lightweight 110 grain supersonic bullets, you can accurately harvest coyotes out to two hundred yards. However, the cartridge cannot match the laser flat trajectory of a dedicated predator round like the 223 Remington, making distance estimation critical.

Target Shooting

For general steel target shooting and range practice, the cartridge is incredibly fun and effective. The extremely mild recoil makes it a joy to shoot during long training sessions. Transitioning between fast supersonic loads and quiet subsonic loads provides excellent training for tactical applications.

Long Range Shooting

This cartridge is not designed for long range precision. Supersonic loads drop severely past three hundred yards, and subsonic loads drop over ten feet at just four hundred yards. While lobbing heavy bullets at distant steel targets can be a fun mathematical challenge for experienced shooters, it is entirely unsuited for competitive long range rifle matches.

Factors That Affect 300 Blackout Ballistics

Ballistics numbers are not static. The data provided in a 300 Blackout Velocity Chart will change based on environmental conditions and the physical characteristics of your rifle setup.

Barrel Length

Barrel length has a major impact on velocity. This cartridge was specifically engineered to achieve a full powder burn in just a nine inch barrel. Using a short barreled rifle provides fantastic maneuverability in close quarters without sacrificing much performance. Upgrading to a sixteen inch barrel will yield a moderate velocity increase for supersonic loads, but offers almost no benefit for subsonic loads.

Bullet Weight

The weight of the projectile dictates its speed and trajectory curve. Lighter bullets launch faster and shoot flatter at close range, while heavy bullets travel below the speed of sound and drop rapidly. You must choose your 300 Blackout Bullet Weight based entirely on whether you want a flat trajectory or silent suppressed performance.

Bullet Design

The shape and construction of a bullet dramatically alter its flight path. A sleek polymer tipped bullet will cut through the wind efficiently and maintain velocity. Conversely, blunt round nose designs create significant drag. For subsonic hunting, bullet design is the most critical factor, as standard bullets will fail to expand at such low speeds.

Altitude

The elevation at which you are shooting changes the density of the air. At higher altitudes, the air is much thinner, which creates less drag on the bullet. As a result, your bullet will shoot noticeably flatter and retain slightly more energy in the mountains compared to shooting near sea level.

Temperature

Temperature affects both the air density and the internal pressure of your ammunition. Cold air is denser than warm air, which increases drag and causes more bullet drop. Furthermore, freezing temperatures can lower the burn rate of your gunpowder, slightly reducing your muzzle velocity and shifting your point of impact downward.

Humidity

While often misunderstood, humidity actually makes the air less dense. Water vapor is lighter than dry atmospheric air molecules. Therefore, high humidity environments provide slightly less resistance to the bullet in flight, resulting in a marginally flatter trajectory. However, for the short practical distances of this cartridge, humidity plays almost zero role in field performance.

Wind

Wind deflection is a massive challenge when shooting subsonic ammunition. Because heavy subsonic bullets travel so slowly, they spend a tremendous amount of time in the air before reaching the target. This extended flight time gives a crosswind much more opportunity to push the bullet laterally off its intended path compared to a fast moving supersonic projectile.

Twist Rate

The twist rate of your rifle barrel dictates how fast the bullet spins. To perfectly stabilize massive two hundred and twenty grain bullets flying at low speeds, barrels require a very fast twist rate. Most manufacturers use a one in seven or one in eight twist rate to ensure heavy subsonic bullets fly point forward instead of tumbling wildly through the air.

Zero Distance

Your chosen zero distance sets the baseline for your entire trajectory curve. If you zero your rifle at one hundred yards with supersonic ammunition, switching to a heavy subsonic load will cause your bullet to impact several inches lower at the exact same distance. Shooters must understand their zero data intimately when swapping between different ammunition types.

Best Zero Distance

Selecting the optimal zero distance depends entirely on whether you plan to use supersonic or subsonic ammunition. Each distance offers specific advantages that you must weigh carefully.

25 Yard Zero

A twenty five yard zero is commonly used by tactical shooters running subsonic ammunition in a short barreled rifle. Because the line of sight is above the bore, the bullet crosses the visual plane very early. This provides an excellent point blank range for home defense scenarios where engagements happen inside of single rooms.

50 Yard Zero

The fifty yard zero is widely considered the absolute best choice for subsonic hunting. It keeps the heavy arcing trajectory perfectly aligned with your line of sight at close ranges, allowing you to aim dead on from twenty to seventy five yards with complete confidence.

100 Yard Zero

A one hundred yard zero is the gold standard for supersonic hunting. It provides a clean baseline where all adjustments for longer distances will be dialed upward on the scope turrets. It removes any need to hold under the target, simplifying the math for intermediate range engagements across agricultural fields or open pastures.

200 Yard Zero

For hunters wanting maximum point blank range with supersonic ammunition, the two hundred yard zero is viable. With this zero, a light 110 grain bullet will impact roughly three inches high at one hundred yards and drop dead center at two hundred yards. This allows the hunter to hold center mass on a deer without calculating complicated holdovers in the heat of the moment.

300 Yard Zero

A three hundred yard zero is absolutely impractical for this caliber. It would require the bullet to travel in a massive upward arc, causing it to strike dangerously high at intermediate ranges. This trajectory curve would easily lead to shooting completely over the back of a game animal.

For dedicated subsonic shooters, the fifty yard zero offers the most predictable performance. For hunters utilizing the speed of supersonic rounds, the one hundred yard zero is undisputed for overall field practicality.

300 Blackout Ballistics Compared To Other Cartridges

This cartridge was engineered to fill a very specific tactical niche in the AR 15 platform. To understand its true value, we must compare it directly against other common intermediate and full power cartridges.

Cartridge	Muzzle Velocity	Muzzle Energy	Trajectory At 300 Yards	Recoil	Effective Range	Long Range Performance	Hunting Performance
300 Blackout	2375 fps	1378 ft lbs	26.5 inches drop	Very Light	300 Yards	Poor	Good
5.56 NATO	3150 fps	1210 ft lbs	12.5 inches drop	Very Light	500 Yards	Good	Fair
7.62x39mm	2350 fps	1500 ft lbs	28.0 inches drop	Light	300 Yards	Poor	Good
350 Legend	2250 fps	1800 ft lbs	32.0 inches drop	Moderate	250 Yards	Poor	Excellent
308 Winchester	2820 fps	2648 ft lbs	12.0 inches drop	Moderate	800 Yards	Excellent	Exceptional

When comparing the 300 Blackout to the standard 5.56 NATO cartridge, the differences are striking. The 5.56 NATO shoots a tiny fast bullet that produces a laser flat trajectory out to five hundred yards. However, the Blackout fires a much heavier thirty caliber bullet. This provides significantly better barrier penetration and knockdown power at close range, while also offering the unique ability to function perfectly with quiet subsonic ammunition.

Against the legendary 7.62x39mm Russian cartridge, the ballistic performance is nearly identical. Both fire thirty caliber bullets at similar velocities and possess the same effective hunting range. However, the Blackout was specifically designed to feed flawlessly from standard AR 15 magazines and utilize standard bolt carrier groups, making it far superior for modern sporting rifles.

The 350 Legend is a straight wall cartridge designed for states with specific hunting regulations. It hits substantially harder than the Blackout and throws a much wider bullet, making it a better dedicated deer cartridge. However, the 350 Legend lacks the aerodynamic efficiency required for medium range target shooting and completely lacks the subsonic tactical versatility that makes the Blackout famous.

When stacked against the larger 308 Winchester, the Blackout naturally falls far behind in raw kinetic energy and velocity. The 308 Winchester pushes massive bullets designed for large game and provides phenomenal long range performance. But the 308 Winchester requires a large heavy rifle platform and is notoriously difficult to suppress down to truly quiet levels due to its massive powder charge. The Blackout offers a highly specialized tool for shooters who prioritize compact size and ultimate sound suppression over maximum effective range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 300 Blackout Ballistics Chart?

It is a detailed reference table that tracks the speed, energy, and trajectory curve of the cartridge over various distances. Shooters rely on this data to adjust their rifle optics, understand wind deflection, and guarantee their bullet retains enough power for ethical hunting at specific yardages.

How far is a 300 Blackout effective?

For hunting medium game with supersonic ammunition, the 300 Blackout Effective Range is highly capable out to two hundred yards. When using heavy subsonic ammunition, the effective hunting range drops to about one hundred yards due to the rapid loss of momentum and severe downward arc.

How much does a 300 Blackout bullet drop at 300 yards?

If zeroed at one hundred yards, a typical 110 grain supersonic bullet will drop roughly twenty six inches at three hundred yards. Conversely, a massive 220 grain subsonic bullet zeroed at one hundred yards will plummet over one hundred and fifteen inches by the time it reaches three hundred yards.

Is a 300 Blackout good for deer hunting?

Yes, it is an outstanding deer hunting cartridge when paired with the proper expanding supersonic ammunition. Loads featuring solid copper monolithic projectiles offer deep penetration and massive energy transfer, easily taking down large bucks at close to medium ranges.

Is a 300 Blackout suitable for elk?

No, the vast majority of hunting professionals consider it far too weak for ethical elk hunting. Elk are massive heavy boned animals that demand deep penetration and significant kinetic energy. The cartridge simply lacks the foot pounds of force required to guarantee a clean harvest.

What is the best 300 Blackout bullet weight?

The best weight depends entirely on your specific goal. For the flattest shooting trajectory and best medium game hunting performance, the 110 grain supersonic bullets are ideal. For silent suppressed hog hunting, the massive 190 grain to 220 grain expanding subsonic bullets are the undisputed best choice.

What is the best zero distance for a 300 Blackout?

For tactical shooters running suppressed subsonic ammunition, a fifty yard zero provides the most forgiving point blank range. For hunters utilizing the speed of supersonic rounds across open fields, the one hundred yard zero provides the best baseline for accurate shot placement.

Can a 300 Blackout reach 1000 yards?

No, it is absolutely not designed for extreme long range precision. The bullets experience massive drop and severe wind deflection, making it nearly impossible to consistently strike targets at one thousand yards. It is strictly a close to medium range tactical cartridge.

Does barrel length affect 300 Blackout velocity?

Yes, shorter barrels will reduce the muzzle velocity of the supersonic loads. However, the cartridge is heavily optimized to burn its powder efficiently in incredibly short barrels. Even an exceptionally short nine inch barrel will still produce devastating terminal performance at close hunting ranges.

What is the fastest factory loaded 300 Blackout ammunition?

The fastest factory options are the lightweight 110 grain supersonic loads, which easily leave a sixteen inch barrel at nearly two thousand four hundred feet per second. These loads provide the flattest possible trajectory and the absolute longest effective hunting range for this specific caliber.

Conclusion

Understanding a 300 Blackout Ballistics Chart is essential for any shooter looking to harness the full potential of this heavy hitting tactical cartridge. Whether you are consulting a 300 Blackout Velocity Chart to verify expansion thresholds or analyzing a 300 Blackout Trajectory Chart to perfectly dial your scope for a difficult shot, the data is the ultimate key to success. This cartridge represents a massive leap forward in modern rifle capabilities, offering unprecedented stopping power in a very compact package.

By studying your 300 Blackout Hunting Ballistics, understanding the massive performance shift between supersonic and subsonic bullet weights, and picking the right zero distance, you can turn a standard modern sporting rifle into a brilliant dual purpose powerhouse. The 300 Blackout Effective Range provides plenty of reach for supersonic hunting while delivering the quiet, sledgehammer blows that tactical and subsonic shooters demand. It truly earns its reputation as one of the most versatile and capable cartridges ever designed for the AR 15 platform.