The 300 AAC Blackout was designed to deliver increased energy on targets at close range over the standard 5.56 NATO. It performs exceptionally well in short barrels and can be used in both supersonic and subsonic applications. Hornady manufactures a variety of 300 Blackout loads tailored for different uses, including varmint hunting, precision shooting, and self-defense.
Below are the primary factory ballistics charts for Hornady’s most popular 300 Blackout rounds, tested with a standard 16-inch barrel.
Hornady 300 Blackout Supersonic Ballistics Charts
Supersonic loads are lightweight and fast. They offer an effective range similar to the 7.62x39mm and are excellent for hunting coyotes, foxes, and medium game.
1. Hornady BLACK 110 gr. V-MAX (Supersonic)
The 110-grain V-MAX bullet is a favorite for varmint hunters. It delivers exceptional accuracy and rapid fragmentation upon impact.
| Range (Yards) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (inches)* |
| Muzzle | 2375 | 1378 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2094 | 1071 | +3.2 |
| 200 | 1834 | 821 | 0.0 |
| 300 | 1597 | 623 | -13.7 |
*Trajectory assumes a 200-yard zero and standard 1.5-inch sight height.
2. Hornady Custom 110 gr. CX (Supersonic)
The CX (Copper alloy eXpanding) bullet is a monolithic option designed for deeper penetration and high weight retention on larger game.
| Range (Yards) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (inches)* |
| Muzzle | 2285 | 1275 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2029 | 1005 | +3.5 |
| 200 | 1791 | 784 | 0.0 |
| 300 | 1575 | 606 | -14.4 |
*Trajectory assumes a 200-yard zero.
3. Hornady 190 gr. SUB-X (Subsonic)
The SUB-X (Subsonic eXpanding) bullet is designed to reliably expand even at very low velocities.
| Range (Yards) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (inches)** |
| Muzzle | 1050 | 465 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 998 | 420 | 0.0 |
| 200 | 955 | 384 | -33.4 |
| 300 | 918 | 355 | -104.6 |
Trajectory assumes a 100-yard zero. Subsonic rounds drop rapidly past 100 yards.
Supersonic vs. Subsonic Performance
Understanding the distinct flight paths of the 300 Blackout is vital for proper zeroing and field application.
Supersonic Trajectory
Supersonic loads, such as the 110-grain V-MAX, behave much like a traditional intermediate rifle cartridge. When zeroed at 200 yards, the bullet only rises a few inches at the 100-yard mark and drops about 13 to 14 inches at 300 yards. This flat trajectory makes it highly efficient for daytime varmint control and medium game hunting.
Subsonic Trajectory and Bullet Drop
Subsonic ballistics require much closer attention to distance. Because the 190-grain SUB-X bullet leaves the barrel at only 1050 fps, gravity begins pulling it down almost immediately.
- At 100 Yards: With a 100-yard zero, the point of impact is exact.
- At 200 Yards: The heavy bullet drops over 33 inches.
- At 300 Yards: The drop is a staggering 104.6 inches.
Because of this steep trajectory, subsonic 300 Blackout is best utilized inside of 100 yards where the massive bullet can deliver maximum kinetic energy without requiring extreme holdovers.
Platform Versatility
One of the primary benefits of the 300 AAC Blackout is its compatibility with standard AR-15 platforms. Converting a 5.56 NATO rifle to fire the 300 Blackout only requires swapping the upper receiver or barrel. The cartridge utilizes standard magazines without reducing capacity. Furthermore, Hornady Black ammunition is formulated to function reliably whether you are running a direct impingement or gas piston system, and whether the rifle is suppressed or unsuppressed.