300 Blackout ammo

300 Blackout ammo — the 300 AAC Blackout (300 BLK) — was engineered to do one thing the 5.56 can’t: run full-power and whisper-quiet subsonic loads from a standard AR-15 with nothing more than a barrel swap. Built on a necked-up 5.56 case, it feeds from the same magazines and bolt, cycles reliably in short barrels, and was designed from the start for suppressed shooting. Whether you want a hard-hitting supersonic load for hunting or a heavy subsonic round for a quiet suppressed carbine, 300 BLK is the AR cartridge built for both.

Tatted Tacticals stocks 300 Blackout from Hornady, Federal, Sig Sauer, Barnes, and Gorilla — supersonic hunting and defense loads plus heavy subsonic ammo, in boxes and bulk.

Subsonic vs. Supersonic: The Whole Point

300 BLK lives a double life. Supersonic loads run light 110- to 125-grain bullets near 2,200 fps for hunting, defense, and general use out to about 200 yards. Subsonic loads drive heavy 190- to 220-grain bullets around 1,000 fps — below the sound barrier, so with a suppressor they’re remarkably quiet. The same rifle shoots both; just know that most subsonic ammo won’t reliably cycle every gun without the right setup, and bullet drop is steep. This switch-hitting ability is the cartridge’s entire reason for being.

300 Blackout vs. 5.56 and 7.62×39

Each of these AR-platform rounds has a lane.

Against 5.56 NATO and .223, 300 BLK trades long-range speed for short-barrel energy and a true subsonic option; against 7.62×39, it offers AR-15 magazine compatibility and easier suppression. Shooters wanting a bigger subsonic bore look at 8.6 Blackout.

Hunting and Defense

Supersonic 300 BLK is an effective hog and deer cartridge inside about 150–200 yards, where expanding bullets like the Barnes TAC-TX or Sig HT deliver controlled penetration from short barrels. For home defense, supersonic expanding loads cycle reliably in compact carbines and deliver more energy than 5.56 at close range. Subsonic loads excel for quiet suppressed shooting and pest control. Our 300 Blackout ballistic data compares supersonic and subsonic performance.

Buying 300 Blackout

Buy supersonic and subsonic separately for their different jobs, and confirm your rifle cycles your chosen subsonic load. A safety note: never load 300 BLK into a 5.56 chamber — the rounds look similar and a 300 BLK in a 5.56 barrel is a dangerous mismatch, so keep them clearly separated. Standards follow SAAMI specifications. Federal law sets the minimum age for rifle ammunition at 18; per ATF guidance, confirm federal rules and review our ammunition shipping rules and state restrictions before ordering.

300 Blackout Ammo — Frequently Asked Questions

What’s so special about 300 Blackout?

Its versatility from a standard AR-15. By swapping only the barrel, the same lower, bolt, and magazines run both full-power supersonic loads and heavy subsonic loads, and it was designed for suppressed shooting and short barrels. No other common AR cartridge switches between flat-shooting and whisper-quiet so easily, which is what made 300 BLK popular.

What hits harder, 5.56 or 300 Blackout?

At close range and from short barrels, supersonic 300 BLK delivers more energy with its heavier bullet. The 5.56 is faster and flatter, carrying its energy farther downrange. So 300 BLK hits harder up close and from SBRs, while 5.56 wins at distance — which is better depends entirely on your range and barrel length.

What is the effective range of a 300 Blackout?

Supersonic loads are effective to roughly 200 yards for hunting and defense, beyond which the heavy bullet drops quickly. Subsonic loads are short-range tools, practical inside about 100–150 yards. The cartridge is built for close-to-medium work and suppressed shooting, not long-range precision.

Can 300 Blackout use 5.56 magazines?

Yes. 300 BLK was designed to feed from standard AR-15 / 5.56 magazines and uses the same bolt, which is a core part of its appeal. Only the barrel differs. Important safety caution: because the rounds resemble each other, never let a 300 BLK round enter a 5.56 chamber — keep the two cartridges clearly separated.

Can you buy 300 Blackout ammo online?

Yes. In most U.S. states you can buy 300 Blackout online and have it shipped to your door. The minimum age for rifle ammunition is 18, and some states and municipalities add restrictions or shipping limits, so confirm your state and local laws before ordering.