Supersonic vs Subsonic 300 BLK

Supersonic (110–150 gr): FMJ from PPU, Magtech, American Eagle and Winchester USA for practice, plus hunting loads like Federal Power-Shok, Winchester Deer Season XP and Hornady FTX. Subsonic (190–220 gr): Hornady Black 208 gr A-MAX and Remington UMC 220 gr, built for use with a suppressor.

Hunting with 300 Blackout

For deer and hogs at moderate range, choose an expanding bullet such as Federal Power-Shok, Winchester Deer Season XP, Hornady FTX or Corbon DPX. Check your state’s hunting rules.

300 AAC Blackout Ammo Guide

300 AAC Blackout (300 BLK) was developed by Advanced Armament Corp. and Remington to put a .30 caliber bullet in an AR-15 using the standard bolt and magazines. Only the barrel changes. It is especially popular in short-barreled AR pistols and suppressed rifles.

Its big advantage is range of loads: supersonic 110 to 125 grain bullets for general use and hunting, and heavy subsonic 190 to 220 grain bullets that are quiet when suppressed. One serious safety warning: a 300 BLK round can chamber in a 5.56 rifle, and firing it can destroy the gun and injure the shooter. Mark your 300 BLK magazines and keep the two calibers apart.

Best 300 BLK Ammo by Use

Range and Practice

For range use, 110 to 125 grain supersonic FMJ is the economical choice. 300 BLK costs more per round than 5.56, so cases of 250 or 500 rounds help lower the price.

Self-Defense

For home defense, many choose a supersonic expanding load designed for short barrels, from makers like Hornady, SIG Sauer and Barnes. Subsonic loads may not expand reliably unless designed to, so read the manufacturer description.

Hunting

300 BLK with an expanding bullet is used on deer and hogs at short range, with supersonic hunting loads from Hornady, Barnes and Federal. Some subsonic loads are made to expand at low velocity. Check your state's hunting regulations for minimum cartridge rules.

300 BLK Grain Weights and Bullet Types

Our 300 BLK listings include 110 to 150 grain supersonic loads, most often 125 and 150 grain, and 190 to 220 grain subsonic loads. Bullet types include FMJ, polymer tip, solid copper, open tip match and expanding subsonic designs.

Quick bullet-type key: FMJ (full metal jacket) is a lead core with a copper jacket that does not expand, the usual range load. JHP (jacketed hollow point) is designed to expand and is the usual defensive load. Soft point and polymer tip bullets are designed to expand and are common for hunting. Solid copper bullets are lead-free and are required for hunting in some areas. Frangible bullets are designed to break up on hard targets and are used at some indoor ranges and steel-target courses.

Brass, Steel and Aluminum Cases

Most 300 BLK is loaded in brass cases, which are the most widely accepted at ranges and can be reloaded. Steel-case ammo, usually lacquer or polymer coated, often costs less per round but cannot be reloaded, and some ranges and some firearms do not accept it. Aluminum-case ammo, such as Blazer, is a budget option that is also not reloadable. Whatever the case material, the product title and box list the exact cartridge, bullet weight and bullet type, so match those to your gun and your use.

Storing 300 BLK Ammo

Store ammunition in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and out of reach of children, ideally locked. Sealed ammo cans with a gasket help keep moisture out for long-term storage. Keep different calibers in labeled containers so the wrong cartridge never ends up in a magazine. If ammo is corroded, dented or has been wet, do not fire it.

300 Blackout Ballistics: Supersonic vs Subsonic

Published velocity and energy for 150 grain supersonic loads and a 220 grain subsonic load.

Load key: FMJ = full metal jacket.

Figures are as published by Federal Premium on each product page (checked October 30, 2026). Velocity from your own barrel will differ.

300 BLK Brands We Carry

As of October 30, 2026, this category lists 56 300 BLK products. Brands we carry in 300 BLK include Magtech, Winchester Ammunition, Barnes, SIG SAUER, DoubleTap Ammunition, CorBon, Federal, Hornady, Sellier & Bellot, Sierra Bullets, Ammo Inc, Atomic Ammunition, Fiocchi Ammunition, Maxim Defense Industries, Remington, Aguila Ammunition, Armscor, Frontier Cartridge, Nosler and Prvi Partizan. Stock changes daily, so filter by availability in the grid above.

Buying 300 BLK in Bulk vs by the Box

A 20- or 50-round box is the cheapest way to try a load in your gun. Once you know what runs well, larger cases of 250, 500 or 1,000 rounds almost always cost less per round. To compare listings fairly, divide the price by the round count to get the cost per round, and include shipping. Orders of $500 or more ship free, which usually makes a case the better deal. See what 300 BLK has been costing in our Ammo Price Index, and browse bulk ammo.

How to Choose 300 BLK Ammo

• Confirm the cartridge stamped on your barrel matches the box exactly.
• Pick the bullet type for the job: FMJ for practice, expanding bullets for defense and hunting.
• Buy a small quantity first and test it in your gun, then buy in bulk.
• Check your range rules for steel case, steel core or bi-metal bullets.
• Check your state and local laws before ordering.

Shipping and State Laws

Orders of $500 or more ship free. Ammunition orders under $500 ship for $15.99. Ammunition is not returnable. You must be of legal age to buy ammunition, and some states and cities restrict ammo shipments, require a license or background check, or limit certain bullet types. Read our ammo and magazine laws by state before ordering. Tactical Surplus USA has been selling firearms, ammunition and gear since 2022.

Related Calibers, Guides and Firearms

Related ammo: 5.56 ammo, 7.62x39 ammo, .308 Winchester ammo. Comparisons: 300 Blackout vs 5.56, ammo caliber chart. Shop AR pistols, AR uppers, rifle magazines.