As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours in the field testing different firearms and ammunition. And let me tell you, when it comes to versatility, the .300 Blackout really shines. Whether you’re looking to defend your home, take down game, or just get in some target practice, this round can do it all.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best .300 Blackout ammo for your needs? Don’t worry – I’ve done the legwork for you. After extensive testing (and maybe a few too many trips to the gun store), I’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 loads that excel for home defense, hunting, and training.
Before we dive in, let’s talk about what makes the .300 Blackout so special. This round was designed to provide .30 caliber power in a package that works flawlessly in AR-15 platforms. It offers minimal recoil, excellent suppressor performance, and enough punch for medium game within 200 yards. Plus, you can easily swap between supersonic and subsonic loads. Pretty nifty, right?
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – my top picks for .300 Blackout ammo across different applications:
Best Overall: Barnes VOR-TX 110-Grain TAC-TX FB
If I could only choose one .300 Blackout load to do it all, this would be it. The all-copper Barnes bullet offers deep penetration and reliable expansion, making it ideal for both hunting and self-defense. In my testing, it averaged around 2,300 fps from a 16″ barrel and produced tight groups under 1 MOA.
I’ve personally used this load to take down a hefty boar at 125 yards. One well-placed shot and that pig dropped like a sack of potatoes. The wound channel was impressive, and there was virtually no meat loss. For home defense, you can count on this round to stop threats quickly without overpenetrating walls.
At around $1.50 per round, it’s not the cheapest option. But the performance is worth every penny in my book. View price
Best for Home Defense: Hornady Black 110-Grain V-Max
When it comes to protecting your castle, you want a round that delivers devastating terminal performance without excessive penetration. Enter the Hornady Black 110-grain V-Max. This zippy little load clocks in at around 2,350 fps and expands violently on impact.
In gel testing, I’ve seen this round create massive temporary cavities while still penetrating deep enough to reach vital organs. The polymer tip initiates rapid expansion, turning the bullet into a lethal buzz saw. Just be aware that the V-Max design isn’t ideal for barrier penetration, so shot placement is crucial. View price
Best for Hunting: Winchester Deer Season XP 150-Grain
For those looking to fill the freezer, it’s hard to beat Winchester’s purpose-built deer hunting load. The hefty 150-grain bullet leaves the muzzle at about 1,900 fps, delivering bone-crushing power out to 200 yards. The large polymer tip initiates rapid expansion on impact for quick, ethical kills.
I’ve used this load extensively on whitetails, and it’s never let me down. Even with less-than-ideal shot placement, deer rarely make it more than 50 yards. The only downside is that the heavier bullet does produce a bit more recoil than lighter options. View price
Best Subsonic: Sig Sauer 220-Grain Elite Performance Subsonic
If you’re running a suppressor (and why wouldn’t you?), you need a quality subsonic load. Sig’s 220-grain offering is my go-to for whisper-quiet plinking and hunting. At around 1,000 fps, it cycles reliably in most guns while staying well below the speed of sound.
Despite the low velocity, the heavy bullet still packs a wallop. I’ve taken several hogs with this load, and with proper shot placement, it’s plenty effective inside 100 yards. For home defense, the reduced blast and flash make it an excellent choice to protect your hearing. View price
Best for Training: American Eagle 150-Grain FMJ
Let’s face it – we all need to practice more. But burning through match-grade ammo gets expensive fast. That’s where American Eagle’s affordable FMJ load comes in handy. At around 75 cents per round, you can afford to send plenty of lead downrange without breaking the bank.
This 150-grain bullet mimics the trajectory of popular hunting loads, making it perfect for honing your skills. In my testing, it’s proven plenty accurate for practical shooting drills. Just be sure to swap to a proper expanding bullet for hunting or self-defense.
Best Long-Range Option: Hornady 125-Grain ELD Match
While the .300 Blackout isn’t typically considered a long-range round, Hornady’s 125-grain ELD Match load stretches its legs admirably. With a high ballistic coefficient and muzzle velocity around 2,175 fps, this bullet bucks the wind and maintains energy surprisingly well.
I’ve made consistent hits on steel out to 400 yards with this load – not too shabby for a short-action .30 cal! The ELD bullet isn’t designed for expansion, so I wouldn’t recommend it for hunting. But for precision target shooting, it’s tough to beat.
Best Budget Option: Wolf 145-Grain FMJ
Sometimes you just want to make noise and punch paper without spending a fortune. Enter Wolf’s steel-cased 145-grain FMJ load. At around 50 cents per round, it’s the most affordable option on our list by far.
Is it match-grade accurate? Nope. Will it cycle reliably in every gun? Probably not. But for high-volume range sessions and general plinking, it gets the job done. Just be prepared for a bit more cleaning afterward due to the steel cases. View price
Best Heavy Bullet Option: Remington 220-Grain Subsonic OTM
For those who subscribe to the “slow and heavy” school of thought, Remington’s 220-grain subsonic load delivers. This open-tip match bullet leaves the muzzle at just under 1,000 fps, but don’t let the low velocity fool you. It hits like a sledgehammer up close.
In my gel testing, this round consistently penetrated over 18 inches while creating a sizeable permanent cavity. For home defense or close-range hunting, it’s devastatingly effective. Just be aware that the rainbow-like trajectory limits its practical range. View price
Best Copper Option: Barnes TAC-TX 110-Grain
For hunters in lead-free zones (I’m looking at you, California), Barnes has you covered with their 110-grain TAC-TX load. This all-copper bullet expands reliably even at the .300 Blackout’s modest velocities while still penetrating deeply.
I’ve found this load to be particularly effective on tough game like feral hogs. The solid copper construction means you get nearly 100% weight retention, resulting in deep, straight wound channels. It’s a bit pricey, but the terminal performance is top-notch. View price
Best Do-It-All Load: Nosler Ballistic Tip 125-Grain
Rounding out our list is Nosler’s tried-and-true Ballistic Tip load. This 125-grain bullet offers an excellent balance of expansion and penetration, making it suitable for everything from varmints to deer. At around 2,150 fps, it’s flat-shooting enough for practical hunting ranges.
I’ve used this load extensively for both target shooting and hunting, and it’s never let me down. The polymer tip initiates rapid expansion, while the bonded core ensures deep penetration. If you want one load to cover all your bases, this is an excellent choice. View price
Choosing the Right Ammo for Your Needs
Now that we’ve covered the top contenders, how do you pick the right load for your specific situation? Here are a few key factors to consider:
Intended Use: Are you primarily focused on home defense, hunting, or target shooting? Choose a load optimized for your main application.
Barrel Length: Shorter barrels will see reduced velocity. If you’re running an AR pistol, stick to loads designed for optimal performance from short tubes.
Suppressor Use: If you’re running a can, make sure to choose ammo that stays subsonic through your barrel length.
Terminal Performance: For hunting or self-defense, look for bullets designed to expand reliably at .300 Blackout velocities.
Budget: Match-grade ammo is great, but it gets expensive fast. Balance performance with your wallet for high-volume shooting.
At the end of the day, the best way to find what works for you is to get out and shoot. Pick up a few different loads, run them through your gun, and see what performs best. With the variety of .300 Blackout ammo available today, you’re sure to find a load that meets your needs.
So there you have it – my top picks for .300 Blackout ammo across a range of applications. Whether you’re defending your home, hunting, or just having fun at the range, one of these loads is sure to fit the bill. Now get out there and send some freedom seeds downrange! And don’t forget to check out our selection of night vision gear to pair with your .300 Blackout setup for some after-dark shooting fun.