Hey there, fellow night vision enthusiasts and hunters! Joel Mccartan here, and I’m thrilled to dive deep into the world of 300 Blackout magazines with you today. As we roll into 2024, the options for feeding your favorite .300 BLK rifle have only gotten better, and I’m here to guide you through the best of the best.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you know that choosing the right magazine for your 300 Blackout can make or break your shooting experience. I’ve been there, done that, and learned some valuable lessons along the way. Today, I’m going to share those insights with you, so you can avoid the pitfalls and get straight to enjoying your 300 Blackout to its fullest potential.
Why 300 Blackout-Specific Magazines Matter
Before we jump into our top picks, let’s talk about why you might want to consider magazines specifically designed for 300 Blackout. Sure, you can use standard 5.56 magazines, and many shooters do so successfully. However, there are some compelling reasons to opt for 300 Blackout-specific mags.
First and foremost, 300 Blackout rounds have a unique shape compared to 5.56 NATO. They’re typically heavier and can be slightly longer, especially when we’re talking about subsonic loads. This difference in geometry can lead to feeding issues in some cases when using standard 5.56 magazines. I learned this the hard way during a nighttime hog hunt a few years back. There I was, lined up for the perfect shot, only to have my rifle jam because the rounds weren’t feeding smoothly from my trusty old 5.56 mag. Not fun, folks. Not fun at all.
300 Blackout-specific magazines are designed with slightly different internal geometry to accommodate the unique shape of these rounds. The feed lips are often optimized for the larger bullet diameter, and the internal ribs are adjusted to better guide the rounds. This is particularly important when you’re using heavier subsonic loads, which can be more finicky in standard mags.
Another crucial point is safety. While 300 Blackout rounds can technically fit in 5.56 magazines, the reverse is also true – 300 Blackout magazines can accept 5.56 rounds. This creates a potential safety hazard if you accidentally load 300 Blackout rounds into a 5.56 rifle. Using dedicated 300 Blackout magazines, preferably in a distinct color or with clear markings, can help prevent this dangerous mix-up.
Now that we’ve covered the why, let’s dive into the what. Here are my top 7 picks for the best 300 Blackout magazines in 2024:
Lancer L5AWM 300 BLK Magazine
Lancer has really outdone themselves with the L5AWM (Advanced Warfighter Magazine) for 300 Blackout. These magazines have quickly become a favorite among serious shooters, and for good reason.
The L5AWM features a hybrid construction, combining the best of both worlds with a polymer body and hardened steel feed lips. This gives you the lightweight and durability of polymer, with the added reliability of steel where it matters most. The body is available in a variety of colors, including a fantastic translucent option that allows you to quickly check your round count.
What really sets the Lancer L5AWM apart is its internal geometry, which has been specifically optimized for 300 Blackout rounds. This design helps ensure smooth feeding, even with heavier subsonic loads that can sometimes cause issues in standard magazines. The feed lips are precisely tuned to guide the rounds into the chamber smoothly and consistently.
In my personal experience, these mags have been absolute workhorses. I’ve run them hard in my 300 Blackout SBR, and they’ve never let me down. The translucent smoke color not only looks badass but is also super practical when you need to check your ammo status quickly in low-light conditions.
One potential downside is that they are slightly pricier than some other options on the market. However, in my opinion, the reliability and performance more than justify the cost. If you’re serious about your 300 Blackout setup, these mags are well worth the investment.
Magpul PMAG 300 B GEN M3
When it comes to polymer magazines, Magpul’s reputation precedes them, and their 300 Blackout-specific PMAG doesn’t disappoint. The PMAG 300 B GEN M3 is a purpose-built magazine designed to address the unique challenges of feeding 300 Blackout rounds.
Like all Magpul products, these magazines are constructed from a durable polymer that’s built to withstand the rigors of hard use. The GEN M3 design incorporates several improvements over previous generations, including enhanced feed lip reinforcement and an updated bolt catch notch.
One of the standout features of the PMAG 300 B is its internal geometry, which has been optimized specifically for 300 Blackout rounds. This design helps prevent the “bolt over base” malfunctions that can sometimes occur with standard 5.56 magazines when used with 300 Blackout.
The magazine also features Magpul’s distinctive anti-tilt follower, which helps ensure reliable feeding even in less-than-ideal conditions. The floor plate is easily removable for cleaning, and the magazine body features texture for positive control during magazine changes.
In my experience, these have become my go-to for range days. They’re incredibly reliable, and the price point means I don’t feel bad about tossing them around or leaving them in the dirt during drills. The only real downside I’ve found is that they’re only available in black. Come on, Magpul, give us some color options!
D&H Industries 300 Blackout Magazine
For those who prefer the classic feel of aluminum magazines, D&H Industries has got you covered with their 300 Blackout-specific offering. D&H has been in the magazine game for a long time, and their experience shows in this product.
These magazines are constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, giving them a robust feel that many shooters prefer. The body is treated with a hard-coat anodized finish for durability and corrosion resistance. Inside, you’ll find a stainless steel spring and an anti-tilt follower designed specifically for 300 Blackout rounds.
One of the key features of the D&H magazine is its feed lips, which have been optimized for the larger diameter of 300 Blackout bullets. This helps ensure smooth feeding and reduces the chance of nose-diving rounds, which can be an issue with some standard 5.56 magazines when used with 300 Blackout.
In my personal experience, while I generally prefer polymer mags for their lighter weight, these D&H mags have a special place in my heart. They remind me of the old-school GI mags, but with modern improvements that make them much more reliable. They’ve performed well with a variety of 300 Blackout loads, although some users have reported occasional issues with particularly heavy subsonic rounds.
One potential downside is that aluminum magazines can be more prone to denting or bending if dropped on hard surfaces. However, if you’re careful with your gear (or if you just prefer the feel of metal), these mags are a solid choice. View price
Hexmag Series 2 AR-15 Magazine
Hexmag might not be as well-known as some other brands, but they’ve been making waves in the AR magazine market, and their offerings for 300 Blackout are no exception. The Series 2 AR-15 magazine is designed to work with both 5.56 NATO and 300 Blackout, making it a versatile option for those who run both calibers.
One of the standout features of the Hexmag is its unique hexagonal texture, which gives it an aggressive grip pattern. This can be particularly useful in wet or muddy conditions, or when wearing gloves. The polymer used in construction is a proprietary blend that Hexmag claims offers superior impact resistance.
Inside the magazine, you’ll find a stainless steel spring and an anti-tilt follower. While not specifically designed for 300 Blackout like some other options on this list, many users report reliable feeding with both supersonic and subsonic loads.
One unique feature of the Hexmag is its tool-less design, which allows for easy disassembly for cleaning or maintenance. They also offer a HexID Color Identification System, which includes swappable followers and base plates in various colors. This can be useful for quickly identifying which magazines are loaded with what type of ammo.
In my experience, I’ve found these magazines to be reliable performers, especially considering their relatively low price point. The grip texture is indeed excellent, particularly when wearing gloves on those chilly night hunts. The color-coding system is also great for quickly identifying which mags are loaded with subsonic vs. supersonic rounds.
Some users have reported fitment issues in certain AR-15 lowers, so it’s worth testing these in your specific rifle before relying on them for critical use. However, in my testing, they’ve run smoothly in several different 300 Blackout builds. View price
C Products Defense 300 Blackout Magazine
C Products Defense is another player in the aluminum magazine market, and their 300 Blackout-specific magazine is a solid contender. These magazines are built to mil-spec standards and are known for their reliability and durability.
The body of the magazine is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum with a hard-coat anodized finish. This provides excellent corrosion resistance and a robust feel. Inside, you’ll find a stainless steel spring and an anti-tilt follower designed specifically for 300 Blackout rounds.
One of the key features of the C Products magazine is its feed lips, which have been optimized for the larger diameter of 300 Blackout bullets. This helps ensure smooth feeding and reduces the chance of nose-diving rounds, which can be an issue with some standard 5.56 magazines when used with 300 Blackout.
In my personal experience, these mags have served me well in my 300 Blackout pistol build. They’re reliable and have a nice, classic feel to them. The finish has held up well to regular use, and I’ve had no issues with feeding or function.
One potential downside is that some users report a tight fit in certain mag wells. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it can lead to a more secure fit, but it’s something to be aware of. As with any magazine, it’s worth testing these in your specific rifle to ensure compatibility. View price
Okay Industries SureFeed E2 300 Blackout Magazine
Okay Industries has been supplying magazines to the U.S. military for years, and their civilian offerings, including the SureFeed E2 for 300 Blackout, are top-notch. These magazines are built to withstand the harshest conditions and provide reliable feeding round after round.
The SureFeed E2 is constructed from heat-treated aluminum with a hard-coat anodized finish. This provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance. The body features a four-way anti-friction texture, which provides a solid grip in all conditions.
Inside, you’ll find an enhanced anti-tilt follower designed specifically for 300 Blackout rounds. The spring is made from heat-treated stainless steel for long-lasting tension. The feed lips are precision formed and heat treated for consistency and durability.
One of the standout features of the SureFeed E2 is its reliability. These magazines are built to the same standards as those supplied to the military, and it shows in their performance. In my experience, these mags feel bombproof. I’ve dropped them, stepped on them, and generally abused them, and they keep on ticking.
The main downside to the SureFeed E2 is its price point. These are among the more expensive options on the market. However, for those who demand the utmost in reliability and durability, the cost may be justified.
Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) 300 Blackout Magazine
For those who like to stand out at the range, Elite Tactical Systems offers some eye-catching options with their translucent polymer magazines. While not specifically designed for 300 Blackout, many users report good results with both supersonic and subsonic loads.
The most obvious feature of the ETS magazines is their clear polymer construction. This allows for instant visual confirmation of round count and type. The polymer used is extremely durable, with ETS claiming superior impact resistance compared to many other polymer magazines.
Inside, you’ll find an anti-tilt follower and a removable floor plate for easy cleaning. The feed lips are reinforced for durability, and the body features a slight texture for improved grip.
One unique feature of the ETS magazines is their compatibility. They’re designed to work with a wide variety of firearms beyond just AR-15 pattern rifles, including some subguns that accept AR magazines.
In my personal experience, I’ll admit that I initially bought these because they look cool. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by their performance, especially in my 300 Blackout AR pistol. The ability to instantly see my round count is genuinely useful, particularly in low-light conditions.
Some users have reported occasional feeding issues, particularly with very heavy subsonic loads. As always, it’s important to test any magazine thoroughly with your specific rifle and ammunition before relying on it for critical use.
Choosing the Right Magazine for You
At the end of the day, the “best” magazine for your 300 Blackout will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Are you running mostly supersonic or subsonic loads? Do you prefer polymer or metal construction? Are you looking for something for competition, hunting, or home defense?
Consider factors like durability, weight, capacity, and price when making your decision. It’s also worth thinking about compatibility with your specific rifle, as some magazines may fit more snugly in certain lowers than others.
Personally, I keep a mix of Lancer L5AWMs and Magpul PMAGs in my range bag. The Lancers are my go-to for serious use, while the PMAGs are great for high-volume range days. For hunting, I often opt for the 20-round versions of these magazines, as the shorter length can be more manageable in a blind or tree stand.
Remember, whatever magazine you choose, it’s crucial to test it thoroughly with your specific rifle and ammunition before relying on it for anything critical. Run it through its paces at the range, try different types of ammo, and make sure it performs consistently in various conditions.
Also, always, always mark your 300 Blackout magazines clearly to avoid potentially dangerous mix-ups with 5.56 mags. This is especially important if you run both calibers. Consider using magazines in distinct colors or adding highly visible markings to your 300 Blackout mags.
Maintenance and Care
To get the most out of your magazines, regardless of which brand you choose, proper maintenance is key. Here are a few tips:
- Clean your magazines regularly, especially if they’ve been exposed to dirt, dust, or moisture. A simple wipe-down is often sufficient, but occasionally you’ll want to disassemble them for a more thorough cleaning.
- Check your magazine springs periodically. If they start to show signs of weakness, replace them. Many manufacturers sell replacement springs.
- Inspect the feed lips for any signs of damage or deformation. For polymer magazines, look for stress cracks. For metal magazines, check for bends or dents.
- Store your magazines in a cool, dry place when not in use. Extreme heat can potentially deform polymer magazines over time.
- For long-term storage, consider downloading your magazines by a few rounds to reduce stress on the springs.
Conclusion
The 300 Blackout cartridge has come a long way since its introduction, and the magazine market has evolved to keep pace. Whether you prefer the classic feel of aluminum or the modern reliability of polymer, there’s a magazine out there that will meet your needs.
Remember, reliability is key. The fanciest features in the world don’t mean much if your magazine can’t feed rounds consistently. Take the time to find what works best for your specific setup, and don’t be afraid to invest in quality magazines. They’re a critical component of your rifle’s function, and not an area where you want to cut corners.
Happy shooting, folks! And remember, whether you’re out hunting under the stars with your night vision gear or just plinking at the range, stay safe and have fun. Until next time, this is Joel signing off!