Best 300 Blackout Ammo 2026: Top 8 Supersonic & Subsonic Loads Ranked (Barnes, Hornady, Lehigh) header image
Ballistics
February 27, 2026
Best 300 Blackout Ammo 2026: Top 8 Supersonic & Subsonic Loads Ranked (Barnes, Hornady, Lehigh)

Best 300 blackout ammo ranked for 2026. Barnes TAC-TX 110gr (#1 supersonic), Hornady Sub-X 190gr (#1 subsonic), Hornady V-MAX, SIG Elite Copper, Lehigh Maximum Expansion. Suppressed vs unsuppressed, home defense, hunting, and training loads with ballistic data.

Best 300 Blackout Ammo 2026: Top 8 Supersonic & Subsonic Loads Ranked (Barnes, Hornady, Lehigh)

The .300 Blackout was designed from the ground up to do two things no other AR-15 cartridge can: deliver rifle-caliber terminal performance from a 9-inch barrel, and run subsonic ammunition quietly through a suppressor. But those two missions demand fundamentally different ammunition. This guide ranks the 8 best 300 Blackout loads across every use case, from supersonic home defense to subsonic suppressed shooting, hunting, and training, with muzzle velocity, energy, bullet construction, and real-world terminal performance data for each.

By AB|Last reviewed February 2026

300 Blackout Ammo Picker

Select your use case and barrel length for a specific ammo recommendation.

1. What are you using it for?

Top 8 Best 300 Blackout Ammo (2026 Rankings)

Ranked by terminal ballistics, intended application, barrel-length compatibility, and value. We cover supersonic loads for home defense and hunting, subsonic loads for suppressed use, and training ammo for the range.

1

Barnes VOR-TX 110gr TAC-TX

Best Overall Supersonic - All-copper TAC-TX

$43
Shop at Brownells
110grAll-Copper2,350 fps
  • +All-copper monolithic construction for deep, controlled penetration
  • +Reliable expansion from barrels as short as 8 inches
  • +Lead-free design meets California and state requirements
  • Premium pricing at $1.60-2.00/rd
  • Copper fouling requires more frequent bore cleaning
  • Lower BC than heavier supersonic loads limits long-range use
Bullet Weight: 110grVelocity (16"): 2,350 fpsEnergy (16"): 1,349 ft-lbsBullet Type: All-Copper TAC-TX
2

Hornady Sub-X 190gr

Best Subsonic Expanding - Flex Tip expands at 900 fps

$37
Shop at Brownells
190grSubsonicFlex Tip
  • +Expands reliably at subsonic velocities (900+ fps)
  • +Flex Tip technology prevents hollow point clogging
  • +Meets FBI protocol penetration standards (14-18")
  • Requires 1:8" twist barrel for optimal stability
  • Less expansion than Lehigh Maximum Expansion
  • Higher cost than non-expanding subsonic loads
Bullet Weight: 190grVelocity (16"): 1,050 fpsEnergy (16"): 465 ft-lbsBullet Type: Sub-X Flex Tip
3

Hornady BLACK V-MAX 110gr

Best Value Supersonic - Rapid expansion at accessible pricing

$30
Shop at Brownells
110grSupersonic2,375 fps
  • +Excellent terminal performance from polymer-tipped design
  • +Works reliably across all AR platform configurations
  • +Flat trajectory from high velocity and .29 BC
  • Rapid expansion limits barrier penetration capability
  • Jacketed lead construction means less weight retention than Barnes
  • V-MAX design fragments rather than mushrooming, limiting penetration depth
Bullet Weight: 110grVelocity (16"): 2,375 fpsEnergy (16"): 1,377 ft-lbsBullet Type: V-MAX Polymer Tip
4

SIG Sauer 120gr Elite Copper Duty

Best Duty Load - Flash-reduced with controlled copper expansion

$34
Shop at Brownells
120grSBRFlash Reduced
  • +Solid copper ensures near 100% weight retention through barriers
  • +Flash-reduced powder for low-light home defense scenarios
  • +Controlled 1.8x expansion from sub-9-inch rifles
  • Premium pricing, the most expensive load on this list
  • Limited availability compared to Hornady and Barnes
  • Copper fouling requires more frequent cleaning
Bullet Weight: 120grVelocity (6.75"): 1,897 fpsEnergy (6.75"): 959 ft-lbsBullet Type: Solid Copper HP
5

Lehigh Defense 194gr Maximum Expansion

Best Premium Subsonic - CNC copper with 2x diameter expansion

$81
Shop at Brownells
194grSubsonic2x Expansion
  • +Expands to 2x original diameter at subsonic velocities
  • +CNC-machined petals deploy reliably at 800+ fps
  • +Near 100% weight retention from solid copper
  • Extremely expensive compared with conventional subsonic loads
  • Frequently out of stock due to CNC manufacturing constraints
  • Expansion petals can deflect on heavy barriers
Bullet Weight: 194grVelocity: 1,025 fpsEnergy: 453 ft-lbsBullet Type: CNC Copper Max Expansion
6

Hornady American Gunner 125gr HP Match

Best 125gr Training Load - 50-round supersonic HP Match baseline

$67
Shop at Brownells
125grSupersonic50-Round Box
  • +50-round packaging supports practical function testing
  • +125gr HP Match bullet gives a repeatable supersonic point of impact
  • +Good fit for range, match, and competition use
  • Not designed for subsonic/suppressed applications
  • HP Match bullet is not a purpose-built deer or defensive projectile
  • More expensive than basic FMJ training ammunition
Bullet Weight: 125grVelocity (16"): 2,175 fpsEnergy (16"): 1,313 ft-lbsBullet Type: HP Match
7

Federal American Eagle 220gr OTM Subsonic

Best Value Subsonic - Match accuracy at training ammo pricing

$16
Shop at Brownells
220grSubsonicMatch OTM
  • +Excellent value for subsonic trigger time
  • +Match-grade accuracy from proven OTM design
  • +Clean-burning powder reduces suppressor fouling
  • OTM does NOT expand, not suitable for defense or hunting
  • 220gr bullet may cause feeding issues in some magazines
  • Heavier recoil impulse than lighter subsonic loads
Bullet Weight: 220grVelocity (16"): 1,000 fpsEnergy (16"): 488 ft-lbsBullet Type: Open Tip Match
8

Sellier & Bellot 300 Blackout 124gr FMJ (Training)

Best Training Ammo - Cheapest way to run your 300 BLK

$16
Shop at Brownells
124grSupersonicFMJ Training
  • +Most affordable 300 Blackout ammunition available
  • +Functions reliably across all platforms
  • +Brass cases are reloadable for further savings
  • FMJ does NOT expand, never use for defense
  • Supersonic, so loud through suppressors
  • 300 BLK FMJ is still 2-3x the cost of 5.56 FMJ
Bullet Weight: 124grVelocity (16"): 2,165 fpsEnergy (16"): 1,291 ft-lbsBullet Type: Full Metal Jacket

Rankings are based on published ballistic data, manufacturer specifications, and real-world terminal performance reports. Terminal performance varies by barrel length and platform configuration.

Affiliate links - purchases support this site at no extra cost to you. (?)

Supersonic vs Subsonic 300 Blackout Ammo: When to Use Each

The .300 Blackout's defining feature is its ability to run both supersonic and subsonic loads from the same rifle, same magazine, same bolt. No other mainstream AR cartridge does this. Understanding when to use each is the foundation of effective .300 BLK ammunition selection. The subsonic loads below are only quiet behind the right can; pair them with a pick from our best .300 Blackout suppressors guide.

Supersonic (110-125gr)

  • +1,300-1,377 ft-lbs muzzle energy
  • +Flat trajectory effective to 300+ yards
  • +Reliable expansion from modern bullet designs
  • +Terminal performance comparable to 7.62x39
  • -Loud even with a suppressor (supersonic crack)

Best for: home defense (unsuppressed), hunting, any scenario where maximum terminal effect matters more than sound reduction

Subsonic (190-220gr)

  • +Much quieter with a quality suppressor
  • +No supersonic crack, only mechanical action noise
  • +Reduced felt recoil from lower velocity
  • -465-488 ft-lbs energy (1/3 of supersonic)
  • -Most bullets fail to expand at subsonic velocity
  • -Limited effective range (~100-150 yards)

Best for: suppressed defense, suppressed training, scenarios where sound signature matters (property defense, hog hunting at night)

The subsonic expansion problem: Most hollow point bullets need 1,800+ fps to expand. At subsonic velocities (~1,000 fps), conventional JHPs act like FMJ, punching a .308-caliber hole without opening. This is why purpose-built subsonic expanding bullets (Hornady Sub-X, Lehigh Maximum Expansion) exist. If you carry subsonic .300 BLK for defense, you must use ammunition specifically designed to expand at subsonic velocities. A 220gr OTM or A-MAX will not expand.

Ballistic Performance: All 8 Loads Compared

All velocity and energy figures from manufacturer data, measured from 16-inch test barrels unless noted. Real-world velocities from 9-inch barrels will be approximately 50-100 fps lower for supersonic loads. Subsonic loads show minimal velocity variation across barrel lengths.

LoadWeightVelocityEnergyTypePrice/Rd
Barnes TAC-TX110gr2,350 fps1,349 ft-lbsSupersonic$1.60-2.00
Hornady V-MAX110gr2,375 fps1,377 ft-lbsSupersonic$1.52
SIG Elite Copper120gr1,897 fps959 ft-lbsSBR Supersonic$1.75
Hornady American Gunner125gr2,175 fps1,313 ft-lbsSupersonic$1.35
S&B FMJ Training124gr2,165 fps1,291 ft-lbsSupersonic$0.85
Hornady Sub-X190gr1,050 fps465 ft-lbsSubsonic$1.87
Lehigh Max Exp.194gr1,025 fps453 ft-lbsSubsonic$4.10
Federal 220gr OTM220gr1,000 fps488 ft-lbsSubsonic$0.80

Key takeaway: Supersonic loads carry ~3x the energy of subsonic loads (1,300+ vs 465-488 ft-lbs). This is a massive difference. Subsonic .300 BLK delivers roughly the same energy as a 9mm handgun. The tradeoff for quiet operation is real. For a deeper comparison of 300 Blackout vs 5.56 ballistics, see our caliber selection guide.

How Barrel Length Affects 300 Blackout Ammo Performance

A 9-inch barrel captures 95%+ of .300 Blackout's velocity potential. This is the cartridge's signature advantage over 5.56 NATO, which loses 25+ fps per inch below 14.5 inches. The practical impact on ammo selection is significant: supersonic loads are slightly affected by barrel length, while subsonic loads perform almost identically across all barrel lengths.

Load8" Barrel9" Barrel10.5" Barrel16" Barrel
Supersonic 110gr~2,150 fps~2,250 fps~2,300 fps2,350-2,375 fps
Subsonic 190-220gr~980 fps~1,000 fps~1,020 fps1,000-1,050 fps

What This Means for Ammo Selection

  • 7.5-8.5" barrels: Prioritize all-copper bullets (Barnes TAC-TX, SIG Elite Copper) for supersonic use. Jacketed lead bullets may not expand consistently at reduced velocities. For subsonic, Lehigh Maximum Expansion is the safest bet since it deploys at 800+ fps.
  • 9-10.5" barrels: The sweet spot. All recommended loads achieve their intended performance. Any supersonic load on this list will expand reliably. Sub-X works well for subsonic defense.
  • 12.5-16" barrels: Full velocity, but these are uncommon barrel lengths for .300 BLK. The marginal velocity gain over 10.5" does not justify the extra length and weight.

For a complete barrel length analysis with velocity curves, see our 300 Blackout barrel length guide.

300 Blackout Ammo for Home Defense: Suppressed vs Unsuppressed

The best 300 Blackout home defense ammo depends on whether you run a suppressor. Unsuppressed, go supersonic for maximum terminal effect. Suppressed, the decision is more nuanced: supersonic through a can is still loud (130+ dB), while subsonic can greatly reduce impulse noise with a quality can, but the exact level depends on the host, suppressor, ammo, environment, and shot count.

Unsuppressed Home Defense

#1 Barnes TAC-TX 110gr: All-copper with 100% weight retention for controlled penetration through interior walls. The copper construction means less fragmentation than V-MAX, reducing overpenetration risk through multiple walls.

#2 Hornady V-MAX 110gr: Rapid fragmentation actually reduces overpenetration risk compared to Barnes. If your primary concern is the round exiting your home, V-MAX fragments faster. The tradeoff is less penetration depth through intermediate barriers.

Suppressed Home Defense

#1 Hornady Sub-X 190gr: Flex Tip expands at 900+ fps, providing the best balance of terminal performance and price for suppressed defense. Hornady TAP data lists FBI barrier-protocol performance.

#2 Lehigh 194gr Max Expansion: CNC-machined petals expand to 2x caliber at 800+ fps. The most effective subsonic defensive bullet available, but currently more than twice the cost of Sub-X.

For complete AR-15 home defense setup including optics, lights, and build configuration, see our best AR-15 for home defense guide. For suppressor pairing and gas tuning, see the suppressor compatibility guide.

300 Blackout Hunting Ammo: Deer, Hog, and Medium Game

300 Blackout is legal for deer hunting in most states and effective on whitetail and hog-sized game inside 200 yards with the right ammunition. The key is selecting bullets designed for controlled expansion and weight retention on game, not varmint-class bullets that fragment prematurely.

Supersonic Hunting Loads (Recommended)

  • Barnes VOR-TX 110gr TAC-TX: Best lead-free option. All-copper with 100% weight retention and reliable expansion. Required in California condor zones and preferred where lead regulations apply. Effective to 200 yards on deer.

Subsonic Hunting (Suppressed Hog at Night)

Subsonic .300 BLK can take hogs at close range (under 75 yards) with expanding ammunition (Sub-X or Lehigh), but the 465 ft-lbs of energy limits the margin for error. Shot placement must be precise. For whitetail deer, supersonic loads are strongly recommended since the energy difference (1,300+ vs 465 ft-lbs) directly affects the probability of a clean, ethical kill.

Avoid for hunting: Hornady V-MAX 110gr. Despite excellent terminal performance on varmints and in defensive scenarios, V-MAX fragments too aggressively for deer-sized game, causing surface wounds without deep penetration. Also avoid FMJ and non-expanding OTM loads.

Training and Range Ammo: Keeping Costs Down

300 Blackout training ammo costs $0.70-1.00/rd for supersonic FMJ, roughly 2-3x the cost of 5.56 FMJ. This is the platform's biggest practical drawback. Budget your range trips accordingly and consider these cost-reduction strategies.

Supersonic Training

Sellier & Bellot 124gr FMJ is the practical training load in this ranking: 2,165 fps from a 16" test barrel, brass-cased, and non-expanding. Winchester, Remington, and Magtech also make range loads in this class, but keep the defensive and hunting work to expanding bullets. Run at least one magazine of your carry/defense load per range session to confirm zero and function.

Subsonic Training

Federal American Eagle 220gr OTM is the standard. Match-grade accuracy with clean-burning powder that reduces suppressor fouling. This is a target round, not a defensive load, since OTM bullets do not expand. Hornady A-MAX 208gr is the accuracy-focused alternative.

Cost Reduction: Reloading

.300 Blackout is one of the easiest AR cartridges to reload. Cases can be formed from common .223/5.56 brass by cutting to length and resizing. Component cost per round drops to $0.35-0.50 for supersonic and $0.40-0.60 for subsonic. This cuts your ammo budget by 40-50% after the initial equipment investment (~$300-500 for a single-stage press setup).

For 5.56 ammo selection (if you also run 5.56 platforms), see our 5.56 ammo selection guide. For the 9mm self-defense ammo equivalent, see our best 9mm self-defense ammo guide.

Gas System Tuning for Supersonic and Subsonic

Running both supersonic and subsonic ammo in the same rifle creates a gas tuning challenge. Supersonic loads generate significantly more gas port pressure than subsonic. A rifle tuned for supersonic may short-stroke with subsonic, and a rifle tuned for subsonic will be overgassed (harsh recoil, accelerated wear) with supersonic.

The Solution: Adjustable Gas Block

An adjustable gas block (Superlative Arms, SLR, Seekins) lets you dial gas for each ammo type. Set one detent position for supersonic and another for subsonic. With a suppressor attached, the added backpressure often provides enough extra gas to cycle subsonic ammo even on a supersonic setting, simplifying the equation.

Without an Adjustable Gas Block

If running a fixed gas block, tune for your primary ammunition type. For a suppressed rifle, tune for unsuppressed subsonic (hardest to cycle), and the suppressor's backpressure will handle the rest. For an unsuppressed rifle, stick to supersonic and accept that subsonic may not reliably cycle.

For complete gas system tuning instructions, see our gas system and buffer tuning guide. For suppressor selection and mounting, see the suppressor compatibility guide.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best 300 Blackout ammo for home defense?
Barnes VOR-TX 110gr TAC-TX is the best 300 Blackout ammo for home defense. Its all-copper construction delivers high weight retention with reliable expansion from barrels as short as 8 inches, which matters because most 300 BLK home defense builds use 9-10.5 inch barrels. For suppressed home defense, Hornady Sub-X 190gr is the top choice: its Flex Tip technology expands at subsonic velocities (900+ fps) where conventional hollow points often fail. If budget allows, Lehigh Defense 194gr Maximum Expansion is a premium subsonic option with CNC-machined petals designed to expand to 2x caliber diameter.
What grain 300 Blackout is best for suppressed?
For suppressed shooting, use subsonic loads in the 190-220gr range. The speed of sound is approximately 1,125 fps, and subsonic loads stay below that threshold to eliminate the supersonic crack that defeats suppressor effectiveness. For suppressed defense, Hornady Sub-X 190gr is the best balance of terminal performance and price. For suppressed training, Federal American Eagle 220gr OTM provides match-grade accuracy without the premium pricing of expanding loads. Never use supersonic ammo (110-125gr loads running 2,100-2,375 fps) through a suppressor if quiet operation is the goal.
Is 300 Blackout good for deer hunting?
Yes, 300 Blackout is effective on whitetail deer inside 200 yards with the right ammunition. Barnes VOR-TX 110gr TAC-TX is the strongest lead-free hunting pick in this list because it is built for expansion and weight retention from short .300 BLK barrels. Stick to purpose-built expanding supersonic loads for hunting since they carry substantially more energy (roughly 1,300-1,377 ft-lbs) than subsonic loads (465-488 ft-lbs). From a 9" barrel, effective hunting range drops to approximately 150 yards.
What is the difference between supersonic and subsonic 300 Blackout?
Supersonic 300 Blackout loads (110-125gr, 2,100-2,375 fps) carry 1,300-1,377 ft-lbs of energy with flat trajectories effective to 300+ yards. They are loud even with a suppressor. Subsonic loads (190-220gr, 1,000-1,050 fps) carry only 465-488 ft-lbs of energy but stay below the speed of sound, making them much quieter with a quality suppressor. The tradeoff is clear: supersonic for maximum terminal effect, subsonic for quiet operation. The .300 Blackout was specifically designed to excel at both, which is its primary advantage over 5.56 NATO.
Can I shoot supersonic and subsonic 300 Blackout in the same rifle?
Yes, any .300 Blackout rifle handles both supersonic and subsonic ammunition without modification. The cartridge was specifically designed for this flexibility. However, gas-system tuning matters. A rifle tuned for supersonic may short-stroke (fail to fully cycle) with subsonic ammo, and vice versa. An adjustable gas block solves this by letting you increase gas for subsonic and reduce it for supersonic. If running a suppressor, the added backpressure from the can often provides enough gas to cycle both reliably. See our 300 Blackout guide for gas system tuning details.
How much does 300 Blackout ammo cost compared to 5.56?
300 Blackout ammunition costs roughly 2-3x more than equivalent 5.56 NATO loads. Current examples in this guide put Sellier & Bellot 124gr FMJ around $16.99 per 20-round box and Hornady American Gunner 125gr HP Match around $67.49 per 50-round box, while premium expanding subsonics such as Hornady Sub-X and Lehigh Maximum Expansion cost substantially more. Federal 220gr OTM remains the budget subsonic training style to compare against premium expanding loads. The higher cost is the main downside of the .300 Blackout platform. Reloading can cut costs by 40-50%, and 300 BLK is one of the easiest AR cartridges to reload since it uses standard .223 brass cut down to length.
What barrel length is best for 300 Blackout?
A 9-inch barrel is the optimal length for .300 Blackout. Unlike 5.56 NATO, which needs 14.5-16 inches for full powder burn, .300 Blackout achieves 95%+ of its velocity potential from just 9 inches of barrel. Supersonic loads lose only 50-75 fps going from 16 inches down to 9 inches, and subsonic loads are virtually identical across all barrel lengths. This makes 9 inches the sweet spot: short enough for SBR/pistol configurations, long enough for complete powder burn. See our complete 300 Blackout barrel length guide for velocity data across all barrel lengths.