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The 300 Blackout rifle and cartridge have been born out of a request by the U.S. Particular Operations Command. Whereas the 300 BLK noticed restricted use within the army, it’s been accepted extensively by hunters and leisure shooters, notably these concentrating on feral hogs. It shines in short-barreled rifles, and it gives the flexibleness to shoot subsonic and supersonic rounds.
Should you’re in search of a quiet, low-recoiling 300 BLK rifle for enjoyable or searching, I talked to 2 specialists for his or her picks of one of the best 300 blackout rifles.
How I Selected the Finest 300 Blackout Rifles
I talked to David Stark, the president of Discreet Ballistics who manufactures a number of the greatest 300 Blackout ammunition accessible. His firm makes a speciality of subsonic searching ammo and he’s an knowledgeable in understanding what makes for an correct 300 BLK rifle. He’s additionally shot most of the hottest rifles chambered within the cartridge and has suggestions from his prospects on them. Begin supplied info on what to search for in a 300 BLK gun and provided solutions of his favourite rifles.
I additionally talked to Kevin Brittingham (now with Q) who was on the workforce that designed the 300 Blackout. He’s hunted massive sport all through North America and Africa with the 300 BLK and has designed two of the most well-liked rifles. Brittingham supplied background on the 300 BLK, its historical past, and data on the perfect twist charge.
Finest 300 Blackout Rifles: Suggestions
Finest General: Q Honey Badger
Key Options
- Worth: $3,000
- Capability: 10, 20, 30 normal AR-magazines
- Motion: Semi-automatic
- Twist Charge: 1:5 inches
- Barrel Size: 7 inches
- General size: 20 to 25 inches
- Weight: 4.5 kilos
Professionals
- Free-floating handguard
- Two-position collapsible PDW inventory
- Adjustable fuel block
- free floating m-lok handguard
- Compact
Cons
The Honey Badger is the Rolls Royce of 300 Blackout rifles. Its compact dimension permits for simple use in shut quarters; it was custom-built for SOCOM’s low visibility assault weapon program. Just like the Mini Repair SBR, the Honey Badger is an funding in a top-of-the-line 300 Blackout rifle.
It’s good for house protection or searching. At solely 4.5 kilos, the Honey Badger will be carried all day with out hardly noticing it, in contrast to a number of the heavier choices accessible. It takes normal M4 magazines, so that you received’t have to fret about particular manufacturers that may match the rifle’s magwell.
The Honey Badger’s quick twist charge is good for stabilizing heavy bullets and gives rotational power that enables subsonic increasing bullets to open extra simply (extra information on that later).
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Finest Funds: CVA Scout V2 Stainless Single Shot Rifle – 300 AAC Blackout
Key Options
- Worth: $400
- Capability: 1
- Break motion
- Twist Charge: 1:8 inches
- Barrel Size: 16.5 inches
- General size: 38 inches
- Weight: 5.8 kilos
Professionals
- Funds-friendly
- Ambidextrous inventory
- Newbie person pleasant
- Fast, toolless takedown
Cons
- Non-adjustable set off
- Spent cartridges don’t eject
The CVA Scout V2 300 Blackout is the rifle to go for if you’re within the cartridge however don’t need to spend so much to attempt it out. It’s an reasonably priced rifle with a crisp 3-pound set off pull with no creep. That set off will be nice for those who’re used to a lighter set off pull, nevertheless it’s one thing to concentrate on when selecting out the rifle you need.
Its ambidextrous inventory and break motion make it appropriate for proper or left-handed shooters. Chambered within the low-recoiling 300 Blackout, the Scout V2 is a superb gun for newbies.
The 1:8-inch twist charge might lead to much less exact teams if you’re utilizing heavy 190 to 220-grain subsonic bullets, however it can work properly when capturing supersonic ammunition. The slower twist may cause subsonic rounds to yaw on the level of affect. It’s not tumbling, however it will possibly have an effect on the bullet’s accuracy and effectiveness.
Stark mentioned that subsonic rounds by the CVA must be solely used for pictures at 50 yards or much less. The CVA Scout V2 comes threaded for a silencer or flash suppressor. The most effective half about this rifle is the standard of the rifle construct, mixed with the reasonably priced worth and lifelong guarantee.
Finest for Looking: Ruger American Ranch Rifle
Key Options
- Worth: $550
- Capability: 10
- Bolt motion
- 70-degree bolt raise
- Twist Charge: 1:7 inches
- Barrel Size: 16.12 inches
- General size: 36 inches
- Weight: 5.9 kilos
Professionals
- Adjustable set off
- Journal fed
- Comes threaded ⅝ inch-24
- Contains drilled and tapped with Picatinny rail
Cons
The Ruger American Ranch Rifle is an reasonably priced and correct rifle (see Tyler Freel’s 350 Legend rifles test for a take a look at its accuracy). This rifle is one other nice choice for newbies however is a brilliant selection for extra skilled hunters, too. Stark mentioned it is a in style choice for individuals who hunt with the 300 BLK. A lot in order that he makes Ruger American optimized 300 BLK ammo.
The adjustable set off gives a variety of three to five kilos. The delicate recoil pad isn’t splendid for a agency shoulder connection and isn’t wanted for the 300 BLK’s low recoil. However you should buy an aftermarket recoil pad and have it put in. You’ll be able to take the customization a step additional by changing all the inventory with one of many many choices for the Ruger American.
The graceful single-piece, three-lug bolt has a 70-degree throw arm, which grants loads of scope clearance. The complete-diameter bolt physique mixed with twin cocking cams gives a clean, straightforward biking of the bolt from any stance.
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Finest for Dwelling Protection: Noveske Chainsaw SBR
Key Options
- Worth: $1,800
- Capability: Comes with normal 30-round journal, however they are often substituted with 10-round magazines
- Semi computerized
- Twist Charge: 1:7 inches
- Barrel Size: 7.94 or 10.5 inches
- General size: 24 inches with totally collapsed inventory
- Weight: 5.4 kilos
Professionals
- H1 buffer and carbine motion spring for higher recoil administration
- Free floating M-LOK handguard
- High quality fuel block
- Compact
Cons
- Heavier than different choices available on the market
- ATF Type 1 and $200 tax fee required for the short-barreled rifle model
The Noveske Chainsaw SBR’s compact design and high quality fuel block make this an reasonably priced however high-quality choice for house protection.
Should you don’t just like the sub-8-inch barrel, you’ll be able to all the time order the setup with the ten.5-inch barrel. After all, each barrel choices would require a $200 tax and an accredited ATF kind 1. If you have already got an SBR decrease, you may get the Chainsaw as an higher solely. An alternative choice is to purchase the Chainsaw as a pistol.
The ambidextrous Radian Raptor LT charging deal with is a pleasant contact, together with the M-LOK handguard and a Picatinny 1913 high rail.
Finest Ultralight: Q Mini Fix
Key Options
- Worth: $3,000
- Capability: 10, 20, 30 rounds
- Makes use of AR magazines
- Bolt motion
- Twist Charge: 1:5 inches
- Barrel Size: 8 inches
- General size: 26.9 inches collapsed inventory; 28.1 inches full extension
- Weight: 4.4 kilos
Professionals
- Designed particularly for the 300 blackout
- Tapered barrel
- 45-degree bolt is clean and user-friendly
- Gentle and compact; inventory folds down
- Extremely modular
- Free-floating handguard
- Integral silencer
Cons
- Costly
- Can’t shoot with inventory folded
Just like the Noveske Chainsaw, this rifle is an NFA merchandise, however this totally custom-made rifle is correct, and Brittingham has used it for searching pictures past 300 meters with subsonics. Brittingham and Stark cautioned prospects to know that something past 100 meters requires an understanding of ballistics. Contemplate that out of a 16-inch barrel the Hornady 190-grain Sub-X load has a 1.5-inch level of affect shift between the muzzle and 100 yards. Then it drops 33 inches between 100 and 200 yards and drops 104 inches between 200 and 300 yards. So that you higher know your precise distance and DOPE to make pictures past 100.
The compact and light-weight Mini Repair is good for carrying all day. You’ll be able to fold the inventory down, and it suits into nearly any backpack. It’s prepared for any suppressor, which you want as a result of 300 BLK is incredible suppressed. If the Chainsaw is the hammer, the Mini Repair SBR is the scalpel. Stark and Brittingham described this rifle as a tack driver that may carry out in all circumstances.
It’s costly, and if you’re merely in search of a beater rifle to take a look at the 300 Blackout expertise, there are a number of different choices accessible that may suit your wants. However if you’re in search of an correct rifle that will get essentially the most out of the cartridge, this is without doubt one of the greatest 300 Blackout rifles accessible.
Origin of the 300 Blackout
The request got here in 2011 after SOCOM had bought round 20, .300 Whisper rifles. The personnel testing them bumped into reliability points with most of them. The .300 Whisper makes use of a .308 bullet, and the ogive led to issues with the feed ramp and the AR magazines.
However, the troopers with the non-problematic rifles didn’t need to flip them in when their command determined to maneuver away from them. SOCOM approached Brittingham for an answer.
Brittingham, who was within the technique of promoting AAC to Remington, examined the 300 Whisper and located it to be unreliable.
“So we sort of labored out that it simply wanted longer bullets in a distinct form that mainly have been somewhat extra slender the place it contacted the rib within the journal with a purpose to be dependable,” says Brittingham.
Brittingham requested Remington in the event that they’d manufacture his 300 Blackout spherical. They reluctantly agreed, however provided that he might get a army contract for the ammunition. He and his workforce went to work growing a spherical within the basement of considered one of his engineer’s houses.
After investing numerous hours into analysis and growth, the workforce succeeded in making a dependable and efficient 300 Blackout cartridge. Their success was validated when Brittingham obtained an order for 1,000,000 rounds from the U.S. Navy Particular Warfare Improvement Group.
Quickly after, they began delivering the uppers to varied SOF items.
“We delivered full uppers in 9 and 12-inch and later full rifles in 300 Blackout, and we delivered subsonic and supersonic ammo,” says Brittingham. “Quickly after, we developed the Barnes 110. Top-of-the-line self-defense or searching projectiles ever developed.”
Virtually a yr later, Brittingham and Remington had a falling out, and the venture fizzled. Brittingham has skilled ups and downs in his enterprise enterprise with Sig Sauer and Remington however saved going.
A number of ammo firms instructed Brittingham the spherical wouldn’t work or that it will solely be relevant for army use. He proved them unsuitable, and it’s now a extensively used spherical for all the pieces from searching to self-defense. Brittingham’s Q, LLC. is now one of many main specialists in 300 Blackout and the brand new 8.6 Blackout.
300 Blackout Twist Charges
The twist charge is a serious part of what establishes accuracy for a firearm, although there are different elements to account for whenever you get into precision shooting. The twist charge is a vital part in stabilizing the bullet in flight. The unsuitable twist charge may cause inaccurate pictures, early bullet enlargement, or bullets to tumble.
When Brittingham and his workforce have been growing the 300 Blackout, they labored on enhancing the accuracy dispersion at subsonic speeds with a brief barrel. He began with a 9-inch barrel and a 1-in-7 twist charge.
The workforce discovered they may shorten the barrel, give it a quicker twist charge, and nonetheless obtain the identical efficiency as their 9-inch barrels. That cutdown made the Honey Badger a lighter, quieter, and harder-hitting rifle in a compact package deal, making it an efficient close-quarters house protection rifle.
Brittingham and his workforce began chasing subsonic accuracy dispersion by way of quicker twist charges. However they needed to cease shy of what Brittingham is at present implementing together with his newest 8.6 Blackout rifles, utilizing a 1:3-inch twist charge.
“SOCOM adopted a subsonic, barrier-blind projectile throughout this time, and so we needed to cease at 1 in 5 due to the projectile they adopted,” Brittingham says. “After we went to 1:4 inch it expanded out of the muzzle at subsonic linear velocity, so we stopped there.”
The unique SOCOM request was a silencer-friendly rifle and ammunition that may carry out at subsonic speeds. The Honey Badger answered that want, although the deal fell aside. The army ended up adopting the Sig Sauer Rattler. Brittingham and Stark agreed {that a} 1:5-inch twist charge is one of the best for 300 Blackout with both tremendous or subsonic bullets.
However, Stark warned that mass-produced industrial ammunition might include flaws, and a quick twist charge like 1:5-inch will reveal any imperfections by way of early enlargement of the bullet within the barrel, exiting the barrel, or earlier than affect. Early enlargement is dangerous for accuracy and efficient kill pictures whereas searching.
Barrel size isn’t as a lot of a difficulty in quick twist charges, whereas a slower twist charge would require an extended barrel so it will possibly stabilize the bullet. With out that lengthy barrel, the accuracy dispersion could be terrible whereas capturing subs and never splendid for supers.
Stark mentioned 300 Blackout twist charges vary from 1:8-inch to 1:5-inch. A bullet touring at 1,000 toes per second is spinning at 90,000 rpm. A 1:5-inch twist sends a bullet spinning at 144,000 rpm. That ends in a Delta of 54,000 rpm, which implies the bullet spins extra because it expands within the animal.
“In order that’s, that’s sort of a free lunch within the sense of each bullets are hitting on the similar velocity, however one’s doing extra harm because of spinning rotationally along with the linear kinetic power,” says Stark.
300 Blackout is a superb spherical for close-range capturing however not a lot for longer distances. Stark defined that he’s seen particular operations troopers operating magazines of subsonic and supersonic rounds of their equipment, one thing you are able to do whereas searching.
Subsonic works nice for as much as 300 meters, although you might have to carry fairly excessive to get the bullet on the right track. Brittingham mentioned the subsonic rounds are nice as a result of they don’t lose substantial velocity after leaving the barrel. You simply must get the bullet on the right track. That may be tough with subsonic rounds at a distance.
To successfully shoot additional out, you’ll want to use supersonic rounds.
“With supersonic rounds, you’re relying completely on the linear velocity for bullet efficiency. Whenever you do one thing hyper-fast, you’re not counting on linear velocity,” says Brittingham. “The rotational velocity will offer you higher penetration, it can shoot flatter, and the bullets develop extra reliably. So there’s a number of advantages.”
Last Ideas
The distinction between the Noveske Chainsaw SBR, Q Honey Badger, Ruger American Ranch rifle, and Mini Repair boils right down to their options. The Ruger American is a superb searching rifle choice, however if you would like a rifle designed across the 300 BLK the Mini Repair is superb and has the value to match. Select the rifle that greatest matches your wants and funds, however don’t neglect to select up a suppressor to go together with your new rifle to get essentially the most out of the 300 Blackout.