300 Blackout ballistics split into two very different trajectories. Subsonic loads carry about 420 to 480 ft-lb at 100 yards and drop about 34 inches by 200 yards from a 100-yard zero, so they are short-range, suppressed loads. Supersonic loads carry about 1,070 ft-lb at 100 yards and shoot flat enough for 200-yard hunting. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures 300 Blackout firearms on the CM15 AR15 in 5, 7.5, 10.5 and 16-inch barrels, the CM15-SD, CM15 300 Blackout uppers, and the CM7S bolt action in 8, 10 and 12.5 inches.
Where These 300 Blackout Ballistics Come From
Chattahoochee Munitions does not load 300 Blackout ammunition. The muzzle figures below are published factory numbers from Hornady, all from a 16-inch test barrel. Downrange values are Chattahoochee Munitions calculations: a point-mass trajectory with a ballistic coefficient fitted to the published velocity table, standard atmosphere, 1.5-inch sight height and a 10 mph full-value crosswind. These are calculations, not chronograph results. Your barrel, ammunition lot and conditions will change them. This page gives no load data.
300 Blackout Subsonic Ballistics
Subsonic loads are zeroed at 100 yards here, the range most suppressed subsonic shooting happens inside.
| Range | 190 gr Sub-X: velocity / energy / drop / wind | 208 gr ELD Match: velocity / energy / drop / wind |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 1,050 fps / 465 ft-lb | 1,020 fps / 480 ft-lb |
| 50 yd | 1,022 fps / 441 ft-lb / +3.4 in / 0.3 in | 1,003 fps / 465 ft-lb / +3.6 in / 0.2 in |
| 100 yd | 998 fps / 420 ft-lb / 0 / 1.3 in | 987 fps / 450 ft-lb / 0 / 0.9 in |
| 150 yd | 975 fps / 401 ft-lb / -12.1 in / 3.0 in | 972 fps / 437 ft-lb / -12.5 in / 1.9 in |
| 200 yd | 955 fps / 384 ft-lb / -33.4 in / 5.2 in | 959 fps / 424 ft-lb / -34.1 in / 3.4 in |
| 300 yd | 918 fps / 355 ft-lb / -104.9 in / 11.3 in | 933 fps / 402 ft-lb / -106.1 in / 7.5 in |
Two things stand out. A subsonic bullet keeps its energy well, losing only about 15 percent by 200 yards, because it is already slow. But it falls steeply: about a foot below the 100-yard zero at 150 yards and nearly three feet at 200. Range estimation decides subsonic hits past 100 yards. Read 300 Blackout subsonic.
300 Blackout Supersonic Ballistics
Supersonic is zeroed at 200 yards, using Hornady’s 110 gr V-MAX at 2,375 fps from a 16-inch barrel. Chattahoochee Munitions designs its 1:5 barrels for subsonic loads; for supersonic ammunition it offers the 16-inch CM15 with a 1:7 twist.
| Range | Velocity | Energy | Drop | Wind (10 mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2,375 fps | 1,378 ft-lb | -1.5 in | 0 |
| 100 yd | 2,094 fps | 1,071 ft-lb | +3.2 in | 1.4 in |
| 150 yd | 1,961 fps | 939 ft-lb | +2.8 in | 3.4 in |
| 200 yd | 1,833 fps | 821 ft-lb | 0 | 6.2 in |
| 250 yd | 1,711 fps | 715 ft-lb | -5.3 in | 10.0 in |
| 300 yd | 1,596 fps | 622 ft-lb | -13.7 in | 14.8 in |
| 400 yd | 1,388 fps | 470 ft-lb | -41.0 in | 28.1 in |
With a 200-yard zero the bullet stays within about 3.5 inches of the line of sight out to about 225 yards. Past 250 yards drop and wind grow quickly, which is why 300 Blackout ballistics suit short and medium range.
Subsonic vs Supersonic 300 Blackout Ballistics
| Subsonic (208 gr) | Supersonic (110 gr) | |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle energy | 480 ft-lb | 1,378 ft-lb |
| Energy at 100 yd | 450 ft-lb | 1,071 ft-lb |
| Drop at 200 yd | -34 in (100 yd zero) | 0 (200 yd zero) |
| Supersonic crack | None | Yes |
| Suppressor (semi-auto) | Enclosed | Flow-through |
| Practical hunting range | Inside about 100 yd | Inside about 200 yd |
Changing between the two also moves point of impact by many inches, so re-zero or record both. On a CM15, it can change cycling; see the 300 Blackout gas system guide.
300 Blackout Ballistics by Barrel Length
In Chattahoochee Munitions’ experience the 300 Blackout’s powder burn is effectively complete in about 9 to 10.5 inches, so subsonic velocity changes little between a 10.5 and 16-inch barrel. Supersonic loads gain some speed with a longer barrel. See 300 Blackout barrel length for a labeled example by length.
300 Blackout Ballistics Compared
- 300 Blackout vs 308: the 308 carries about three times the energy at 300 yards.
- 300 Blackout vs 7.62×39: nearly the same supersonic trajectory.
- 300 Blackout vs 350 Legend: the 350 Legend starts with more energy and slows faster.
- 338 ARC vs 300 Blackout and 8.6 Blackout vs 300 Blackout: heavier subsonic bullets.
Choosing Ammunition
For hunting, choose a bullet designed to expand at the impact speed you will see. Subsonic hunting bullets are designed to open at about 1,000 fps; a match bullet at that speed may not expand. Black Butterfly Ammunition offers 300 Blackout subsonic loads with Maker expanding copper bullets and supersonic loads. Cartridge dimensions and pressure follow the ANSI/SAAMI centerfire rifle standard. See 300 Blackout hunting.
300 Blackout Firearms From Chattahoochee Munitions
- CM15 300 Blackout AR15 SBR, 10.5-inch, 1:5
- CM15 300 Blackout hog hunting rifle, 16-inch, 1:7
- CM15-SD 300 Blackout tucked suppressor, 7.5-inch
- CM7S suppressed 300 Blackout hunting rifle, 10-inch, 1:5
- CM7S 300 Blackout hunting rifle, 12.5-inch, with WOOX walnut furniture
See every configuration in Sector 300.
300 Blackout Ballistics FAQ
What is the effective range of 300 Blackout?
For hunting, about 100 yards with subsonic loads and about 200 yards with supersonic loads. Targets can be hit farther with known range and wind.
How much does 300 Blackout subsonic drop at 200 yards?
About 33 to 34 inches below a 100-yard zero in these calculations.
How much energy does 300 Blackout have at 100 yards?
About 420 to 450 ft-lb subsonic and about 1,070 ft-lb with a 110 gr supersonic load.
What is a good zero for 300 Blackout?
100 yards for subsonic and 200 yards for supersonic are common. Pick one load for each zero and record the offset for the other.
Is 300 Blackout flatter shooting than 7.62×39?
The two are nearly the same with supersonic loads. See 300 Blackout vs 7.62×39.
Does barrel length change 300 Blackout ballistics?
Less than most cartridges. Powder burn is effectively complete in about 9 to 10.5 inches in Chattahoochee Munitions’ experience.
Is subsonic 300 Blackout accurate?
Yes, with a barrel twist that stabilizes the bullet. Chattahoochee Munitions uses 1:5 for heavy subsonic bullets. See 300 Blackout twist rate.
Who makes 300 Blackout rifles?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures 300 Blackout firearms: the CM15 AR15 in 5, 7.5, 10.5 and 16-inch barrels, the CM15-SD, CM15 300 Blackout uppers and the CM7S bolt action in 8, 10 and 12.5 inches.