Why Hunters Are Choosing .300 Blackout

The .300 AAC Blackout (300 BLK) has evolved from a military solution for suppressed, short-barreled rifles into a favorite among civilian hunters. Why? Because it offers incredible flexibility in the field.

Whether you're in a deer blind, walking through heavy brush, or calling coyotes, the 300 BLK delivers strong terminal performance from compact rifles. And with both supersonic and subsonic loads available, hunters can tailor their ammunition to the specific range and size of game they're targeting.

Unlike traditional rifle rounds that require long barrels and ear-splitting noise, .300 Blackout thrives in short barrels and suppressed setups—making it ideal for stealthy stalks, quick follow-up shots, and close-to-moderate-range hunting.

What Makes Great 300 Blackout Hunting Ammo?

To get the most out of your 300 BLK in the field, you need hunting ammo that offers reliable expansion, is matched to your rifle's barrel length, and is designed for the game you're pursuing. For larger animals like deer or hogs, expanding copper or bonded soft-point bullets ensure clean, ethical kills. For predators or varmints, lighter, fast-fragmenting rounds can do the job with minimal overpenetration.

Supersonic loads are best for deer and hogs at moderate distances, while subsonic options are ideal for suppressed rifles and closer ranges. Ultimately, bullet performance at realistic hunting velocities is what matters most.

Top .300 Blackout Hunting Ammo Picks

Barnes VOR-TX 110gr TAC-TX

The TAC-TX is a solid copper hollow point that expands aggressively and retains nearly all of its weight. It's a proven performer on deer and hogs, even from short barrels. With deep penetration and wide wound channels, it's a top-tier hunting choice.

Hornady Black 110gr V-MAX

Designed for varmints and predators, the V-MAX offers explosive fragmentation. It performs best on coyotes and foxes but isn't recommended for larger game due to its limited penetration.

Nosler 125gr Ballistic Tip

A balanced hunting bullet that blends expansion with weight retention, the Ballistic Tip performs reliably on deer and hogs. It's also known for excellent accuracy, making it a solid choice for shots out to 150 yards.

Lehigh Defense 194gr Maximum Expansion (Subsonic)

This subsonic round is engineered for suppressed rifles. It expands even at low velocities, creating dramatic wound channels in close-range encounters. It's a quiet, ethical option for deer or hogs in tight quarters.

Remington Hog Hammer 130gr (Barnes TSX)

With a bonded solid copper TSX bullet, this round delivers the kind of penetration hog hunters need. It's designed to break through thick hide and bone, making it highly effective on tough animals.

What Hunters Are Saying

“The Barnes TAC-TX turned my 10.5” AR pistol into a hog killer. Clean pass-through and full expansion.”

“Lehigh’s subsonic ME rounds are spooky quiet. Perfect for stand hunting deer at 60 yards.”

“The Nosler 125s gave me tight groups and dropped my buck without taking a step.”

“I use V-MAX on coyotes around the farm. Fragments fast and stops them cold.”

Disclaimer: The quotes above are based on online reviews and hunter feedback, not hands-on testing.

Pros and Cons of .300 Blackout for Hunting

The 300 BLK offers excellent performance in close to mid-range hunting scenarios, especially with short barrels and suppressors. It allows AR platform users to hunt legally and effectively while maintaining compact maneuverability.

That said, it doesn't match the range or energy of larger calibers like .308. Subsonic loads are costly and can be hard to find. Success with 300 BLK relies on good shot placement and selecting the right ammo for your target.

Hunting Ammo Scorecard: .300 Blackout Loads Compared

Ammo Type	Expansion	Penetration	Accuracy	Suppressed Use	Overall
Barnes TAC-TX 110gr	5.0	5.0	4.7	4.2	4.7
Hornady V-MAX 110gr	4.8	3.2	4.6	4.0	4.2
Nosler Ballistic Tip 125gr	4.5	4.6	4.8	3.5	4.4
Lehigh 194gr Max Expansion	5.0	4.2	4.5	5.0	4.7
Remington Hog Hammer 130gr TSX	4.8	5.0	4.6	3.8	4.6

Final Thoughts: Is 300 BLK a Good Hunting Round?

When used within its range limitations and paired with the right bullet, .300 Blackout is an outstanding hunting cartridge. It's particularly effective in situations that demand low recoil, suppressor compatibility, or compact rifle builds.

From varmints to whitetail and hogs, the 300 BLK delivers solid terminal performance in a flexible package. While it's not meant for long-range open field shots, it's more than capable in brush, blinds, and tight quarters.

If you're already running an AR platform or want a quieter, more compact rifle for hunting, 300 Blackout gives you all the tools to get the job done—as long as you choose the right load for the hunt.

FAQs

Can I hunt deer with a .300 Blackout?

Yes. Use quality expanding supersonic or subsonic rounds like Barnes TAC-TX or Lehigh ME and limit shots to ethical distances.

Is .300 Blackout legal for hunting?

In most states, yes. Always check local game laws before heading out.

What barrel length is best for 300 BLK hunting?

Anywhere from 9" to 16" works well, depending on whether you’re prioritizing compact handling or maximum velocity.

Should I use subsonic or supersonic for hunting?

Supersonic for power and range. Subsonic for stealth and suppressed use, but only with purpose-built expanding bullets.