Earlier than we begin the side-by-side distinction and comparability between rifle ballistics’ 300 Blackout and 5.56mm NATO, let’s first dive into every of its humble beginnings.
AAC’s tackle the .30-cal
Regardless of being a brand new caliber, the .300 Blackout has shortly risen to prominence within the final 20 years. It’s been popularly utilized in Particular Operations and different specialised navy models as a result of its potential to suppress the spherical effectively with spectacular ballistics. Hunters began utilizing these, too, boosting their potential to sneak round their prey.
Superior Armament Firm (ACC) designed the .300 Blackout (300 BLK) within the late 2000s to satisfy the rising demand for ballistics that may supply much less sound noise degree. On the similar time have extra succesful firepower and compatibility with the rifles resembling M4s and AR-15s.
Its conception initially aimed to realize comparable ballistics to the 7.62x39mm, however with enhanced “stopping energy” and might carry out in a subsonic velocity utilizing a short-barreled rifle.
“A navy buyer needed a method to have the ability to shoot .30-caliber bullets from an M4 platform whereas utilizing regular bolts and magazines, and with out shedding the complete 30-round capability of [the] normal journal,” mentioned Robert Silvers, director of analysis and growth for AAC.
“In addition they needed a supply for ammunition made to their specs. We couldn’t have simply used .300-221 or .300 Whisper as a result of Remington is a SAAMI firm, and can solely load ammunition that may be a SAAMI-standard cartridge. We needed to take the .300-221 wildcat idea, decide the ultimate specs for it, and submit it to SAAMI. We did that, and referred to as it the .300 AAC Blackout (.300 BLK).”
In the beginning of a brand new decade, the 2010s, the manufacturing for the 300 Blackout commenced. Apart from civilian customers, the 300 BLK has been inducted into navy service within the armed forces of the Netherlands, the UK, and not too long ago in the USA, significantly within the particular operations command. As well as, the US forces chosen the .300 Blackout as one of many ballistics for its self-defense weapon, the SIG Sauer MCX Rattler, permitting the firearm to be silently highly effective whereas remaining compact.
300 BLK Technical Specs
- Mother or father case: .221 Fireball/.223 Remington
- Case sort: Rimless, bottleneck
- Bullet diameter: 0.308 in (7.8 mm)
- Neck diameter: 0.334 in (8.5 mm)
- Base diameter : 0.376 in (9.6 mm)
- Rim diameter: 0.378 in (9.6 mm)
- Case size: 1.368 in (34.7 mm)
- General size: 2.26 in (57 mm)
- Rifling twist: 1-8″ (203 mm)
- Primer Sort: Small rifle
- Most stress (SAAMI): 55,000
- Most stress (CIP): 56,565
- Most CUP: 52,000 CUP
5.56mm Time-Examined
In the meantime, 5.56mm has been round since the Nineteen Eighties, when it was designed by FN Herstal a decade earlier. It was additionally derived from the .233 Remington, was extensively utilized by legislation enforcement, and was typically accepted by gun fanatics and athletes. Its big selection of availability and low price earned it a spot amongst dwelling protection rifles.
Whereas it’s undoubtedly among the many favorites, 5.56mm has had its fair proportion of criticism all through the years, primarily pointing to its alleged poor efficiency on stopping energy, lethality, and vary. Others would spotlight its poor barrier penetration and accuracy. However these points depend upon the barrel size the 5.56mm is getting used. Nations utilizing the 5.56 in navy service embody Australia, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK, and the US, to call just a few.
5.56mm NATO Technical Specs
- Mother or father case: .223 Remington (M193)
- Case sort: Rimless tapered, bottleneck
- Bullet diameter: 5.70 mm (0.224 in)
- Land diameter: 5.56 mm (0.219 in)
- Neck diameter: 6.43 mm (0.253 in)
- Shoulder diameter: 9.00 mm (0.354 in)
- Base diameter: 58 mm (0.377 in)
- Rim diameter: 9.60 mm (0.378 in)
- Rim thickness: 1.14 mm (0.045 in)
- Case size: 44.70 mm (1.760 in)
- General size: 57.40 mm (2.260 in)
- Case capability: 1.85 cm3 (28.5 gr H2O)
- Rifling twist: 178 mm (1 in 7 in) or 229 mm (1 in 9 in)
- Primer Sort: Small rifle
- Most stress (EPVAT): 430.00 MPa (62,366 psi)
- Most stress (SCATP 5.56): 380.00 MPa (55,114 psi)
Facet-by-side Specs Comparability
To place this side-by-side comparability into context, we’ll think about their efficiency by way of technical specs, recoil, energy, vary, and, after all, availability and value.
Based mostly on the specs sheet offered above, we will conclude that the .300 Blackout measures barely larger than the 5.56mm in bullet, neck, and base diameter. Nevertheless, the 5.56mm is somewhat longer in case size. After we evaluate the 2 shells, the general size is principally the identical at 57mm.
The 5.56mm usually weighs 55 gr, 62 gr, and 63 gr, which is noticeably lighter.300 BLK usually weighs 78 gr, 110 gr, and 125 gr. Because of this, the 300 BLK’s perceived recoil sound has been recognized as extra sturdy than the usual 5.56mm bullet.
Now let’s discuss concerning the bullet’s energy and vary. As a result of it’s lighter, the 5.56mm has confirmed to have a spread of 500 yards at excessive velocity after intensive coaching. However, the 300 Blackout stands out when shot on a brief barrel gun. In a shot take a look at with a 9-in barrel, the 300 Blackout (125 gr) reached roughly 993 ft-lbs at 100 yards, a big distinction from the 5.56mm (55 gr), which solely went 191 ft-lbs on the similar distance.
Lastly, if we’re speaking about availability and value, the 5.56mm has the higher hand. It’s the older of the 2 bullets and has been extensively used and manufactured all through the nation. Furthermore, as a result of 5.56mm is cheaper than .300 Blackout, nearly each gun proprietor with a rifle has packing containers of it.
For extra perception into the firepower efficiency of the .300 Blackout and 5.56mm, try the movies beneath.
Learn Subsequent: Is .300 AAC Blackout the last word CQB spherical ?
***
Selecting a spherical, nonetheless, remains to be a matter of private choice and utility. When you’ve determined what it’ll be used for—whether or not searching wild animals, on the follow vary, or just for cover—you’ll know what works greatest for you, as each have vital benefits.
