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AR-15Bolt face: 5.56/.223

.300 AAC Blackout Ballistics

Developed by Advanced Armament Corporation for short-barreled, suppressed use. Uses standard AR-15 bolt and magazines. Available in supersonic loads for hunting and subsonic loads optimized for suppressor use. Effective within 200 yards.

Cartridge Specifications

SAAMI Max Pressure
55,000 psi
Bullet Diameter
0.308 in
Case Length
1.368 in
Overall Length
2.26 in
Parent Case
.221 Fireball / .223 Rem
Bolt Face
5.56/.223
Min Barrel
9 in
Platform
AR-15

Common Bullet Weights and Types

V-MAX 110 grOTM 125 grSubsonic 220 gr

Muzzle Velocity by Barrel Length

Muzzle Energy by Barrel Length

Bullet Drop Table

Values in inches. 16-inch barrel reference data. Positive values rise above line of sight, negative values fall below.

LoadZero100 yd200 yd300 yd400 yd500 yd
110 gr V-MAX200 yd2.80-11.7-33.9-69.3
125 gr OTM200 yd3.40-13.6-39.1-79.6
220 gr Subsonic100 yd14.40-54.4-149.6-300

Wind Drift at 10 mph Crosswind

Drift in inches at a 90 degree full value wind. Estimated from muzzle velocity and G1 ballistic coefficient.

Load100 yd200 yd300 yd400 yd500 yd
110 gr V-MAX7.615.222.830.438.1
125 gr OTM7.715.32330.738.3
220 gr Subsonic16.332.64965.381.6

Effective Range by Application

Self-defense, supersonic0 to 200 yd
Suppressed, subsonic0 to 100 yd
Hunting0 to 200 yd

Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations

110 to 125 gr supersonic1:8
125 to 150 gr1:7 or 1:8
200 to 220 gr subsonic1:7

Published Load Data

WeightTypeBarrelMV (fps)ME (ft-lb)BC (G1)Source
110 grV-MAX9 in2,1501,1290.29Hornady BLACK 110 gr V-MAX published load data for short barrel
110 grV-MAX10.5 in2,2801,2700.29Hornady BLACK 110 gr V-MAX published specification 10.5"
110 grV-MAX16 in2,3751,3780.29Hornady BLACK 110 gr V-MAX published specification 16"
125 grOTM9 in2,0001,1100.32Sig Sauer 125 gr OTM load data, ballistic calculator short barrel estimate
125 grOTM10.5 in2,1001,2240.32Sig Sauer 125 gr OTM published specification
125 grOTM16 in2,1751,3130.32Sig Sauer 125 gr OTM published specification 16"
220 grSubsonic9 in1,0004890.31Hornady Subsonic 220 gr Sub-X published load data
220 grSubsonic10.5 in1,0104980.31Hornady Subsonic 220 gr Sub-X published load data
220 grSubsonic16 in1,0505390.31Hornady Subsonic 220 gr Sub-X published specification 16"

Data Disclaimer

Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from Hornady BLACK 110 gr V-MAX published load data for short barrel; Hornady BLACK 110 gr V-MAX published specification 10.5"; Hornady BLACK 110 gr V-MAX published specification 16". Always confirm zero and trajectory with your specific firearm.

Pick the right barrel

Twist rate should match the bullet weights you plan to shoot. See barrel steel grades, profiles, chamber types, and twist rate guidance on the barrel specs page, then jump into the builder to filter barrels chambered in .300 AAC Blackout.