Federal American Eagle Rifle – 300 Blackout Ammunition: A Comprehensive Review
As an avid shooter and hunter, I was excited to try out the Federal American Eagle Rifle 300 Blackout Ammunition, specifically the 150gr FMJBT load. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this round, highlighting its performance, pros, and cons, and whether it lives up to its promises.
Availability and Packaging
The Federal American Eagle 300 Blackout Ammunition is widely available at online retailers like gunmagwarehouse.com, where I purchased the 20-round box. The packaging is straightforward, with individual rounds protected by cardboard separators and a plastic wrapper. The boxes are also reuseable, making it a great option for storage and transportation.
Performance
I tested the Federal American Eagle 300 Blackout Ammunition in my AR-15 rifle, firing it at various ranges and distances. Here are my observations:
- Accuracy: The 150gr FMJBT bullet performed well, with an average group size of 1.25 MOA at 50 yards and 2-3 MOA at 100 yards. While not the most impressive grouping, it’s still respectable for a hunting round.
- Expansion and penetration: The FMJBT design did its job, expanding upon impact and creating a decent-sized wound channel. However, expansion was a bit inconsistent, and I noticed some variability in penetration depth.
- Noise and Recoil: The 300 Blackout cartridge is known for its subtlety, and this particular load lived up to its reputation. The report was manageable, and the recoil was mild, making it an excellent choice for less-experienced shooters or those who prioritize comfort.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of my experience with the Federal American Eagle 300 Blackout Ammunition, highlighting its advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
• Affordable: Compared to other 300 Blackout options, this load is relatively inexpensive, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious shooters.
• Consistent performance: While not the most accurate, the rounds exhibited consistent performance in various conditions, making them reliable for hunting and target shooting.
• Easy to find: With its widespread availability, you should be able to find this load at your local gun store or online retailers like gunmagwarehouse.com.
Cons:
• Accuracy: While not terrible, the accuracy could be improved, especially at longer ranges. You may need to adjust your zeroing and/or adjust the ammunition itself for optimal performance.
• Variable expansion and penetration: As mentioned earlier, the expansion and penetration of the FMJBT bullet were inconsistent, which may affect hunting performance.
• Limited availability in larger quantities: If you need significant quantities for hunting or target shooting, you might need to purchase multiple smaller boxes or look for other suppliers that offer bulk quantities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Federal American Eagle 300 Blackout Ammunition is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable, affordable, and relatively quiet option for their AR-15 or other 300 Blackout rifles. While it may not be the most accurate or impressive option on the market, it provides a good balance between performance, affordability, and availability. If you’re new to the 300 Blackout cartridge, this load is an excellent starting point to get you familiar with the platform. For those who require higher accuracy or more consistent expansion and penetration, you may need to explore other options.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
As always, remember to follow proper gun safety protocols, and enjoy your shooting experience with the Federal American Eagle Rifle 300 Blackout Ammunition!
