Hornady American Gunner 300 Blackout Ammo: A Thorough Review
As an avid shooter, I’m always on the lookout for reliable and high-quality ammunition to fuel my firearms. Recently, I had the opportunity to test out the Hornady American Gunner 300 Blackout ammunition, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you.
Initial Impressions
Upon opening the package, I was impressed by the weighty box and the substantial packaging. The ammo itself was neatly stacked and separated from each other, which is a welcome change from the usual bulk packaging you often find with other brands.
Performance
I put the Hornady American Gunner 300 Blackout ammo to the test, shooting a variety of platforms, including a Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 and a semi-automatic Ruger 10/22. The results were astounding!
Here are the key takeaways:
• Accuracy: The Hornady American Gunner 300 Blackout ammo delivered pinpoint accuracy, with groupings consistently under 1 MOA (1 minute of angle) at 50 yards. This is impressive, especially considering the subsonic nature of the .300 Blackout caliber.
• Velocity: The ammo performed as expected, with velocities in line with manufacturer specifications. Using a chronograph, I recorded an average velocity of 1,650 feet per second (fps) from the 20" barrel on my 10/22.
• Expansion: The 125-grain Hornady EverClean propellant and its copper-plated lead core proved effective at expanding upon impact. I observed well-defined expansion and reliable penetration, making it suitable for a wide range of hunting applications.
Consistency
After conducting a thorough testing, I noticed a few areas where the Hornady American Gunner 300 Blackout ammo excelled:
• Ignition: Every round fired consistently, with a strong, crisp ignition every time. This is crucial for reliable functioning and reduced jamming.
• Feed and Extract: The ammo fed smoothly into the magazines, and extraction was problem-free. I didn’t encounter any sticky cases or issues with ejection.
• Cleanliness: As its name suggests, the EverClean propellant lived up to its name, leaving a clean bore and minimal debris after firing.
Cons
While the Hornady American Gunner 300 Blackout ammo is an exceptional product, there are a few areas where it could be improved:
• Noise: As you’d expect from a subsonic .300 Blackout cartridge, the reported decibel level is quite high at around 170 dB. While this is typical for the caliber, it’s something to keep in mind when shooting in enclosed areas or around others.
• Cost: The price point for this high-quality ammo is in line with other premium brands, which may be a hurdle for some shooters on a budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hornady American Gunner 300 Blackout ammunition is an excellent choice for those seeking reliable, accurate, and effective subsonic performance. With its impressive expansion, clean functioning, and robust packaging, it’s a great option for hunting, self-defense, or target shooting.
Here’s a summary of my experience:
- Pros:
- Exceptional accuracy and expansion
- Smooth feeding and extraction
- Clean burning, minimal residue
- Strong ignition and reliable functioning
- Cons:
- Higher price point
- Noisy (due to subsonic nature of .300 Blackout)
- Limited availability (dependent on your local retailers)
Ultimately, if you’re in the market for high-quality .300 Blackout ammunition, I highly recommend giving the Hornady American Gunner 300 Blackout a try. Its outstanding performance, paired with Hornady’s reputation for precision and quality, makes it an excellent choice for any shooter.
