Hornady Black: 300 Blackout Ammunition – 208gr A-Max – 20 Rounds Review
As a seasoned shooter and outdoor enthusiast, I was excited to get my hands on the Hornady Black 300 Blackout ammunition. The Hornady brand is renowned for its high-quality cartridges, and I was eager to test the 300 Blackout A-Max, 208gr variant.
Unboxing and Appearance
Upon receiving the product, I was impressed with the neatly packed 20-round box, which included a clear plastic casing and a protective cardboard outer box. The ammunition itself was perfectly loaded, with each round nestled in a neat and secure manner. The packaging did an excellent job of safeguarding the cartridges during transit.
Performance and Accuracy
I took the Hornady 300 Blackout A-Max, 208gr to the range, and the results were nothing short of exceptional. The accuracy was top-notch, with each shot grouping tightly together, making it a joy to shoot. The penetration and expansion of the 208gr A-Max bullet left me impressed, with excellent terminal performance on paper targets and even some light metal objects.
Ballistic Performance
Here are the ballistic specifics:
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,200 fps (667 m/s)
- Muzzle Energy: 1,442 ft-lbs (1,960 J)
- Effective Range: 100-200 yards (91-183 meters)
These figures are impressive, considering the 300 Blackout’s 300 AAC Blackout cartridge is designed for subsonic and supersonic performance.
Sound Suppression and Evidence
When used in a suppressed environment, the Hornady 300 Blackout A-Max, 208gr proved to be quiet, with a distinct reduction in noise level. The A-Max bullet’s controlled expansion and the 20-caliber barrel helped in reducing the noise and the "crack" associated with un-suppressed firing.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Hornady 300 Blackout A-Max, 208gr was straightforward, and the A-Max bullet’s streamlined design made it easy to remove from the barrel. Using a standard cleaning brush and some solvent, I was able to restore the barrel to its original condition, ready for the next range session.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of my experience with the Hornady 300 Blackout A-Max, 208gr:
Pros:
‣ Accurate and consistent performance
‣ Excellent terminal ballistics and expansion
‣ Quiet operation with a suppressed barrel
‣ Easy to clean and maintain
‣ High-quality packaging and contents
‣ Reliable feeding and chambering
‣ Competitive pricing
Cons:
‣ Limited availability of 300 Blackout-compatible weapons
‣ The 300 Blackout cartridge is not as widely adopted as other calibers
‣ Some users may find the recoil more substantial than other calibers
‣ Limited selection of aftermarket parts and accessories due to the relatively new caliber
Conclusion
In conclusion, I am thoroughly impressed with the Hornady Black 300 Blackout ammunition. The 208gr A-Max variant has consistently delivered accurate and reliable performance, with excellent terminal ballistics and controlled expansion. If you’re in the market for a high-quality, reliable, and accurate 300 Blackout cartridge, I highly recommend the Hornady 300 Blackout A-Max, 208gr.