Hornady Subsonic 300 Blackout Ammunition: A Review
As a seasoned shooter and enthusiast, I was excited to try out the Hornady Subsonic 300 Blackout ammunition (190gr Sub-X 20-Rounds) for my upcoming range day. In this review, I’ll share my experiences, pros, and cons of this product, and give you a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from this popular ammunition.
Unboxing and Inspection
The packaging of the ammunition was impressive, with each box containing 20 rounds of 300 Blackout ammunition. The rounds wereWrapped in a protective plastic coating, securing them from damage during transportation and storage. Upon inspection, the bullets appeared visually appealing, with a well-balanced weight and a smooth, even coat of nitride.
Performance on the Range
I fired the Hornady Subsonic 300 Blackout ammunition at a 25-yard indoor range, using a bolt-action rifle with a 413mm barrel. The results were impressive:
• Accurate shots: I was impressed by the ammunition’s accuracy, with most shots grouping tightly within 1-2 inches at 25 yards.
• Subsonic performance: As expected, the 190gr Sub-X bullets flew under the speed of sound, producing a very quiet and, therefore, range-friendly shooting experience.
• Consistent expansion: The bullets expanded consistently, creating a reliable and controlled expansion pattern.
However, I did notice some imperfections:
• Variable velocity: While the range velocities were consistent, there were minor fluctuations (approximately 20-30 ft/s) between individual shots, which might impact group size and overall accuracy.
• Some over-expansion: A few rounds exhibited slightly more expansion than expected, which might lead to increased penetration or reduced retained expansion.
Ballistics and Technical Specifications
Before firing, I reviewed the ammunition’s specifications to ensure I understood its capabilities. Here are the key stats:
- Cartridge: 300 AAC Blackout
- Primer: Boxer-primed
- Bullet: 190gr Sub-X
- Bullet Type: Solids
- Casing: 300 AAC Blackout
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,180 ft/s (360 m/s)
- Muzzle Energy: 950 ft-lbs (1,290 J)
- Expansion: 1.0-1.5 inches (25-38 mm)
Conclusion and Recommendation
Overall, I was pleased with the performance of the Hornady Subsonic 300 Blackout ammunition, particularly its accuracy, subsonic performance, and consistent expansion. While there were some minor issues with velocity consistency and over-expansion, these did not significantly impact the ammunition’s overall performance.
Pros:
- Accurate and consistent shots
- Economical (approximately 20-25 cents per round)
- Subsonic performance reduces noise and environmental disturbance
- Relatively low recoil, making it suitable for smaller, lighter rifles
Cons:
- Some minor velocity inconsistencies between shots
- Over-expansion in a few rounds (not a significant issue but worth noting)
- More expensive than some other options in the 300 Blackout market
In conclusion, I would recommend the Hornady Subsonic 300 Blackout ammunition to any shooter seeking a reliable and effective round for subsonic performance. While not perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet and accurate shooting experience.
Rating: 4.5/5
