5.56 vs 300 Blackout Ammo Comparison

When it comes to choosing ammunition for the AR-15 platform, few debates are as popular as 5.56 NATO versus .300 AAC Blackout.

Both cartridges are commonly chambered in AR-15 rifles and offer unique strengths and weaknesses, influenced by factors such as effective range, terminal ballistics, and versatility.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ll dive into the history of these two iconic cartridges, examine their ballistics, explore their practical applications—including their suitability for suppressed fire—and ultimately determine which is best suited to your needs.

Let’s break down the 5.56 vs 300 Blackout debate and find the right fit to best suit your needs.

The 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge was developed in the late 1950s as part of a U.S. military initiative to create a lightweight, high-velocity round for the newly designed M16 rifle.

Based on the .223 Remington, the 5.56 NATO was optimized for military use, featuring higher chamber pressures and a slightly modified case design to improve reliability and performance in combat.

Officially adopted by NATO in the 1960s, the 5.56 quickly gained a reputation for its accuracy, low recoil, and effectiveness at intermediate ranges, becoming the standard issue cartridge for many armed forces worldwide.

Below are a common list of advantages and disadvantages of 5.56 ammunition:

Advantages:

• High velocity: 556 ammo is known for its high velocity, which makes it suitable for long-range shooting and hunting.
• Low recoil: 556 has relatively low recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately and quickly, especially for inexperienced shooters.
• Wide availability: 5.56 ammunition is widely available and can be found at most gun shops and sporting goods stores.
• Versatility: 5.56 ammunition can be used for a variety of applications, including hunting, target shooting, and self-defense.
• Accuracy: 556 ammo is widely known for its accuracy, which makes it a popular choice for competitive shooting and long-range shooting.

Disadvantages:

• Limited stopping power: The 5.56 cartridge has limited stopping power, which means it may not be suitable for hunting larger game or for self-defense against heavily armed attackers.
• Wind drift: The high velocity of 5.56 cartridges can also cause it to be more susceptible to wind drift, which can affect accuracy at longer distances.
• Over-penetration: 556 ammo may have a tendency to over-penetrate, which means it can pass through a target and potentially cause damage to unintended targets.
• Price: While 5.56 ammunition is widely available, it can also be more expensive than some other cartridges.
• Noise: The high velocity of 5.56 ammo can also make it louder than some other cartridges, which can be a concern for some shooters.

After several years of meticulous development, 300 Blackout was first introduced in 2011 from a collaborative effort between Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) and Remington Defense, spearheaded by Kevin Brittingham.

.300 Blackout aimed at providing a .30 caliber solution that outperformed the existing 5.56 NATO rounds, particularly in suppressed firearms and close-quarters scenarios.

Its design permits seamless integration into existing AR-15/M4 platforms without extensive modifications, works seamlessly with suppressed firearms, and facilitates a swift transition between subsonic and supersonic ammunition.

Derived from .223 Remington casings, .300 Blackout ammo is enlarged to accommodate .30 caliber bullets and is compatible with standard AR-15 magazines without requiring alterations while offering a larger and heavier bullet.

Bullet weights for 300 AAC Blackout varies, ranging from 110 grains to 220 grains.
*Heavier bullets are optimized for subsonic performance, which is especially beneficial when using a suppressor.

Today, the .300 Blackout remains a preferred choice for various shooting applications, from hunting and home defense to suppressed shooting.

Below are a common list of advantages and disadvantages of 300 Blackout ammunition:

Advantages:

• Versatility in Applications: 300 Blackout excels in both supersonic and subsonic configurations, making it suitable for a variety of applications, from hunting to tactical use.
• Effective in Suppressed Fire: Designed for subsonic performance, 300 Blackout is one of the quietest cartridges when used with a suppressor, ideal for stealth operations.
• Optimal for Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs): Its ballistics are optimized for shorter barrels, maintaining effective performance even in compact AR-style rifles.
• Improved Stopping Power: With heavier bullets, 300 Blackout delivers greater energy transfer and stopping power at close to medium ranges compared to 5.56 NATO.
• Compatibility with AR-15 Platform: Minimal modifications are required to convert a standard AR-15 to fire 300 Blackout, usually just a barrel swap.

Disadvantages:

• Shorter Effective Range: Compared to 5.56 NATO, 300 Blackout has a more pronounced drop and reduced effectiveness at long distances.
• Higher Cost and Limited Availability: 300 Blackout ammunition tends to be more expensive and less readily available than 5.56 NATO.
• Magazine Capacity Reduction: Due to the larger size of the 300 Blackout rounds, magazine capacity is slightly reduced compared to 5.56 NATO.
• Heavier Recoil: While manageable, the increased recoil can affect quick follow-up shots and may be less comfortable for novice shooters.
• Misloading Risk: The ability of 300 Blackout rounds to fit into 5.56 NATO chambers poses a risk of accidental misloading, which can lead to dangerous malfunctions.

Performance at Different Ranges

25 Yards

5.56 NATO

• Velocity: Approximately 3,000 feet per second (fps)
• Energy: Roughly 1,200 foot-pounds
• Effective for precision shooting with tight groupings.

.300 Blackout

• Velocity: Approximately 2,200 fps (supersonic)
• Energy: About 1,010 foot-pounds
• Suitable for close-range applications, hitting hard and expanding effectively.

50 Yards

5.56 NATO

• Velocity: Slower due to flight time, typically around 2,800 fps
• Energy: Around 1,100 foot-pounds
• Retains excellent accuracy and energy transfer.

.300 Blackout

Velocity: About 2,000 fps (supersonic)

Energy: Roughly 800 foot-pounds

Good choice for medium-range scenarios, still effective even without suppressors.

100 Yards

5.56 NATO

• Velocity: Approximately 2,500 fps
• Energy: Around 950 foot-pounds
• Great for target shooting and hunting small to medium game.

.300 Blackout

• Velocity: About 1,600 fps (subsonic)
• Energy: Roughly 450 foot-pounds
• More suitable for short-range and stealth applications, particularly with suppressors.

Both 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout have their unique characteristics and strengths.

When deciding on which to use for your AR-15 platform, consider the purpose—be it target shooting, hunting, or home defense.

Each caliber brings its advantages to the table, so your choice should align with your specific shooting goals and preferences.

Understanding the ballistic performance at various distances can also influence your buying decision, ensuring you choose the right load for your needs.

Whether you prefer the speed and reach of the 5.56 or the versatility of the .300 Blackout, both cartridges are excellent choices that cater to a wide range of shooting application and can be found online at Ammunition Depot.

Looking for a great deal on 300 BLK or 5.56 ammo?

Check out our TOP BRAND picks and find the caliber/brand you're looking for at a great price!

Ammo Inc.
Known for their precision engineering and innovative designs, Ammo Inc. offers a variety of .300 Blackout rounds catering to both supersonic and subsonic preferences.

Armscor
As a well-established brand, Armscor provides shooters with affordable and reliable .300 Blackout ammunition options, ensuring consistent performance.

Federal Premium
Federal Premium provides shooters with a wide range of .300 Blackout ammunition, including options for hunting, self-defense, and target shooting.

Winchester
As one of the most iconic names in the ammunition industry, Winchester provides a wide array of .300 Blackout options, including rounds designed for optimal performance in suppressed firearms.

Nosler
Renowned for their precision and innovation, Nosler’s .300 Blackout rounds are meticulously engineered for accuracy and performance.

Hornady
Hornady's BLACK line includes .300 Blackout options designed for optimal performance in various firearms, delivering consistent accuracy and reliable terminal performance.

Federal Premium
Federal Premium is renowned for producing high-quality ammunition, offering a range of 5.56 cartridges suitable for various applications, including target shooting and self-defense.

Hornady
Hornady is well-regarded for its accurate 5.56 ammunition, making it a preferred choice for precision shooting and hunting.

Winchester
Winchester is a trusted brand for reliable and consistent 5.56 ammo, ideal for target shooting and general use.

Remington
Remington produces 5.56 ammunition known for its balance of performance and affordability, particularly popular among hunters.

PMC (Precision Made Cartridges)
PMC is often praised for its budget-friendly 5.56 ammo options, providing reliable performance for range training and recreational shooting.

Fiocchi Dynamics
The Fiocchi Dynamics line focuses on providing hunters with 5.56 ammo that has consistent performance in various field conditions.

US Cartridge
USC offers a range of 5.56 Remington ammunition, including remanufactured options, which are cleaned, inspected, and reloaded to meet strict quality standards, providing an economical choice for practice and range training.