The only drawback from the AR platform is the 5.56 cartridge. Some folks want a little more punch. There have been some cartridges that have come down the pike as an alternative, but the only one that stands out is the .300 AAC Blackout. Posted on 04/12/2018 5:13:12 AM PDT by w1n1
The only drawback from the AR platform is the 5.56 cartridge. Some folks want a little more punch. There have been some cartridges that have come down the pike as an alternative, but the only one that stands out is the .300 AAC Blackout.
One of the ways to test out this debate is to do a terminal ballistic testing.
Terminal ballistics of a round are the qualities it has when it hits the target. The sectional density, the relationship of its mass and its weight, its ability to penetrate rather than fragment, and the wound channel it creates due to its bore size are all the study of terminal ballistics. (tissue damage)
It’s important to note that while energy numbers can give you an idea of power around is, it's only a single data point.
The stouter bullets, with more mass of a larger caliber seems to be the more effective round.
To the untrained observer the 300 BLK seems to have the edge in terminal ballistics.
So which is better?
Target shooting, training, or plinking is just plain fun.
-It can get expensive when shooting so many rounds, so this round goes to the 5.56.
-The 300 BLK’s lethality and stopping powers isn’t needed when all you’re doing is punching targets that don’t fight back.
If you're pressed with the $ issue, stick with the 5.56.
Home Defense
For home defense, you should be thinking heavy hitters, walk softly and carry a stick chambered in 300 BLK.
-Having a suppressor with subsonic ammo in a home defense situation is ideal for your hearing.
-The .300 BLK is still great when you either can’t or care not to have NFA firearms.
-If you find yourself in a state like California defending against zombies, with a tight magazine ban and zero NFA goodies, get the bigger bullet.
Hunting With modern bullet designs the gaps between the killing power of calibers is shrinking.
-If you’re into small game, go with the 5.56. The wide range of factory loading for predator hunting edges out the 300 BLK.
-If you plan on hunting medium or large game such as deer, hogs, or smaller bears, the 300 BLK is far superior. Read the rest and see the video debate on 300 blackout vs 556 here.
All
I’m perplexed and bothered by the continual use of “AR platform”. Heck, you never hear about the bolt action, pump, lever, single shot or break open “platform”. Why not AR style or type? I know Jerry Miculek is famous for use of the “platform” but I find it inappropriate. rant off
Looting Dead Bodies...?
Zombie Attacks will at least leave
A fairly clean environment.
As far as ballistics info, there are enough charts out there to make your eyes bleed sorting through them, lol.
If a requirement is SHTF, then the answer is simple—NOT 6.5 and NOT 300—either 762 NATO or 556 NATO. You need to get the caliber that is likely to be plentiful! 300 BLK will be oddball ammo, and far less available, and 6.5? pffft.
Mags.
You need to seriously consider the AK!!
The beauty of the .300 BLK is you can shoot it from an AR-15 lower, and with 5.56 mags.
To go with a .308 (7.62 NATO), you need an AR-10 lower.
I am building some .300 BLK rigs for my Wife, Son and myself. Next will be an AR-10 in .308 as I have a shitload of that ammo from my youth in harness.
6.5 Creedmoore
Ruger has produced a Mini-14 in 300 Blackout for several years.
I got tired cutting and forming 5.56/.223 brass to make .300, so I built a second upper in 5.56/.223. Now .300 brass is common, so I no longer need to cut. Still, having the skill and tools to cut is good.
.300 BLK is a fine round. But for SHTF, I'll take the longer effective range in 5.56 or .223.
Yes, the caliber is definitely becoming established beyond the AR-15 market. Ruger also offers the caliber in a bolt-action rifle with threaded muzzle - very interesting. Another new offering - the company that is building the StG-44 semi-auto replicas has caliber options of the original 8mm Kurz, 5.56 NATO and 300BLK.
I had to look that up. Looks like HMG is offering conversion kits too, to swap between all of the offered calibers. Not bad.
If the 300 Blk is an improvement over the 5.56, then the .30 RAR is an improvement over the 300 Blk.
The 300 Blk is anemic for a 30-cal and there are few bullets — if any — that make it suitable as a dedicated subsonic cartridge.
;^)
I see what you did there. LOL
Working on hand loads or same.
When I was younger and much less experienced, I got .375 H&H scope eye.
You are correct.
Ammo availability is a big deal. .300 BLK just hasn’t taken off as a super popular round. Want something bigger go .308
For same...
300?
Why do it when SKS and AK’s are abundant and cheap?
Buying a 300 upper to use with a lower/bolt/mags you already own is probably cheaper than buying a second rifle/new mags/etc. The ammo is about the same price as brass-cased 7.62x39 (comparing apples to apples ;^), and it’s often easier to mount optics on an AR, than an SKS or AK...
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