Taking the 300 AAC Blackout plunge...

[ramairthree]

For years I spent time scratching my head-
there are 5.56 ARs, and there are 7.62 ARs,
why do something else?

A buddy just finished a 6.8 build, and the cost of ammo, different bolt, different mags, etc. just left me scratching my head more.

Heck, I have a 30-30 and plenty of 7.62x39 AK platforms, why make something similar in an AR.

Well, another buddy picked up a 300 AAC carbine, and the same everything except for barrel and ammo kind of sold me. Plus, much like I went to an AR 7.62 and preferred it over an HK clone, I almost went 7.63x39 in an AR except for the different mags, bolt, or lower, etc. I decided I should finally try 300 AAC.

Now, I tend to minimize different components for reloads.

I did not realized TAC would not be a good AAC powder, had just not thought of it.

Recommendations as to what is a good powder, and one that meters well in auto disc type measures, would be appreciated.

I do not plan on loading subsonics, or the lightest possible rounds either.

What I have are 147gr M80 pulled bullet tips. Yep, not going to be loading match rounds.

My goal is a 2000fps minimum.

I am finding loads via google ranging from hand loads 1700s for 147/150 grain loads to 2000fps factory offerings to 2200 fps (not sure of barrel length)

I had everything for the build laying around except a barrel and flash hider. I ordered an inexpensive lightweight 16inch chromolly one.

2000+fps would give me a good 0-200 cone.

Thank you for any info.

[bobbo]

I'm also fairly new to loading the 300blk. From what I've seen Accurate 1680 seems to be the most forgiving powder pressure wise. The new Hornady book has a good number of published loads for 300 black/whisper.

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[Onyx Z]

H110, Lil Gun, W269, and Accurate 1680 tend to be the most widely used powders in the 300BLK. 147gr bullets are typically used more for plinking than accuracy or hunting.

I've had the most luck with H110... shooting around .440"@100yds with 125gr SMK handloads from a 16" barrel that's not even advertised as being match grade (Daniel Defense).

I have some Lil Gun but haven't really experimented with it much. From what I've read, I *think* Lil Gun was better for the heavier loads like the 147gr bullets. Don't quote me on that though.

My H110/147gr loads were shooting 3" or so. The accuracy was just not enough for me unless I'm plinking. Be warned though, I had one 147gr pulled bullet that wouldn't chamber because it wasn't round, so I would advise checking every single one.

2,000fps is about the max with a 147gr bullet, most are coming in around 1,950 or so. No way you are safely going to get 2,200fps w/ a 147gr, that's false marketing in the factory loads... Check out www.300blktalk.com. They have a wealth of knowledge on this cartridge.

[ramairthree]

Thank you,
unfortunately the IMR/Hodgon/Winchester that is easily available locally does not have 147//150 grain bullet data. I am hoping for 2 moa-ish 200m ammo.

A colleague is telling me he does 150 grains at 20.5 of Accurate 1680 for 2020 fps from a 16 inch melonite or nitride barrel (or some treatment coating he swears gives him faster fps inch for inch compared to SS or CM or CL barrels.)

I have to drive around or order Accurate usually.

did not have time to get more details on OAL, factory vs. made brass, primers, etc.

[Onyx Z]

Thank you,
unfortunately the IMR/Hodgon/Winchester that is easily available locally does not have 147//150 grain bullet data. I am hoping for 2 moa-ish 200m ammo.

A colleague is telling me he does 150 grains at 20.5 of Accurate 1680 for 2020 fps from a 16 inch melonite or nitride barrel (or some treatment coating he swears gives him faster fps inch for inch compared to SS or CM or CL barrels.)

I have to drive around or order Accurate usually.

did not have time to get more details on OAL, factory vs. made brass, primers, etc.

If you look around and do some research, you will find tons and tons of load data. Especially on 300blktalk.com. Hodgdon's data is a bit on the light sight IMO. Sierra is where I found a hotter published max load and found some incredible accuracy (147/150 load data is the same):

http://sierrabullets.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/300-aac-blackout.pdf

[ramairthree]

Sweet! Thanks again.

[Hot Holster]

Midway has A1680 in stock..

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/2183347686/accurate-1680-smokeless-powder

[FloridaWoodsman]

...... Check out www.300blktalk.com. They have a wealth of knowledge on this cartridge.
I appreciate that link. I was going to wait until the ammo shortage eased before getting into 300blk, but maybe I can load it myself.

[Sticky]

I love my 300blk pistol build, that cartridge rocks! It really is necessary in these times to load it yourself. If you have a 223 setup it isn't hard to cut the cases down, resize with a set of 300AAC dies and load em up!

There is a wealth of info for reloading sub and supersonic loads for the 300 starting to come out now. I have run supers but haven't ventured into subs yet, that's my next endeavor..

I don't think Sierra has published any subsonic load data yet (they're skeered.. lol) but Hornady has a pretty good range of load data, both sub and supersonics with several different powders. The A1680 seems to be popular for around 150gr loads and Lil Gun, W296, H110 and IMR 4227 are also, along with Trail Boss for sub loads.

[Sticky]

My first venture into the 300AAC loadings.. 125gr Nosler BT