300 AAC for two-legged critters?

[ABNAK]

Which loads for defense, specifically from a 10.5" barrel? I see the 110gr offerings have the highest velocities but the sectional density and subsequent penetration isn't what you might want. The 125gr loads are probably a move in the right direction, especially if you are hitting 2000fps or so from the 10.5" tube. They have an AK-like sectional density so penetration isn't an issue.

Aren't there bullets specifically designed for the 300 AAC nowadays that perform optimally at the velocities achieved with that caliber? If so, which ones? Prefer 125gr choices but open to other suggestions.

I see Lehigh Defense has a 194gr subsonic that, while expensive ($2.50 per round), opens up pretty well for a sub.

[Sensei]

The 110 grain Barnes TAC-TX (aka Black Tip) is the gold standard supersonic 300 blk bullet.

In its factory Barnes VOR-TX load, it exits a 9" barrel at around 2,150 FPS. It's expansion threshold is around 1400 which means that it performs out to about 300 meters. It also does very good against intermediate barriers.

My only criticisms of the load are availability and slightly deeper than optimal penetration.

[ABNAK]

The 110 grain Barnes TAC-TX (aka Black Tip) is the gold standard supersonic 300 blk bullet.

In its factory Barnes VOR-TX load, it exits a 9" barrel at around 2,150 FPS. It's expansion threshold is around 1400 which means that it performs out to about 300 meters. It also does very good against intermediate barriers.

My only criticisms of the load are availability and slightly deeper than optimal penetration.

Really? Hmmm.....have to give it a look-see. I just kind of saw the 110gr loads as hot .30 Carbine rounds. Maybe that's not the case.

Is there excessive copper fouling with those like the 5.56mm TSX bullets, or does the lower velocity preclude that?

[Sensei]

Most people are getting closer to 20" of penetration in calibrated ballistic gel with the VOR-TX black tips out of a 300blk SBR.

http://gearscout.militarytimes.com/2...-grain-tac-tx/

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nsRUfA1_Alw

I can't speak to the copper fouling as I just got into the 300blk game myself and have less than 500 rounds of Barnes ammo down the pipe.

[ABNAK]

There's a 120gr VOR-TX also. I'll see if I can dig for some info on that particular bullet's performance. Yeah, any Googling I've done pretty much confirms your "gold standard" comment.

[Sensei]

Of note, there is no subsonic bullet that I'm willing to put my life behind - yet. Most suck when it comes to terminal performance. The Lehigh Defense 194 grain Maximum Expansion looks very promising, and has done well against hogs. I'd like to see some testing behind intermediate barriers before I put my life behind it. Sig Sauer is also reportedly developing subsonic loads that expand reliably.

[friendlyfireisnt]

The 110 grain Barnes TAC-TX (aka Black Tip) is the gold standard supersonic 300 blk bullet.

In its factory Barnes VOR-TX load, it exits a 9" barrel at around 2,150 FPS. It's expansion threshold is around 1400 which means that it performs out to about 300 meters. It also does very good against intermediate barriers.

My only criticisms of the load are availability and slightly deeper than optimal penetration.

The 110gr Blacktip is a fantastic round. I've got a small stash, it's my "social rifle", due to its penetration, ability to perform through barriers and it's reliable expansion out to distance.

I do wish they would tune it a bit though, a little less penetration, maybe have it expand slightly more. 15-18" of penetration would be ideal.

[ABNAK]

So how does the Barnes 110gr stack up against decent 5.56mm ammo lethality-wise (Mk262, Mk318, SSA 70gr "Brown Tip", Hornady Tap T-2, et al)? Let's say inside 100yds. I'll even grant the 5.56 being fired from a 14.5" or 16" barrel but the 300AAC from something short like 10.5"? Can the 300 110gr Barnes compete? I am deliberately not using the term "stopping power" as there are so many variables involved. The 110gr Barnes drops hogs at 100 (+ or-) so I doubt it would be *substandard* for personal defense.

[Sensei]

So how does the Barnes 110gr stack up against decent 5.56mm ammo lethality-wise (Mk262, Mk318, SSA 70gr "Brown Tip", Hornady Tap T-2, et al)? Let's say inside 100yds. I'll even grant the 5.56 being fired from a 14.5" or 16" barrel but the 300AAC from something short like 10.5"? Can the 300 110gr Barnes compete? I am deliberately not using the term "stopping power" as there are so many variables involved. The 110gr Barnes drops hogs at 100 (+ or-) so I doubt it would be *substandard* for personal defense.

If we are talking purely terminal ballistics inside 100 yards, I'll take the tac-tx over the 5.56 competition seven days a week and twice on Sunday. I base this on how this round performs in gel, on white tail deer, and against hogs.

Attachment 39061

I can't find any 5.56 rounds that do that well across all common intermediate barriers.

[friendlyfireisnt]

I agree.

There are some solid rounds in .223/5.56 (I'm partial to Fed. Fusion) but the .300blk with the Barnes is a better performer from the tests I've seen, depending on the criteria you pick.

And not just inside 100 yards. I would pick the .300blk for out to 300+ yards, especially if there was concern with barriers. Around vehicles it's a no brainier.

The biggest disadvantage is cost and availability.