.300 Blackout vs .223 Remington ~ Vortex Nation Cartridge Talks VIDEO

Are you confident that your AR-platform rifle packs enough punch for that crucial moment in deer hunting? This central question is at the heart of Cartridge Talks, Ep. 8: “.300 Blackout vs .223 Remington: Enough for Deer?”

.300 Blackout vs .223 Remington

The .223 Remington is cartridge renowned for accuracy and has proven its mettle in military and law enforcement, as well as predator hunting circles for over 60 years. However, the .300 Blackout brings a new dynamic to the AR platform, combining the power of 30-caliber rounds with the versatility of handling both supersonic and subsonic ammunition, challenging the traditional cartridges choices for deer hunters.

In this episode, we delve into a thorough comparison of these two cartridges, evaluating their ballistic performance, suitability for hunting, and overall impact in the field. It’s not just about the technical specs; it’s about understanding which cartridge delivers more shootability, versatility, and that critical advantage when it matters most.

Let explore a detailed comparison of the 300 AAC Blackout and the 223 cartridges, focusing on their suitability for deer hunting. We start by establishing our testing parameters, including using box-posted muzzle velocities and ballistic coefficients, a consistent rifle weight, and shooting into permagel for consistent results. During our range testing, both cartridges show impressive results. The 300 AAC, with its 150-grain Federal Power Shock, demonstrates a remarkable 22.5 inches of penetration. Similarly, the .223, particularly with the Federal Fusion 62 grain and the Barnes 110 grain Tac-TX, shows deep penetration and effective expansion, indicating its sufficient power for deer hunting.

Our discussion then shifts to “shootability,” a metric we use to assess the control and recoil of the rifles. In this category, the .223 emerges as the winner due to its lower recoil energy compared to the 300 AAC. This part of our analysis highlights the ease of use and less shoulder strain with the .223, despite the 300 AAC having a slightly higher recoil energy. We also address the long-standing presence of the .223 and the relatively new introduction of the 300 AAC in the market, affecting accessibility. The .223 has a higher number of factory offerings from major ammunition manufacturers, making it more accessible than the 300 AAC round.

Finally, we explore the versatility of both cartridges. The .223 is praised for its long-term use in various applications, from military use to varmint hunting and recreation, with a wide range of bullet weights available. On the other hand, the 300 AAC is seen as more specialized, ideal for subsonic applications with suppressors, and as a big game hunting round. While both cartridges show strengths in different areas, the .223 is noted for its broader range of applications. However, we acknowledge that both cartridges are suitable for deer hunting, with the .223 being slightly on the fringe and the 300 AAC potentially better suited for big game due to its ballistic similarities to the 3030 Winchester.

Both the 300 AAC Blackout and the .223 cartridges demonstrate effectiveness for deer hunting, each with unique strengths and limitations. While the .223 wins in terms of shootability and accessibility, the 300 AAC shows its prowess in specialized applications, particularly in big game hunting. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the hunter.

The Hunt For Knowledge: Beyond The Show

Enhancing our discussion, the Cartridge Talks: Fully Loaded podcast delivers an extended analysis for those who crave more. Join hosts Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn as they explore the nuances of the .233 Remington and .300 Blackout, discussing ballistics gel penetration, bullet expansion, ammunition choices, and real-world hunting applications.

Click to check out Cartridge Talks: Fully Loaded.

Shape Future Episodes

Your feedback is invaluable. Post-watch, share your thoughts and future matchup suggestions in the comments section of Episode 8. While you’re there, stay connected and informed about new Cartridge Talks episodes by subscribing to the Vortex Nation YouTube channel.

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