5 Best 300 Blackout Subsonic Ammo for Hunting

Do you want to buy the best 300 Blackout Subsonic Ammo for Hunting without overlooking the details that matter when shooting at subsonic velocities?

I looked at these loads with particular attention to bullet weight, bullet construction, subsonic velocity, muzzle energy, suppressor compatibility, and intended application.

The best options can offer reduced report and recoil, while hunting-focused designs such as expanding projectiles can provide characteristics better suited to game than non-expanding match loads.

In this guide, I’ll break down the key features of each load, share my top picks, explain what to consider in the buying guide, and answer common questions in the FAQs so you can make a more informed choice when selecting the Best 300 Blackout Subsonic Ammo for Hunting.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

1. Hornady BLACK .300 AAC Blackout 208 Grain Subsonic Rifle Ammunition: Best Overall
2. Remington Subsonic .300 AAC Blackout 220 Grain Open Tip Flat Base Rifle Ammunition: Best Suppressed Shooting Option
3. Hornady Subsonic .300 AAC Blackout 190 Grain Subsonic eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition: Best Hunting Option
4. Sellier & Bellot Subsonic .300 AAC Blackout 200 Grain Full Metal Jacket Rifle Ammunition: Best Match Option
5. Freedom Munitions HUSH Subsonic .300 Blackout 220 Grain HPBT Brass Rifle Ammunition: Best Budget Option

How We Tested the Best 300 Blackout Subsonic Ammo for Hunting

I evaluated the Best 300 Blackout Subsonic Ammo for Hunting based on the features and specifications provided for each product. I considered the following areas:

• Bullet Weight: I compared the different projectile weights to identify how each load is configured for subsonic shooting.
• Bullet Construction: I looked at designs including expanding, hollow point, open tip, and full metal jacket projectiles.
• Subsonic Performance: I considered the published velocity figures and the subsonic designation of each load.
• Muzzle Energy: Where provided, I considered the listed energy figures to understand the ballistic characteristics of each load.
• Hunting Application: I checked whether the supplied specifications specifically identify hunting or game applications.
• Suppressor Compatibility: I considered whether the ammunition is specifically designed or marketed for suppressed rifle use.
• Case Construction: I reviewed the use of brass cases across the different loads.
• Intended Use: I compared whether each load is designated for hunting, target shooting, competition, match, or general applications.

5 Best 300 Blackout Subsonic Ammo for Hunting

1) Hornady Black .300 AAC Blackout 208 grain Subsonic Rifle Ammunition

The Hornady BLACK .300 AAC Blackout 208 grain Subsonic ammunition is built around a heavy 208 grain projectile and a listed muzzle velocity of 1,020 ft/s. It uses a spitzer boat tail bullet, brass case, and centerfire primer, giving it a configuration suited to shooters looking for a subsonic .300 AAC Blackout load.

Hornady uses high-quality cases, primers, and propellant in this ammunition, with the supplied information emphasizing reliability and consistent functioning across various platforms. The load also has a listed muzzle energy of 480 ft-lbs, a sectional density of 0.313, and a G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.648.

The supplied specifications list target shooting as the application, although the product information also references hunting and field use. For that reason, this ammunition is best suited to .300 AAC Blackout shooters seeking a heavy subsonic load for target shooting and other appropriate applications, with hunting suitability depending on the specific use and applicable requirements.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hornady
• Caliber: .300 AAC Blackout
• Bullet Weight: 208 grain
• Bullet Type: Spitzer Boat Tail
• Rounds: 20
• Case Material: Brass
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,020 ft/s
• Muzzle Energy: 480 ft-lbs
• Application: Target Shooting

Pros

• Heavy 208 grain projectile
• Subsonic muzzle velocity of 1,020 ft/s
• Spitzer boat tail bullet design
• Brass cartridge case
• Listed G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.648
• Listed sectional density of 0.313
• Quality cases, primers, and propellant
• Designed for performance across various platforms

Cons

• 20-round package may be limited for high-volume practice

2) Remington Subsonic .300 AAC Blackout 220 Grain Open Tip Flat Base Rifle Ammunition

The Remington Subsonic .300 AAC Blackout 220 grain ammunition is designed specifically around suppressed shooting, using a heavy 220 grain open tip flat base projectile and brass cartridge case. The ammunition is intended to remain subsonic, with the supplied product information emphasizing tight velocity control to help prevent the sharp crack associated with a projectile breaking the sound barrier.

Remington developed this load through a collaboration with AAC, with the ammunition intended for use with a silencer. The OTFB projectile design also incorporates features intended to reduce exposed lead at the rear of the bullet, which the manufacturer states helps limit lead accumulation around suppressor ports.

The ammunition uses centerfire primers and comes in a 20-round package. Its listed application is target shooting rather than hunting, so it is best suited to .300 AAC Blackout shooters seeking a suppressed, subsonic load for target applications.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Remington
• Caliber: .300 AAC Blackout
• Bullet Weight: 220 grain
• Bullet Type: Open Tip Flat Base
• Rounds: 20
• Case Material: Brass
• Application: Target
• Primer Style: Centerfire
• Lead Free: No

Pros

• Heavy 220 grain projectile
• Designed for subsonic performance
• Intended for use with a silencer
• Tight velocity control
• Open tip flat base projectile
• Brass cartridge case
• Centerfire primer
• Bullet design intended to reduce exposed lead around suppressor ports

Cons

• 20-round package

3) Hornady Subsonic .300 AAC Blackout 190 Grain Subsonic eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition

The Hornady Subsonic .300 AAC Blackout 190 grain Sub-X ammunition is designed for shooters who want a quiet, expanding load for appropriate hunting and defensive applications. It uses a 190 grain Subsonic eXpanding projectile in a brass case, with a listed muzzle velocity of 1,050 ft/s and muzzle energy of 465 ft-lbs.

The Sub-X bullet incorporates Hornady’s Flex Tip insert inside the hollow point cavity. According to the supplied information, this design is intended to support reliable expansion at the lower velocities associated with subsonic ammunition. The load also uses specialized propellants intended to produce a low flash signature, making it suitable for suppressed or unsuppressed use.

Hornady lists this ammunition for medium game and self-defense, making it one of the more hunting-focused options in this group. It is best suited to .300 AAC Blackout shooters who want subsonic ammunition with an expanding projectile for medium game, particularly when reduced report is an important consideration.

The supplied information also states that the load has undergone terminal ballistic testing against FBI protocol requirements. Its 0.286 sectional density and 0.437 G1 ballistic coefficient provide additional published ballistic specifications without requiring assumptions about performance beyond the manufacturer’s information.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hornady
• Caliber: .300 AAC Blackout
• Bullet Weight: 190 grain
• Bullet Type: Subsonic eXpanding (Sub-X)
• Rounds: 20
• Case Material: Brass
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,050 ft/s
• Muzzle Energy: 465 ft-lbs
• Application: Medium Game, Self-Defense

Pros

• 190 grain expanding Sub-X projectile
• Designed for subsonic velocities
• Flex Tip insert designed to support expansion
• Listed for medium game
• Low-flash propellant formulation
• Brass cartridge case
• Published muzzle velocity of 1,050 ft/s
• Suitable for suppressed or unsuppressed use

Cons

• Not lead-free

4) Sellier & Bellot Subsonic .300 AAC Blackout Subsonic Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition

The Sellier & Bellot Subsonic .300 AAC Blackout ammunition is a 200 grain load built around a Full Metal Jacket projectile and brass cartridge case. It has a listed muzzle velocity of 1,060 ft/s and muzzle energy of 499 ft-lbs, giving it a clearly subsonic configuration for shooters who want a lower-velocity .300 AAC Blackout option.

The FMJ projectile is non-expanding, which makes this ammunition more oriented toward practice and competitive shooting than hunting applications. The supplied information also highlights reliable functioning and states that the bullet is designed to avoid barrel leading.

With a 20-round box and centerfire primer, this load is best suited to recreational shooters, practice sessions, and competition or match applications where a non-expanding subsonic projectile is appropriate.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Sellier & Bellot
• Caliber: .300 AAC Blackout
• Bullet Weight: 200 grain
• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket
• Rounds: 20
• Case Material: Brass
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,060 ft/s
• Muzzle Energy: 499 ft-lbs
• Application: Competition, Match

Pros

• Heavy 200 grain projectile
• Subsonic configuration
• Full Metal Jacket construction
• Brass cartridge case
• Listed muzzle velocity of 1,060 ft/s
• Reliable functioning
• Designed as a non-expanding load
• Published G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.558

Cons

• Limited to 20 rounds per box

5) Freedom Munitions HUSH Subsonic .300 Blackout Ammunition

The Freedom Munitions HUSH Subsonic .300 Blackout ammunition is built around a heavy 220 grain Boat Tail Hollow Point projectile and a brass cartridge case. It is designed specifically as a subsonic load for suppressed rifles, with the manufacturer emphasizing affordability, reliable operation, and clean performance.

The 220 grain BTHP projectile gives this ammunition a heavy-bullet configuration suited to subsonic shooting. The supplied specifications list the application as general.

With 50 rounds per package, this ammunition is particularly suitable for shooters who want a larger supply of subsonic .300 Blackout ammunition for suppressed rifle use, practice, or other general shooting applications. Hunters considering it should verify that the load is appropriate for their intended game and specific hunting requirements.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Freedom Munitions
• Caliber: .300 AAC Blackout
• Bullet Weight: 220 grain
• Bullet Type: Boat Tail Hollow Point
• Rounds: 50
• Case Material: Brass
• Application: General

Pros

• Heavy 220 grain projectile
• Boat Tail Hollow Point design
• Subsonic configuration
• Intended for suppressed rifles
• Brass cartridge case
• 50-round package
• Manufacturer emphasizes reliability and clean performance
• General-purpose configuration

Cons

• Higher price

Why 300 Blackout Subsonic Ammo for Hunting? (Advantages)

1. Reduced Shooting Noise

Subsonic .300 Blackout ammunition keeps the projectile below the speed of sound, removing the sharp sonic crack associated with supersonic ammunition. This can be useful for hunters who need to limit shooting noise, particularly when the ammunition is used with a compatible suppressor.

2. Lower Felt Recoil

The lower-velocity configuration can provide a more manageable recoil impulse than higher-velocity loads. This may be useful for hunters who prefer a softer shooting experience, especially during repeated practice or when using a lightweight firearm.

3. Heavy Bullet Options

The ammunition discussed includes projectiles from 190 to 220 grains, giving subsonic .300 Blackout loads a heavy-bullet configuration. Heavier projectiles can be useful when designing ammunition around the lower velocities required for subsonic performance.

4. Expanding Bullet Options

Some subsonic .300 Blackout loads use expanding projectile designs intended for hunting applications. These include specialized expanding and hollow-point configurations, although not every subsonic load is designed for hunting, so the specific ammunition’s stated application remains important.

5. Good Suppressed-Rifle Compatibility

Subsonic .300 Blackout ammunition is particularly relevant to suppressed rifles because the projectile remains below the speed of sound. When paired with a compatible suppressor, this combination can further reduce the overall report compared with unsuppressed shooting.

6. Low-Flash Options

Some loads use propellant formulations specifically intended to produce a lower flash signature. This can be useful when reduced visible muzzle flash is desirable, although this feature varies between individual loads.

7. Purpose-Built Hunting Loads Are Available

The reviewed ammunition includes loads specifically listed for medium game and other hunting-related applications. This means hunters can choose a subsonic cartridge with a projectile design intended for the particular use rather than assuming every .300 Blackout subsonic load is a hunting round.

8. Useful for Specialized Hunting Situations

The combination of subsonic velocity, heavy bullets, and reduced report makes this ammunition relevant to specialized hunting situations where those characteristics are desirable. Its usefulness depends on the specific game, firearm, ammunition design, and applicable hunting requirements.

Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best 300 Blackout Subsonic Ammo for Hunting

1. Intended Game

First determine what type and size of game you intend to hunt. Some subsonic .300 Blackout ammunition is specifically listed for medium game, while other loads are designated for target, competition, or general use. Choose ammunition whose stated application matches your intended hunting purpose.

2. Bullet Weight

Bullet weight is especially relevant with subsonic ammunition because these loads operate at lower velocities. The reviewed options range from 190 to 220 grains, so consider the weight specified by the manufacturer alongside the bullet’s intended application and construction.

3. Bullet Construction

Projectile construction can vary considerably between subsonic loads. Expanding bullets may be specifically designed for hunting, while FMJ and match-oriented projectiles can have different intended uses. Check the bullet design and manufacturer application before selecting ammunition for hunting.

4. Muzzle Velocity

A genuine subsonic load must keep its projectile below the speed of sound. Review the manufacturer’s published velocity where available, while recognizing that actual velocity can vary according to barrel length, firearm, ammunition lot, and environmental conditions.

5. Muzzle Energy

Muzzle energy provides another useful piece of published ballistic information when it is available. Because subsonic ammunition operates at lower velocities, checking the stated energy can help you understand the cartridge’s intended ballistic characteristics without assuming it will perform like a full-velocity .300 Blackout load.

6. Firearm Compatibility

Verify that the ammunition is appropriate for your specific .300 Blackout firearm. This is particularly important for subsonic loads because firearm configuration can affect cycling and overall function. Follow the firearm and ammunition manufacturers’ specifications before use.

7. Suppressor Compatibility

If you plan to shoot suppressed, make sure the ammunition and firearm are compatible with the suppressor setup. Subsonic ammunition avoids the projectile’s sonic crack, but the complete firearm and suppressor combination still needs to meet the relevant manufacturer’s requirements.

8. Intended Application

Do not assume that every .300 Blackout subsonic cartridge is suitable for hunting simply because it is quiet or uses a heavy bullet. The reviewed ammunition includes target, competition, general, self-defense, and medium-game applications, so checking the manufacturer’s stated purpose is essential.

Best 300 Blackout Subsonic Ammo for Hunting FAQs

1. What makes .300 Blackout ammunition subsonic?

Subsonic .300 Blackout ammunition is loaded so the projectile remains below the speed of sound. This prevents the bullet from producing the distinctive sonic crack associated with supersonic ammunition.

2. Is all .300 Blackout subsonic ammunition suitable for hunting?

No. The reviewed loads demonstrate that subsonic .300 Blackout ammunition can have different intended applications, including target shooting, competition, general use, self-defense, and medium game. Hunters should select a load specifically designated for their intended hunting application rather than relying solely on its subsonic designation.

3. What bullet weight is suitable for subsonic .300 Blackout hunting ammunition?

The loads discussed use relatively heavy projectiles ranging from 190 to 220 grains. The appropriate weight depends on the specific ammunition’s bullet construction, intended game, firearm compatibility, and published specifications.

Conclusion

The appeal of 300 Blackout subsonic ammunition is in how it reshapes the shooting experience without requiring a different cartridge platform.

Heavy projectiles, reduced velocity, lower report, and specialized expanding designs give suitable loads a practical role in hunting situations where quieter shooting and manageable recoil are important.

The reviewed ammunition also shows that subsonic loads are not all built for the same purpose: some are specifically configured for hunting, while others are intended for target or general shooting.

Used within the manufacturer’s stated application and with a compatible firearm, the right subsonic .300 Blackout load can provide a quieter, more controlled option for hunters who value those characteristics.

See Also:

• 5 Best Subsonic 308 Ammo for Hunting​
• 5 Best 22LR Match Ammo
• 6 Best Turkey Ammo