As a firearms expert with a deep understanding of ballistics and cartridge design, I'm often asked to compare different rounds and their performance characteristics. The question of whether the 300 Blackout is a 308 is a common one, and it's important to address it with precision and clarity.

Firstly, the 300 Blackout, also known as .300 BLK, is a proprietary rifle cartridge designed by Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) for use in the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). It was developed to provide better performance than the 5.56×45mm NATO round, particularly in suppressed environments. The 300 Blackout is designed to be fired from an AR-15 platform, which is a significant advantage due to the widespread availability and familiarity of this platform among military and civilian shooters alike.

On the other hand, the .308 Winchester, commonly referred to as 308, is a different animal entirely. It was introduced in 1952 and is a very popular hunting and long-range shooting cartridge. The .308 is known for its accuracy, flat trajectory, and effective range, making it a favorite among hunters and precision shooters. It is also used by military snipers and designated marksmen due to its reliability and performance.

Now, let's address the question directly: Is a 300 Blackout a 308? The answer is no, the 300 Blackout is not a 308. They are distinct cartridges with different specifications and performance characteristics. Here are some key differences:


1. Caliber and Bullet Diameter: The 300 Blackout is a smaller caliber round, with a bullet diameter of approximately 7.7mm (0.300 inches), while the .308 has a larger bullet diameter of 7.62mm (0.308 inches).


2. Case Dimensions: The 300 Blackout uses a necked-down .223 Remington case, which is significantly shorter and has a smaller case capacity than the .308, which uses a full-length belted case.


3. Velocity and Energy: Due to the larger case capacity and heavier bullets typically used, the .308 generally has higher muzzle velocities and delivers more energy downrange compared to the 300 Blackout.


4. Ballistic Coefficient (BC): The .308 rounds typically have higher ballistic coefficients than the supersonic .300 BLK rounds. This means that the .308 bullets will experience less drag and maintain a flatter trajectory over longer distances.


5. Trajectory: As mentioned, the .308 has a markedly flatter trajectory at ranges beyond 200 and 300 yards compared to the 300 Blackout. This is particularly important for long-range engagements where bullet drop and wind drift must be accurately compensated for.


6. Suppression: One of the primary advantages of the 300 Blackout is its ability to be effectively suppressed. When using subsonic ammunition, the 300 Blackout can achieve near-silent operation, which is a significant advantage in certain tactical scenarios.

7.
Platform Versatility: While both rounds can be fired from AR-15 platforms, the 300 Blackout is specifically designed for this purpose and can be adapted to a variety of barrel lengths and configurations without significant changes to the firearm itself.

In conclusion, while both the 300 Blackout and .308 are versatile and capable cartridges, they serve different purposes and have distinct performance characteristics. The 300 Blackout offers the advantage of being able to be fired from a standard AR-15 platform with excellent suppression capabilities, while the .308 is renowned for its accuracy and long-range performance. Choosing between the two should be based on the specific needs and preferences of the shooter, including intended use, platform compatibility, and personal preference for recoil and noise.

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Accuracy is always a tough category for any cartridge comparison and the same goes for the 300 Blackout vs 308 cartridges. ... The BC's are higher than the supersonic .300 BLK rounds and the .308 rounds have a markedly flatter trajectory at the 200 and 300-yard ranges.read more >>