I like the 300 blackout (have Mcx Virtus that I can run either .223 or 300 b/out through), but had an “extra” with zero need for 2 of them.
I’ve used the 300 b/out for hog hunting, and to me, I find it marginal for hogs, even using my 110 TTSX hand load-I like “overkill” on hogs though .
The only drawback of the hamr vs 300 b/out is you lose the subsonic ability.
What’s gained is essentially an extra 200 FPS and a very accurate round-I also have. 6.8 spc that I like, running my 120 sst hand load at 2398 FPS/1612 # of energy -the 130 grain hot core 300 hamr round runs 2495 FPS/1796# of energy. My higher end load of 300 b/out 110 TTSX is running 2415 FPS/1424# of energy.
Running CFE black and 110 Vmax hand loads yest on its innaagural trip to the range, I ran 5 different 5 shot groups, the worst was 1” with 4 less than 7/8”, 3 less than 5/8”, the best load was 9/16” with 4 less than 1/2” and 3 less than 3/8”.
Those were among the easiest hand loads I’ve ever come away with that kind of accuracy on the 1st test loads-it’s going to be very easy to load for.
My 5 shot groups with the 130 grain hot core
were good for the initial test loads (used A1680 25.6 grain up to 26.0 grains), but not as good as the 110 VMax running CFE Black-worst was 2 1/16”, best was a more than respectable 11/16”, 4 within 5/8”, 3 within 3/8”....will try some cfe black test loads next, but if 11/16” is what I’ll have for the hunting load, I’ll be VERY happy with that...plus it was extremely easy to get such a good result.
Caught the 18” fluted barrel on sale at Browrells for $230 plus went with the suggested $120 gas block from Wilson, paid my gun Smith $75 to change it out.
It does need to use 300 blackout mags btw, but I use those with the 300 b/out anyway.
So for les than $450 I have converted an “extra” 300 b/out to a very accurate ar15 framed rifle with a significant increase in energy (11.4% more vs my 6.8 spc 120 sst load, 26.2% more than my high end load of 110 TTSX) that has already saved me the PITA I find it to be to achieve 1” groups with load development...I’m usually satisfied with a 1” grouping rifle, especially for a hunting round, but this was amazingly easy to get some really great accuracy from.
Yes, I’m definitely stoked and to me anyhow, these are very significant advantages for not much $.