300 Blackout vs 7.62x39: SHOCKING Results On Steel

Published on January 17, 2023
Duration: 8:02

This video provides a practical, hands-on comparison of 300 Blackout and 7.62x39mm ammunition performance against steel targets. The host, demonstrating high-level enthusiast knowledge, utilizes a MagnetoSpeed V3 chronograph and custom testing equipment to measure velocities and assess penetration capabilities. The results indicate a clear advantage for 7.62x39mm in penetrating steel plates, while 300 Blackout, particularly subsonic loads, is less effective against hard targets but suitable for other applications.

Quick Summary

In a direct comparison of 300 Blackout vs 7.62x39mm against steel plates, the 7.62x39mm caliber proved significantly superior. Tested loads included 300 Blackout subsonic (220 gr SMK, ~1050 FPS) and supersonic (120 gr Barnes HP, ~2136 FPS), neither of which penetrated a 1/4" steel plate. Conversely, 7.62x39mm (122 gr HP, ~2396 FPS) successfully penetrated the same plate.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Cartridge Comparison
  2. 00:28Chronograph Testing Setup
  3. 01:13Custom Steel Test Rig
  4. 02:35300 BLK Subsonic vs Steel
  5. 03:03300 BLK Supersonic vs Steel
  6. 03:427.62x39 vs Steel (Initial)
  7. 03:56300 BLK FMJ vs Steel
  8. 04:417.62x39 FMJ & Depth Measurement
  9. 06:06Conclusion & Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

Which caliber is better for penetrating steel plates, 300 Blackout or 7.62x39mm?

Based on tests using 1/4" steel plates, 7.62x39mm ammunition (122 gr HP at ~2396 FPS) demonstrated superior penetration capabilities, successfully piercing the plate. In contrast, both subsonic (220 gr SMK at ~1050 FPS) and supersonic (120 gr Barnes HP at ~2136 FPS) 300 Blackout loads failed to penetrate, with the supersonic rounds only creating significant dents.

What were the key performance differences observed between 300 Blackout and 7.62x39mm on steel targets?

The 7.62x39mm caliber showed a distinct advantage in steel penetration. While 300 Blackout subsonic rounds had minimal impact, even supersonic 300 Blackout loads struggled against a 1/4" steel plate. The 7.62x39mm, however, easily penetrated this plate and created a notable crater on a thicker 3/8" plate.

What equipment was used to test the ballistics of 300 Blackout and 7.62x39mm?

The test utilized a MagnetoSpeed V3 chronograph to measure muzzle velocities accurately. Rifles with 16-inch barrels (AR-15 and AK-47 styles) were employed, along with a custom-fabricated steel sled and protective shield to ensure consistent and safe testing conditions against steel plates.

Is 300 Blackout suitable for use against hard targets like steel?

The test results suggest that 300 Blackout, particularly its subsonic variants, is not ideal for penetrating hard targets like steel plates. While supersonic loads showed more potential, they were still outperformed by 7.62x39mm. 300 Blackout excels in other areas, such as subsonic applications for suppressed shooting.

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