What Is The Ideal .300 BLK Barrel Length & Ammo? (w/ Q’s Kevin Brittingham)

Published on March 25, 2025
Duration: 18:55

This video features Kevin Brittingham, the developer of the .300 Blackout cartridge, discussing ideal barrel lengths and ammunition for the caliber. He highlights the Q Honey Badger's 7-inch barrel for CQB and recommends specific loads for hunting. The discussion extends to the emerging 8.6 Blackout caliber, with Brittingham suggesting it may supersede .300 Blackout due to its superior energy and range.

Quick Summary

Kevin Brittingham, developer of .300 Blackout, states that a 7-inch barrel is ideal for CQB, while 12-16 inches are better for longer ranges. He recommends specific Barnes or Hornady loads for hunting and notes that the 8.6 Blackout cartridge offers superior energy and range, potentially making .300 Blackout obsolete.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and .300 BLK Origins
  2. 01:38Ideal Barrel Lengths for .300 BLK
  3. 02:43Hunting and Ammo Selection
  4. 04:308.6 BLK and Twist Rate Innovation
  5. 08:08Is .300 BLK Becoming Obsolete?
  6. 10:00Technical Ballistics: Wear and Stabilization
  7. 11:50Accuracy and Barrel Length

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal barrel length for .300 Blackout for CQB?

For close-quarters battle (CQB) and engagements within 100 meters, a 7-inch barrel, like that found on the Q Honey Badger, is considered ideal for .300 Blackout. This length optimizes performance for its intended role.

What ammunition is recommended for hunting with .300 Blackout?

For supersonic hunting with .300 Blackout, Barnes 110gr or 120gr bullets are recommended. For subsonic hunting, consider Hornady Sub-X, Makers, or Lehigh bullets, especially with fast twist barrels.

How does the 8.6 Blackout compare to .300 Blackout?

The 8.6 Blackout cartridge offers significantly more energy and range compared to .300 Blackout, potentially making it obsolete for certain applications. It achieves this with a fast 1:3 twist rate, enhancing terminal performance.

Does a fast twist rate increase barrel wear?

According to Kevin Brittingham, a developer of .300 Blackout, fast twist rates do not significantly increase barrel wear, particularly with lower-pressure rounds like 8.6 Blackout. The concept of 'over-stabilization' is also largely considered a myth in these contexts.

Related News

All News →

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from ClassicFirearms

View all →