WARNING - 300BLK 147gr Subsonic velocity problems

Published on August 14, 2016
Duration: 22:24

This video investigates significant velocity variations in 300 Blackout subsonic loads, specifically 147gr with Accurate 1680 powder. The presenter replicates a commenter's findings where powder position within the case dramatically affects muzzle velocity, with swings up to 200 ft/s observed. This phenomenon is linked to inconsistent ignition, particularly in low-charge-weight, high-capacity cartridges. The testing involved comparing CCI BR4, SNB, and Federal AR Small Rifle Match primers, shooting rounds with powder settled horizontally versus vertically (powder towards the primer).

Quick Summary

Significant velocity variations in 300 Blackout 147gr subsonic loads are caused by inconsistent powder position within the case. Holding the firearm vertically, allowing powder to settle towards the primer, yields more consistent velocities than firing with powder settled horizontally, which can cause swings of up to 200 ft/s and significantly degrade accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction & Title Explanation
  2. 00:20Commenter's Issue: Powder Position & Velocity Variation
  3. 00:48Presenter Replicates Issue: Scary Velocity Swings
  4. 01:10Temporary Takedown of 147gr Videos
  5. 01:51Recreating Tech Hobby Cap's Symptoms
  6. 02:21Vertical vs. Horizontal Gun Position Test Setup
  7. 03:01Powder Choice: Accurate 1680 & Case Capacity
  8. 04:02Testing Plan: 10 Grains Accurate 1680
  9. 04:08Primer Selection for Testing
  10. 05:00SNB Primers: Inexpensive Option
  11. 05:18CCI Primers: 450s, BR4s, #41s
  12. 05:32Federal AR Small Rifle Match Primers
  13. 06:15Final Primer Selection: CCI BR4s
  14. 06:31Loading 10 Rounds Per Primer Type
  15. 07:54SNB Primer Physical Inspection
  16. 08:49Bullet & OAL Specs: 147gr M80, 2.125" OAL
  17. 09:58Visual Inspection of Loaded Rounds
  18. 11:31Checking Overall Length (OAL)
  19. 13:38Backyard Testing: CCI #41 Primers - Horizontal
  20. 14:11CCI #41 Horizontal Results Analysis
  21. 14:42CCI #41 Primers - Vertical Test
  22. 15:54Shocking Results from Vertical Test
  23. 16:15Back to Horizontal with CCI #41
  24. 16:48Vertical Test with CCI #41 (Second Pass)
  25. 17:56Testing CCI BR4 Primers - Horizontal
  26. 18:24CCI BR4 Horizontal Results Analysis
  27. 18:29CCI BR4 Primers - Vertical Test
  28. 19:23Return to Bench: Mind Blown
  29. 19:38Implications for 300 Blackout Knowledge
  30. 20:03Questions: Supers, Heavy Subs, Solutions
  31. 20:21Summary of Standard Deviations (Horizontal vs. Vertical)
  32. 20:48Correlation with Poor Accuracy
  33. 21:15Thanks to Tech Hobbycap
  34. 21:26Future Testing & Channel Focus
  35. 21:37Pulling Down 147gr Subsonic Videos?
  36. 22:06Call for Viewer Input & Experience
  37. 22:21Conclusion & Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes significant velocity variation in 300 Blackout subsonic loads?

Significant velocity variation in 300 Blackout subsonic loads, particularly with 147gr bullets and powders like Accurate 1680, is caused by inconsistent powder position within the case. When the powder settles horizontally, it leads to erratic ignition and velocity swings of up to 200 ft/s.

How does firearm orientation affect 300 Blackout subsonic velocity?

Holding the firearm vertically, allowing the powder charge to settle towards the primer, results in more consistent velocities. Conversely, firing with the powder settled horizontally leads to much greater velocity variation and poorer accuracy.

Which primers were tested for 300 Blackout subsonic velocity consistency?

The presenter tested SNB primers, CCI BR4 primers, CCI #41 primers, and Federal AR Small Rifle Match primers. While primer type can influence ignition, the primary cause of the observed velocity variation was the powder position, regardless of the primer used.

What are the implications of powder position variation for 300 Blackout accuracy?

Powder position variation directly impacts accuracy. When powder is settled horizontally, leading to inconsistent velocities, accuracy suffers significantly, with groups widening considerably at typical shooting distances.

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