Gavin Howe
The .300 AAC Blackout, also known as 7.62×35 mm, is an intermediate cartridge developed in the United States by Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) in cooperation with Remington Defense. It has been adopted by various law enforcement groups and militaries for its effectiveness in CQB applications and versatility in different barrel lengths. However, there are concerns about the cost of ammunition and its niche use cases for law enforcement, with some questioning the need for its adoption by police departments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use by law enforcement | Lasalle PD in Illinois has adopted the round. Colorado Springs (SWAT Team), Georgia Department of Corrections Special Agents, and other departments are also believed to be using it. |
| Advantages | Superior terminal performance in 8"-16" barrel lengths; can support CQB/CQC to Patrol operations; ability to switch between subsonic, supersonic, or barrier-penetrating ammunition by changing the magazine; better performance in shorter barrels; effective subsonic performance for silencer use; increased stopping power; better performance against barriers; better accuracy at longer ranges; ideal for FBI applications |
| Disadvantages | More expensive than other options; unknown round; not as good for general law enforcement purposes as other options; potential hearing damage when used with a suppressor |
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What You'll Learn
Law enforcement groups that have adopted 300 Blackout
While some law enforcement agencies have adopted the .300 Blackout for specific purposes, it is not as commonly used as standard 5.56mm or 9mm ammunition. The .300 Blackout is considered to be more expensive than other options, and its use is often hindered by the budget constraints of police departments.
Some sources suggest that the Lasalle PD in Illinois has adopted the .300 Blackout, and there are rumours that the FBI HRT has been looking at the 300 Blackout, and may have even contracted some. There are also mentions of the Colorado Springs SWAT Team, Georgia Department of Corrections Special Agents, and the Dutch Maritime Special Operations Force (NL-MARSOF) adopting the .300 Blackout. However, it is unclear whether these groups still use the .300 Blackout, or if they ever did.
The .300 Blackout is considered versatile due to its ability to be used in a variety of firearms and its effectiveness in different scenarios. It is also superior in shorter barrels compared to the 5.56. and can be easily suppressed.
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Cost implications of 300 Blackout for police departments
The 300 Blackout, also known as the 300 AAC Blackout, is a versatile cartridge that offers increased performance in shorter barrels and effective subsonic performance for silencer use. While it is highly effective for military and law enforcement applications, the cost of ammunition is a significant factor for police departments considering its adoption.
The 300 Blackout is generally more expensive than standard .223 or 5.56 ammo due to lower production volumes and its specialized nature. This higher cost is a concern for police departments, especially those in big cities facing budget constraints. The 5.56 ammo is a cheaper alternative that is widely used by law enforcement agencies.
For smaller police agencies, the cost increase of adopting the 300 Blackout may be minimal, while larger agencies may be able to manage the cost increase with careful planning and bulk purchasing. However, the specialized nature of the 300 Blackout ammunition means that departments may need to keep a larger supply of training and duty ammunition on hand, which could further increase costs.
The performance benefits of the 300 Blackout may, in some cases, justify the additional cost. The cartridge offers superior terminal performance in 8"-16" barrel lengths, making it suitable for a range of law enforcement operations. Its versatility allows users to transition between limited penetration to subsonic or supersonic barrier blind ammunition by simply switching magazines. Additionally, its compatibility with AR-15 platforms enables users to switch between .300 BLK and 5.56 with just a barrel change, providing flexibility without the need for a new rifle setup.
In summary, while the 300 Blackout offers significant performance advantages, the cost implications are a key consideration for police departments. The higher cost of ammunition and the potential need for larger inventory quantities may deter some departments from adopting the 300 Blackout, particularly those facing budget constraints. However, with careful planning and bulk purchasing, some departments may be able to manage the cost increase and benefit from the cartridge's superior performance characteristics.
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Hearing safety of 300 Blackout for law enforcement officers
The 300 Blackout is a versatile cartridge that can be used for law enforcement and military applications. It offers superior terminal performance in 8" - 16" barrel lengths and can support CQB/CQC to Patrol operations. While some law enforcement agencies have considered adopting the 300 Blackout, the primary concerns are the cost of ammunition and the availability of alternative options that are cheaper and more suitable for close-quarters performance, such as the 5.56.
When it comes to hearing safety for law enforcement officers, the use of suppressors or silencers can significantly impact their hearing health. While the 300 Blackout can be used with a suppressor, it is important to note that even with a suppressor, it may not meet OSHA hearing safety standards. The effectiveness of noise reduction depends on various factors, including the type of suppressor, barrel length, and the specific firearm being used.
In law enforcement shooting situations, officers prioritize their safety and the protection of innocent bystanders. As a result, hearing protection or noise suppression may not always be the primary concern during critical incidents. However, the use of suppressors can help reduce noise exposure and protect officers' hearing to some extent. According to research by Matthew P. Branch, MD, suppressors offer significantly greater noise reduction than traditional ear-level protection, often exceeding 50% better performance.
Additionally, the reverberations of gunfire in enclosed spaces, such as during a potential home defense situation, can also lead to permanent hearing damage for law enforcement officers. The sound of a gunshot can reflect off surrounding walls and ceilings, amplifying the blast and increasing the risk of hearing loss. Therefore, it is crucial for officers to prioritize hearing protection whenever possible, especially in enclosed environments.
While the 300 Blackout may offer certain advantages in terms of performance and versatility, law enforcement officers must carefully consider the potential impact on their hearing health. The use of suppressors can help mitigate noise exposure, but it may not always be sufficient to meet hearing safety standards. Therefore, officers should be mindful of the risks associated with gunfire and take appropriate measures to protect their hearing whenever possible.
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300 Blackout's effectiveness in close-quarters combat
The ..300 AAC Blackout, also known as 7.62×35mm, is an intermediate cartridge developed in the United States by Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) in cooperation with Remington Defense. It is designed to be used with the M4 carbine, providing increased performance in shorter barrels and effective subsonic performance for silencer use when compared to 5.56mm NATO.
The .300 Blackout is highly effective in close-quarters combat due to its ability to be used with shorter barrels, providing an overall length benefit to the user. Its versatility allows the user to transition between limited penetration to subsonic or supersonic barrier blind (FBI Protocol) ammunition by simply switching a magazine. This makes it ideal for situations where stealth and user comfort are a priority, as it can be used with sound suppression.
The .300 Blackout also has great terminal ballistics, which is the study of the behaviour of projectiles when impacting a target and the transfer of energy during penetration. Its ability to fully burn the round's powder when fired out of a short barrel means that with just a 9-inch barrel, the .300 BLK can perform at its maximum efficiency. This is in contrast to ..223 and 5.56, which require nearly twice the length to achieve the same result.
The .300 Blackout is a popular option for AR-15 80 lower builders, second only to the ..223 Remington or 5.56 NATO. Its efficacy has been regularly demonstrated by professional shooters, and its versatility and customizability make it a highly desirable option for gun owners.
However, despite its effectiveness in close-quarters combat, the .300 Blackout has not seen widespread adoption by law enforcement agencies due to the cost of ammunition and the adequate performance of cheaper alternatives such as 5.56 ball ammo.
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300 Blackout's versatility in ammunition
The .300 Blackout, also known as the 7.62x35mm or 300 AAC Blackout, is an intermediate cartridge developed in the United States by Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC). It is known for its versatility, making it a popular choice for firearm enthusiasts, hunters, home defenders, and tactical professionals. One of its key advantages is its compatibility with a wide range of firearms, including AR-15 rifles and bolt-action rifles, giving users the flexibility to adapt to various situations.
The .300 Blackout offers a wide range of bullet weights, from 90-grain supersonic loads to 220-grain subsonic loads, allowing shooters to tailor their ammunition to their specific needs. Lighter bullets offer higher velocities and flatter trajectories, making them ideal for shorter ranges and hunting. Heavier bullets provide increased penetration and energy retention, making them suitable for longer distances and barrier penetration. The ammunition can be fired both suppressed and unsuppressed while maintaining accuracy and reliability, and it performs well in short-barrelled rifles, burning efficiently in shorter barrels for optimal performance in compact firearms.
The .300 Blackout is purpose-built for versatility. It can be used with or without a suppressor, and its subsonic rounds are quieter than supersonic rounds, although they have similar ballistic energy to handgun rounds. The .300 Blackout also has superior terminal performance in 8"-16" barrel lengths, supporting CQB/CQC to Patrol operations. It can also defeat barriers better than 5.56mm rounds, which is advantageous for law enforcement entry operations to reduce the risk of bystander injury.
The .300 Blackout's versatility extends to its ammunition options, which include training, home defence, and hunting. It is also compatible with .300 Whisper ammunition, which is made within .300 Blackout specifications. However, the cost of .300 Blackout ammunition is a consideration, as it is more expensive than other options, and there may be concerns about over-penetration in certain situations. Despite these factors, the .300 Blackout's versatility and performance characteristics make it a popular choice for those seeking adaptability and flexibility in their ammunition selection.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, law enforcement can use 300 Blackout. It has been adopted by various law enforcement groups and militaries for its effectiveness in CQB applications.
300 Blackout, also known as 7.62x35mm, is an intermediate cartridge developed in the United States by Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) for use in the M4 carbine.
300 Blackout offers excellent ballistics with an effective range of around 400 to 480 yards. It can be hearing safe when shooting suppressed, depending on the suppressor and ammunition used. It also has better penetration and initially yaws faster than 5.56x45mm NATO.
The cost of ammunition is a potential drawback, as it is more expensive than other options. Additionally, there may be concerns about over-penetration with 300 Blackout.
It is reported that the Lasalle PD in Illinois, the Georgia Department of Corrections Special Agents, and the Colorado Springs SWAT Team use 300 Blackout.
