The .300 BLK cartridge fits well into both an AR and bolt-action rifle platform, is an excellent choice for hunting needs – having become a popular choice for hogs, deer, varmints, and various small game. It offers a seriously powerful choice without the rough recoil many other .30 caliber options create.
Take a look at the best.300 Blackout rifles for hunting to help you match up this favored Wildcat cartridge with your game of choice. Our top picks are listed below.
Comparison Table of The 6 Best .300 Blackout Rifles For Hunting
BRAND
CZ-USA 527 American Synthetic Suppressor-Ready, Bolt, .300 AAC Blackout
DETAILS
- Magazine Capacity: 5+1
- Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
- Twist: 1:9
- Weight: 5.87 lbs
REMINGTON 700 SPS TACTICAL 300BLK
- Magazine Capacity: 5+1
- Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
- Twist: 1:7
- Weight: 8.5 lbs
Ruger American Rifle Ranch, Bolt Action, 300 BLK
- Magazine Capacity: 10+1
- Barrel Length: 16.12 inches
- Twist: 1:7
- Weight: 5.9 lbs
RUGER – AR-556 300 BLACKOUT FREEFLOAT HG
- Magazine Capacity: 30+1
- Overall Length: 33 – 36.25 inches
- Twist: 1:7
- Weight: 6.4 lbs
PSA 16″ 300AAC BLACKOUT MOE M-LOK RIFLE
- Magazine Capacity: 30 +1
- Overall Length: adjustable starting at 32 inches
- Twist: 1:8
- Weight: 6.75 lbs
SIG SAUER MCX VIRTUS PATROL .300 BLACKOUT
- Magazine Capacity: 30+1
- Overall Length: adjustable to 35.5 inches
- Twist: 1:6
- Weight: 7.9 lbs
Why the .300 Blackout Cartridge is Worth Hunting With
First off, if you aren’t yet decided on whether the .300 BLK is a good hunting choice, let me explain why it might quickly become your favorite cartridge ever. The platform comes in both a more traditional rifle platform, as well as a tactical platform – both offering a lightweight, powerful option that is accurate and avoids tearing your shoulder off as a result of felt recoil.
The semi-auto feature of the tactical AR-style rifle is helpful for when you need to quickly get a second or third shot off, such as when hunting hogs that are known to charge and can be difficult to take down. These also break down easily and can be packed for more remote hunting spots.
But if you aren’t keen on the AR platform when hunting, and prefer a more traditional approach, the bolt action rifles also provide the means to hold more than the standard 5 rounds with an aftermarket magazine for the same reason, although you do need to abide by state laws concerning how many loads you can carry when hunting certain game.
There is some argument against the cartridge due to how clean it can shoot, forcing you to be mindful of your kill shot to avoid fatal wounds that take time to do their damage – but, the .300 BLK cartridge is well worth considering due to the fact that it is a full-spectrum cartridge and offers a 2800 fps velocity that can be accurate up to 600 yards. Although it is a better shot in a closer range. It also can be shot as a suppressed subsonic round as well as a supersonic option.
What to Hunt With a .300 Blackout Rifle
To truly understand how this round best lends itself to your hunting passions, you need to really understand the nuances of the cartridge weights and details first. Take a look at our article specific to this: Best .300 Blackout Ammo for Hunting.
The .300 BLK is a .30 caliber option built specifically for use in an AR-style rifle and is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized game. The low recoil factor, as mentioned above, makes it ideal for a large range of hunters as well, including smaller framed women and even children. This is especially true if firing is suppressed, or with a muzzle brake.
Small Game Hunting
Varmint hunting, such as coyotes and prairie dogs, is considered a small game. Although you might want to avoid trying to pick off too small of a game, unless you seriously don’t mind obliterating them, the .300 BLK is great as it lends itself well to long-distance shots – which are often a must to avoid detection from these critters.
Deer Hunting
Deer and antelope don’t stand much of a chance against the .300 BLK, and the lightweight, compact, tactical rifles are perfect for when you are hiking out to stands and blinds that are off the beaten path. DOn’t be dissuaded by the lighter choice of the round either, as they provide better energy and velocity than other traditional .30 Cal options. You do want to take into consideration that you want to stay within a 200-yard range or less for the best, ethical kill – making it an awesome choice for hunting in dense forest and less than flat topography.
Hog Hunting
If you have never been hog hunting, the .300 Blackout might, or might NOT be the option you want to consider. Why you might ask? Hogs can come in a variety of sizes and easily fall into a varmint or medium-sized category, but they also can be considered a large game species weighing hundreds of pounds. Combined with their heavy build and thick skin, you might not be able to head off a wounded, charging hog after taking the first shot.
Hogs are mean and carry out vengeance on anyone who gets in their way. This is where a semi-auto comes in handy, but you want to make sure you head out with a full magazine no matter what size hog you come across.
Take into account the following when deciding if this is the best option for you: as a hunter, there is an ethical obligation tied to the taking of any game. The .300 Blackout is powerful, but also leaves a clean, direct exit wound that may not always be instantaneously lethal – leaving the animal to bleed out (and run off which requires you to track it down). Hogs don’t usually run off either, they charge towards what has hurt them, requiring you to get another shot in. This requires a cool head and a steady shot.
Larger hogs can weigh 300 to 400 pounds, and this just isn’t the size caliber you want when up against that. Bottom line? Be prepared.
The 6 Best .300 Blackout Rifles for Hunting
Don’t just take our word for it – these rifle options are some of the most popular for good reason. Great price points and dependable quality define each, and should get you thinking about which will be best for your next hunt.
Bolt Action .300 BLK Rifles
Bolt action rifles are the more familiar platform for hunting, and is still a favorite fit and feel for many. Although the bolt action is not as versatile as an AR platform for the .300 BLK round, it is a powerful, lightweight, and comfortable choice. Plus, it already comes standard with a 5 round capacity that provides legality during specific hunting seasons in certain areas. Most bolt actions do provide the ability to use larger magazines, however, if you find yourself needing more rounds. Some also provide the ability to switch out barrels to create compatibility with different caliber rounds.
1. CZ-USA 527 American Synthetic Suppressor-Ready, Bolt, .300 AAC Blackout
- Magazine Capacity: 5+1
- Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
- Twist: 1:9
- Weight: 5.87 lbs
The CZ-USA is a Mauser action, European-made synthetic rifle made by Ceska Zbrojovka and is originated from their American series of rifles to accommodate the ever-popular .300 BLK cartridge. The CZ 527 American SR offers a true micro Mauser action, based on the famous Mauser bolt action design that controlled the feed and has been such a staple in bolt action designs since its creation.
The cold hammer-forged sporter profile barrel is threaded to accept a suppressor and is designed to be used with optics. The free-floated, 16.5-inch barrel is set to accept your scope, although the European style two-position safety selector location can interfere with low-mounted optics – be aware when ordering accessories. It also includes a single-set trigger that allows you to set the trigger weight around 2 lbs as target mode or 4.5 pounds for hunting.
Pros
- Micro-Mauser controlled action
- Powerful and lightweight
- Single set trigger with 2 modes
Cons
- European safety design can get in way of low mounted optics
2. REMINGTON 700 SPS TACTICAL 300BLK
- Magazine Capacity: 5+1
- Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
- Twist: 1:7
- Weight: 8.5 lbs
Remington is a household name even for those who aren’t gun enthusiasts. It is a popular brand associated with quality weapon manufacturing. Founded in 1816, their firearms rarely disappoint, and the 700 SPS Tactical bolt-action rifle is no exception. Accurate and powerful, the .300 BLK build offers a 16.5-inch barrel in a lightweight polymer body that is efficient and dependable – so much so it is a choice amongst law enforcement.
Threaded for a suppressor, it easily feeds both super and subsonic loads. It also is built to accept the scope of your choice without issue. This is a simple, basic build to provide you the options to accessorize as you see fit and use for both hunting and home defense.
Pros
- Simple, powerful design
- One of the best tactical bolt action rifles available
- Awesome accuracy and balance
Cons
- Heavier than comparable rifles, but offers tactical firing
3. Ruger American Rifle Ranch, Bolt Action, 300 BLK
- Magazine Capacity: 10+1
- Barrel Length: 16.12 inches
- Twist: 1:7
- Weight: 5.9 lbs
Ruger has long been a popular, and dependable firearm manufacturer, and their bolt action .300 BLK rifle is our top pick for a reason. Their traditionalist approach to the cartridge use provides an affordable, accurate, and rugged opinion in a combination design that incorporates their American Rifle line with the Ranch Rifle series. This design allows you to carry a 5.9 lb, 16-inch free-floated, hammer-forged barrel that reliably feeds detachable box magazines, and comes with a 10 round magazine.
Ruger’s patented Marksman Adjustable trigger is included, providing the trigger in trigger design that offers a reliable safety feature. This allows you to pull weight from 3 to 5 pounds, and is housed in a synthetic stock to keep your weight low and comfortable. The one-piece aluminum, Picatinny scope rail accommodates most scope mounts easily, and it is suppressor-ready. Overall, Ruger allows an affordable, entry-level option with plenty of features in this option.
Pros
- Lightweight, under 6 lbs unloaded
- Comes complete with Picatinny rail for easy accessory mounting
- Flat dark earth finish that blends well when hunting
Cons
- Synthetic stock may feel flimsy to some
AR-15 .300 BLK Rifles
The AR platform is the tactical rifle option that has gained so much popularity for hunting, competition shooting, and self-defense. This lightweight frame provides incredible versatility and offers multi-caliber shooting scenarios with simple changes to the barrel or other rifle parts. The semi-auto features are particularly nice for varmint and hog hunting. They also can break down into a more compact form for easy packing into hunting areas. 5 round magazines are easy to find to ensure legality during certain hunting seasons as well.
4. RUGER – AR-556 300 BLACKOUT FREEFLOAT HG
- Magazine Capacity: 30+1
- Overall Length: 33 – 36.25 inches
- Twist: 1:7
- Weight: 6.4 lbs
Ruger is another long-standing firearm manufacturer in the US and they offer an incredible line of guns for civilian, police, and military use. They also offer a large range of AR platform rifles and recently added the AR-556 300 Blackout pistol and rifle to provide an alternative to their .223 and 5.56 multi-caliber options. With a 16.2 inch cold hammer-forged barrel, it handles lighter supersonic rounds for hunting as well as the heavier subsonic rounds and suppressed rounds with ease – providing versatile use.
The 1:7 inch barrel twist offers powerful, accurate shooting and the 11-inch free-floating handguard includes Magpul M-LOK accessory attachment slots and a mil-spec six position buttstock rounds out the length. Capped with a .30 caliber flash suppressor, the barrel threaded for other muzzle products as well.
Pros
- Excellent price point for a powerful brand name
- Easy to adjust stock
- Powerful, accurate range
Cons
- Sights not included
5. PSA 16″ 300AAC BLACKOUT MOE M-LOK RIFLE
- Magazine Capacity: 30 +1
- Overall Length: adjustable starting at 32 inches
- Twist: 1:8
- Weight: 6.75 lbs
Palmetto State Armory offers a huge range of their own Mil-Spec firearms as well as other quality brands to highlight their “freedom over profit” motto. Experts in all things AR, their 300AAC Blackout MOE M-LOK Rifle boasts a 16-inch chrome-moly steel barrel with a 1:8 twist and pistol length gas system making it perfect for a huge range of shooting needs within a shorter target range- making it perfect for hunting within a 100-yard distance as well as home defense.
With a set of Mil-Spec upper and lower, both hard coat anodized for durability and long-lasting use against corrosion and wear, this is a quality choice at a friendly price range. With 6 adjustment positions, it is fully adjustable for comfort, and at only 6.75 pounds, is a lightweight option. The free-floating handguard has a M-LOK compatible rail and is 13.5 inches long.
Pros
- Amazing price for the quality
- Lightweight and surprisingly accurate
- Simple, durable build
Cons
- Pistol length gas system limits your range
6. SIG SAUER MCX VIRTUS PATROL .300 BLACKOUT
- Magazine Capacity: 30+1
- Overall Length: adjustable to 35.5 inches
- Twist: 1:6
- Weight: 7.9 lbs
The Sig Sauer MCX series of firearms is a powerfully built option created for adaptability. The Virtus Patrol 300 Blackout is a professional build designed for long-lasting durability and service no matter what you prefer to use it for. Available in both a stealth gray or flat dark earth coloration, it blends well into the surroundings for hunting purposes. Like most AR builds, the barrel is user changeable to a 5.56 NATO as well, making it a multi-caliber option you can’t go wrong with.
The 16-inch carbon steel barrel has a 1:6 inch twist for amazing velocity and power, and is covered by a free-floating handguard complete with Picatinny rail mount for easy accessory addition. The Matchlite duo trigger allows a crisp, controlled pull as well. A 5 position, collapsible stock offers customized shooting, plus it weighs in under 8 pounds.
Pros
- Incredible versatility
- Smooth trigger pull and shooting experience
- Awesome functionality
Cons
- Slightly heavy overall
- Not as compatible with other AR parts compared to competitive rifles
Conclusion
When you want a dependable hunting cartridge in a platform you can count on, the .300 BLK is a great place to start for a variable wild game. Small to medium-sized game is your best within a 200-yard range, providing an excellent kill zone from a dependably chambered rifle. Whether you prefer the bolt action or AR-style platform, these have become popular choices for varmint, deer, and hog hunting.
We’d love to hear of both your experiences hunting with the 300 BLK cartridge, as well as with any of our top firearm picks. We’ve highlighted other dependable AR15 rifles that are easy to modify for a 300 BLK as well, such as the Anderson Manufacturing AM15 which is a budget option you seriously can’t go wrong with.
We’d love to hear what questions you may have below, and, as always, please share!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended barrel length for hunting with a 300 Blackout?
In my experience as an avid hunter and firearm enthusiast, using a 16-inch barrel when hunting with a .300 Blackout often results in the best results. This length offers several benefits which contribute to its efficacy. For instance, it offers a long line of sight, which can substantially improve your shooting accuracy. A longer barrel also increases the bullet’s velocity, which can lead to more impactful shots on your target. As such, if you plan to engage in hunting or other forms of long-range shooting with a .300 Blackout, a 16-inch barrel can really enhance your performance.
Is hunting with a 300 Blackout effective?
Speaking from my own hunting experience, I can confirm that the 300 Blackout is quite effective, especially when hunting mid-size game like deer and hogs. Initially, I was concerned that the bullet might be too delicate to deliver reliable performance on larger game. But, upon using it, I found that the 300 Blackout’s lower velocity led to less explosive expansion, resulting in greater penetration. I was able to take down a good-sized hog with a single, well-placed shot on one of my recent hunting expeditions, and it reaffirmed my faith in this ammo for medium game hunting.
Should I use 350 legend or 300 Blackout for hunting?
I can tell you this decision comes down to the specific hunting regulations that apply in your state and your personal preferences as a hunter. If you’re in a state that necessitates the use of straight-walled cartridges for deer hunting, the 350 Legend would likely be your best bet. It is specifically designed with these state regulations in mind. But, if you value the versatility offered by the AR-15 carbine and want the ease of using a suppressor, then I would personally recommend the 300 Blackout. Since I hunt in a state where straight walls aren’t a requirement, 300 Blackout has always been my ammo of choice for its incredible adaptability.
What could be a better choice than the 300 Blackout?
As both a hunter and a fire arm enthusiast, I like to select an ammo based on the hunting situation I find myself in. The 300 Blackout performs similar to the .30-30 Winchester, making it a great choice for short-range, dense forest hunting situations. But, if you’re going after smaller game at longer range, the 5.56 NATO would be a better choice. It can also down a whitetail, but it particularly excels at long range shots on smaller targets. I personally prefer the .300 Blackout for its overall versatility, but the 5.56 NATO definitely has its own merits.