The rifle cartridges come in various signs and shapes with designs optimized for different shooting purposes. Therefore choosing high-quality and suitable ammo for your gun and purpose is critical.
Among hundreds of cartridge brands and products, the 300 Blackout vs 7.62×39 have built their reputation with exemplary performance and qualities. If you have narrowed your decision to these two products, don’t skip this post.
I will compare and highlight the core differences between 300 Blackout vs 7.62×39 to help you pick the most optimal ammo. Let’s get right into the details!
What is 300 Blackout?
The .300 AAC Blackout, commonly known as the .300 Blackout or simply 300 BLK, is a rifle cartridge developed in the United States and introduced by Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) for use in the M4 carbine. Its purpose is to achieve ballistics similar to the 7.62×39mm Soviet cartridge used in AR-15 rifles, while using standard AR-15 magazines at their normal capacity.
The .300 Blackout is a versatile round that was designed for specific needs. Here are a few key characteristics:
- Compatibility: One of the primary advantages of the .300 Blackout is its compatibility with existing AR-15 platforms. This means the only thing a user needs to change in their rifle to switch from firing a typical .223 Remington to a .300 Blackout is the barrel.
- Performance: The .300 Blackout performs well in a variety of applications. It was originally designed to provide similar performance to the 7.62x39mm round, which is known for its performance at shorter ranges. It can also be loaded to subsonic levels for use with a suppressor, which makes it a popular choice for shooters who need to operate quietly.
- Versatility: The .300 Blackout can fire lightweight bullets suitable for high speed, low recoil applications, or fire heavy bullets that are better suited for precision shooting and hunting bigger game.
What is 7.62x39mm?
The 7.62x39mm is a rifle cartridge that was developed during World War II by the Soviet Union. It was first used in the RPD light machine gun, but it’s most well-known for being the cartridge used in the AK-47 rifle.
The “7.62” refers to the diameter of the bullet (7.62mm), and the “39” refers to the length of the cartridge case (39mm). It’s a rimless, bottleneck cartridge design.
The 7.62x39mm round is known for its reliability and effectiveness at medium ranges. It has moderate recoil, making it manageable for most shooters. It’s a popular choice for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense, and it’s widely used around the world.
Quick 300 Blackout s 7.62×39 Comparison
The 7.62×39 possesses a long history since it was introduced in World War 2 and became prevalent ammo for the AK47. Meanwhile, the 300 BlackOut is a newer invention that showed up in the year 2010.
Though these two cartridges perform pretty similarly regarding real-life shooting and design, there are still some significant differences.
Before moving on to the details, let’s first look at their general specs side by side.
| Features | 7.62×39 | 300 Blackout |
| Bullet Diameter | 0,3111 or 0.310 inches | 0,308 inches |
| Parent Casing | Unique design | 300 Whisper |
| Neck Diameter | 0,339 inches | 0,334 inches |
| Rim Diameter | 0,447 inches (11,37 mm) | 0,378 inches (9,6 mm) |
| Case Length | 1,528 inches (38,81 mm) | 1,368 inches (34,7 mm) |
| Case Capacity | 27,7 gr (H2O) | 19,2 gr (H2O) |
| Overall Length | 2,2 inches (55,88 mm) | 2,26 inches (57,4 mm) |
| Max Pressure | 45,000 psi | 55,000 psi |
Overview And Specs Of 300 BLK vs 7.62×39
Although the two cartridges belong to the 0,30 caliber category, they don’t feature the same diameter and size.
At a close look, they possess nearly identical bullet size and overall length.
However, the 300 Blackout is slightly longer than the 7.62×39 with 2,26 inches compared to 2,2 inches of its counterpart. Meanwhile, the 7.62×39 possesses a thicker and slightly longer case with 0,339 inches in neck diameter.
Another significant difference lies in the case capacity of the two cartridges, with the 7.62×39 having a much larger CC than its counterpart (27,7 gr to 19,2 gr).
However, this difference doesn’t decrease the performance of 300 Blackout due to its advanced design, which I will discuss further in the following sections.
Last but not least, the maximum load pressure of the 300 BLK is also higher.
So that’s the core difference regarding cartridge size and specs. Scroll down to the next section, and I will show you how they perform in the real-life shooting.
Recoil Of 300 Blackout vs 7.62×39
In general, the 7.62×39 will generate higher recoil power due to its higher load capacity. The measured recoil power of the 7.62×39 cartridge is 8.5 fps, while the number for the 300 Blackout stands at only 6-foot pounds.
A 20% difference in recoil power is definitely noticeable since these two cartridges give a pretty smooth and mild shooting experience. So, if you prefer a robust and powerful shot with more recoil force, the 7.62×39 is ideal.
Trajectory Of 300 BLK vs 7.62×39
The trajectory is the flying path of the bullets once they leave the gun barrels.
Commonly, the bullet will drop a few inches when shooting at a long distance due to the effect of gravity.
If the bullet drops too much, it will affect your shooting accuracy and increase the chance of missing the target. Therefore the flatter the trajectory, the better.
In addition, a flatter trajectory also reduces the traveling time and distance of bullets. Through real-life testing, I noticed that the 7.62×39 delivers a flatter bullet trajectory with a 44-inch drop.
Meanwhile, the 300 Blackout dropped up to 68 inches, which is 50% higher than the 7.62×39. Though you may think it’s insignificant, it makes a huge improvement at long-range shooting distance.
Ballistic Coefficient Of 300 Blackout Vs 7.62×39
300 Blackout:
| Bullet Weight | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy |
|---|---|---|
| 110 gr V-MAX | 2375 fps | 1349 ft-lbs |
| 110 gr GMX | 2350 fps | 1367 ft-lbs |
| 125 gr GMX | 2215 fps | 1360 ft-lbs |
| 135 gr FTX | 2145 fps | 1356 ft-lbs |
7.62x39mm:
| Bullet Weight | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy |
|---|---|---|
| 123 gr SST | 2350 fps | 1508 ft-lbs |
| 123 gr FMJ | 2390 fps | 1555 ft-lbs |
| 123 gr V-MAX | 2350 fps | 1508 ft-lbs |
If you don’t know, the ballistic coefficient is a general term used for measuring the ability of ammo to resist environmental impacts like air or wind.
This measure is important because the wind can affect the bullet’s trajectory and decrease its accuracy.
A cartridge with high BC can travel in a flatter trajectory in windy conditions.
There are two factors that decide the BC of one cartridge: its weight and momentum. The heavier the bullet, the higher the shooting momentum and vice versa.
For this reason, the 300 Blackout is the winner as it features heavier weight in general. The 300 Blackout’s BC measured in real shooting tests stands at 0,35 on average. Meanwhile, the figure for the 7.62×39 is only 0,25.
Therefore, the 300 Backout is the better option for shooting or hunting in windy conditions.
Sectional Density Of 300 BLK vs 7.62×39
Sectional density is the technical term referring to the penetration capacity or damages a pellet can generate when it hits the target. This factor is very critical for hunters, who need high penetration to hunt more efficiently.
If you just participate in shooting competitions where damage is not a criterion, then you can skip this number. In general, the design of the cartridge plays a critical part in its damage or SD.
Through a real shooting test, I measured that the SD of the 300 Blackout is 0,21.
Meanwhile, the figure for the 7.62×39 is slightly lower, standing at 0,18. For this reason, 300 Blackout is the winner regarding damage and penetration.
Hunting And Home Defense Of 300 Blackout vs 7.62×39
It depends on that type of target and your specific needs. For example, suppose you hunt animals with thick skin and bone at a close distance.
In that case, the 300 Blackout is the better option due to its greater damage and penetration capacity.
However, if you hunt the bird or small targets at a long distance, then accuracy is the priority. In this case, the 7.62×39 is ideal with a flatter traveling trajectory, making it easier to aim and handle.
The same is true for home defense. Whether it’s precision or damage, it boils down to your priority. Nevertheless, both cartridges deliver lethal damage, and they make a good option for home defense.
Availability And Price Of 300 BLK vs 7.62×39
The average price of a 7.62×39 round on the market is $0,36.
Meanwhile, a 300 Blackout pellet costs up to 1$, which is nearly three times higher than the 7.62×39’s price.
The premium 300 Blackout versions may cost around $1.5 to $2. Therefore, the 7.62×39 is undoubtedly a more affordable option for beginners.
If you need further comparisons between these two cartridges, consider watching the video below.
FAQs
Q. Is 7.62 x39 stronger than 300 Blackout?
The ballistic performance of the 7.62×39 and the 300 Blackout is almost identical. However, the difference between the 7.62×39 and the 300 Blackout ammo is that the 7.62×39 was developed during the II World War for use with the SKS and AK-47, while the 300 Blackout was developed in 2010 for use in the carbine. The M4 has a short barrel and is suppressed.
Q. Can I shoot 7.62 x39 in a 300 Blackout?
No. A rifle chambered for 300 blackout is only going to shoot 300 blackout and cannot even fit a 7.62×39 into the chamber.
Q: What type of ammunition is used in the 300 Blackout cartridge?
A: The 300 Blackout cartridge uses standard .223/5.56x45mm bullets, as well as purpose-designed subsonic and supersonic rounds specifically designed for use with the round.
Q: What are the benefits of using the 300 Blackout round?
A: The main benefit of using the 300 Blackout round is that it offers increased performance and accuracy compared to other rounds in its class. It also has a flatter shooting trajectory for better range performance, less muzzle flash, and reduced recoil when compared to larger cartridges such as .308 or .30-06. Additionally, since it fires standard .223/5.56x45mm bullets, ammo prices tend to be significantly lower than other specialty cartridges.
Q: Is the 300 Blackout suitable for long-range shooting?
A: Generally speaking, no – while some higher end loads designed specifically for the round can reach out to longer distances, the majority of available 300 Blackout ammunition is optimized for short to medium range performance.
To get the most out of your rifle when engaging targets at longer distances, you may want to consider other cartridges such as .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor.
Q: Is the 300 Blackout suitable for hunting?
A: Yes – with the right load, the 300 Blackout can be a suitable choice for hunting deer-sized game. Subsonic loads tend to work best in this regard since they have less recoil and muzzle blast than supersonic options.
However, it is important to use an appropriate bullet weight/design and ensure that your rifle is zeroed correctly before heading into the field.
Final Verdict: Which Is The Better Ammo Between 300 Blackout Vs 7.62×39?
After comparing between 300 Blackout vs 7.62×39. It’s pretty apparent that the 7.62×39 is a more suitable cartridge for beginners and regular shooters. It has a much lower price and a flatter traveling trajectory, and lower recoil.
Therefore, it’s easier to handle and is better for shooting competitions or leisure shooting. Meanwhile, the 300 Blackout offers greater penetration capacity and power with higher ballistic capabilities.
It’s ideal for hunters or those looking for a powerful shooting experience. If possible, I recommend you try out both these two cartridges to make the wisest decision. Thank you for reading!
Last Updated on November 21, 2023 by Cecil B. DeMille
Which one is better for what purpose?
The choice between 300 Blackout and 7.62×39 depends on the specific purpose and preferences of the shooter:
300 Blackout: It excels in situations where shooters require versatility, especially when using both supersonic and subsonic ammunition. Its ability to shoot both types of loads makes it popular for tactical use, home defense, and hunting, especially at shorter distances.
7.62×39: This cartridge is favored for its reliability and performance in semi-automatic rifles like the AK-47. It is widely used for close to medium-range engagements, making it suitable for applications like self-defense, plinking, and certain hunting scenarios.