Like a blast from the past, eh? It feels like its been a year since the last time we saw one of these. And, well, you’re right — the last one was published in December of last year. Sorry, I’m lazy. But without further stalling on my part, let’s get to the results . . .

Well, actually, a teensy bit more stalling first for the methodology.

As I explained in the first post we did about ammunition consistency testing, we’re using the velocity of the rounds as the sole metric for determining the “accuracy” of the ammunition. And as I explain every time, the reason is that velocity is the only metric that can’t be influenced by the shooter or the equipment (assuming the equipment stays the same). And by measuring the spread in velocity for the rounds, it will give us an idea of how far the ammo will spread vertically downrange. Thus, velocity is the One True Factor that we test.

What does that mean for the average Joe? LOW = GOOD.

It’s worth noting at this point that our (my) methodology for ammunition consistency testing has been adopted by more than one ammunition manufacturing company after seeing the results. Which either confirms my methodology, or just means that the manufacturers are lazy. It could be a little of both. Or neither. Anyway . . .

On tap for today are the 300 Blackout offerings of Remington. From left to right are the subsonic 220 grain variety, the 115 grain supersonic “standard” UMC loads and finally, the 125 grain Premier AccuTip match grade loads.

Looking just at the outside of the cartridges, the UMC looks absolutely awful. I mean, its dark, its dirty and there are stray marks from the bullet seating machines on the bullets themselves (which can’t help accuracy). Which would explain why they’re roughly half the price of the Premier rounds. But are you really getting half the accuracy?

Here’s the regular boxplot. I know, not very helpful at first glance. But when you realize that the match ammo is about 10 grains heavier and yet is still being pushed out of the barrel faster than the UMC loads, it starts to make you wonder how much more velocity you can get out of the 115s. Moving on . . .

Ah, the normalized boxplot; always so very informative about which ammo really is the most consistent. And this time is no different, with the UMC clearly . . .

I mean, the Premier ammo clearly . . .

Huh, looks like its too close to call from just the plots. But what’s for sure is that we have a new leader on our charts for the most consistent factory load for 300 BLK ammo. So let’s wheel out that bar graph showing the interquartile range for the recorded velocities, shall we?

Looks like its a tie between UMC and Premier match grade ammo for the top spot, both clocking in at a whopping 7 fps smaller IQR than CMMG. Remington subsonics come in just on the other side of CMMG, still slightly more consistent than PNW match grade ammo.

It figures that Remington, owners of Advanced Armament Corp – the original producers of 300 AAC Blackout – would have the best loads. But will they retain their spot? Or will Wilson combat swoop in and grab the title like they did for 5.56 ammo? Stay tuned.

Brand and Weight Caliber IQR $/round Remington UMC 115gr .300 BLK 20 $0.52 Remington AccuTip Premier 125gr .300 BLK 20 $1.39 CMMG 147gr .300 BLK 26 $0.78 Remington Subsonic 220gr .300 BLK 27 $0.92 PNW M 155gr .300 BLK 28 $0.90 PNW D 220gr .300 BLK 54 $1.08

Brand and Weight Caliber IQR $/round Wilson Combat

77gr Sierra HPBT Match .223 Rem 19 $1.52 Wilson Combat

65gr Sierra SP BT .223 Rem 21 $1.52 Hornady

75gr BTHP Match .223 Rem 29 $0.79 CorBon

69gr HPBT .223 Rem 30 $1.18 Remington Premier Match

77gr BTHP .223 Rem 36 $1.50 Winchester

64gr “Power Point” SP .223 Rem 38 $0.82 Wolf

55gr FMJ .223 Rem 40 $0.21 Federal XM193F

55gr FMJ .223 Rem 40 $0.32 Pierce

55gr HP-BT .223 Rem 42 $?.?? Nosler Varmint

40gr Ballistic Tip .223 Rem 44 $0.86 Handloads – 20.8gr N-135

75gr Hornady HPBT Match .223 Rem 49 $?.?? Handloads – 21gr IMR 3031

75gr Hornady HPBT Match .223 Rem 52 $?.?? Winchester PDX-1

60gr SC-HP .223 Rem 58 $1.45 American Eagle

55gr FMJ-BT .223 Rem 68 $0.30