By: Skipjack with photos by Stuntgunner

First things first. I love the 300 AAC Blackout. Now that you know that, also know that comparing 300 BLK to 6.8 or 6.5 is an apples-to-oranges type argument. Although these rounds can share a common platform (AR-15), THE 6.8 and 6.5 are 308 Winchester alternatives. I believe the 300BLK is more comparable to 7.62x 39. If you are considering up-gunning your AR15 then you must ask yourself these questions.

Top to bottom, 300 BLK, 7.62×39, .223/5.56 Got a few AR15 mags? Now you got 300BLK mags! Photo Credit: Stuntgunner Photography

What do you want to do with your rifle?

Some would argue that a 308 is great for home defense. I would say this is incredibly unsafe, unless you live in a bunker with concrete walls three feet thick and don’t have a family, pets, or neighbors. Lets be real, you are probably not that guy. So let’s consider other weapons that can be more wieldable in tight spaces while being just as effective.

If you are looking for something in a carbine then the 300 BLK offers many features ideal for home defense. First the 300 BLK has subsonic ammunition. Don’t worry about blowing your ears out while clearing your house for intruders. Second, the pistol powder used to load the 300 BLK is completely burned by 9 inches so don’t worry about blinding yourself with huge muzzle flashes. The short barrel and pistol crowd is drinking the 300 BLK cool aid. You could kill a few hours just cruising the net looking at sweet custom and home built shorties or check out the stock options offered by big companies. It also packs a 308 bullet that has been manufactured in great variety. Soft tip, hollow point, boat tail you name it and it’s available. Manufacturers have caught on and 300 BLK is driving new innovation for 308 suppressors.

Pretty maids all in a row. All effective & proven rounds. Only one can be manufactured from common household items (depending on who’s house you are at). From left to right: .223/5.56, 300 BLK, 6.5, 6.8 compare case length /COL (combined overall length) to diameter & size of projectile. Photo Credit: Stuntgunner Photography

Taking down a mule deer or hunting hogzilla, The 300 BLk is great out to 400 plus yards and can stop the toughest piece of bacon out there. Just search youtube and see what people are taking down with 300 BLK.

Can my personal shooting ability keep pace with the performance of my selected round?

The 6.5 will outshoot a 308 Winchester, but only after 700 yards. The 6.8 will hit out to 700 yards no problem, but be honest with yourself. Do you have the need, or ability to engage targets at those ranges? There are few individuals with the skills necessary to perform effectively at that distance, even among the military and police communities.

AR15 Pistol chambered in 300 BLK. Perfectly suited for the pistol or SBR in your life. Many options to explore. 300 BLK has a lot to offer! Photo Credit: Stuntgunner Photography

How much are you willing to spend?

6.8 and 6.5 will cost more than a dollar a round. 308 is typically cheaper than 6.8/6.5 and can be purchased for less than a dollar if you look in to mil surplus ammunition. 300 BLK will cost you a little over a dollar but hand loading your own can cut the expense in half. 7.62×39 is by far the cheapest and most available ammunition worldwide but match grade 7.62×39 is limited and common platforms chambered for it are not known for their precision. If you are looking for precision for the Russian round then consider a PTR 32 or the like.

If you already own a second AR then converting it to 300 BLK is easy. All you need is a barrel change and you are ready to roll. Since the parent case is a 223/556 you can use the same magazines and will not lose any capacity.

The 300 BLK has many advantages over the .223/556. Greater size & weight of projectile makes for better subsonic performance & greater variety of engineering. Photo Credit: Stuntgunner Photography

Can I use this weapon in the apocalypse?

If you are worried about Zombies then availability and track record of ammunition will be a major factor. Lets do some comparison. 6.8/6.5 are relatively new and not carried by all retailers. 308 can be found at your local Walmart and has been turning cover into concealment since 1952.

The 300 BLK is also relatively new but it can be manufactured from easy to find components namely the ubiquitous 223/556 brass, 308 bullets and pistol powder.

The same cannot be said about 6.8/6.5.

If you have a fat tax return check burning a hole in your pocket and you want the latest and greatest ‘gee whiz’ lead slinger money can buy, then don’t let common sense get in your way of having the ultimate safe queen.

Pretty maids all in a row. All effective & proven rounds. Only one can be manufactured from common household items (depending on who’s house you are at). From left to right: .223/5.56, 300 BLK, 6.5, 6.8 compare case length /COL (combined overall length) to diameter & size of projectile. Photo Credit: Stuntgunner Photography

Keep in mind that you might be liquidating your safe queen to pay off your divorce lawyer and I bet you will have less than 100 rounds through it.

Don’t get brow beat by useful idiots that learned all they know from Call of Duty and are super excited to let you know that your rifle is underpowered and useless.

I really don’t hate the 6.8/6.5* but the availability and economy is not there for me yet. If you want a versatile platform that won’t break the bank with great availability then consider the 300 AAC Blackout.

Those AR mags are 100% compatible with 300 BLK. Other compatible parts include bolts, lowers, gas blocks, handguards…. Only thing that you have to change is the barrel! Photo Credit: Stuntgunner Photography From left to right: Rem 300 Blackout, Wolf .223, Hornady 6.5 and Fusion MSR 6.8. Photo Credit Stuntgunner Photography

What do you think?

Time to hit the comments and tell me what you think! Don’t worry I can take it.

About the authors:

Skipjack is a USMC combat veteran and current law enforcement professional.

Stuntgunner is a photographer in the firearms and tactical industry

www.stuntgunner.com

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* If you want to talk about hate, talk to our editor, Will, about keymod………

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