Description

Remington UMC Ammunition 300 AAC Blackout Subsonic: The Complete Guide

In the evolving landscape of tactical and sporting firearms, few cartridges have gained popularity as rapidly as the 300 AAC Blackout. Sitting at the intersection of versatility and performance, this relatively young cartridge has earned its place in arsenals across America. Among the numerous offerings in this caliber, Remington UMC’s 300 AAC Blackout Subsonic 220 Grain Open Tip Flat Base ammunition stands out as a compelling option for both enthusiasts and professionals. Available in bulk 1000-round cases (20 boxes of 50 rounds each), this ammunition offers an appealing combination of performance, reliability, and value. Let’s dive into what makes this particular loading so special and whether it might be right for your shooting needs.

Understanding the 300 AAC Blackout Cartridge

The Origins and Development of 300 AAC Blackout

The 300 AAC Blackout (also known as 7.62×35mm) didn’t emerge by accident. It was purposefully designed to address a specific set of requirements from the U.S. military. The goal was ambitious yet clear: create a cartridge that could deliver 7.62mm (.30 caliber) performance from AR-15/M4 platforms with minimal modifications while maintaining compatibility with standard magazines at their full capacity.

Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC), in collaboration with Remington Defense, developed this innovative cartridge in 2010. The 300 AAC Blackout was standardized by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) in 2011, marking its official entry into the commercial market.

What makes the 300 Blackout truly unique is its dual personality. It excels with both supersonic (faster than the speed of sound) and subsonic (slower than the speed of sound) loads, offering tremendous versatility from a single platform. The cartridge essentially sought to combine the best attributes of the Soviet 7.62×39mm cartridge (used in the AK-47) with the ability to run quietly with subsonic loads when paired with a suppressor.

This versatility didn’t go unnoticed by hunters, competitive shooters, and home defense enthusiasts, who quickly adopted the cartridge for its unique capabilities and compatibility with the popular AR-15 platform.

The Tactical Advantage of Subsonic Ammunition

When discussing the Remington UMC 300 AAC Blackout Subsonic ammunition, it’s crucial to understand what “subsonic” actually means and why it matters. Subsonic ammunition is designed to travel at speeds below the sound barrier (approximately 1,125 feet per second at sea level under standard conditions).

Why is this significant? When a bullet breaks the sound barrier, it creates a distinctive sonic crack – essentially a small sonic boom that contributes significantly to the overall noise of a gunshot. By keeping the bullet traveling below this threshold (in this case, at 1,015 feet per second), subsonic ammunition eliminates this sonic crack, resulting in significantly quieter operation, especially when paired with a quality suppressor.

This noise reduction offers several tactical advantages:

1. Enhanced Stealth: The reduced sound signature makes it ideal for situations where noise discipline is critical.
2. Less Hearing Damage Risk: Even with a suppressor, supersonic ammunition can produce harmful noise levels. Subsonic loads further reduce the risk of hearing damage.
3. Reduced Muzzle Flash: Subsonic loads typically produce less muzzle flash, helping to preserve night vision and reduce visual signature.
4. Increased Suppressor Efficiency: Suppressors work more effectively with subsonic ammunition, as they don’t have to contend with the sonic crack of bullets breaking the sound barrier.

The trade-off for these benefits is typically reduced effective range and less dramatic terminal ballistics compared to supersonic loads. However, for their intended purposes – shorter-range engagements where sound suppression is valuable – subsonic loads like this Remington offering excel.

Remington UMC 300 Blackout Subsonic: Technical Specifications

Breaking Down the Bullet Construction

The Remington UMC 300 AAC Blackout Subsonic ammunition features a 220-grain Open Tip Flat Base (OTFB) bullet design. This bullet construction merits a closer examination as it directly influences performance.

The “Open Tip” designation might cause confusion for some, as it sounds similar to hollow point bullets. However, an open tip bullet is manufactured differently. During production, the lead core is inserted from the rear of the jacket, leaving a small opening at the tip. This manufacturing method allows for enhanced accuracy through improved consistency but isn’t primarily designed for expansion like a true hollow point.

The flat base design (as opposed to a boat tail) provides stability for subsonic velocities. While boat tail bullets excel at supersonic speeds for long-range shooting, flat base bullets often provide better stability at the lower velocities associated with subsonic loads.

The 220-grain weight is on the heavier end of the spectrum for 300 Blackout bullets, which typically range from 110-220 grains. This heavier weight serves two important purposes:

1. It helps keep the velocity subsonic without reducing powder charges to unreliable levels
2. It compensates for the lower velocity by delivering more mass (and thus energy) to the target

The bullet jacket is designed to control expansion while maintaining structural integrity, allowing for reliable performance at the lower velocities associated with subsonic ammunition.

Ballistic Performance and Terminal Effects

The Remington UMC 300 AAC Blackout Subsonic ammunition delivers a muzzle velocity of 1,015 feet per second, comfortably below the sound barrier. This translates to a muzzle energy of 503 foot-pounds – significantly less than supersonic loads in the same caliber but still substantial enough for many applications within its effective range.

Let’s consider what these numbers mean in practical terms:

Trajectory: With this subsonic load, shooters can expect a more pronounced bullet drop compared to supersonic loads. At 100 yards, you might see approximately 5-6 inches of drop (depending on zero distance), which increases considerably at greater distances. This requires greater attention to holdover for longer shots.

Terminal Performance: Despite the lower velocity, the substantial 220-grain bullet delivers respectable terminal performance at appropriate ranges. The open tip design provides some expansion potential, though not as dramatic as purpose-designed expanding bullets. The bullet’s mass compensates somewhat for the lower velocity, making it effective for hunting medium-sized game at closer ranges (typically within 100 yards).

Effective Range: While supersonic 300 Blackout loads might remain effective out to 300+ yards, these subsonic loads are generally considered most effective within 150 yards, with optimal performance inside 100 yards. Beyond these distances, the significant bullet drop and energy loss become limiting factors.

Barrier Penetration: The combination of heavy bullet weight and moderate velocity results in good penetration capabilities through intermediate barriers, though over-penetration should be considered in defensive scenarios.

These ballistic characteristics make the ammunition particularly well-suited for shorter-range applications where noise reduction is valuable, such as hunting in populated areas (where legal), tactical scenarios, or range training with suppressors.

Comparing Subsonic vs. Supersonic 300 Blackout

To fully appreciate the Remington UMC Subsonic 300 AAC Blackout ammunition, it’s helpful to compare it against typical supersonic loads in the same caliber. This comparison highlights the distinct performance profiles and helps shooters determine which is appropriate for their specific needs.

This comparison illustrates the fundamental trade-off: subsonic ammunition like the Remington UMC 220-grain load sacrifices ballistic performance and effective range in exchange for significantly reduced sound signature when suppressed.

The choice between subsonic and supersonic ammunition ultimately depends on the shooter’s priorities. If maximum sound suppression is the goal, subsonic loads like this Remington offering are the clear choice. If ballistic performance, flatter trajectory, and extended range are more important, supersonic loads would be more appropriate.

Many 300 Blackout enthusiasts appreciate the cartridge precisely because it handles both subsonic and supersonic loads so well, often keeping both on hand for different applications.

Practical Applications and Use Cases

Home Defense and Tactical Applications

The Remington UMC 300 AAC Blackout Subsonic ammunition presents an interesting option for home defense, though with some important considerations. When paired with a suppressor in an appropriate firearm platform, it offers several potential advantages for defensive use:

Reduced Sound Hazard: A primary concern with any indoor shooting scenario is the extreme noise level, which can cause immediate hearing damage. Subsonic 300 Blackout through a quality suppressor significantly reduces this risk, allowing for better communication and situational awareness after firing.

Manageable Recoil: The reduced velocity and heavier bullet weight create a pushing recoil impulse rather than a sharp snap, potentially allowing for faster follow-up shots and better control, particularly for smaller-statured shooters.

Adequate Terminal Performance: Within typical home defense distances (across-the-room to across-the-house), the 220-grain bullet delivers sufficient energy for defensive purposes, though it lacks the expansion of dedicated defensive hollow points.

Overpenetration Concerns: The heavy bullet weight and good sectional density mean these rounds will readily penetrate building materials. This raises important safety concerns about what lies beyond your target, making proper ammunition selection and shot placement even more critical.

For tactical applications, this ammunition finds its niche in scenarios where sound suppression provides a tactical advantage. The combination of AR-15 platform compatibility with magazine capacity preservation makes it particularly valuable for specialized law enforcement and security applications.

While not perfect for all defensive scenarios, this ammunition fills an important niche for those prioritizing sound suppression in their defensive planning.

Hunting Performance and Ethical Considerations

The 300 AAC Blackout cartridge has gained popularity among hunters, particularly for medium-sized game like deer and hogs. The Remington UMC Subsonic 220-grain load offers some specific advantages and limitations for hunting applications:

Advantages for Hunting:

1. Quieter Operation: The reduced noise can be beneficial in areas where minimizing sound disturbance is important, either for hunting multiple animals or in semi-populated areas (where legal).
2. Reduced Recoil: The lower recoil makes for a more pleasant shooting experience, especially for recoil-sensitive hunters or during longer hunting sessions.
3. Sufficient Close-Range Energy: At distances under 100 yards, this ammunition delivers adequate energy for ethical harvests of deer-sized game, provided proper shot placement is achieved.

Limitations and Ethical Considerations:

1. Limited Range: Ethical hunting requires delivering sufficient energy for a clean, humane kill. With this subsonic load, limiting shots to within 100 yards (and preferably closer) is recommended to ensure adequate terminal performance.
2. Shot Placement: With less energy than supersonic loads, precise shot placement becomes even more critical. Hunters should aim for vital areas and be prepared to track animals that might not drop immediately.
3. Terminal Performance: The open tip bullet, while capable of some expansion, isn’t optimized for hunting. Hunters might consider purpose-designed subsonic hunting loads with controlled expansion bullets for better terminal performance.

In summary, while this ammunition can be effective for hunting under specific conditions (close range, proper shot placement), it represents a specialized option rather than an all-purpose hunting load. Ethical hunters should carefully consider these limitations when determining if this ammunition suits their hunting scenario.

Training and Recreational Shooting Benefits

Where the Remington UMC 300 AAC Blackout Subsonic truly shines is in training and recreational shooting contexts. The bulk packaging of 1,000 rounds (20 boxes of 50) makes it economically feasible for high-volume shooting sessions, while the performance characteristics offer several advantages:

Reduced Noise Fatigue: Even when used with a suppressor, supersonic ammunition still produces the distinctive crack of breaking the sound barrier. The truly subsonic velocity of this ammunition eliminates this source of noise, making for a more pleasant shooting experience, especially during extended range sessions.

Suppressor-Friendly: The subsonic velocity reduces the stress on suppressors compared to supersonic loads, potentially extending suppressor life while maximizing noise reduction.

Reduced Recoil: The moderate recoil impulse allows for more comfortable extended shooting sessions and faster follow-up shots during drills.

AR-15 Platform Compatibility: Unlike some other subsonic options (like .45 ACP or 9mm), this ammunition allows AR-15 owners to train with their primary platform while enjoying the benefits of subsonic ammunition.

Cost-Effective Volume: While premium 300 Blackout ammunition can be expensive, this UMC offering provides a more affordable option for regular practice, especially when purchased in bulk.

For shooters who primarily use their 300 Blackout firearms at indoor ranges or suppressor-friendly outdoor facilities, this ammunition offers an excellent balance of performance and value for regular training and recreational use.

Compatibility and Platform Considerations

Firearm Compatibility and Performance

The 300 AAC Blackout cartridge was specifically designed to function reliably in standard AR-15 platforms with only a barrel change, and the Remington UMC Subsonic ammunition continues this tradition of excellent compatibility. However, there are some platform-specific considerations worth noting:

AR-15 Platform: Most quality AR-15s chambered in 300 Blackout will function reliably with this ammunition, though some adjustments might be necessary:

1. Gas System Tuning: Some AR-15s with adjustable gas blocks may need tuning to reliably cycle subsonic ammunition, especially when suppressed. The lower pressure of subsonic loads sometimes provides insufficient gas for reliable operation without adjustment.
2. Buffer Weight: Heavier buffers might need to be swapped for lighter options to ensure reliable cycling with the lower-pressure subsonic rounds.
3. Twist Rate: The heavy 220-grain bullets typically stabilize best in barrels with twist rates of 1:8 or tighter (1:7). Barrels with slower twist rates (like 1:10) might not stabilize these heavy projectiles adequately.

Bolt-Action Rifles: In bolt-action rifles chambered for 300 Blackout, this ammunition typically functions flawlessly without any special considerations, though the same twist rate requirements apply.

Pistols and “Other” Firearms: The growing market of 300 Blackout pistols and other compact firearms generally functions well with subsonic ammunition, often more reliably than with supersonic loads due to the reduced pressure and recoil.

For any platform, proper function testing with a smaller quantity before committing to bulk purchases is advisable, as individual firearms may show preferences for certain ammunition types.

Suppressor Integration and Performance

The Remington UMC 300 AAC Blackout Subsonic ammunition truly comes into its own when paired with a quality suppressor. The 300 Blackout cartridge was designed from the ground up with suppressed shooting in mind, and this subsonic loading maximizes those inherent advantages.

When used with a suppressor, shooters can expect:

Exceptional Sound Reduction: With no sonic crack and moderate powder charge, properly suppressed fire with this ammunition can be remarkably quiet – often in the 125-130 dB range depending on the suppressor (compared to 160+ dB for unsuppressed fire). This level approaches the noise level of some air rifles.

Minimal Flash Signature: The subsonic velocity and complete powder burn before the bullet exits the suppressor virtually eliminates visible flash, making it ideal for shooting in low-light conditions without compromising night vision.

Gas Blowback Considerations: AR-15 platforms, particularly shorter-barreled models, can experience increased gas blowback to the shooter’s face when suppressed. Various charging handles and gas system modifications are available to mitigate this effect.

Suppressor Selection: While most quality .30 caliber suppressors will work excellently with this ammunition, those specifically designed for 300 Blackout subsonic use might offer optimized performance in terms of sound reduction, point-of-impact shift, and durability.

It’s worth noting that while a suppressor dramatically reduces the sound of the gunshot itself, it doesn’t eliminate mechanical noise from the firearm’s operation. In semi-automatic firearms, you’ll still hear the action cycling, though this is generally much quieter than the report of the shot.

Practical Ownership Considerations

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper storage of ammunition is crucial for maintaining reliability and performance over time. The Remington UMC 300 AAC Blackout Subsonic ammunition comes packaged in 50-round boxes, with 20 boxes comprising the full 1,000-round case. This packaging provides a good baseline of protection, but additional storage considerations can help maximize shelf life:

Temperature Control: Store ammunition in a cool, dry environment with relatively stable temperatures. Extreme heat can degrade propellants and priming compounds over time, while temperature fluctuations can create condensation issues.

Humidity Management: Moisture is ammunition’s enemy, potentially causing corrosion of both the brass cases and the bullets themselves. Consider using dehumidifiers, desiccant packets, or sealed ammo cans if you live in a high-humidity environment.

Original Packaging: When possible, keep ammunition in its original packaging until ready to use. The factory packaging provides a layer of protection against environmental factors and physical damage.

Rotation Practices: While modern ammunition has an impressive shelf life (often decades when properly stored), implementing a “first in, first out” usage pattern ensures you’re always using your oldest ammunition first.

When properly stored, this ammunition should maintain its performance characteristics for many years. Some shooters report using quality factory ammunition that’s 20+ years old with no noticeable degradation in performance, though for critical applications (competition, self-defense, hunting), using newer ammunition is generally advisable.

Cost Analysis and Value Proposition

Purchasing ammunition in bulk quantities like the 1,000-round case of Remington UMC 300 AAC Blackout Subsonic represents a significant investment. Understanding the value proposition helps shooters make informed decisions:

Economy of Scale: Bulk purchases typically reduce the per-round cost significantly compared to buying individual 20 or 50-round boxes. This can represent savings of 15-25% depending on current market conditions.

Consistency Benefits: Ammunition from the same lot number (typically the case in bulk packaging) tends to offer more consistent performance than ammunition acquired in smaller quantities over time. This consistency is valuable for precision shooting applications.

Cost Comparison: While 300 Blackout ammunition generally commands a premium compared to more common calibers like 5.56mm or 9mm, this Remington UMC offering typically sits at the more affordable end of the 300 Blackout spectrum. It offers a balanced compromise between the premium match-grade offerings and budget-oriented options that might sacrifice consistency.

Value Beyond Price: When evaluating value, consider factors beyond just cost-per-round:

• Reliable feeding and function
• Consistent velocity and accuracy
• Quality components (brass cases that can be reloaded)
• Appropriate performance for intended use

For shooters who regularly train with suppressed 300 Blackout firearms, the bulk purchase makes financial sense despite the initial investment, especially when considering the specific performance niche this ammunition fills.

Reloading Considerations

Component Recovery and Reloading Potential

One significant advantage of the Remington UMC 300 AAC Blackout Subsonic ammunition is its reloading potential. The brass cases represent a valuable resource for handloaders looking to create customized loads or extend their shooting budget.

Brass Quality and Durability: Remington UMC brass is generally regarded as good quality, capable of multiple reloading cycles when properly processed. While not as thick-walled or consistent as premium match brass, it provides excellent value for general purpose reloading.

Primer Pocket Durability: The moderate pressures of subsonic loads tend to be gentler on primer pockets compared to full-power supersonic loads, potentially extending the reloading life of the brass.

Preparation Requirements: After firing, cases typically require standard processing:

1. Inspection for cracks or defects
2. Cleaning (tumbling or ultrasonic)
3. Resizing and depriming
4. Trimming if necessary
5. Primer pocket cleaning
6. New primer seating

Powder Selection for Reloading: Handloaders seeking to create similar subsonic loads often select slower-burning powders like Hodgdon CFE BLK, IMR 4198, H110, or Accurate 1680, which work well in the subsonic velocity range while maintaining consistent ignition.

Bullet Options: The 300 Blackout’s popularity has driven development of numerous bullet options optimized for subsonic use, including expanding hunting bullets, match-grade projectiles, and economical plinking bullets.

For those with reloading experience, the ability to recover and reuse brass from this ammunition adds significant value to the initial purchase, effectively reducing the long-term cost per round while enabling customization for specific applications.

Creating Custom Subsonic Loads

For reloaders, the brass cases from Remington UMC 300 AAC Blackout Subsonic ammunition provide an excellent starting point for creating customized subsonic loads tailored to specific needs. This customization potential represents another dimension of value from the initial ammunition purchase.

Performance Customization Options:

1. Bullet Selection: While the factory load features a 220-grain OTFB bullet, reloaders can experiment with various bullet designs optimized for their specific use case:
   • Expanding bullets for hunting applications
   • Polymer-tipped bullets for controlled expansion
   • Solid copper projectiles for maximum weight retention
   • Match-grade bullets for enhanced accuracy
2. Velocity Tuning: Handloaders can fine-tune velocity to their specific firearm, finding the sweet spot that balances remaining subsonic with maximizing energy and accuracy.
3. Function Reliability: Loads can be tailored to reliably cycle specific firearms, addressing any reliability issues encountered with factory ammunition.

Economical Benefits:

The cost savings of reloading become particularly significant with 300 Blackout, especially for subsonic loads where the bullet represents a larger percentage of the overall cost compared to the relatively small powder charge. Reloaders often report per-round costs at 40-60% of factory ammunition, with potential for even greater savings when using cast lead bullets.

Safety Considerations:

When developing subsonic loads, safety remains paramount. Handloaders should:

• Always start with published load data from reputable sources
• Work up gradually from minimum charges
• Be alert for signs of pressure issues
• Use appropriate equipment to verify subsonic velocity
• Never compress powder in subsonic loads, which can cause pressure spikes

For experienced reloaders, the brass from this Remington UMC ammunition provides a quality foundation for developing personalized subsonic loads that maximize the potential of their specific firearms.

Conclusion: Making the Right Ammunition Choice

The Remington UMC 300 AAC Blackout Subsonic 220 Grain Open Tip Flat Base ammunition represents a compelling option for shooters looking to explore the quieter side of the versatile 300 Blackout cartridge. With its carefully balanced performance characteristics and bulk availability in 1,000-round cases, it offers a practical way to enjoy suppressed shooting with minimal sound signature.