7.62x39 vs 300 Blackout Comparison

7.62x39 vs .300 Blackout Comparison

Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to compare and contrast the 7.62x39 and .300 Blackout cartridges today. These two cartridges are often compared to each other in terms of ballistic performance, but they ultimately differ in many regards. We are going to compare aspects such as the background of each cartridge, uses for each cartridge, and more in this blog post. Without further ado, let’s delve into the differences between the 7.62x39 and .300 Blackout today.

What is 7.62x39?

The 7.62×39 cartridge was introduced in 1944 and represents an early intermediate cartridge developed by the Soviets for use in a variety of different firearms. The goal was for infantry arms such as light machine guns, semi-automatic carbines, and select-fire rifles to utilize a common cartridge. This was achieved with designs such as the SKS, AK-47, and RPD and RPK light machine guns. The cartridge officially entered service in 1945, serving as a standard rifle issue cartridge for the Soviets for most of the Cold War, seeing limited usage even today. Beyond the Soviet Union, countless other countries on nearly every continent have utilized the cartridge in one form or another. This is due to the fact that many firearms in the caliber were exported and sold to other countries as newer firearms were introduced. Recoil-wise, the cartridge features a mild recoil impulse that is considerably tamer than something like the 7.62x54r. When compared to something like the 5.56, the recoil of the 7.62×39 is noticeably stouter but is by no means abusive. This mild recoil allows both new shooters and inexperienced shooters to employ the 7.62×39. As an intermediate cartridge, the round is well-suited for use in autoloading mechanisms which benefit from short cartridge lengths.

What is .300 Blackout?

The .300 Blackout was developed in the late 2000s by Advanced Armament Corporation and Remington Defense. Derived from the .221 Fireball and the .223 Remington, the .300 Blackout cartridge was designed to be utilized in an M4/AR-15 platform. Compatibility with major AR-15 components and magazines and suppressed performance were areas of focus during the .300 Blackout’s design. As an intermediate cartridge, the .300 Blackout is well-suited for use in semi-automatic firearms. The shorter length of the cartridge aids in reliable cycling and feeding from detachable box magazines. Recoil of the .300 Blackout is mild and manageable, generating a marginal increase from something like 5.56. Of course, the presence of a suppressor and use in a semi-automatic firearm will reduce the recoil impulse felt by a shooter. .300 Blackout ammo is generally found in two types, subsonic and supersonic ammunition. Like the name suggests, subsonic loadings will be travelling at subsonic velocities while supersonic loads travel at supersonic velocities. Due to their heavy weight and slow velocities, subsonic .300 Blackout ammo is well-suited to suppression. Supersonic loadings are lighter and feature higher velocities, allowing one to reach out further with the cartridge and experience flatter trajectories. Purchase 7.62x39 Ammo

What is 7.62x39 Used For?

Shooters employ 7.62×39 for a wide range of use cases and purposes. Plentiful ammunition stocks and cheap 7.62×39 ammo make the cartridge well-suited to plinking and training. Simply put, common and affordable ammunition is conducive to many well-spent days at the range. The presence of surplus ammo also aids in this use case as people can save money with ammunition of this type. Shooters can easily employ the 7.62×39 recreationally or to help develop their skills. The 7.62×39 is also commonly employed in competition and match roles. These types of matches typically are themed matches such as Red Oktober or other multigun style matches. These matches allow end users to shoot Cold War style firearms, such as AK rifles in 7.62×39, in a competitive setting. To maintain authenticity, many competitors utilize standard style loadings which mirror issued 7.62×39 ammo. Many hunters also employ the cartridge in pursuit of various game. The 7.62×39 is commonly employed in hunting applications and is capable of dispatching some medium-sized game with the right loads. Game such as coyote, feral hogs and even whitetail deer at the right range are just some of the game hunters can take with 7.62×39. As always, use appropriate ammo, equipment, and practices to ensure an optimal and humane hunt.

What is .300 Blackout Used For?

The .300 Blackout is employed for many use cases and roles. Like many calibers, the .300 Blackout is great for plinking and target shooting. This use case is easily accessible by many shooters thanks to the shootability of the cartridge and its widespread support. Shooters of all budget types can acquire firearms in the caliber and get shooting. Or course, new and experienced shooters will also appreciate the .300 Blackout for its tame recoil and ease of shooting. Another popular use case for the cartridge is going to be hunting. The cartridge is employed a wide range of hunters in various types of hunts. .300 Blackout is utilized in everything from traditional hunts to helicopter borne hog hunting endeavors in Texas. The cartridge is appropriate for dispatching medium-sized game such as hog and deer. Generally speaking, the cartridge is suitable for close range hunting within about 100-150 yards depending on the loading and firearm used. As always, one should utilize proper firearms, ammo, practices, and equipment when hunting. Doing so helps ensure an ethical and optimal hunt. Perhaps the most popular use case for the .300 Blackout would have to be suppressed shooting. The cartridge and its performance when suppressed is a major driving factor behind many shooters wanting suppressors in the first place. The wide range of purpose-built subsonic ammunition available on the market makes it quite easy to suppress a .300 Blackout firearm. When the right loading is paired with the right suppressor, one will find that suppressed .300 Blackout is one of the quietest centerfire rifle shooting experiences one can have. Often times, suppressed .300 Blackout comes very close to achieving “Hollywood quiet” levels of noise reduction.

Availability of Ammunition

Presently, shooters will find that accessing either caliber is an easy feat. One will not have to look long and hard to find 7.62x39 ammo or .300 Blackout ammunition. There are a wide variety of companies that currently produce these calibers. 7.62x39 ammo is produced by companies such as TelaAmmo, PMC, Sterling, Belom, and Maxxtech to name a few. Additionally, one can find military surplus 7.62x39 ammunition from countries such as Romania and former Yugoslavia. Producers of .300 Blackout ammo include companies such as Sig Sauer, Sellier & Bellot, PPU, Hornady, and Velo to name a few. While military surplus .300 Blackout does not exist, one will be able to find various subsonic and supersonic ammo offerings in the caliber. Both 7.62x39 and .300 Blackout ammo can be found in either bulk form or individual boxes. It should be noted that the importation of 7.62x39 ammo has been historically impacted by various sanctions and import restrictions due to tumultuous political relations with Russia over the years. All in all, one will be able to find loadings for either caliber with little issue. Purchase .300 Blackout Ammo

Availability of Firearms

At this point in time, one will find that there are many options for firearms chambered in either caliber. This is to say that shooters will easily be able to build or buy firearms chambered in either 7.62x39 or .300 Blackout. Firearms in either caliber can often be found in the form of bolt action and semi-automatic form in either pistol or rifle configurations. A majority of the firearms chambered in 7.62x39 will be of the AK variety or in the form of milsurp firearms like SKS rifles. As far as .300 Blackout goes, a majority of the firearms in the caliber are of the AR-15 type variety. Of course, shooters can build firearms in either caliber via parts kits, allowing end users to make the AK, AR, or bolt action rifle in either caliber they truly desire.

Conclusion

And there we have it. Both the 7.62x39 and .300 Blackout cartridges are well-known and employed by shooters of all types in the United States for various purposes. One cannot go wrong with either cartridge as long as they are using them for their appropriate use cases. We here at True Shot Ammo carry 7.62x39 ammo and .300 Blackout ammunition for sale in our large inventory. Whether you want to buy 7.62x39 ammo or purchase .300 Blackout ammo, we have you covered. Regardless of whether you want to buy bulk ammo or individual boxes of either caliber, we can help you get stocked up. As always, happy shooting.