.300 Blackout vs 5.56x45mm NATO
Part of our full caliber comparison chart — energy, drop and recoil for every rifle caliber side by side.
The .300 Blackout vs 5.56x45mm NATO comparison covers the two most popular AR-15 calibers. The 5.56 NATO (64gr JSP at 3050 fps) shoots far flatter, with 61.2 inches of drop at 500 yards against 142.4 inches for the .300 Blackout (150gr at 1900 fps). Energy at 300 yards measures 585 ft-lbs for the 5.56 versus 650 ft-lbs for the .300 Blackout. Both produce mild recoil under 8 ft-lbs. The 5.56 reaches farther and costs less per round for training. The .300 Blackout carries more energy past about 200 yards with this supersonic load, works with subsonic loads for suppressed shooting, and uses standard AR-15 magazines. Both use the same bolt carrier and lower receiver. Performance varies with ammunition selection and barrel length.
Ammunition Parameters
.300 Blackout Parameters (Reference Load)
5.56x45mm NATO Parameters (Reference Load)
.300 Blackout vs 5.56x45mm NATO Ballistics Chart
Comparing bullet drop at various ranges between .300 Blackout and 5.56x45mm NATO.
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.300 Blackout vs 5.56x45mm NATO Energy Comparison
Comparing the muzzle energy and energy retention at various distances between .300 Blackout and 5.56x45mm NATO.
.300 Blackout vs 5.56x45mm NATO Recoil
Comparing recoil energy and impulse between .300 Blackout and 5.56x45mm NATO.
.300 Blackout Recoil (Reference Load)
5.56x45mm NATO Recoil (Reference Load)
Notes:
- Recoil calculations based on bullet weight, velocity, powder charge, and firearm weight
- Recoil energy indicates the felt force when firing the weapon
- Recoil impulse represents momentum transfer during firing
- Actual felt recoil can vary based on grip, stance, and firearm design
.300 Blackout vs 5.56x45mm NATO Velocity
Velocity decay from muzzle to 500 yards for .300 Blackout and 5.56x45mm NATO.
.300 Blackout vs 5.56x45mm NATO Average Cost
Comparing cost per round and training affordability between .300 Blackout and 5.56x45mm NATO.