Let’s Dive into **Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
80881 17% Off promises reliable performance and controlled expansion for hunting and tactical applications. Manufactured by Hornady, this ammunition aims to deliver optimal ballistic performance in the versatile .300 Blackout platform. The Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) bullet design is specifically engineered for consistent expansion at a wide range of velocities, making it a compelling choice for various barrel lengths and engagement distances.
I was searching for a round that could reliably cycle in my AR-15 pistol chambered in .300 Blackout, while also offering sufficient terminal ballistics for whitetail hunting within 150 yards. My primary concern was achieving consistent expansion and penetration without excessive recoil. I wanted something more versatile than standard supersonic rounds, allowing me to effectively engage both close and moderate-range targets.
Upon receiving the ammunition, I was immediately impressed with the packaging; the rounds were neatly organized and securely held in place. The brass cases exhibited a consistent, clean finish, which inspires confidence in their quality and reliability. The FTX bullets themselves were visually appealing, with the distinct red polymer tip designed to initiate expansion upon impact.
Compared to other .300 Blackout ammunition I’ve used, such as Remington UMC 120 grain OTFB and S&B 147 grain FMJ, the Hornady offering stood out due to its specialized bullet design. The Remington UMC provided adequate accuracy, but lacked the consistent expansion I desired for hunting. The S&B FMJ was primarily for range practice and offered minimal terminal performance.
My initial excitement stemmed from Hornady’s reputation for producing high-quality, accurate ammunition. The advertised 1303 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, coupled with the FTX bullet design, piqued my interest, suggesting a well-balanced round capable of delivering significant terminal effects. I was eager to test its performance in my own firearm.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I first tested the Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
80881 17% Off at an outdoor shooting range on a clear, slightly breezy day. I used my 10.5-inch barrel AR-15 pistol, equipped with a red dot sight, to evaluate its accuracy at 50 and 100 yards. The ammunition cycled flawlessly, exhibiting smooth feeding and consistent ejection.
The rounds performed remarkably well in the given conditions, maintaining tight groupings even with the short barrel. The recoil was manageable, similar to other supersonic .300 Blackout loads. There were no malfunctions or issues during the initial testing phase.
I immediately appreciated the clean-burning powder, which resulted in minimal fouling of the action. The consistency of the ammunition was evident in the tight shot groupings I was able to achieve with minimal effort. I didn’t need to adjust the red dot sight as I progressed through the testing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
80881 17% Off has proven to be exceptionally reliable and consistent. I’ve fired approximately 300 rounds through my AR-15 pistol without a single malfunction. The ammunition has also been subjected to varying weather conditions, including rain and high humidity, without any noticeable degradation in performance.
The brass cases still look and feel new, even after being stored for extended periods in my range bag. Cleaning my firearm after using this ammunition is a breeze, with minimal carbon buildup compared to some of the cheaper brands. This ammunition has proven itself a high quality choice for my use.
Compared to previous experiences with other .300 Blackout loads, the Hornady ammunition consistently outperforms in terms of accuracy and reliability. I have had zero issues with feeding or extraction, and the terminal performance on ballistic gel has been impressive. It consistently delivers the expansion and penetration I expect from a hunting round.
Breaking Down the Features of **Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Specifications
- Caliber: .300 AAC Blackout. This caliber offers versatility in both subsonic and supersonic applications, with the ability to use .308 diameter bullets.
- Bullet Weight: 135 grain. This bullet weight provides a good balance between velocity, trajectory, and terminal performance.
- Bullet Type: Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX). This bullet is designed to initiate controlled expansion at a wide range of velocities, maximizing energy transfer upon impact.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass cases offer excellent reloadability and corrosion resistance.
- Muzzle Velocity: 2085 ft/s. This velocity provides a flat trajectory for accurate shooting at medium ranges.
- Muzzle Energy: 1303 ft-lbs. This energy level is sufficient for ethically harvesting medium-sized game.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers offer excellent reliability and consistent ignition.
- Sectional Density: 0.203. This sectional density helps ensure adequate penetration through barriers and soft tissue.
- G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.274. This ballistic coefficient provides decent resistance to air drag, helping to maintain velocity downrange.
These specifications are crucial because they directly influence the ammunition’s accuracy, reliability, and terminal performance. The 135-grain FTX bullet is specifically designed to expand consistently, making it an excellent choice for hunting applications. The brass cases and centerfire primers contribute to the overall reliability and longevity of the ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
80881 17% Off performs exceptionally well in terms of accuracy, reliability, and terminal ballistics. In my experience, it consistently delivers sub-MOA accuracy out of my AR-15 pistol. Its reliability is unquestionable, as I have not experienced any malfunctions after hundreds of rounds fired.
The ammunition’s primary strength lies in its consistent expansion and penetration, which is critical for ethical hunting. The Hornady ammunition meets and exceeds my expectations. It provides a reliable and accurate platform.
However, the cost per round is higher than some other .300 Blackout loads. This may be a drawback for high-volume shooters or those on a tight budget. The accuracy and consistent terminal performance, in my view, justify the expense.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
80881 17% Off is outstanding. The brass cases are clean and uniform, and the FTX bullets are precisely seated. The weight distribution feels balanced and comfortable when loading magazines.
The ammunition is user-friendly, requiring no special tools or adjustments. The only learning curve involves understanding the ballistic characteristics of the round at different ranges. This is easily overcome with range practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
80881 17% Off is designed to last for years when stored properly in a cool, dry environment. The brass cases are resistant to corrosion and can be reloaded multiple times.
Maintaining the ammunition simply involves ensuring that it is stored in a suitable environment. No special maintenance or repair is required. Proper gun maintenance will also help to ensure the ammo works as intended.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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These include optics, such as red dot sights and magnified scopes, as well as aftermarket triggers that can improve accuracy. Suppressors are also commonly used with .300 Blackout firearms to reduce noise and recoil. The versatility of the .300 Blackout platform makes it highly customizable to suit a wide range of shooting needs.
Pros and Cons of **Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Pros
- Consistent Expansion: The FTX bullet design ensures reliable expansion at a wide range of velocities, maximizing terminal performance.
- Excellent Accuracy: Delivers sub-MOA accuracy in many firearms, making it ideal for hunting and precision shooting.
- High Reliability: Feeds and extracts flawlessly in a wide range of .300 Blackout firearms.
- Clean Burning: Produces minimal fouling, resulting in easier firearm maintenance.
- Ethical Hunting: Delivers sufficient energy and penetration for ethically harvesting medium-sized game.
Cons
- Higher Cost: More expensive than some other .300 Blackout loads, which may be a deterrent for high-volume shooters.
- Limited Availability: May be harder to find in stock at some retailers compared to more common ammunition types.
Who Should Buy **Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
80881 17% Off is perfect for hunters seeking a reliable and accurate round for medium-sized game. It’s also ideal for tactical shooters who need a cartridge with consistent terminal performance. The controlled expansion will ensure a clean kill for hunters.
Those primarily interested in high-volume range practice may find the cost prohibitive. Those with firearms that are known to be ammunition-sensitive might want to test before buying in bulk. If your gun is not broken in, it can cause issues no matter the ammo.
Must-have accessories for maximizing the performance of this ammunition include a quality optic, such as a red dot sight or magnified scope. A suppressor can also significantly enhance the shooting experience. A reliable magazine is essential for ensuring smooth feeding and function.
Conclusion on **Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Overall, the Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The price is justified by the consistent quality and performance of the ammunition. It is a worthwhile investment for hunters and tactical shooters.
I would personally recommend the Hornady Custom .300 AAC Blackout 135 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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