Quick Tip: Using .300 Blackout Mags in a 5.56 / .223 Rifle
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- čas přidán 8. 07. 2024
- Scenario: You own AR-15s both in the standard 5.56 NATO chambering and in .300 Blackout. You get to the range one day with your 5.56 rifle and discover - oh no! - you accidentally grabbed your 300 BLK magazines. You don't want to drive all the way home if you don't have to. The .300 Blackout cartridge uses a 5.56 NATO case necked up to hold a .30 caliber bullet, so can you use .300 Blackout magazines in a 5.56 / .223 rifle? How much of a difference is there between them? Compare the front lip of the mag body and the guides just under the feed lips of the two magazines, says Brownells Gun Tech™ Caleb Savant. "Ogive me a mag with a little extra clearance for the larger .300 Blackout bullets," he sings. (Actually, he doesn't, but you get the point.) In most cases, you CAN use the Blackout mags in your 5.56 / .223 rifle - with a. caveat that Caleb explains for us.
- Sport
What's really important is to not load a .300 BLK round into a 5.56 chamber!!!
300 blackout wont load into a 22 caliber chamber lol
@@austinash9337 There are videos and pictures of people accidently shooting a .300 blk down a 5.56 barrel... it doesn't work of obvious reasons. So it may not "chamber" but it can still go bang and blow up your barrel if you try to do it.
@@austinash9337 300 blk does chamber into a 5.56 barrel but you better not shoot it
You serious Clark?
I’m going to try this out just to report back to u guys what happens. Gonna take one for the team
I wasn't aware of the differences, but picked up a couple 300 mags for future subsonic applications. Knowing subs don't always feed as reliably it's important to minimize potential problems.
I did the same, picked up a few 300blk mags and have used half of them for supersonic rounds but havent tried subsonic rounds yet. Im probably going to shoot subs mostly from my 300blk bolt action since it will be even quieter than the AR. Plus with how expensive 300BLK is, mag dumping is much more costly than 5.56, 7.62x39 and 9mm
My Barnes loads don't find in standard 5.56 mags. And they're still supers
@@jackmemphis777 so if the 300 mags are meant for subsonic … will 300 supersonic still be effective in the same 300 mag ?
@@Thereal.Bnardo yes in my experience, 300blk supersonic works great in 300blk mags and 5.56 mags. 300blk specific mags have a little bit more space in the front to accommodate the larger 195 to 220gr subsonic bullets, hence why they tend to work better than 5.56 mags for subsonics.
That explains why my subsonic 300AAC rounds jammed every other round but the supers shot just fine in the 5.56 mags. Thanks
Awesome content, I was wondering what the real difference was. I picked up a couple of those 300 Blackout Mags recently for mine and I could not really see much difference, now I know...
Caleb is always delivering succinct information in style!
Wow, this is actually a question that i had in the back of my mind. Keep up the awesome and relevant content.
Super important tip there at the end bud. Thank you!
The idea of putting a different sized ammunition in a magazine that has a specific caliber marking gives me the cold sweats.
300 BLK was designed to be used in a 5.56/.223 mag.
Great video. I like how down to earth the approach is.
Count on you for the specifics 👍
Awesome breakdown thanks
I tried to google this question a long time ago. I didn't find ANYTHING on it. Thank you. THANK YOU.
I came back to this video just for a refresher, and LOL I just noticed the rocket launcher 😂
Thanks!I was actually pondering this very topic recently but hadn't made it to the range yet.
Thanks Caleb. I was curious about the capitability of the two calibers using the same magazine without having hiccups. As a rule of thumb I stick to the stampings on the barrel and accesorize to the same caliber. We can always learn something. Keep the videos coming. Stay safe.
Good info, once again. I kinda wondered about that. Thank you Caleb.
Murphy was a wise man! If it Can go wrong,it Will go wrong, and usually at the worst possible time!
you guys are awesome - thanks!
I agree 100%. Only use caliber specific mags for self defense.
Great advice and nice mug 👍🏼
I use the original rubber magpuls on my magazines because they come in different colors. That way I can easily identify calibers by color - Black for 5.56 and 6.5CM, green for .300 & .308, FDE for 6.8. I keep my magazines segregated by caliber as a matter of habit, too. My mags are also numbered, so I rotate through them and keep the round counts consistent (at least close enough to call it consistent).
Excellent information I sure didn’t know those slight differences
Tanks Brother 4 keeping us up 2 date. Because, when seconds count, you know the rest. Take care and ⌚ ur 6......
Great info, thanks!
Solid INFO!
Interesting.
Thank you!
Great video! I always wondered!!!
I’ve used 300 blackout in both magazines and they both work, but I’ve had stacking issues with rounds seeming a little looser when I tried 300 blackout in 5.56 mags. They work, but I trust mags designed for their intended cartridge.
Correct information
thank you
That was informative 👍
Thank you for the great information. Good to learn about the thinner front on the 300 blk magazines. I already knew about the "deeper" guides on the 5.56 mags and have been considering reducing their size on my 10 rd PMAG which I cannot get in 300 blk but I haven't had any problems yet, and I only use them for hunting. Self defense always gets a dedicated 300 blk 30 rd mag.
I got into 300BLK for hunting deer instead of .308 since most shots are 100 yards or less. My hunting 10 round 5.56 mags feed the supersonic 300blk just fine. I dont think its even worth trying to shoot at a deer with subs. It was fun mag dumping 300BLK but with the recoil being similar to 5.56 and it being more expensive, Im still going to be shooting 5.56 and 7.62x39 a lot more often
I highly recommend Lancer mags. You can regularly find their 10-round mags available, both 5.56 and BLK variants.
@@JaronActual the Lancer 30 round mags are always sold out, so I got some of the 20 rounders and actually like them more for compactness like how it fits in the case with a loaded 20 round mag. Great magazine design too with the metal feed lips. I might have to get a couple 10 round ones too
@@jackmemphis777 I prefer 20 round mags for basic range use ( pairs well with 20-rounds boxes of ammo ). I have one 10-rounder I use when shooting from a rest so I don't monopod on the magazine.
Also, as of now, I see 30-rnd BLK Lancer mags in stock at Midway, Brownells, AIM Surplus, and LaRue.
@@JaronActual thanks I'll have to get some 30 rounders next time. I have plenty of pmags already but I love how you can see the ammo in the Lancer mags plus the improved features over every other polymer mag I've ever seen
Yup! Was running into feeding issues with the subs and not the sups. 300blk mag solves that hiccup with the subs🤙
Literally had this become relevant at the range today lol
This video actually caught me unaware that 300blk magazines were actually a thing. I've bought quite a few magazines that were labeled as 223/5.56/300blk
I hope brownells is around for a long long time. Reminds me of a prewoke time
Well that's good to know in pinch situation
Be careful keeping both mags loaded with 223/556 & 300 the 300 will feed in a 233/556 chamber and will fire with very bad results. I personally will not keep spare mags loaded around house with 300 Bo for this reason. And I do have 223/556 mags laying everywhere around house and shop just incase
You sure right! I use lancer mags and have my 556 mags one color and the 300 black a different color. Just to be on the safe side.
I keep both types of ammo loaded up. I have lancer 20 round mags that I only use 300BLK in and for the 30 round mags I just use the labeled rubber bands that say 300 AAC BLK (sub or super labeled too)
I do the exact same things. And I bought some mag bands that in red letters say 300 BLK and I wrap around the top of the mag for the range. That way I have to physically move the band to be able to insert the mag as a final dummy safety.
I've got both loaded, but 300 has its own couple of boxes, as I have .223 for self defense for now,
@@MerpSquirrel where did you buy the bands?
Spot on, Caleb! I would try it for the range, but never trust my life on it.
Thank you, I knew there was something different between the mags, now I know....thanks again.
I use two different brands and colors. Lancer translucent / FDE for 300BO and PMAG / black for 556. This, in addition to other precautions, should ensure that a 300BO round doesn't end up chambered in my 556 rifle with associated disastrous consequences...
Exact reason I do the same. I have three sons who are not gun savvy at this point so it is really for them.
Surprised the disaster waiting to happen was not mentioned in the video.
I've tried to chamber a 300BO round in my 556 rifle and it doesn't come close to going into battery so the rifle will not fire. Thank God cus it's an easy mistake if you the same mags for both like I do
@@tonygiampietro1935 I'm sure the bullet could move back In the crimp if the BCG went forward with enough force which would allow the round to fully chamber. Be careful out there!
I do the same thing. I use different mags for different calibers to avoid confusion. Lancer translucent mags for 300 blackout and aluminum GI mags for 223/556.
I had thought the only reason to have dedicated .300BO mags was for identification so you don't put the wrong ammo in the wrong gun. Knowing that there are subtle differences in design informs my future buying choices, thank you.
Yeah 5.56 pmags don't work well with 300 blk. I had a lot of issues with the rounds tilting and moving around once the magazine was approx half-full.
Good video
Thanks
New to me is the fact that there exists such a thing as a .300 BLK magazine. When I started shooting .300 BLK about 12 years ago I don't think those existed, so I've always used 5.56 mags for both cartridges. The only issue I ever encountered was springs being too light to lift 6000+ grains of subsonic bullets quickly enough, so I just learned not to try to load more than 20 subsonics per mag.
As a shooter and handloader of both cartridges, I make sure that I clearly label the magazines with 300 Blackout so I do not confuse them on range days.
exactly, I use the rubber bands on my mags that label them as 300 AAC BLK (red for supers, green for subs).
One won’t feed anyway. Not to mentions has a very different look.
Thanks again; Caleb. You're passing along valuable information.
A specifically-colored piece of electrical tape around the base of the magazine is a cheap visual marker.
Thanks you stud
sorry had to watch this twice, was distracted by the AT-4 in the gun safe
Never a problem with the mags I filed and sanded, but good to know!
Thanks Caleb. I find that 125 grain V-Max bullets feed much better in the 300 Blackout specific magazines. With 150 grain bullets no difference.
Thanks for the information, as always, Brownells Boy(s)!
The real life hack is for those of us that live in non-free AWB states, go out and buy 458 SOCOM mags - because 10 rounds of that can fit 30 rounds of 5.56!
Fucking massive big brain move bro
@@nfaisnfgay luckily I dont live in a restricted mag capacity state but that is a fantastic idea. I looked it up, didnt even realize they had 458 socom specific mags but makes sense considering i have 300blk and 5.56 specific mags
This is genius sir
I have mostly .300blk mags, I've never had an issue running .223 in them.
Wasn't sure what the difference was. I learned something.
I thought part of the whole point of .300 Blackout was to give a relatively unmodified AR, save the upper of course, 7.62x39mm power but to be able to the existing magazines. So slight scale-up, diameter-wise, same overall length of 5.56/.223=.300 Blackout
Just a casual AT4 sitting in the gun safe
Absolutely, I take your knowledge and experience seriously Caleb except for your use of Dapper Dan.😁
5.56 magazines work just fine for all my 5.56 and 300 blackout applications.
I've had issues with the Magpul 20 round 223 magazine when running subsonic 300 blk (even lighter subs like 190-200 gr). The 30 rounder I've never had issues with. This was before they came out with specific 300 BLK magazines. Have had good luck with 20 round Lancer mags (they also now make 300 blk specific mags)
I have come to realize with my new .300 blk setup, that it only feeds supersonic with the 5.56 mags and the subsonics require the .300 blk magazine. It was a head scratcher at first but once I realized the issue I experienced with FTF in my rifle was trying to use 110gr supers in the .300 blk mag. Jammed almost every shot until trying the 110grain in my 5.56 mag and then finally it started working perfectly. As silly as it may seem, you would think there should actually be two types of magazines for the .300 blk: one for supersonic and one for subsonic, in my opinion.
Seems like 300 fits very well in old school STANAG mags. Better than the pmags I have, anyway.
Yessir that is one reason why Q sends a good old Okay Industries alloy mag with their stuff. Sometimes less is more.
I have specifically made magazines for both calibers, but it is good to know that in an emergency(like when all the 300bl is gone) I can still use the mags for 5.56! I won't until I NEED to, but it is good to know.
Love that there’s a m136 launcher sitting in the safe lol
Wow, nobody really gonna comment on that cannon rocket launcher in gun safe directly behind him 😅
Bought 8 .300 blk specific mags for my 8.5 and 16 .300 Blk rifles and I’ve also used SS mags for .300 Blk they work well also.
I know most people already know this but a safety disclaimer about making sure the ammo does not get swapped seems like a good idea when talking about interchanging the magazines.
All I gotta say is that shirt looks SHARP! I'm glad you are running a shirt that is as shiny as your hair!
I've modified a lot of the front lips on my mags.
id rubber bands are great item
Thanks for the info. I just got into 300AAC BLK a couple months ago and like others here, picked up a few 300BLK mags (since I heard subsonic rounds feed better in 300BLK specific mags). Wasnt sure what the real difference between the mags is. With supersonic 300BLK rounds I havent had any feeding issues using 5.56 mags or 300BLK mags. Havent shot any of my subsonic ammo yet but I specifically loaded them up in 300BLK mags. I also use the 300 AAC BLK red and green rubber bands from amazon on the mags to differentiate between calibers and bullet weights more easily.
You generally won't have issue feeding subsonic BLK from .223 mags either. A small handful of very fat, or oddly shaped bullets might have problems with the forward ribs, but the vast majority don't.
It’s interesting that my Sig Rattler 300 blackout came with a Lancer 5.56 magazine. It feeds and cycles subsonic 300 bo fine, but I’ve since started using all Lancer 300 blackout mags for all my 300 blackout guns.
My 300Blk mags are 20 round Lancers translucent smoke. My 20 round 5.56 Pmags are black. But I still use Faxon caliber bands on both.
I also have issues with subsonic 200gr 300BLK failing to feed every 2-3 rounds in my regular 223 PMAG magazines. Switching to 300BLK specific PMAG magazines, no more issues. They difference is very subtle, you really have to look at them side by side (as shown here) to see the difference. In the 300BLK mag, the inside "ridge" is ground down lower, and the front lip is thinner, and the back cutout is more "rounded out" and larger.
This guy should play Hank Williams in a movie.
Love the rocket launder in the safe 🤣
Caleb,
Absolutely superb video. I've found a similar situation, only reversed, with 6.8 SPC. The cartridge will work in a 5.53 magazine but not dependably. Bottom line is use 6.8 SPC mags for 6.8 and 5.53/223 mags accordingly. I think we've been in search of a round that performs well in AR magazines, however, as you said, "if you care betting your life" on the firearm, use the correct mag/cartridge combination.
5.53?
@@joejr9653 It's that new round that eastern europe has been pickin up, halfway between 5.56 and 5.45. It goes in their Ak15's
That's a very different situation, though, because 6.8 has a completely different case diameter and taper to 5.56. The rounds don't stack the same and don't fit the follower correctly. You can sometimes use 6.8 in 5.56 mags if you download them, but it's still hit and miss.
I've been using regular pmags with no problem. Maybe with subs being longer they cause issues but I only shoot supers.
i love the casual magazine explanation with the rocket launcher chillin in the gunsafe :D
I have ordered 300 BLK mags from several magazine websites and honestly never noticed the difference, I will go back and carefully compare them with my 5.56 magazines.
Best improvement for the 300 blk community.
2.261, here we come!
FYI straight 20 round 300blk mags will feed 350 legend. Hopefully the new magpul 20 will work even with a slight curve
I bought a magazine that had .300 Blackout painted on the side but 5.56 stamped on the bottom. It seems to run 5.56 just fine.
I’m using 300 blackout soft point in a 556 mag, had a few feeding problems for sure.
I have .300BLK mags and 5.56 mags, I make sure they are nothing like each other and the ammo is completely separated to prevent barrel ruptures
Depends on your gun.
Interesting! I thought that the .300 Blackout mags were just for identification purposes. I might have to pick up some .300 Blackout mags for subsonic ammo in my future AR build!
I shoot a lot of 300BO and I was getting pretty disappointed due to bad feeding. Then I tried the Magpul 300BO mags, big difference. The FTF issues went away. I have 3 300BO mags now compared to about 50 5.56 mags, so I'll be getting a dozen more next time I see a sale at my LGS.
Something interesting in the gun safe there😂
Did this dude just fart at 36 secs into this vid? He played it off well. haha
Jaja He moved, and the seat made a noise. Sounds pretty close tho 🤧
Awesome PSA Caleb! I've ran into issues running .300 BO subs in certain magazines, but can't say that I've ever ran 5.56 in any of my .300 BO mags.
Which mags gave issues with 300 sub?
@@bench175 I would like to know this as well. I should soon have a suppressor out of ATF jail (it's been 13 months!!!) and I'll be trying out some .300 blk subs with it. I've heard the extra gas blowback caused by a suppressor helps with cycling subs though.
@@TheFlyingZulu Yup. I wouldn't waste subs by shooting them unsuppressed. I saw a lot of Hornady Black 208gr Subsonic BTHP at Academy Sports yesterday. I'll be testing accuracy in my DDM4 PDW and post a video
Great video Caleb!. + I Just noticed the AT missile launcher in the safe.... Planning a video on that one too? Thanks!
Thanks Happy Safe Shooting 🇺🇸💪.
I have Lancer .300 BLK specific mags that I do run 5.56 in regularly. As stated though, use caliber specific mags for maximum reliability. When my AR’s are static by my bedside or in the safe, they only get D&H and Surefeed 5.56/.223 mags.
Never considered any other magazines but Pmags. The round count used in their R&D dwarfs any other companies.
Yup, Lancers are my primary go-to.
@@froggerjohn427 I have a shit load of pmags across all the generations and they work exceptionally well. I started moving towards the metal feed lips because I shoot everything suppressed quite a bit. Never had a problem with pmags. Hell, I still have the gen 1 Pmag I bought in 2014 and I shoot the piss out of it. Magpul is good shit! 👍
@@CalebSavant They are good. My lady likes them for the colors. Can’t blame her. I’ll rock a purple mag if it’s reliable! You put out some good content man! Your personal rifle from the vault was badass! The matched MI receiver set with that handguard and muzzle device setup was awesome!
@@jeremyrode6581 Thanks! I really appreciate that.
From what I understand is if you live somewhere that prohibits 30 round mags you can get the mags marked 300 blk and use them in your 556 if shit goes down. Just store them unloaded and away from your 556 ammo.
Can confirm also the weight of round locks up the spring I have a 30 rounder 5.56 with 20 rounds of subsonic 300 it's way heavier than a full 30 rounds of 5.56 buy the special magazine it's worth it
lol that at4 chilling in the safe
Are we gonna talk a kid the rocket launcher in the gun safe 😂😂
Nobody gonna talk about the rocket launcher in the safe??
I thought the whole point of 300BLK is you can just use all your existing 5.56 stuff, including magazines. A dedicated 300BLK magazine seems like a solution looking for a problem.
This was the case at inception. But now we have 300blk pills pushing 220-240 grains. Unfortunately for these heavy subs, the ojive is posted forward and causes feed issues.
If you are staying under 195 grains, you should be perfectly fine using 5.56x45 mags.
**Disclaimer** it is my job to solve issues like this. But you are not my client. So please do your own testing and remember that not all cartridges are alike.