Opinion 5.56 & 300BLK wtih TSX rounds

General Firearms Terminal Ballistic Information
1

I wanted to get some options on the pros/cons of comparing two self defense options.

  1. SBR 5.56 9" barrel using Black Hills, 50gr TSX ammo.
  2. SBR 300BLK 9" barrel using Barnes 110gr TAC-TX.

The info I can find is the 5.56 is does penetrate as deep, and should be good out to 75yards. The 300BLK would penetrate much deeper but would be good out to 300 yards. It looks like the 300BLK might be too much for indoors, but maybe the 5.56 is as well.

I was hoping to get some feedback from this knowledgeable group.

-Bryan

2

For self-defense I’d probably go with the 5.56 mm 50 gr TSX.

For hunting or outdoors use, the .300 BLK w/TTSX.

3

Doc,

Would you recommend a 110gr V-MAX for self defense (for less penetration) or stick with the 50gr TSX 5.56 round ?

-Bryan

4

.300 BLK runs best in AR’s with bullets using the proper ogive and not with typical bullets designed for .308/.30-06/.300 WM. To the best of knowledge, the only Barnes bullet specifically engineered for the .300 BLK is the 110 gr TTSX w/black plastic tip.

5

Thank you, sir.

-Bryan

6

I think the best alternative defensive round to the Barnes for the 300 BLK is the 125gr Remington Accutip.

-john

7

Hi Doc,

What is your reasoning using the 5.56 for defense? Less penetration concerns indoors?

I personally went with a 9" 300 Blackout (110 TTSX Supersonic load), mainly because I am going to run a suppressor and hoped the Blackout would not only have less wear and tear on the SBR but also be a tad quieter indoors.

Thanks again!

8

The BH 5.56 mm 50 gr TSX generally penetrates in the 12-18" range; the .300 BLK 110 gr TTSX generally penetrates beyond 18". As long as you plan and account for that, then either will work.