First Look: Nosler/Noveske .300 AAC Blackout Subsonic Hunting Ammo

by
posted on February 10, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
noveske.jpg

The .300 AAC Blackout cartridge continues to gain traction with hunters. Its primary appeal is its ability to offer ballistics on par with the .30-30 Winchester—from an AR-15. New ammunition offerings continue to extend this appeal. For example, Nosler just introduced a varmint-capable 110-grain Varmageddon load that reaches 2150 fps and a 125-grain Ballistic Tip load at 2250 fps that is intended for deer.

But, the most unique and appealing feature of the .300 Blackout is possibly its suitability as a subsonic hunting cartridge. Until now, subsonic hunting loads capable of providing much-needed expansion have been nonexistent. Noveske, long known for its precision ARs and components, has partnered with Nosler to correct this shortcoming. Here are five things you need to know about the new subsonic load.

1. Nosler loads this ammunition for Noveske using brass that has been precision sorted for consistency. 
Every case receives black nickel plating that improves feeding and extraction reliability. And, every cartridge is hand-inspected.

2. The newly designed .30-caliber bullet used for the load weighs 220 grains. 
Matched with a high-performance powder, it delivers a consistent subsonic muzzle velocity of around 1020 fps from a 16-inch barrel.

3. With a 100-yard impact velocity of slightly less than 1000 fps, this radically unique bullet expands to about twice its original diameter. 
Plus, it penetrates 18 inches in 10-percent ordnance gelatin.

4. The new bullet is called the Ballistic Glow Tip RN and has a greenish-colored tip that, when charged with a flashlight, glows in the dark. 
This makes the ammunition monumentally cool, instantly identifiable and easy to get your hands on in the dark when hunting feral hogs at night.

5. All Nosler and Nosler-loaded Noveske .300 Blackout ammunition is optimized for rifles with a 1:8-inch twist
The loads come in 20-round boxes. Suggested retail for a box of the 220-grain Ballistic Glow Tip RN load is $ 42.95.

Latest

Fenson Deep Rooted Venison Stew (6)
Fenson Deep Rooted Venison Stew (6)

Recipe: Deep-Rooted Venison Stew

Several friends and I often circle back to the same campfire debate about which wild game makes the best stew. Mule deer usually leads the pack, with moose close behind, but any well-handled game meat can stand out when you build the right layers of flavor. The real magic starts long before the broth simmers. It comes from the vegetables and mushrooms you choose.

61-Year-Old Elk-Hunting Dream Fulfilled in Michigan

Michigan elk hunters faced challenging weather and storm-ravaged terrain to harvest 153 elk in 2025. That didn’t deter Bruce Nelson of Hastings, Mich. He applied for an elk license every year Michigan has held a drawing.

New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional 2.0

The Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 promises to be the modern evolution of the iconic straight-pull rifle. The rifle features a new, ergonomically optimized vertical pistol grip for increased comfort and improved control when firing, and its ambidextrous palm swell fits both right- and left-handed shooters.

New for 2026: Leupold BX-6 Range HD Rangefinding Binocular

Leupold has launched its BX-6 Range HD rangefinding binocular. With fast, accurate ranging capabilities out to 6,000 yards, an advanced ballistics intelligence and precision GPS pinning, the BX-6 Range HD is looking to carve out a space for itself as a feature-rich rangefinding offering.

(Squirrel) Dog Days in the Delta

In the Deep South, Ringo and Max prove the sole purpose in the life of a feist is to hunt squirrels.

Primos Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Primos, now a Revelyst brand, will continue its 50th anniversary celebration throughout 2026 with a brand refresh, new product launches, storytelling initiatives and moments that honor the hunters and traditions that made the brand what it is today.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.