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

SLR Subbrand Feature
SLR Subbrand Feature

New for 2026: Winchester Supreme Long Range

New for 2026, Winchester introduces its Supreme Long Range rifle ammunition line. Centered around the BC MAX projectile, Winchester has designed this ammunition with the consistency needed for longer shots in mind.

EOTech Announces Ultra-Compact Vudu 4-12x36mm

The new-for-2026 EOTech Vudu 4-12x36mm's overall length sits at only 7.1 inches, makes this optic ideal on even the shortest rifle or AR-pistol.

First Look: Hawke Optics Vantage HD Binocular

Hawke Optics has introduced its Vantage HD Binoculars, available in three size options, each with two magnification levels.

Retay USA Expands Gamelander Rifle Series

For 2026, Retay USA announced the expansion of its Gamelander rifle line to include a dedicated series of straight-walled chamberings.

Knight & Hale Reintroduces Moonshiner Alongside New Pot Calls

Knight & Hale Game Calls has announced the return of a fan favorite: The Moonshiner. Alongside this iconic call, Knight & Hale has also introduced a new lineup of pot calls and strikers designed to deliver unmatched realism, durability and versatility in the turkey woods.

First Look: Henry Provider and Protector Rifles

Whoever is behind the Henry Repeating Arms wheel these days needs to be given their own set of keys. The boys in Rice Lake have just announced two new product families of lever-action rifles: Protect and Provide.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.