Lindcott Armory Compare / .300 AAC Blackout vs 5.56x45mm NATO
Cartridge comparison
.300 AAC Blackout vs 5.56x45mm NATO
5.56x45mm NATO is faster (3,240 vs 2,375 fps); 5.56x45mm NATO recoils less.
.300 AAC Blackout →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
5.56x45mm NATO →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–1000 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .300 AAC Blackout | 5.56x45mm NATO | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rifle | Rifle |
| Introduced | 2011 | 1980 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.308″ | 0.224″ |
| Case length | 1.368″ | 1.76″ |
| Velocity | 1,000–2,375 fps | 2,750–3,240 fps |
| Energy | 450–1,400 ft·lb | 1,200–1,400 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 55,000 psi | 62,000 psi |
| Recoil | 7–10 ft·lb | 3.8–5.5 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 460 yd | 600 yd |
FAQs
- Is .300 AAC Blackout faster than 5.56x45mm NATO?
- 5.56x45mm NATO is faster — up to 3,240 fps versus 2,375 fps.