If you are a survivalist or someone who loves hunting or shooting then you are probably one of those who would like to get an idea about the best long-range calibers today. Note that whether you are looking for an SHTF battle rifle or just a plain one that works perfectly for long-range shooting, thorough research is necessary so you can make the soundest decision.

When doing your research, keep in mind that your goal is to find one that you can comfortably carry the entire day. It should not kick you so hard in the sense that you will have a difficult time shooting it more efficiently. Also, when selecting a good long-range caliber, several factors and questions need to be considered and answered. These include:

• Do you intend to shoot or reload factory ammunition?
• Does your chosen caliber have full support?
• Are you planning to use it for hunting or targets specifically?
• Will you consider the life of the barrel?
• How much are you willing to spend on both the rifle and ammunition?

Your answers to the mentioned questions can help you find out which among the long-range calibers available today is worth checking out. Also, take note that the most dependable long-range calibers are those that feature aerodynamic projectiles, are flat-shooting, and hold adequate power designed to go the distance. If you are still unsure then the following smart choices should be on top of your list:

.300 Winchester Magnum

Introduced in the 1960s, this is one of the most powerful belted long-range calibers you can find today. It gained popularity quickly, gathering a huge amount of loyal following from target shooters and hunters. This is the main reason why you can see a lot of survivalists, hunters, and shooters looking for the best 300 win mag rifle. It works effectively when used in long-range matches.

It is also ideal for long-range hunting scenarios and large-sized games. You can even find the .300 Winchester Magnum working well for military snipers. It is capable of launching heavy bullets using exceptional precision and high speed. Furthermore, it takes pride in its supersonic speed that goes over 1,650 yards.

.22-250 Remington

The .22-250 Remington is also a superb long-range caliber that works for a lot of shooters, hunters, and survivalists out there. Many prefer it because it is flat and fast while boasting its high level of accuracy. While it comes with a somewhat low ballistic coefficient, you can still see it as a perfect choice when planning to target long-range varmints. It is even useful when targeting steel.

6.5 PRC

Upon introducing the .264 Win Mag around sixty years ago, it turned into an instant hit among shooters who have plans of extending their reach. The problem is that it also gained the reputation of burning out barrels. A better version of it, therefore, came out in the form of the 6.5 PRC. Created by Hornady, this caliber almost matches the Win Mag’s ballistics.

The only difference is that it provides such benefit only in rifles that have faster-twist barrels as well as modern powders designed to extend the life of the barrel. It can even stay supersonic over 1,600 yards. The only issue is that it has limited options for ammunition.

.338 Lapua Magnum

A lot of skilled shooters fully recognize how unbeatable the .338 Lapua Magnum is in terms of performance. The incredible performance of this long-range caliber is the reason why it has been used in building the longest sniper kills in battle, which is at a fascinating 2,707-yard distance. Originally created in the 80s for the US military, the .338 Lapua Magnum also gained popularity among civilian shooters who are looking for long-range rifles.

7mm Remington Magnum

The birth of this long-range caliber in 1962, which was prompted by Remington, is a huge success as it gained the trust of a lot of hunters and shooters who plan to stretch their range. One thing to take note of, though, is that even with its additional recoil and muzzle blast, it is still incapable of shooting any flatter compared to the majority of 6.5s. Fortunately, it will still remain supersonic when used at a distance of at least 1,400 yards. This makes it perfect for cross-canyon hunting.

.300 Weatherby Magnum

Manufactured in the 1940s as a unique and exclusive caliber for the guns created by Weatherby, the .300 Weatherby Magnum eventually turned into a staple among hunters interested in big game hunting. It works as an effective long-range caliber for them. It is speedier compared to the .300 Win Mag. It also has a bit more energy. One issue, though, is its price because it is more expensive than other long-range calibers.

26 Nosler

Introduced to the public several years ago, the 26 Nosler is also another long-range caliber worthwhile to check out. It is famous for its super-flat, blazing-fast, and incredible shooting performance. What is good about the 26 Nosler is that it has a more fine-tuned powder, case, primer, and bullet, making it almost perfect.

Don’t miss our picks for the Best Hunting Rifles

Conclusion

Investing in the best out of the many choices for long-range calibers can indeed make each of your hunting and shooting sessions more fun and exciting. If you are a survivalist, having a reliable caliber around can also increase your chance of survival during emergencies and other dangerous situations. Just make sure that your choice is not only speedy but also comfortable so you will have a hassle-free experience when you plan to use it in a long range. 

* This guest post is brought to you by our friend:
Tobias (The Geek Prepper)*

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Winchester unveiled its newest round at SHOT Show: the 350 Legend – and it’s got the community buzzing.

As a firearms and ammo manufacturer, Winchester undoubtedly feels the need to innovate, and also to keep up with the trends set by others. In doing that, a company always runs the risk of striking out on something.

Overall, Winchester has managed to make only few mistakes in what is otherwise considered to be a great ongoing run in the firearms market within the U.S., and the world.

So, what’s the deal with their newcomer, the 350 Legend?

350 Legend Winchester

This is a round based on the .223 case, but without a shoulder (straight-walled) and with no neck. It uses a .357 diameter bullet, which makes many heads turn immediately in the direction of the 357 Maximum.

The goal of this round – heck, of any round really – is to be the fastest and most powerful, while providing the deepest penetration and the least amount of recoil. Winchester claims that this round will be able to do all of that.

Obviously, some of these claims are marketing tactics, and some of their stats could be seen as them cherry-picking the right ones to display. Okay, I get that. A lot of companies do it, and that’s fair. It’s part of the business of being in business.

On the surface, it sounds as if it is too perfect, though. And let’s face it: calling the round “Legend” could seriously and ironically backfire. Don’t get me wrong, it may reveal itself as a true legend indeed, but still, something about the name irks me just a little. Let the market decide that, you know?

This round will be available in different variants:

• Deer Season XP – 150-grain Extreme Point
• Super X – 180-grain Power-Point
• Hog Special – 180-grain Power-Point
• USA White Box – 145-grain FMJ Flat Nose
• Power Max Bonded – 160-grain Bonded JHP
• Super Suppressed – 265-grain Open Tip

Some states, which until recently were primarily or exclusively shotgun zones, have been changing their regulations to include straight-walled hunting cartridges the likes of the 350 Legend. This invariably means that the cartridge will find its market, one way or another, the question is for how long?

Because it is Winchester, people will want to give it a go, and you will always find loyal consumers willing to shoot it and try it out. But is this new round necessary? Do we really need another bullet in that category? And more importantly, will it be able to deliver on its promise?

A centerfire cartridge – Winchester’s first centerfire in over a decade, if I am not mistaken – the Legend is said to outperform their own .243 round. Honestly, I didn’t see how that was a claim they could make. I spent some time digging, because I don’t know the ballistics and stats offhand, and it still doesn’t seem logical that such a bullet will be able to surpass the 243. But I am not making any claims, certainly not before firing the thing!

Based on the numbers, the 350 Legend will probably be a fine cartridge for shorter ranges, say up to 100, 150 yards. But at 200 yards – which is a distance Winchester has been citing in regards to the bullet’s effectiveness – it is possible that they are over-reaching. They claim that it will be able to perform like a 30-30, and dish out about the same amount of recoil as a 223 round.

To be clear, I am not doubting Winchester’s engineers or ballisticians, but they are marketing this cartridge as something, well, legendary, when it hasn’t been proven quite yet. Like I said, that could backfire.

Ammunition will be made available starting April 2019.

Winchester 350 Legend Rifle

In addition to the new round, Winchester is also introducing a corresponding XPR model. The new XPR Kryptek Highlander in 350 Legend is the latest addition to the XPR line of firearms. This is a line which Winchester has been manufacturing since 2015, and it is aimed particularly at hunters.

As mentioned, the 350 Legend is positioned to become a real favorite among those whose state’s hunting regulations limit them to straight-walled cartridges for hunting deer.

Other than the caliber change, this XPR is no different than its predecessors, in so much as it is seems to be another affordable, accurate, reliable, and right-off-the-bat successful piece of weaponry.

Judging by the previous XPR variants, there is a good chance that this rifle will live up to the hype, and be able to sand on its own two feet sooner than later. Winchester have always proved they know how to produce a high-quality bolt rifle, and there is no reason to think they will start failing now.

This new rifle will feature several finishes, an Inflex Technology recoil pad, a MOA trigger system, and a detachable box magazine.

• Barrel Length: 22”
• Overall Length: 42”
• Weight: 6 lbs. 12 oz
• Mag Capacity: 3

Upon release, the XPR Kryptek Highlander rifle chambered in 350 Legend will be available at a MSRP of $599.99.

Because the new 350 Legend cartridge is essentially based on the 223, there was immediately talk of who would be providing AR-style weapons chambered in that caliber. The 350 lends itself easily to AR-style platforms, but since ARs are not Winchester’s forte, someone else had to step up. And that someone was CMMG.

Shortly after Winchester introduce its newest caliber, CMMG introduced the newest addition to their line of Resolute 300 MK4 rifles, and this one was chambered in Winchester’s 350 Legend. This was all going on during SHOT Show itself, and it made me smile since I love seeing collabs take place.

The new arrival from CMMG currently has a MSRP of $1,549.95, and many of its specs are typical Resolute 300 features: superior grip and handguard, improved trigger and trigger guard, ambi controls, and CMMG’s limited lifetime warranty.

Conclusion

Will this round – and its corresponding rifles – be everything Winchester (and CMMG) claim it to be? Are we going to witness a Legend turn into a straight-up myth, and disappear?

Some may claim the 350 Legend is not a necessity. Some may say that it is all hype, and that Winchester are simply blowing smoking up people’s cans, just to make it look as if they are more advanced. I understand that claim, actually. The hype is real and the shooting crowds love it, until the product fails to meet expectations in the range and in the field.

I think we will have to wait for the spring and summer of  2019, or some considerable time after that, before we will be able to make any accurate judgements about the true nature of this cartridge.

And even then, there is still a lot to be contended with. It’s not just about the promises made by the company regarding range, ballistics, and penetration. It has to also do with budgets and with state regulations.

It seems that the 350 has a pretty tall order to fill. Will it be able to do it? I am excited to find out!

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Hornady released its 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) in the fall of 2018. This rifle cartridge is based on the 375 Ruger, and is basically a necked-down version of it. I gotta hand it to those engineers who keep finding effective ways of manipulate bullets.

The 300 Winchester Magnum is one of the most well-known (not to mention ridiculously popular) hunting cartridges around. The 300 Win Mag and its 30-cal brethren have been around for so many decades, and with good reason. So you might ask yourself: why did Hornady decide to introduce a new 30 cal (aka 7.62mm) cartridge when there are already many of them out there?

300 PRC

Originally designed by a member of Hornady’s team over a decade ago, this cartridge was thought up as a platform for launching long, heavy, match-grade bullets from a 1,000-yard bench rest. Well, that was the initial idea. Its uses are not limited to bench rest use or 1,000 yards. Far from it – literally. The company’s engineers went to work, creating a cartridge which would best facilitate the 30 cal’s attributes.

The unique design of this cartridge makes for consistently accurate and aerodynamic bullets. It is constructed in such a way that the muzzle velocity is increased. When you a are talking about long range shooting, this makes all the difference. With the proper muzzle speed, it could fly straighter and truer for longer.

I am not a ballistics expert, but I have heard it said that once you pass that 1,200-yard mark or close to that, a bullet’s velocity begins to drop at considerable rates, and its own independent ballistics sort-of take over. Something to that effect. This is why teams put so much thought into the cartridge angles, bullet design and weight, and the amounts of powder used to launch the projectile.

Hornady is currently selling two versions of their 300 PRC: the 225 grain in their “Match” series, and and the 212 grain in their “Precision Hunter” series.

You could go to any gun shop, online or offline, and purchase 300 Win Mag or 300 RUM cartridges, for instance. There is nothing wrong with those two examples of a 30 cal, but some shooters claim the older models won’t necessarily be able to make the most of heavier, longer bullets. This is precisely why Hornady decided to create the 300 PRC. They saw a need and wanted to supply the cartridge which will answer it.

The main reason why Hornady’s new 300 PRC is making news is because it is new.

The 300 magnum cartridges I mentioned above – and others in the 30 cal category – can indeed be used in a wide range of scenarios, and they will work just fine (most likely, unless there is something wrong).

If you are getting into the long-range precision game, though, you need a cartridge which compliments your system to a greater degree, and which has the potential for providing you with the best results, in a consistent manner. This is where the 300 PRC comes in, according to its makers. This is what makes it different.

Is the 300 PRC all hype? Hornady is marketing this new cartridge as one that can do more, but honestly it probably isn’t that different than other 300 magnum cartridges which we know and love. By all means, don’t take anyone’s word for it. The only way you can know if your system works better with such cartridges is to shoot them. No amount of reviews or testimonials will replace a positive or negative shooting experience.

The price of these new cartridges is $45 or so, and they come in the standard 20 units per box.

The cartridge has just been released, but some companies already have designated 300 PRC rifles out there.

300 PRC Rifle

Barrett’s Multi-Role Adaptive Design (MRAD) long-range sniper system is based on their celebrated Barrett Model 98B, a rifle which was first produced in 2008. The MRAD was first introduced in 2013, and it is capable of quick caliber changes while using the same chassis. Also, the addition of a folding stock, cheek rest, and adjustable buttstock make it very desirable and versatile.

Recently, late in 2018, Barrett was awarded a government contract to produce MRAD systems chambered in Hornady’s 300 PRC for the Department of Defense. This is still early in the works, but it seems that Hornady’s new cartridge is already making a name for itself. The 300 PRC needs some more time on the civilian market, for sure, and this co-op (so to speak) with Barrett is a great way for it to gain positive attention. Will it live up to the hype? We will have to wait it out and see.

Right now, Barrett is offering 300 PRC conversion kits for the existing MRAD platform. Two models are currently available:

• 300 PRC stainless fluted 26” barrel conversion kit
• 300 PRC carbon fiber wrapped 26” barrel conversion kit

The MSRP for these kits is not up yet, but judging by the price of their previous conversion kits, it would be approximately $1500 for stainless, and about $2400 for carbon fiber. But that’s just a guess.

Conclusion

Is the 300 PRC different than other 30 cal cartridges out there? For many shooters and hunters, the answer may be a simple “nope, it isn’t.” After all, we’re talking about a 300 magnum round based on the 375 Ruger, which itself is based on older types of 300-esque cartridges that have been around for many decades.

Just as a consideration: lots of different wildcat cartridges (in the 300 as well) have come out over the years. Many times they don’t stick around, or perhaps they gather a hardcore group of shooters who use a specific system which complements that wildcat.

The 300 PRC is no wildcat, but it will still come down to the public. Marketing isn’t everything, and neither is a government contract. If the public doesn’t see a significant return on its investment, I don’t think they will continue to purchase and fire these rounds.

The military will also have its say, of course, but civilian settings and military settings differ greatly. Also, like it or not, sometimes there is a lot of politics involved in getting these government contracts. Maybe not in every single one of them, but there is no denying that there are times when that is just how things work.

Good luck, 300 PRC!

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There is a third cartridge which has more recently been introduced to the fray, and that is the .300 ACC (Advanced Armament Corporation) Blackout 7.62x35mm, also known as 300 BLK or 300 AAC Blackout, which was first developed in 2009. This is an overview of this relatively new and interesting cartridge.

300 ACC Blackout

The 5.56mm is a fast-moving and accurate round. The Soviet 7.62 is heavier and more durable. Many armed forces around the world worked (and continue to work) on creating a cartridge which could truly be called ‘combat optimal’. A cartridge which embodies the best of both of those worlds, and which could also be used with a suppressor.

The 300 BLK was initially developed for use with the M4 (the newer and lighter version of the M16). The idea was to utilize the existing AR15 system and magazines, but provide them with a cartridge which packs a punch similar to that of the Soviet 7.62x39mm, and which also shares more of the 7.62’s ballistic characteristics.

With close-quarter combat and intense urban warfare becoming more of the norm, the U.S. Army was looking for a round which could potentially replace the 5.56mm cartridge. it was Remington Defense which answered that call, along with the AAC. That was their goal, anyway, when they set out to develop a new cartridge in 2009. Using the 300 Whisper as a basis for their design, they produced the .300 AAC Blackout, and in 2011 they standardized it.

When companies and individuals were experimenting with cartridges closer to the 7.62x39mm, they found that the AR15 platform was not up to the task. There was trouble with pressure, with feeding, and with the resulting strain and wear on the rifle’s inner organs. While there are AR15s which can fire a Soviet 7.62 cartridge, those were not the kinds of rifles which the U.S. military wanted to deal with. Those ARs don’t perform as well, by and large, and the Army was after something with better functionality.

Nowadays, the cartridge is becoming steadily popular. Hunters, Second Amendment enthusiasts, and military groups/forces are all becoming more interested in the 30 BLK. Like any cartridge, it has benefits and drawbacks. Nobody is saying this is that optimal round that AAC were hoping to create. On the other hand, there is no denying that it has had a substantial impact on the world of rifle cartridges ever since it was introduced less than a decade ago.

To be clear – I have no doubt in my mind that some of this success has to do with Remington/Freedom Group’s well-oiled marketing machine. Nevertheless, there is merit to it, maybe a lot of merit. I mean, if the cartridge didn’t deliver on its promise, at least to some percentage of the shooting population, it would have been collecting dust on shelves and would eventually be taken off the market. That’s business.

As for the future of this cartridge: so far, the 300 Blackout has seen limited action in the U.S. Armed Forces, but there is talk of conversions being done to the older M4 units, and it was made known that in 2017 SOCOM was looking to get more involved with the 300 Blackout.

300 Blackout Ammo

Over 100 companies make cartridges and/or loading components for the 300 Blackout. Here are some of the brands which have been receiving praise from 300 AAC Blackout shooters. Your mileage may definitely vary, depending on your activity: it could be hunting, plinking/training, home defense, what have you.

• Hornady – Available in a variety of grains and also with subsonic capabilities, Hornady has its own Hornady BLACK series dedicated to 300 BLK, and it also sells 300 Blackout cartridges within its American Gunner and Custom series.
• Remington – Obviously, one of the more popular brands is also the brand that helped the cartridge emerge in the first place. Big Green offers match grade, copper jacketed, and several grain loads to choose from, in supersonic or subsonic.
  
• Winchester –Like the previous two brands mentioned, Winchester has also produced different variants of the 300 Blackout cartridge. Subsonic, supersonic, deer season-oriented, training/plinking-oriented, and more.

When you come down to it, this is a highly versatile cartridge. This is part of why it is gaining so much attention. In some situations, you could claim there are better kinds of ammo, sure. And you won’t be wrong, either. But overall, the 300 BLK is good for many practical applications.

300 Blackout Hunting

This question comes up often when the 300 BLK is mentioned: yeah, but can you hunt with it? My immediate response to that – and similar questions – is yes. Yes, you can. But just because you can, doesn’t always mean you should. I often think of Chris Rock, who said you could drive your car with your feet if you wanted to, but that doesn’t make it a good idea!

The most important thing to remember about hunting – in my opinion anyway – is that no matter the range, no matter the weapon, no matter the cartridge, no matter the clothing… it is the operator who is in charge. If you know where to place your shot, the animal will go down, period. You can go into debates over ethical harvesting, etc., but the point remains. “One shot – one kill” is not a saying reserved for snipers, assassins, and Call of Duty players.

While it is not a simple “good or bad” “yes or no” question and answer, there are indeed rounds which will give you more of an edge in the field. Shooting supersonic rounds can provide you with a longer viable range and greater punch. The 300 BLK’s ability to work with 223-based hunting rifles is another thing which adds to the cartridge’s versatility and desirability.

Some states have unique restrictions, so you’ll need to do your research as always, but overall, you can say that the supersonic 300 BLK cartridges (or at least some of them) were manufactured with hunting also in mind – like Winchester’s Deer Season series. At some point, I read an article which said that the 300 BLK is quickly becoming the next go-to deer cartridge. Could be. Time will tell. It is certainly continuously drawing attention from civilian and military folk alike.

300 Blackout Ballistics

A 5.56-like bullet with the ballistic capabilities of a 7.62-like bullet, shot out of a short and/or suppressed barrel – this, or something close to this, was probably the idea that was guiding the designers of this round, ballistically-speaking. With the 300 Blackout, you are able to use it to great effect in suppressed or CQ situations. You can fire this round out of a much shorter barrel, without compromising its ballistic integrity or its resulting takedown power. That said, it is important to approach any ballistic comparison on a case-by-case basis, because (for instance) the differences between the subsonic and supersonic cartridges are many.

This next tidbit was offered to me by someone on a gun forum a while back, and it really stuck with me: life is not a ballistics test. Ballistics tests are ballistics tests. That’s that. I am paraphrasing, but that was the gist of it. And he touched on a major point there.

No block of gel or similar apparatus will effectively emulate what goes on when that round hits flesh, bone, and organs. This changes all the time, and is based on many variables, so you can never measure it – or it results – in the same way. It’s like that philosopher who said you can never step into the same river twice.

Ballistics tests and evaluations do have their place, of course. They count for a lot. But when you are surprised by some game while you are hunting, or if you find yourself in a situation where you need to defend yourself or your loved ones  – all of that ballistics stuff usually goes right out the window, with most of us, anyway..

I am not looking to put the charts down, because as they say – the numbers do not lie. I am simply saying that more than anything, it comes down to training and shot placement, whatever the scenario. I am not exactly a physics major, and I haven’t done the tests, but it might be of use to some to attach the ballistics chart (words and table taken from Wikipedia):

The 300 AAC Blackout was designed to achieve energies similar to the 7.62×39mm Soviet in an AR-15 while using standard AR magazines at their full capacity.

Maximum estimated combat effective range = 460 meters (503 yd) 125 grain supersonic. Maximum effective range tested = 800 meters.

300 Blackout vs 223

The cases used for the 300 BLK can be potentially created by taking standard 223 cases, and manipulating them to fit the 300 BLK system. The only thing you need to change in order to convert your 5.56 M16 rifle to a 300 BLK M16 rifle is the barrel, and possibly the muzzle break. Otherwise, they are quite similar.

Standard 223 magazines can be used for 300 BLK cartridges, and this was something which the makers of the 300 BLK were going for. This remains a great selling point for the 300 BLK. The 300 Blackout also offers better control of recoil than the 223, when considering the weight of the cartridge.

300 Blackout vs 308

The 308 Winchester round was the forerunner of the 7.62x51m NATO cartridge, and it is also a powerful cartridge. The main reason why people seek the 308 Win is probably due to its punch. However, the 308 Win will only operate with an AR-10 system, which comes with increased weight and is less common than the more standard and popular AR-15 system. For home defense, the 300 BLK will usually be better (great at short distances/short barrels), but the 308 has a longer effective range.

For hunting, either cartridge will do, and both can be used – and are used – for medium-sized game. The options for 300 BLK hunting rifles seem to be more limited than those of the 308, probably since the 308 Win has been around for much longer, and therefore has a larger selection. As for cost of ammo, the 308 is usually cheaper and more widely available than the 300 BLK, but that is a highly dynamic situation, as we know.

Ultimately, the selection between 300 BLK and 308 Win will depend on the intended use. You need to evaluate your wants and needs, and see which chambering better fits your personal situation. Both are good at what they do.

300 Blackout vs 5.56

This is the place where price is the first thing to be taken into consideration. The price of 300 BLK ammo can be higher than 5.56mm, and usually by a considerable margin. If price is not an issue, and you enjoy shooting the 300 BLK cartridge, then nothing should stop you from purchasing or building a 300 Blackout chambered rifle and using its appropriate ammo.

Speaking of the ammo: is it possible to mix things up and put the wrong cartridges in your rifle? Yes, and the results could be disastrous. Just look it up. Not pretty. But, this is where individual responsibility comes into the picture.

There are some who claim that the 300 BLK cartridge is borderline unsafe, simply due to potential of operator errors. But honestly, that potential is always there. I am sorry, but if you aren’t responsible enough to separate your ammo and (perhaps mark and) load your magazines properly, maybe you shouldn’t be firing such a weapon in the first place?

300 Blackout AR

Some manufacturers have developed rifles around the 300 Blackout cartridge (or its older wildcat brother, the 300 Whisper), and more firearms companies are joining their ranks with each passing year. Here are just a few of the top brands for an AR-style 300 Blackout-chambered rifle.

• Bushmaster XM-15 ORC 300 Blackout
  • 16” barrel
  • Overall length 36.25”
  • Weight 7.28 lbs
  • MSRP $929
    
• Springfield Armory Saint .300 BLK
  • 9” barrel
  • Overall length 27.75”
  • Weight 5.9 lbs
  • MSRP $989
    
    
• Smith & Wesson M&P15 300 Whisper
  • 16” barrel
  • Overall length 35”
  • Weight 6.6 lbs
  • MSRP $1119
    
• SIG Sauer MCX VIRTUS Patrol
  • 16” barrel
  • Overall length 35.5”
  • Weight 7.9 lbs
  • MSRP $ 2233

Obviously, those are just a few. A drop in the proverbial bucket. But they represent three solid choices, ranging from more affordable to, well, not as affordable. Some say that if you are going to go with a rifle-sized barrel, just skip the middleman and go for the 7.62x51mm NATO. Why go through all that trouble? Again, I feel this comes back to the 300 BLK’s ability to be suppressed and be fired as subsonic ammo. If this is not a concern of yours, it may not be what you are looking for. I am thinking long-term, here.

300 Blackout Pistol

For those of who do not wish to convert a rifle to an SBR, there are always options in the pistol department. An AR pistol, as opposed to an AR rifle or SBR, does not have a stock, and possess a barrel shorter than 16”. This puts it in another classification – that of a pistol – and this effectively exempts the operator from declaring anything SBR-related to the ATF.

Do your research anyway, before purchasing or building any firearm which may resemble an SBR in one way or another. You don’t want to land yourself in a long-term Federal vacation for not correctly measuring the overall length of your firearm.

Here are a few of the top AR-pistol brands which are offered in 300 Blackout.

• Spike’s 300 BLACKOUT
  • 8.3” barrel
  • Overall length  24.5”
  • Weight 5.2 lbs
  • MSRP $1040
• SIG Sauer Rattler
  • 5.5” barrel
  • Overall length 19.3
  • Weight 5.1 lbs
  • MSRP $2719

• Daniel Defense DDM4V7P
  • 10.3” barrel
  • Overall length 28.5”
  • Weight 5.44 lbs
  • MSRP $1679
    
• Barrett REC7 DI
  • 10.25” barrel
  • Overall length 30.5”
  • Weight 5.5 lbs
  • MSRP $1699
    

300 Blackout Upper

In many cases, you don’t want to invest in a brand new rifle. Maybe you don’t have the time or the money. Maybe you like your lower setup as it is. Maybe you just want to have the option of a secondary setup. If you are thinking of building your own or converting an existing rifle, here are several uppers in 300 BLK for your consideration: one rifle-length and several pistol (SBR) length.

• Brownell’s .300BLK AR-15 Complete Upper
  • 16” barrel
  • MSRP $425.99

• Tactical Solutions TSAR-300 Upper
  • 11” barrel
  • MSRP $1150

• Daniel Defense DDM4 300 S
  • 10.3” barrel
  • MSRP $1154

• Radical Firearms 300 AAC Blackout Upper
  • 10.5” barrel
  • MSRP$ 249.95
    • The reason this one is significantly cheaper is that it is not a complete drop-in item. It lacks a bolt carrier group, a charging handle, and sights.

300 Blackout Barrel

As previously mentioned, all you need to change in your current AR system – if you want to convert your 5.56 AR rifle to 300 BLK – is a barrel. The upper receivers I just mentioned all have their place, sure. They are probably for those who are more interested in building from the ground up.

So, barrels. One of the main attributes of the 300 BLK is its ability to be shot from a 9” barrel without compromising its ballistics. It peaks right out of a 9” barrel, as opposed to 5.56mm. So, with that in mind, you need to find a barrel which will be able to not only possess the correct chambering (obviously), but also be one which you can legally fit onto your build or rifle. Remember those guys from the ATF and the NFA? Yeah, I’ll bring them up again, because it is of the utmost importance.

Feds aside, here are a few barrels to consider, if you are in the market for a 300 BLK barrel, as opposed to an upper receiver or a complete firearm. Laws and regulations aside, here are a few barrels to consider if you are in the market for a 300 BLK barrel, as opposed to an upper receiver or a complete firearm.

• Daniel Defense 10.3” 300 BLK
  • 1.25 lbs
  • Chrome Moly Vanadium
  • MSRP $289

• Rainier Arms 10.5” Ultramatch Mod 2
  • 1 lbs
  • Stainless steel
  • Includes gas block tin extension
  • MSRP $344.95

• Aero Precision 10” .300 Blackout
  • 1.3 lbs
  • Chrome Moly Vanadium
  • MSRP $189.99

Incidentally, there is a debate over the desired length. Many shooters agree that 9” to 10.5” is probably the best barrel length for a 300 BLK cartridge. Some are happy with a 7.5” barrel. The jury is not in yet. In fact, guess what? YOU are the judge, jury, and executioner. It’s all a question of trial and error. Get to the range and see how you do.

Conclusion

The 300 BLK is a wildcat turned standard. That is an impressive thing all on its own. Regardless of the companies and manufacturers, it speaks to the power of the cartridge as a standalone piece of modern engineering. As I said, different people and companies are working on producing the most combat effective round. Is there such a thing? Will we discover one before cartridges are replaced with lasers, and knives are replaced with lightsabers? Who’s to say. In the meantime, the 300 BLK is continuing to climb up the hierarchy of contemporary cartridges.

AAC and Remington can be proud of their creation. As can the designers and creators of the 300 Whisper, really. The AR15 platform and the newer M4 have been in the service of military groups and civilians for many years now. There are those who say that the platform is on its deathbed, and that there are no new innovations in sight. Maybe, but the 300 BLK is showing the world that there is still a lot which the AR15 and M4 platforms have to offer the hunters, fighters, and home-defenders of the world.

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Table of Contents

• Ammo
• Bullets
• Ballistics Calculator
• Critical Defense
• Bullet Cam
• Load Data
• Critical Duty
• Rapid Safe
• SST
• Conclusion

This is a company which was founded in the 40s by Joyce Hornady, who partnered up with Vernon Speer to start producing jackets for bullets. Having good foresight and proper business in instincts, Hornady bought equipment off the U.S. after the Second World War and began manufacturing high-quality ammunition. Later, in the 60s, the company began manufacturing several style cartridges for all kinds of rifles and pistols. The company’s motto is “Accurate. Deadly. Dependable.”, and you can say without a doubt that they have lived up to those three words. Hornady is based in Grand Island, NB, and they are one of the United States’ finest manufacturers of equipment and info on reloading/handloading components and ammunition.

Hornady Ammo

The company produces centerfire and rimfire ammunition for handguns, rifles, and shotguns of all calibers. Whether for varmints under 50 lbs., small game, medium or large game, or target shooting/match grade ammo – Hornady has got you covered.

Hornady Bullets

Bullets are a component in a cartridge, and they are basically the tip, the projectile. The cartridge is the name given to the entire package which includes the primer, the case, the bullet, etc.

Rifle bullets are ranged from .172” caliber to .510”.

Handguns bullets are ranged from .308” to .500”.

Hornady also has buckshots for sale: 00 buckshot, 000 buckshot, and #4 buckshot.

There are gas checks for sale, which go on as you cast your own cartridges, and seal in gases to protect the base’s structural integrity. It makes the bullet that much more powerful on impact, and enhances its overall performance.

Ballistics Calculator

The Hornady website has a nice little feature which enables you to calculate your ideal trajectory, depending on the distance, the ammo, and the firearm itself. Available in standard and metric measurements, the ballistic calculator may be able to save you time, money, and energy on your next hunting trip or your next plinking session.

There is a separate calculator available for longer distances, and it factors in many more variables, such as: the environmental changes such as wind speed, humidity, altitude, temperature, and air pressure; the bullet’s velocity, bore diameter, and barrel twist; and the firearm’s angle and sight height. If you want to get answers, this is one of the more comprehensive civilian ballistic calculators you can consult with.

Hornady Critical Defense 9mm

In 2008, Hornady introduced its Critical Defense line of ammunition, consisting of .380 ACP, .38 Special, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and many more popular – and less popular – calibers. Basically, it is a line designed explicitly for small, concealed carry, self-defense handguns. The 9mm Critical Defense round is probably their most popular, and it is available in 9X18 Makarov, and the ever-popular 9X19mm Parabellum. Later on, in 2015, the line was joined by the arrival of Critical Defense Lite, which added light-weighted 9mm bullets to the mix, weighing in at 100g, as opposed to the ordinary 115g. Less weight meant less recoil.

Hornady Bullet cam

In 2017, Vortex and Hornady teamed up for a memorable April Fools gag which had everybody talking. The idea is precisely what it sounds like – a camera installed on a bullet, which can give you live video feed as it sores to the target or misses it completely.

The 3-minute video they put out was pretty cool, had decent acting, quality dialogue, and great production value, and also – unless you know something about firearms and optics – it was totally believable. Honestly, I wouldn’t put it past someone to invent that, but at least for now, it is quite impossible.

Still, a very nice and memorable April Fools joke from Vortex and Hornady. May more companies learn to let their hair down a bit every now and then!

“Only $99.99 for 10 rounds!”

Load data

Being a company which is also dedicated to providing the public with information, supplies, and equipment regarding reloading, every so often Hornady will release a version of their Handbook of Cartridge Reloading. This is a comprehensive guide to everything a reloader needs to know, and it deals with every aspect of the process. The 10th edition of the handbook was released in 2017.

The company website’s ‘Load Data’ page publishes information which did not make it into the most recent handbook, and it primarily has bullets which became available after the latest version has been made public. The handbook is available in printed hardcover or ebook format, and includes over 1000 pages of information for the hand loader. It is the result of countless hours, rounds, loads, and individuals who have contributed to the Hornady line. Whatever didn’t make it, for whatever reason, can be found on the site’s Load Data page.

Hornady Critical Duty

The Critical Duty is a round meant for chambers ranging from 9mm to .45 ACP. It is a bullet meant for on-duty/tactical use. It differs from the Critical Defense in the fact that it is designed – more than anything – for full-sized, law-enforcement handguns. But there is an additional feature which makes it even more appealing to law-enforcement: the bullet’s InterLock band. It binds the core and the jacket together, and ensures maximal retention of weight on impact, resulting in more focused transfer of energy. These rounds cannot be reloaded. Hornady does not sell these as a standalone bullet for handloading, but only as a cartridge. The bullet itself is available at online retailers and gun shops across the country.

Hornady Rapid Safe

Firearms mean – or should mean – security and responsibility. Part of that duo is keeping your self-defense gun protected, yet accessible. The Hornady RapiD series of gun safes includes touch-free entry, plus key access, safety mechanisms which comply with the strictest of standards, heavy-duty construction, and an easy-to-mount design. The series includes the following models (Numbers obtained from hornady.com):

Hornady SST

The Super Shock Tip (SST) bullet was first introduced in 1998, and it was engineered for hunting purposes. With a wide range of calibers to choose from (.243” to .338”), it is a bullet which – true to its name – delivers a great shock and then rapidly expands, in order to make for a quick and efficient kill. The series is ideal for medium and large game, but there are also bullets in this product line which will be fit for varmints, small game, or even African-plain-type-of-dangerous game.

Conclusion

For 70 years now, Hornady has been supplying the public – as well as law-enforcement – with high-quality products and gear. Any faults to be found? Of course. Like any company in this business, the standards are strict and occasionally there will be a recall.

According to the company website, Hornady’s bankers thought the idea was sure to be a flop. A business which sells bullets for reloaders? Please. But Hornady was sure of it: there are others out there who want to be able to afford cheaper practice ammunition. He saw a need and filled it, and that is Business 101.

Now lead by Steve Hornady, Joyce’s son, it is known as a company you can trust through and through. Whether you use their rounds on varmints, game, targets made of paper, or ones wearing masks and walking out of a nearby bank, carrying sinister looks and big canvas bags with dollar signs on them – they are a great choice for your firearm.

Thanks for joining us here at Gunivore!

You may also enjoy our Top 5 Self Defense Handgun Calibers & Ammo

The post Hornady Manufacturing Company Review appeared first on Gunivore.

Table of Contents

• 22 WMR
• 22 WMR vs 22LR
• Pistol
• Revolver
• Rifle
• Ammo
• Conclusion

22 WMR is a misunderstood cartridge but we want to change that, especially considering its remarkable versatility. The powerful round can be seen all over the world, particularly among hunters, in a variety of firearms. In addition to all sorts of rifles, 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire is now available for several pistols and revolvers. The American round was prized for its ability to cleanly take down small-medium game at up to 125 yards. So let’s get to it and take a closer look at the popular rimfire cartridge.

22 WMR

22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, also known as 22 Magnum, is a traditional American cartridge that is seeing a major comeback. Winchester began marketing the rimfire cartridge back in the 1960’s, though Marlin had the first rifle capable of chambering the new round. Nevertheless, Winchester soon manufactured the Model 61 to handle their new proprietary ammo, followed by models from Ruger, Savage Arms, and Smith & Wesson. 22 WMR quickly became a popular cartridge for hunting because it provided shooters with cleaner kills, due to its high kinetic energy output. In fact, Winchester initially loaded their 22 Magnum cartridges with 40 grains to achieve around 2,000 ft/s velocity. However, most 22 WMR is now loaded with up to 50 grains, resulting in velocity up to 1,550 ft/s and muzzle energy up to 300 ft.lbf.

22LR vs 22 WMR

People tend to confuse 22 WMR with 22LR but there are several key differences. While 22LR is the most common round in the world, 22 Magnum is making a big comeback. While each of these cartridges can be found in both handguns and long guns, their ideal purposes are quite different. Though 22LR is often used for recreational shooting and pest control, 22 WMR is a popular choice for small-midsize game hunting and home defense. Winchester utilized their 22 WRF (developed in 1890) cartridge as the parent case for 22 WMR but added a bit more length to reach 1.35”. On the other hand, 22LR can be traced back to the 1880’s and is noticeably shorter and usually lighter.

22 Magnum Pistol

22 WMR was initially only available for single-shot, bolt-action, and repeating rifles until the mid-1990’s. Eventually, a few newcomers to the market debuted semi-auto pistols chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum, including Kel-Tec and Grendel. Since then, some of the biggest names in the industry have introduced 22 Magnum pistols. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best models available.

Kel Tec PMR 30

Kel-Tec is one of the most revolutionary gunmakers in the industry and the PMR-30 is just one of their many innovative designs. The hybrid blowback action pistol may be unconventional, but it has garnered a pretty solid reputation. In addition to their steel-polymer hybrid construction, the PMR-30s feature long accessory rails, 30-round double-stack mags, and are even pre-drilled for mounting optics.

• Model: Kel-Tec PMR-30
• Caliber: 22 WMR
• Capacity: 30+1
• Barrel Length: 4.3”
• Overall Length: 7.9”
• Weight: 14 oz.
• Finish: Black Polymer, Stainless Steel
• MSRP: $454

Volquartsen Scorpion

Volquartsen is a family-owned business that has been producing top-shelf firearms since the 1970’s and continues to impress. Although they are still somewhat obscure, they have done wonders in perfecting semi-automatic pistol accuracy. This dedication to refining firearms is best observed with their Scorpion and its state-of-the-art design and performance. In addition to their factory-installed Hogue grips, these 22 Magnum shooters also feature competition bolts, Picatinny rails, and Type III hard anodized finishes.

• Model: Volquartsen Scorpion
• Caliber: 22 WMR
• Capacity: 9+1
• Barrel Length: 6”
• Overall Length: 10.5”
• Weight: 3 lbs. 12 oz.
• Finish: Black Nitride
• MSRP: $1,800

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Build It Better leaves no room for shortcuts, it requires hard work and dedication. @christmasabbott & her Battleworn Scorpion show what #builditbetter is all about. 📸creds: @ynotdigital

A post shared by Volquartsen Firearms (@volquartsen_firearms) on Dec 29, 2017 at 8:31am PST

22 Magnum Revolver

22 Magnum revolvers are becoming more and more popular especially now that more people are relying on wheel guns for their CCW. Some of the biggest names in the industry now produce 22 WMR revolvers so there’s no shortage of options to pick from. In addition to home defense, many Americans are using these powerful firearms for a variety of hunting purposes.

Don’t forget to check out our picks for the Top 5 Concealed Carry Revolvers

Ruger LCR

The 22 WMR Ruger is one nifty little snub nose revolver that is taking the market by storm. Besides for their highly ergonomic Hogue grips, they also feature friction reducing cams, stainless steel cylinders, and high-strength PVD finishes. Overall, LCR owners can expect smooth trigger pulls, reduced recoil, and remarkable handling and durability.

• Model: Ruger LCR
• Caliber: 22 WMR
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel Length: 1.87”
• Overall Length: 6.5”
• Weight: 16.6 oz.
• Finish: Matte Black
• MSRP: $579

S&W Model 351C

Smith and Wesson has been producing incredible firearms for over 150 years and has been a staple in the 22 Magnum niche for years. While S&W may have a massive selection of firearms in their arsenal, they are a core component in the revolver industry. Since the 1950s, Smith and Wesson J-Frame revolvers have been making noteworthy sales and they continue to impress far into the 21st century. The Model 351 C is one of these fine firearms, notable for its hammerless design, astonishing durability, and compact build.

• Model: S&W Model 351 C
• Caliber: 22 WMR
• Capacity: 7
• Barrel Length: 1.87”
• Overall Length: 6.3”
• Weight: 11.5 oz.
• Finish: Matte Black, Aluminum Alloy, Stainless Steel
• MSRP: $689

What holster do you use? #edc #2a #ccw #smithandwesson #GetToKnowYourCustomersDay pic.twitter.com/Dsc0HzLn4O

— Smith & Wesson Corp. (@SmithWessonCorp) July 19, 2018

22 Magnum Rifle

22 Magnum Rifles go back several decades but have come a long way since the Marlin Model 57M. Nowadays, you can find a wide variety of long guns from a small selection of premier manufacturers. In addition to mainstays like Smith & Wesson and Winchester, Henry Arms has become a go-to for 22 WMR lovers. In fact, Henry Arms boasts a pretty sweet collection of traditionally-designed lever-action rifles. Although it’s hard to pick just one, I can’t help but love the Golden Boy lever-action. Besides for their stunning Brasslite receivers, these Henry rifles also feature octagonal barrels and have even been voted “Gun of the Year”.

• Model: Henry Golden Boy
• Caliber: 22 WMR
• Capacity: 12 Rounds
• Barrel Length: 20.5”
• Overall Length: 39”
• Weight: 6.75 lbs.
• Finish: Brasslite, American Walnut
• MSRP: $625

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The American West has been tamed, but the frontier spirit lives on in those who choose Henry Rifles 🌵 Photo courtesy of @_benchristensen📸 #henryusa #wildwest #leveraction #cowboy #henryrifles #outdoors #ranch #outdoorsman #americanmade #firearms #hunters #madeinamerica #USA #gear #outdoorlife #freedom #firearmphotography #wild #gunsofinstagram #cowgirl #hunters

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22 Magnum Ammo

Although 22LR is far cheaper and more available than 22 Magnum, the latter is growing more every day. Keep in mind that the Winchester cartridge is more common in places where hunting is popular since that is its primary use. While 22 WMR rounds were almost exclusively built with flat bullet noses, many ammo manufacturers are now adding polymer plastic tips to their cartridges. Nevertheless, many shooters prefer to handload their 22 WMR rounds to their precise specs. Although many 22 WMR fans opt for Winchester’s ammo, there are a few other noteworthy brands including Hornady, CCI, and Remington.

Conclusion

Overall, we can now see that 22 WMR has had an unusual road to get to where it is today, but the future looks bright. Between rifles, pistols, and revolvers, there is no shortage of 22 Magnum firearms to choose from, but that wasn’t always the case. Nowadays, these rounds are growing in popularity among hunters and home defense shooters, but some folks are even introducing it into competition shooting.

We hope you enjoyed this Gunivore Review
Don’t forget to tell us about your favorite 22 Mag firearms and ammo in the comments!

The post 22 Magnum Overview appeared first on Gunivore.

Aguila Mini Shells

The Aguila Mini Shells are becoming increasingly popular, especially thanks to a surge in tactical shotgun manufacturing. Many shooters are pairing these shells with the Mossberg Shockwave and it seems to be a match made in heaven. The Shockwave is a great scattergun and is specifically outstanding for home defense. Chambering your Mossberg with Minishells provides users with 10 12 gauge rounds, which is no small accomplishment.

I’ve heard tons of complaints about these shells and feeding problems, due to their small size. Fortunately, this problem has been quickly resolved by OPSol. This Texas-based company produces the Mini-Clip, which enables specific shotguns to flawlessly cycle 1.75” shells.

OPSol’s life-saving accessory is super affordable but has recently seen some issues with online retailers. As of now, the Mini-Clip fits the Maverick 88 and the Mossberg 500, 590, 590A1, and Shockwave. Aguila currently manufactures their famous Minishell in buckshot, slug, and birdshot. They also are the only company to produce minishells powerful enough for hunting and defense purposes. In fact, the 12 gauge buckshot round travels at 1,200 ft/sec while the slug shells have a velocity of 1,250 ft/sec.

12 Gauge Mini Shells

Minishells are especially sought after because they can potentially double your shotgun’s capacity. Nevertheless, there are actually many other reasons why you should consider chambering minishells. For starters, these innovative rounds significantly reduce recoil. This makes shotgun shooting much easier and safer for older, recoil-sensitive, or youth shooters.

Conclusion

Overall, minishells are a great addition to any shotgun owner’s collection. In addition to upping your gun’s capacity, these shells are also much easier to shoot, ultimately increasing your control and accuracy. Although they may be slightly less powerful than full-size cartridges, there are still plenty of reasons to check out Aguila and their impressive collection of ammo.

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You may also enjoy our Top 5 Self-Defense Handgun Calibers & Ammo

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Table of Contents

• Colt 1911 Delta Elite
• Glock 20
• Kimber TLE II
• Sig P220 Legion
• KRISS Vector
• 10mm vs 357
• 10mm vs 9mm
• 10mm vs 45 ACP
• Ammo

10mm Auto is considered one of the more niche calibers in the firearms community, but it is seeing a huge resurgence lately. The powerful cartridge was originally developed in the 80’s and would go on to become the FBI’s go-to round. While the centerfire cartridge was initially marketed for the Bren Ten handgun – an American variant of the popular CZ-75 – the FBI went on to use it with a small variety of firearms including the MP5, Colt 1911, and the infamous Tommy Gun.

After several years in the field, the FBI determined the 10mm to have too much recoil to be effective, which led to the development of the .40 S&W cartridge. Currently, the formidable caliber is mostly used by civilians for hunting, home defense, and tactical uses, but is still seldom used by select government bodies around the world. In fact, there’s a Danish patrol force which uses it to defend against polar bears in Northeast Greenland. So let’s get down to it and take a look at some of the most promising 10mm firearms on the market.

10mm 1911 Colt Delta Elite

The Colt 1911 was one of the first handguns to utilize the commanding cartridge back in the 1980’s, with their ever-impressive Delta Elite Series. While the 1911 is arguably one of the most iconic and traditional pistols ever made, Colt surprisingly comes out with slight variations every once in a while, which somehow improves their timeless classic. If you fancy 1911’s, then you ought to check out the Delta Elite Rail, a dynamic pistol with supreme durability, incredible power, and now offering users the ability to attach accessories.

• Model: Delta Elite Rail
• Caliber: 10mm Auto
• Capacity: 8+1
• Barrel Length: 5”
• Overall Length: 8.5”
• Height: 5.5”
• Width: 1.25”
• Weight: 2.4 lbs. (38 oz.)
• Finish: Stainless Steel
• Sights: FT: Novak White Dot RR: Novak Low Mount Carry
• MSRP: $1,299

Glock 20 Gen 4

Few firearms have as solid of a reputation as Glocks, but many shooters completely ignore the G20. Unlike the bulky steel 1911s, the Glock 20 is made with hi-tech polymers which keep weight down and significantly increase overall control and handling. As an added bonus, these Glocks offers a sweet modular grip system, high capacity mags, adjustable sights, and even comes with an integral accessory rail forward of the trigger guard. While these may look like a standard Glock on the surface, the G20 can take your tactical, home defense, and hunting game to the next level. Where many companies have failed to craft a handgun capable of wielding the authoritative 10mm cartridge, the Glock 20 Gen 4 is a pleasant surprise.

• Model: Glock 20 Gen 4
• Caliber: 10mm Auto
• Capacity: 15+1
• Barrel Length: 4.6”
• Overall Length: 8”
• Height: 5.5”
• Width: 1.3”
• Weight: 39.5 oz.
• Finish: Black Polymer
• Sights: Adjustable 2-Dot Rear, Fixed Front
• MSRP: $649

10mm Kimber TLE II

Kimber is not the most common handgun manufacturer in the industry, but their collection of premium pistols is just too impressive to ignore. Kimber is most famous for their innovative snub-nosed revolvers and top-shelf 1911s, but they are making a case for the best 10mm pistol on the market. The Kimber Custom TLE II (Tactical Law Enforcement) is the 1911 of the future, featuring one hell of a trigger, gorgeous aesthetics, and above-average ergonomics.

• Model: Kimber Custom TLE II
• Caliber: 10mm Auto
• Capacity: 7+1
• Barrel Length: 5”
• Overall Length: 8.7”
• Height: 5.25”
• Width: 1.28”
• Weight: 38 oz.
• Finish: Matte Black Steel
• Sights: Fixed Low-Profile 3-dot Tritium Night Sights
• MSRP: $1,007

Sig P220 Legion Full-Size

While the Glock 20 is arguably the most popular 10mm pistol, the Sig Sauer P220 might just be the best money can buy, assuming you’re not stubborn 1911 superfan. The ergonomic carry pistol is loaded with top-grade features which make it a gun any firearms enthusiast would be proud to own. Although the P220 never was a huge market success, you can’t deny their insane quality. Sig developed these guys to Mil-Spec with some of the best features you could ask for, including a 4-point safety system, accessory rail, and a great DA/SA trigger.

• Model: Sig Sauer P220 Legion Full-Size
• Caliber: 10mm Auto
• Capacity: 8+1
• Barrel Length: 5”
• Overall Length: 8.9”
• Height: 5.5”
• Width: 1.5”
• Weight: 44 oz.
• Finish: Stainless Steel
• Sights: X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights
• MSRP: $1,904

10mm Carbine KRISS Vector

Although I was originally planning on sticking to handguns, I couldn’t help but throw in my favorite pistol-caliber carbine, the KRISS Vector. This gun is something that is impressive from top to bottom and is one of the most fun firearms to own. Between the CRB, SDP, and SBR, the Vector Series is freaking unbelievable. Whether you’re interested in home defense, plinking, tactical shooting, or hunting, these carbines should definitely be on your list. In addition to their insane ease of use, these are a great 10mm option considering they can handle a wide-variety of calibers with just a quick change of the lower receiver.

• Model: KRISS Vector Gen II SDP (Special Duty Pistol)
• Caliber: 10mm Auto
• Capacity: 10+1, 13+1, 15+1, 17+1
• Barrel Length: 5.5”
• Overall Length: 16.75”
• Weight: 6 lbs.
• Finish: Matte Black, Cerakote
• MSRP: $1,349

10mm vs 357

10mm is often considered the .357 equivalent for pistols and reasonably so. On the surface, the former produces slightly more energy than most .357 Magnum rounds, even though it’s heavier. Nevertheless, .357 does offer a noticeable advantage in terms of penetrating power, which is something to consider if you’re hunting big game. You also have to consider that 10mm is significantly more expensive and harder to find than .357, which is nearly everywhere and decently affordable.

10mm vs 9mm

The obvious difference between 10mm and 9mm is the clear size advantage of 10mm, which also allows shooters to utilize heavier rounds. As a result, 9mm offers significantly less penetrating power, which is why it’s rarely used for hunting and why many don’t rely on it for home defense. Although 9mm is considered to be relatively easy to handle and 10mm is viewed as unwieldy, there are plenty of varieties of both rounds that can bridge the gap of their respective perceived recoils.

10mm vs 45 ACP

These two rounds are often considered the two powerhouses of pistol cartridges and they are more alike than they are different. However, it’s velocity and weight ratio gives 10mm a better range and flatter trajectory, which is arguably the main difference between the two. Surprisingly, the 10mm cartridge has a better penetrative ability, even with the increased firepower of the larger 45 ACP.

10mm Ammo

Assuming you’re not just shooting targets, you’re going to want ammo that offers solid expansion, so you can’t go wrong with Cor-Bon Glaser Blue 115gr rounds. These “safety slugs” were designed with self-defense in mind and were even developed to be used by U.S. Air Marshalls on airplanes. On the other hand, Buffalo Bore has one of the best hunting rounds you can find, with their 220-grain hardcast flat-nose ammo. This cartridge is a freaking cannon and can easily take down a bear, thanks to its super penetrating flat nose construction.

Thanks for joining us here at Gunivore & let us know your favorite 10mm Firearms!

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Table of Contents

• Magpul
• Daniel Defense
• Amend2
• Lancer Systems
• Surefire

AR-15 style rifles and accessories go together like peanut butter and jelly, but many shooters tend to overlook the importance of their magazines. Rifle mags aren’t just cartridge placeholders, they are the backbone of any properly-feeding firearm. Although most of the magazines on the market are relatively suitable, they are one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades you can make. That being said, let’s take a look at the top five AR-15 magazines. A quick disclaimer: I generally stick to using polymer magazines so don’t be surprised when I don’t recommend any of the highly-rated and dependable aluminum Brownells mags.

Magpul- AR-15/M16/M4 (5.56 NATO/300 BLK/) PMAG 30-Rounds Gen 3 Mags

Few companies can boast a reputation for producing top-notch weapons accessories like Magpul. In fact, in less than twenty years, the Texas-based manufacturer has completely revolutionized the rifle industry in both civilian and military divisions. The Gen 3 PMAG is Magpul’s newest magazine to hit shelves and is the product of over ten years of extensive research and development. But don’t just take my word for it; the PMAG passed the U.S. and NATO Rough Handling Tests and is used by all four branches of the U.S. Military.

When it comes to dependable feeding, none do it like the PMAG. Besides for reliably handling all ammo types, these polymer mags are loaded with tons of top-shelf features like flared floorplates and ribbed gripping surfaces. Furthermore, I’ve yet to come across a more effective follower as the Magpul self-lubricating, anti-tilt mechanism. Nevertheless, the most extraordinary feature has to be their anti-glare translucent maglevel windows, which is available on most Gen 3 models. This super convenient piece basically acts like a fuel gauge, accurately showing how many rounds are left in the magazine, thanks to several easy-to-see indicators.

Daniel Defense – AR-15/M16/M4 (5.56 NATO/300BLK) 32-Round DD Mags

Daniel Defense is the best AR-15 rifle and accessory manufacturer you haven’t heard of. In just a few short years, the small business has grown exponentially and currently holds two major military contracts. These carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer mags are noteworthy because they were designed to chamber 32 rounds while keeping with the industry-standard 30-round magazine size. Like any grade-A magazine, these guys were outfitted with tremendous anti-tilt followers that ensure unfaltering reliability.  Furthermore, to give these mags an added durability boost, Daniel Defense incorporated ultra-strong shock-resistant baseplates and resourcefully contoured feed lips.

Amend2 – AR-15/M16/M4 (5.56 NATO) MOD-2 30-Round Mags

Amend2 may only be a few years old, but their magazines have quickly won the hearts of AR shooters across America. The small family business began manufacturing industrial plastics out of Idaho but eventually moved on to these firearm accessories once they noticed a need for affordable mags that you could depend on.

Because the folks at Amend2 began working with plastics, you can bet your sweet life that these mags were built with some of the most innovative polymers available. To be precise, they crafted one of the strongest and fine-tuned polymers found in any rifle magazine. The genius of it all is that with all of their added strength and sturdiness, the Amend2 mags are still incredibly lightweight and easy to operate.

In addition to their state-of-the-art polymer construction, these mags also feature very reliable anti-tilt, self-lubricating followers, similar to those of the PMAGs. The only difference is that Amend2 utilized an uncommon follower angle which they claim provides even faster cycling and better reliability. Lastly, the MOD-2 magazines feature some of the best springs you can find on the market. These special heat-treated stainless-steel springs are non-memory, so they are built to last for a ridiculously long time, regardless if you leave your magazine loaded.

Lancer Systems – AR-15/M16/M4 (5.56 NATO) L5AWM 30-Round Mags

While many folks still haven’t heard of Lancer Systems, the ever-developing American engineering company is one of the best manufacturers of fiber optics, advanced weapons & components, and composite materials. Nevertheless, Lancer is slowly becoming a popular name in the firearms community for their remarkable L5AWM magazines.

The first thing you’ll notice about these lightweight polymer mags is their unusual translucent, smoke colored finish. Although they produce a few other options, including foliage green and FDE, smoke is their clear best-seller. So instead of having a mag window like the Magpuls, the Lancer is just one giant window, allowing for quick round checks.

Lancer had huge aspirations when planning their new magazine but, in the end, it paid off big time. They wanted to create a polymer magazine that was going to be as strong as steel yet as light as aluminum, which is no small order. At the end of the day, the L5AWM is one of the lightest polymer mags on the market and even features steel feed lips so you don’t have to worry about its durability. While they may not feature exceptional springs or followers, AR-15 shooters still love these mags for their lightweight, tough, and aggressive surface texture.

Surefire – AR-15/M16/M4 (5.56 NATO) 60- and 100-Round High-Capacity Mags

Plenty of AR-15 shooters will recognize the Surefire name for their top-of-the-line tactical flashlights, but the California-based company also produces some of the most badass magazines too. I know that I said I generally avoid non-polymer mags, but how often do you come across mags like these? The aluminum Surefire magazines are notorious for their insane capacities (60 and 100) but it’s their reliability which has their sales going through the roofs. Keep in mind that it’s no small feat for a magazine to reliably feed 60 or 100 rounds and the Surefire does it with ease. In order to accomplish such revolutionary feeding, Surefire opted for some unusual designs and techniques. Besides for its nesting polymer followers, these high-capacity mags are an outstanding 1.66” thick. To put that into perspective, that’s less than 2 standard 30-round mags put together. To make things even sweeter, these mags feature dependable, cadmium-coated springs that are self-lubricating and non-binding.

Thanks for joining us here at Gunivore! Stay tuned for more in-depth reviews of your favorite guns and accessories!

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Table of Contents

• 38 Special
• 9mm
• 40 S&W
• 45 ACP
• 22 TCM
• Conclusion

Americans and guns go together like peas and carrots – Although firearms have always been a major part of American culture, the number of gun owners is rising higher and higher every day. In fact, a recent Pew study found that nearly four-in-ten households in the States have at least one gun in the home. And while sport, hunting, and collections are all popular reasons to own a firearm, almost 70% of gun owners said that home protection and self-defense is a major reason for putting the 2nd Amendment to good use.

That being said, it’s crucial for gun owners looking to keep their families and homes safe to choose the right firearm, caliber, and ammunition. In today’s Gunivore Fast Five, we’re gonna be taking a look at the best options on the market for standing your ground.  

I’ve heard plenty of folks jump to the conclusion that bigger must be better and therefore opt for the biggest and most powerful cartridge possible. The main problem with this outlook is that, in many cases, one shot is not enough. You have to keep in mind that the stronger the bullet, the stronger the kickback. However, the best way to mitigate the perceived recoil is to use a full-sized firearm. More specifically, the more mass a gun has the more control it will provide.  

So what should be your primary concerns when selecting self-defense calibers and ammunition? There are plenty of folks who swear by bullet velocity and pressure, but there are more important factors out there. I’ve narrowed it down to five major factors (in no specific order):

1. Cost
2. Stopping Power
3. Recoil
4. Versatility
5. Capacity

.38 SPECIAL

.38 Special- You can’t help but love a classic! I love .38 Special first and foremost because it has withstood the test of time and proven itself day in and day out. The famous Smith and Wesson round served as the standard issue cartridge for American law enforcement for decades, and reasonably so. While .357 Magnum is more powerful than .38, I chose to leave it off this list. .38 Special is not only cheaper than its S&W cousin, it also offers lower recoil and muzzle flash, both extremely important factors in a home-defense situation. Plus, now that most new .357 handguns are capable of firing .38 special rounds, it’s become one of the most versatile calibers on the market.     

• 

  Cost: One of the more affordable rounds on the market ★★★

• Stopping Power: Only average one-shot stopping % ★★★
• Recoil: Very manageable recoil which makes it one of the most accurate self-defense calibers – Great for follow-up shots ★★★
• Versatility: Plenty of firearms to choose from ★★★★★
• Capacity: Almost exclusive to revolvers ★
• Recommended Ammo: Hornady Critical Defense +P (110 gr)

If you’re a fan of the .38 Special & .357 calibers, check out the top new revolvers and Taurus’ sweet lineup.

9mm LUGER

The 9mm not only replaced .38 Special as the most common military and police standard issue cartridge, it’s also become the most popular self-defense calibers in the world. Although the German-designed 9mm has a bigger kick than the American .38 Special, it easily makes up for it by being cheaper and more readily available. Overall, 9mm is a straightforward, accurate, lightweight, and easy-to-shoot cartridge.    

• 

  Cost: Maybe the cheapest round after .22 ★

• Stopping Power: Not the strongest but still offers solid high kinetic energy and momentum ★★
• Recoil: Low recoil, excellent accuracy and good for follow-up shots – great for inexperienced shooters ★★
• Versatility: Nearly unlimited number of pistols plus many revolvers and pistol caliber carbines ★★★★★
• Capacity: Lightweight rounds and normal to see 17-round mags (E.g. Glock 17) ★★★★★
• Recommended Ammo: CorBon Original JHP +P (115 grain)

For some of the best-selling and most impressive 9mm pistols, check out the S&W M&P9 Shield, Sig P320, & of course, the Glock 19.

.40 S&W

This is what I call the “compromise cartridge” – .40 S&W is perfect for people who don’t want to sacrifice power or capacity. In fact, it sits between 9mm and .45 ACP in its velocity, price, weight, and recoil. .40 S&W was and remains to be popular amongst law enforcement and self-defense shooters, but its overall availability is dwindling. Even though the .40 S&W offers decent control, I don’t recommend the American cartridge for inexperienced shooters.

• 

  Cost: Generally a little cheaper than .38 Special but still not cheap ★★

• Stopping Power: Very high kinetic energy and momentum – average bullet penetration but solid one shot stop % ★★★★★
• Recoil: High recoil, closer to .45 than to 9mm – Tough follow-up shots ★★★★
• Versatility: Lots of options out there, mostly semi-auto pistols but some revolvers and long guns  ★★★★
• Capacity: Barely heavier than 9mm and most magazines chamber around 15 rounds ★★★★
• Recommended Ammo: Winchester Silvertips JHP (155 gr)

If you like .40 S&W then you’ll love the Beretta Px4 Storm, Kahr CM40, & the Springfield XDM.

.45 ACP

As much as I wanted to avoid picking this notoriously loud and powerful caliber, I can’t deny its incredible abilities. That being said, .45 ACP has the potential to be more of a liability in the wrong hands. The same way you’d never graduate a kid from a tricycle to a motorcycle, this powerful cartridge should never be the self-defense choice for an inexperienced shooter. Surprisingly, .45 ACP actually has better penetrative abilities than .40 S&W but barely any better expansion. And while there is a major weight difference, there are plenty of .45 ACP firearms that chamber a comparable amount of rounds to .40 S&W guns.

• 

  Cost: One of the most expensive pistol rounds on the market ★★★★

• Stopping Power: Slow and heavy but hits like a truck ★★★★
• Recoil: Very heavy recoil but can be managed with practice ★★★★★
• Versatility: No shortage of guns to choose from ★★★★★
• Capacity: Average capacity is 8 rounds but more and more extended mags are becoming available ★★★
• Recommended Ammo: Hornady Critical Duty +P (220 gr)

Surprise Pick: .22 TCM

This new cartridge is the brainchild of custom gunsmith Fred Craig and the up-and-coming Rock Island Armory (Armscor). While it may seem like a Frankenstein caliber, he developed it to be a more affordable alternative to .45 ACP without having to sacrifice much power. One of the strangest things about the new round is that although it feeds into 9mm 1911s, it shares no connection to the Parabellum. As a matter of fact, its parent case is the legendary .223 Remington but redesigned with a shorter bottleneck.

• 

  Cost: Great high-powered alternative but slightly more expensive ★★★

• Stopping Power: High pressure – Very powerful ★★★★
• Recoil: Surprisingly manageable recoil – Great for follow-up shots ★★★
• Versatility: Really only available for RIA 1911s and M22 TCM bolt-action rifle ★
• Capacity: 17-round magazines standard! ★★★★
• Recommended Ammo: Armscor Precision JHP (40 gr)

Conclusion

Overall, there are really no objectively right calibers to choose for self-defense. Rather, gun owners must assess these five factors to determine what’s best for them. Likewise, shooters must take into account whether this is a carry gun or only a home-defense weapon, which may affect your choice to use hollow points. Furthermore, it’s inarguably important to go with what you’re comfortable with. This means that if you are the most confident with .357, .44 Magnum, or whatever, that might be your best option. Stay safe, my friends.

Thanks for reading – You might also like our Top shooting records, Best new AR-15’s, Top CCW’s of 2017, & Automatic Weapons Rundown.

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