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Good morning everyone and welcome back to another installment of the world’s best weekly suppressor publication. Never mind that it’s probably the only weekly suppressor publication, just focus on the best. We are brought to you by our friends at Yankee Hill Machine, manufacturers of the Resonator K suppressor and the Graham Brothers MARC chassis – both of which are featured in today’s episode. Last week we went deep into the integrally suppressed rifle world with the REM700 from Innovative Arms. Today we wade into the interesting debate of 300BLK subs versus 308Win subs. Is there a clear winner? We’ll see.
SILENCER SATURDAY #124: 300BLK Subs Vs 308 Subs With Labradar Data
Without access to a scientifically appropriate decibel meter, I’ve been suffering from a lack of quantifiable data for our weekly discussions. With some planning and preparation, I hope to compile a host of instruments that will give us a better understanding of suppressor and ammunition performance. Professional audio recording equipment may help (though still incapable of capturing the pulse of a gunshot). Video recording may be important as well. But I’d also like to start collecting data that is not commonly associated with silencer performance. Environmental variables, surface temperature and projectile velocity to start.
The good people at Labradar have loaned me one of their chronograph systems for a neat project I have coming up that will test every available 300BLK loading in a variety of barrel lengths from 5.5” to 16”. In the meantime, I’m putting the Labradar to work in today’s discussions regarding 300BLK subsonic ammo versus 308Win subsonic ammo.
If you are a reloader, a precision rifle shooter or are a fiend for data, you should be considering the purchase of a Labradar. It’s simple to use, collects and records data automatically and gives you another dimension to your platforms. I’ll be purchasing one for regular use at TFB.
SILENCER SATURDAY #124: 300BLK Subs Vs 308 Subs With Labradar Data
The Debate – “300BLK Is Stupid”
I’m not sure why a rifle cartridge evokes such a visceral response in some people, but inevitably when we shoot 300 Blackout here at TFB there’s at least one or two commenters that are adamant that we are either going to blow up our guns, wasting our money, or that the cartridge itself is just a fad. I’ll admit it, I was at one time skeptical too. But I’m a convert.
From a suppressed weapon system aspect, should a subsonic 190gr projectile perform consistently independent of the cartridge case it leaves? Maybe. My main concern in today’s analysis are the fence-sitters out there: people who love suppressors and want to experience subsonic bliss but may not want to invest in a 300BLK platform.
300BLK Subs VS 308 Subs – Equipment Used:
- YHM/Graham Brothers MARC Pistol – 300BLK – https://yhm.net/marcr-bolt-action-pistol-in-300-blackout.html
- 9” Barrel
- 1:7” Twist
- YHM/Graham Brothers MARC Pistol – .308Win – https://yhm.net/marcr-bolt-action-pistol-in-308-winchester.html
- 12.5” Barrel
- 1:10” Twist
The MARC® Sport bolt action pistols were developed to meet the demand for a small, compact yet hard hitting firearm. This model comes configured in 9” 300 Blackout. The MARC® Sport Pistol utilizes a Remington® 700 action in conjunction with a “remage” style barrel interface. It features 5/8”-24 muzzle threads and is outfitted with YHM’s slant brake (YHM-3085-MB-A). This barreled action is then mated to our MARC® Sport chassis system, MARC® handguard, GBR 0 MOA scope rail (GBR-230-A), and a folding SB Tactical arm brace. The MARC® Sport Pistol in .300 Blackout comes with an Accurate-Mag steel magazine.
- YHM Resonator K – https://yhm.net/the-resonator-k-30-cal.html
- 5.6” Length (w/QD)
- 12.5 ounces (w/ QD)
Enter YHM’s .30 caliber “K-Can”, the Resonator® K. Care, attention to detail, and a love for the industry helped to shape this remarkable piece of engineering. It was designed to provide the shooting enthusiast a quiet, lightweight and cost effective suppressor for the high caliber shooter looking to shed some weight and reduce their footprint. The blast chamber is threaded to the popular 1-3/8”-24 thread which allows it to utilize many available mounting options currently on the market. The new end cap design helps greatly reduce flash signature. The Resonator® K can be used on rifle calibers ranging from .17 HMR through 300 RUM. The Resonator® K uses a tubeless design which consists of heat treated 17-4 stainless steel and a heat treated 718 Inconel blast baffle which allows the suppressor to be full auto rated and designed for rigorous use. Comes with the Phantom® Q.D. Adapter, 2 suppressor wrenches, and your choice of a Phantom® Muzzle Brake or Flash Hider.
Labradar Chronograph performance exceeds any consumer level velocity acquisition system. It continually measures velocities of your rifle, pistol, shotgun (slugs), arrows or pellets up to 100 yards depending upon the size of the bullet. Smaller bullets do not track as far as large bullets. Multiple distances for velocity display are user definable on the unit. LabRadar measures velocities up to 3,900 f.p.s. with 0.1% accuracy using six AA batteries. Labradar is not dependent on any light source and can be used indoors/outdoors in all weather conditions. It is positioned to the side of the weapon, not downrange where other systems are prone to damage. Each shot series provides Hi, Lo, Average, ES, SD. Individual shots display velocities at muzzle and up to five additional distances along with Kinetic Energy at each distance. The data is downloadable via USB or SD card. Built in IPSC / IDPA Power Factor Calculator.
Since launching our first carbon fiber tripods in 2009, we have been dedicated to making the world’s finest tripods. With the help of our customers’ invaluable feedback, we continuously make improvements. After years of development, we are excited to present our new Mark 2 Tripod line!
Improved ergonomics make operating the tripod more comfortable and seamless. Additional 1/4”-20 sockets along the outside of the tripod’s apex allow you to attach optional accessories and shoulder-strap mounts. The Mark 2 Tripods are faster to lock/unlock and hold up better to the elements. Redesigned twist-locks prevent grit and debris from contaminating the threads. We added a vent at the top of each leg to allow efficient air transfer when extending or collapsing, for rapid deployment, and takedown.
What hasn’t changed is our attention to detail, high-quality craftsmanship, and commitment to proudly make and hand-assemble all our tripods in the USA.
The TFCT-24L Mk2 SOAR® Series 2 Tripod is our extra-tall Series 2 Tripod. Series 2 Tripods are smaller and lighter than our Series 3 pods, and perfectly complement our Anvil-30 ball head. They offer the benefits of both a compact traveler and a solid support-style tripod, all in one. Series 2 Tripods are the perfect choice for mid-sized gear combos. Given its high load capacity, a Versa Series 2 Tripod is also a great solution for shooters who need maximum support but want to keep their tripod as portable as possible. Our unique accessories further expand the utility of these tripods. No other tripod in the world offers this versatility.
300BLK Subs VS 308 Subs – Ammunition Used
- Discreet Ballistics 300BLK Subsonic – https://discreetballistics.com/shop/300-blackout-target-50/
- 190gr
The Discreet Ballistics 300 Blackout 190gr Subsonic Target Load is intended for use in semi-automatic and bolt action firearms chambered in 300 AAC Blackout. This round has been thoroughly tested to function in both pistol and carbine length gas systems. Discreet Ballistics gives its customers the option of choosing these loads for use in 16″ barrels or 7-11” barrels. 300 AAC Blackout is typically chambered in platforms with barrel lengths ranging from 7” to 16”. Until recently, any commercially available ammunition had only been available in one load for each extreme in barrel length. What this means is that 300 Blackout ammunition that is designed to have a muzzle velocity of 1050FPS out of a standard 16” rifle barrel will often have a 900fps or less out of a 7” pistol/SBR barrel. At 100 yards this can result in as much as a 200fps drop making it more difficult for the shooter to get on target. Discreet Ballistics offers its 300 AAC Blackout ammunition in either pistol/SBR (7-11”) or rifle (16”) barrel loads so that velocity is consistently in the 1000fps range no matter which platform the shooter is using. Discreet Ballistics designed this target round as part of a premium two load system that complements the Discreet Ballistics 300 AAC Blackout Hunting/SD system which utilizes a machined copper projectile (Selous bullet).
The Discreet Ballistics 308 Win 190gr Subsonic Target Load was conceived and designed as part of a two load system. This load has been thoroughly tested to function with bolt action rifles. It will also function with semi auto platforms, but will likely require manual cycling of actions. This load incorporates the Nosler® 190 gr BTHP projectile that has proven to be quite accurate. With this load, our factory test rifles consistently produced groups that were sub-MOA.
Utilizing the highest quality components available, SIG SAUER’s OTM Match ammunition delivers exceptional accuracy round after round. Featuring dependable primers and clean-burning propellants each round has been meticulously designed to deliver competition level performance.
SIG SAUER supersonic rounds feature a 125gr Sierra Match King Projectile for superior accuracy and minimal dispersion when suppressed. Consistent bullet weight retention with minimal velocity variations results from optimized shell case metallurgy with premium primers. Rounds are precision loaded using state-of-the-art, electromechanical monitoring for geometric conformity.
30BLK Subs – YHM/Graham Brothers MARC Pistol
As to be expected, the subsonic Discreet Ballistics 300BLK in the Graham Brothers MARC pistol with the Resonator K sounded very sweet. Comfortable and accurate, this is a great pairing. The velocity spread is interesting – something to consider is that a low pressure system dropped into the area during this course of fire, taking the weather from sunny and warm to cool, cloudy and the threat of rain/snow.
SILENCER SATURDAY #124: 300BLK Subs Vs 308 Subs With Labradar Data
SILENCER SATURDAY #124: 300BLK Subs Vs 308 Subs With Labradar Data
308 Subs – YHM/Graham Brothers MARC Pistol
The Discreet Ballistics .308 subsonic rounds were also quiet, but may have been going transonic out of the 12.5” barrel. After speaking with David Stark at Discreet Ballistics, crafting a subsonic .308 load that is also match-accurate is a tricky process. With a shorter or longer barrel, these rounds would have most likely ended up in the mid 1000 fps range. The spread and standard deviation were tight after the weather system moved in completely. Unfortunately I only had eight rounds of the subsonic 308 left.
Liberty’s Defense – Fire and heat resistant suppressor Handy Mat shown.
SILENCER SATURDAY #124: 300BLK Subs Vs 308 Subs With Labradar Data
SILENCER SATURDAY #124: 300BLK Subs Vs 308 Subs With Labradar Data
308 Supers – YHM/Graham Brothers MARC Pistol
Full powered .308 in a short barrel is going to produce a big boom, no matter how good the suppressor. The Resonator K took the bite out of the report well enough to allow the shooter to spend a few comfortable hours behind the gun (with hearing protection, of course). The SIG Elite Match is impressively consistent.
SILENCER SATURDAY #124: 300BLK Subs Vs 308 Subs With Labradar Data
300BLK Supers – YHM/Graham Brothers MARC Pistol
Impressively quiet for a supersonic round in a shorter barrel, the SIG Elite Match 125gr 300BLK round out performed the supersonic .308 supersonic load. Remember, full powder burn for a quality 300BLK round should occur somewhere around nine inches, whereas .308 needs more than twice the barrel length. Again, the SIG Elite Match rounds showed extreme consistency as observed by the velocity spread and deviation.
SILENCER SATURDAY #124: 300BLK Subs Vs 308 Subs With Labradar Data
SILENCER SATURDAY #124: 300BLK Subs Vs 308 Subs With Labradar Data
300BLK Subs VS 308 Subs – Observations And Opinions
I refuse to draw any conclusions regarding the 300BLK subsonic versus .308 subsonic debate. Mostly because I don’t feel qualified to do so. However, my opinion is that if you are planning on shooting subsonic large caliber bullets, you are much better off buying a dedicated 300BLK platform. This is especially important for those of us who don’t reload since factory subsonic .308 offerings are few and far between.
The real competition will begin when we start comparing 300BLK to 7.62×39 for suppression. I’m expecting a bloodbath in the comments section for that debate.
Thanks for reading. Stay safe and healthy and we’ll see you here next week for another edition of TFB’s Silencer Saturday.
Silencer Saturday is Sponsored by Yankee Hill Machine:
Buy YHM silencers and accessories at:
Silencer Shop – Hansohn BrOthers – dead eye gun supply –
Mac tactical
All YHM Products At Brownells
DEALERS: If you want your link to buy YHM suppressors included in future Silencer Saturday posts, email: silencers@thefirearmblog.com
special Thanks: Mac Tactical
