300 BLK has rapidly become a favorite all-around blasting cartridge, especially as a 30-caliber variation on existing AR-platform firearms. Side-by-side against a 5.56 NATO/223 REM equivalent in a typical build configuration, the 300 BLK recoils softer and is often capable of pushing sub- or super-sonic projectiles to impressive terminal effect without component changes. The heavier sub-sonic varieties in particular, when shot through a suppressed short-barreled rifle (SBR), can be remarkably quiet, accurate, compact, and extremely fun.

Regularly shooting 300 BLK, however, is exorbitantly expensive with commercially loaded retail ammo. Cheap cartridges still retail close to $1/round after tax, and the glossier boxes twice that. Compared to $.30/round of bulk new 5.56 NATO/223 REM, this puts 300 BLK pricing closer to big game 308 Winchester or 30-06 SPRG rounds.

The specific "plinking" rounds described in this guide for 300 BLK are perfectly fine for general non-match training, teaching, and futzing with your rifle configurations: activities where you aren't going to break out a stash of match loads. The rounds should cost under $.20 with purchased bullets, and about $.08 if you cast. This puts 300 BLK on the same cost level as cheap 9mm pistol cartridges: much, much easier on the wallet. Realizing extreme price-per-round (PPR) savings is not, however, without drawbacks, and requires additional time commitment and equipment at the lower PPR extreme. In other words, achieving low PPR and low time commitment will require the *highest* initial investment in equipment and learning, so tailoring these processes to your philosophy of use (POU), budget, and preferred load data is expected. The "best" approach is up to you.

**Load data is not included included in this guide; always use data published by a trusted authority.**