Testing the 190gr Hornady Sub-X with Vihtavuori N120 and Accurate 1680. I also test the 220gr Hornady ELD-X and 220gr Nosler Ballistic Tip Subsonic. / reloading
Hopefully you caught my video a few months ago with the Speer Gold Dots ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Nrz25ucfRtU.html 300 Blackout is just pure fun and it will always be around my channel.
When I finally succumbed to peer pressure and reluctantly tried 300 blk, I watched every episode in the series at that time. I think he was almost done making vids. Saved me countless components. Oh and fell head over heals for the cartridge
@@JohnnysReloadingBench your MK262 series is what got me into reloading. Then I built a 300BO rifle and started loading that cartridge based on a lot that I learned from your channel. I have basically binge watched every video you've made and haven't missed an episode in months. Thanks again for the incredible content and the humor. My wallet hates you, but I've kept all my rifles fed during this drought.
@@JohnnysReloadingBench Hey thank you for the time in putting this information out there. Was wondering if you’d be interested in seeing how the Sub x 175s work. With the 190s being harder to come by than varget, it would be interesting if the 175s could work. I’ve looked around online but not much out there for this.
I have used the Hornady factory load for the 190 Sub-X for hogs and deer. My longest shot has been 52 yards. I get consistent nickel size exit wounds from broad side shots. All animals were down within 30 yards. The solid copper bullets do expand larger, however I get far less penetration with no exit on broad side shots. The animals also take much longer to go down. 50 to 100 yards. That's why I stick with Hornady Sub-X. It may also be noted that the Hornady load is the only 300 Blackout factory load that meets the F.B.I. performance requirements.
Feeding the algorithm... I'm just NOW getting into the 300 blackout... Built a Anderson lower with 10 1/2" p.s.a. Upper.. haven't shot it yet.. this week hopefully.. I'll be saving this video come handloading time
One of the uses I have for the SUB-X is a 50 yard load for my AR Pistol (and eventually a short-barrel rifle I'm building). Having a loading that would hit a quarter at 50 yards has a lot of value, especially with AA1680 (considering how much I own of it for just that reason).
I probably would hold these rounds to 50-60 yards for hunting, but the platinum-tier accuracy of the Sub-X loads is still a huge plus, because it will allow for precise shot placement, which matters when your hunting bullet hits at 980 fps
I just found you Chanel I've been wanting to start reloading. I did with my dad as a kid. When you passed I got all his stuff. So I don't remember everything. So its good to watch and learn. I've hot a few hogs with that SUB-X. It puts them down quickly.
Thank you for making this video. I have been toying with the idea of reloading, not for 300 BLK, but for 6.5 CM and 6 ARC. I am watching just about any channel that does reloading to learn as much as I can and to see what tools and space I will need if I do get into it. Your video was a huge help in showing the measurements that you take for your casings and the tools you are using for prepping the cases. My biggest concern is safety having gun powder in the house, etc. Again, thank you for the video. It was extremely informative.
Great video Johnny. I've still got some of those makers bullets that I bought 5 years ago after watching your video and you taking that doe with them. I also have been meaning to get some of those sub-x hornadys and just try them as well. You beat me to the punch. Love the accuracy of them though for sure and I will be trying them soon. Thanks for the great video. And thanks for teaching me how to reload 6 years ago.
I have now watched all of your 300AAC videos. Thank you very much and have found them extremely interesting. I am in the UK and have a Remington 16" bolt action which I have blown the dust of the last couple of Years off and about to start loading. We are restricted to the components available and I am going to develop Sierra 220 and 135 projectiles, have some 125 SST that I think worked well. Got H110 and LilGun and a bit of RL7 to play with. Amongst a lot of left over .308 bullets too. Going to have some fun. Stay safe, and thanks again. Hope I can understand the notes I have scribbled down 🙂
I just have built a PSA Lower and BCA 300-Blackout Upper here 16-inch Heavy barrel. I am currently getting it setup for hunting the way I like it. your channel as several others points out the value for the investment in these great firearms thank you for the content you make. With that being said, I have put together many PSA built lower receivers with BCA uppers, and they have been awesome! BCA is making great stuff and rifles that people are looking for in so many calibers, like he said the items are a great price! And they have great customer service they get it fixed and back in a week or less! I have people refer to Anderson AR-15s as "Poverty Ponys" and turn their noses up at PSA or Bear Creek so they can brag about what expensive things they have. Then later they can't outshoot the competition shooters at the range that are using standard ammo and standard firearms who are just having fun and socializing with other shooters I really enjoy seeing the Barney Fifes who have all the high-speed holster and gear and a stack of gun publications who talk a big game but when the old pros leave them in the dust! Milspec is, more than most people will ever need most people can't outperform their firearm. I have subscribed to your channel and want to learn about great subjects like this looking forward to more awesome content. Best Regards...
I have just been building my first 300BLK SBR and prepping to load, first 300BLK loading. I came across Maker REX bullets and Sub-X and been trying to decide between them for starting place. Thanks so much for the great coverage here helping me decide to go with Maker! Also, as an ELD-X and ELD-M shooter those penetrating right thru were a shock at those velocities. Guess I have assumed better performance of those opening somewhat like other OTM bullets and the velocity just wont do it. Very good to lnow as I was thinking about ELD or GMX instead of Maker also.
Cavity Back makes a 195 gr subsonic copper bullet. I don't know how they would preform. I shoot their 125 gr supersonic bullet and absolutely love it. Always love seeing 300 blackout videos! Keep up the great work!
Like yourself, I settled on the Maker Rex many years ago for subsonic hunting. I also had no success stabilizing the Nosler BT. The Hornady certainly look very good for a lead projectile. Nice review Johnny.
It’s well known in the air gun and .22 rim fire world that round nose slugs are inherently more accurate than points at subsonic speeds, so I’m always excited when you do a 300 blackout vid with a round nose slug! I’m hoping it proves out at 100 yards.
I really enjoy your videos, there's a great amount of information on reloading, and I like the way you present it. Great work and keep it up. If in the future you want to have a little fun,try loading the sub-x in a .308 Winchester at supersonic levels and shoot it in your ballistic gel block. I've seen it before and the gel pretty much exploded.
I'd actually be interested in seeing how well they hold up when shot at .300 Win Mag velocities. If the bullet holds together enough when shot at that speed, then you know it will reliably hold together when shot from a .308 Winchester.
Idk about everyone else but the most fun of the hunt is the stock. You need to get close with 300blk and this subx bullet looks great for that very impressive. I totally get your want to stay all copper for the wound channel but the new round you're testing looks to be a great option. I would have no qualms using this on deer, hogs and the like keep up the amazing work.
It definitely performs well, not necessarily as good as the copper, but still really good. And the accuracy...outstanding! Figuring it'll be around .5-.75 moa. For a 300 blk in that gun. That's awesome.
My blackout is 1:5 and loves the heavy subs. I am planning on hunting with these this year. I'm ready to see more videos on it - I'm a KY local if you want to use my upper for a video!
Very interesting! I recently made a batch of 300 subs using Missouri Bullet Company's 238 gr powder coated bullets. That's a long missile to fling down the tube! I settled on good results with 10.9 grains of Vihtavuori N120 with an avg velocity of 1046 fps out of my 10.5" barrel. Still a soft shooter, but it really rings that steel!
You mentioned the Lehigh Defense. I have had great luck with all of their subsonic bullets under 1680 powder. Awesome hunting bullet as well. Have taken 3 trophy Whitetail with the 194 grain bullet. You can actually hear the thump of the hide when suppressed.
YES!!!! Can you do that with some CFE BLK and subx I’ve been hording CFE blk and finally came across the subx but idk what to load at due to not being able to measure velocity, but I did make some with the OAL at 2.04 because I new haha but did starting loads at 11, 11.5, and 12 but I haven’t tested grouping due to this horrible wind haha. I love your channel brother you really hosted my confidence in getting into the reloading game. 👍🏼
I’ve been using the 190 sub-x on deer out to 100 yards for 3 seasons now. I use accurate 1680 and run them right at 1050. They are absolutely the best bullet I’ve found for whitetail out of my 300 black. I tried supers with the 110 Barnes tac-tx and wasn’t getting reliable expansion. With the sub-x I’ve shot close to 10 whitetails, 2 150 plus pound bucks and none of the deer shot have went over 20 yards, most are DRT. As you’ve shown the sub-x performs like a nosler partition. Full frontal mushroom with a solid base driving deep. I’ve only recovered 1 bullet but it looked identical to the ones you shot through the gel. The recovered bullet was from a doe I shot head on in the center of the chest, the bullet traversed the entire length of her body and lodged in the far side of her back ham, maybe an 1” from exiting the rear of the deers ham. To say I was impressed was an understatement. I’ve now loaded over 700 sub-x’s and will hopefully have deer bullets for years to come.
And out of my 16” American they don’t break speed of sound (or at least don’t sound like it) I don’t have any chrono data for that gun in my load book but I don’t believe they speed up too much more out of that barrel either.
Johnny, Using Li' Gun, I've worked down to a "max subsonic" load (~1070fps) in my 8.5" barrel and got comparable results in my 10% cleargel. I've also worked up to a "max" load in my 16" bbl, slightly over 1600fps. Spoke with the nice folks at Hornady and was told they haven't tested terminal performance over 1400fps. with them. Seeing what they'd do over 2k into gel should be entertaining. I haven't gotten around to gel testing my "max load" Once thing, for safety. I was taught, when working on developing a subsonic load, it's safer to start supersonic and working DOWN to your target velocity. You're normally not worried about being over-pressure with subsonic loads, and you're less likely to stick a bullet in the bore that way. I'd hate to see you have to do a video titled, "How to remove a stuck bullet from a 300BO bbl" 😉
208gr ELDx and N120 is my favorite range combo. Unimpressive accuracy but a fun range toy. Also switched to Viht powder from 1680 because it burns significantly clearer. Thanks for the food for thought!
@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595 it supresses well, but I'm also using a 16in barrel. I've also experimented with H110. It's cheaper, but the N120 performs better in both sound and accuracy. I'm getting around 3inch groups at 100yds. Dialed in to around 1020fps fwiw.
Currently working up a copper hunting round in 280ai. Got hornady cx, nosler e tips, barnes lrx and ttsx. Loading slower since pressure with copper solids seems to be a problem. Cross referenced loads and seemed hornady had a load starting 2 grains over max of hodgdons. Just seems you can really get in trouble.
Has anyone shared my experience with the edge of the bullet tip catching in the barrel extension and causing a FTF? I’ve tried COAL’s from 2.045 - 2.175. Same issue. Seems that the tip catches and the bolt loses its grip on the case head, and closed on a the round while the tip remains stuck in the barrel extension. I have clear marks on the case heads where the bolt comes back and grabs the next round. I’ve increased powder to rule out under-gas. No issues with any other bullets I’ve used. Wilson Combat barrel. Aero bolt.
Looks like Hornady just came out with a 175gr sub-x! Curious on your thoughts on that mid weight subsonic compared to the heavy weight and if you plan on doing a video for this new weight
You don’t want to seat the SUB-X too shallow, because they don’t feed well in regular magazines. The temptation is to pull them out, but you really want to push them in far enough to get it up to the cantilever for “production” rounds.
higher than 200 grain bullet weights in 300 blackout need a 1 in 7 twist rate for good stabilisation , 1 in 7 and 1 in 8 has high throat pressure therefor long throat cones and deep chamber throats are used to give the bullet freefloat inertia before hitting rifling to sa void a gas spike by the heavy projectiles hitting rifling with insufficient inertia to press themselves into the rifling, that causes a pressure spike til that heavy projectile gets moveing again, thats miliseconds but can be hundrets of PSI changes in burn rate and Pressure curve- also influences gas port pressure - dont stick heavy bullets out so far they almost touch the chamber throat - that free float is needed and engineered in for a good reason
When using a bullet seating die with taper crimp, can you separate out those two functions? Maybe adjust die depth to avoid crimping while bullet seating then come back with the bullet seating stem screwed way out but with the die adjusted for crimping? So bullet seating first then crimping on the second run. Any reason that wouldn't work?
Just finished my work up of the 190 grain Sub X with n120 for my 8.5" blk. Then I found this video, haha. Used same cases and primers as you and settled on 9.1 grains of n120 at a coal of 2.175. Ave: 1,033 fps ES: 17, SD:7 For some reason I just could not get a shorter seated round to work in my gun, grouped well but ES and SD sucked. Went through almost a whole box trying coals between 2.050-2.150. I actually worked this bullet up for my 10.5" 7.62x39 as well with very similar performance at 12.3 grains n120, same coal. Nice to have one bullet for multiple guns. Great video, I agree all copper for deer, but these make a great varmint round. Next up for my work up is the all copper 195 grain MKZ Cavity Back bullet.
I've loaded supers with barnes 120gr. Tac-TX with 20gr. Of Accurate 11FS and was getting great accuracy and fps from a 16" bolt action 2405 fps with SD of 6 and sub MOA!!! Great powder! I wonder what velocities I'd get out of my 12.5" postol?🤔
I just bought 4 boxes of the Sub X bullets hoping to use in my suppressed 300 blkout , I seen a video of it loaded in a full power .308 and it wrecked a ballistic gel block ....
Love to see that 190 at higher velocities. You could end up with a heavy varmint bullet. I did that with bullets designed for 30-30 velocities in my .300 Weatherby. Those 190gr might be good in my 30-30 handgun.
I assume you stated it but I may have missed. What’s your barrel twist rate? Am looking at trimming /suppressing my tikka 308 with its standard 1:11 twist barrel. Ideally as bush rifle but would like to dual load and shoot sub x’s as well for farm jobs etc. good idea or not?
Hey Johnny, have you ever thought of marking your primers with different color markings to determine charge weight? It's something I do and works well, my grandpa always did it and I guess I just adapted the process.
I’m a big fan of the 190 grain Makers T-Rex bullets in my CQB weapon as it is equipped with a 1:8 twist 8” barrel at this moment but I’d like to install a faster twist barrel for use with with Makers 220 grain T-Rex bullets.
"Crunchy" being contact with powder? Thoughts on that? Found with my loads for pcc that the lower pressures tend to be fairly inconsistant as far as velocity goes, thinking it has to do with inadequate brass expansion against the chamber walls and in the case of 9mm this results in gas blowing past my case. Assuming Blackout pressures are so much higher would be interested to hear if anyone else gets better consistancy as their loads get hotter. Finally: As a South African, my access to firearms is a battle, meaning choosing the right rifle first time is quite important. I'm quite taken with Blackout so i'm trying to get feedback from other shooters. Does anyone know the twist rate of this barrel? I'm hearing 1:7 is what i should go for at something between 9 and 12 inch. Thoughts?
Nice pig at the end already seen that video first. As that bullet I been hoping it did will for you in testing. The expansion hope for more theo but better than nothing. Might do well in 3030 or 30-06 or so.
