Choosing between 300 Blackout and .223 Remington for your Ruger American Ranch rifle can be tricky. Both cartridges have their strengths, but which one fits your needs best? This guide breaks down the key differences, performance, and practical uses of these popular calibers. Whether you’re into hunting, target shooting, or home defense, we’ll help you make a smart choice for your Ruger American Ranch rifle.
Ruger American Ranch: 300 Blackout vs .223 Remington
- Ruger American Ranch 300 Blackout offers more versatility for close-range shooting and suppressed use
- .223 Remington provides better long-range accuracy and flatter trajectory
- 300 Blackout has larger bullet diameter (0.308″ vs 0.224″) for increased impact
- .223 Remington ammunition is generally more affordable and widely available
- 300 Blackout performs well in shorter barrels, ideal for compact setups
- .223 Remington has less recoil, making it easier for follow-up shots
- 300 Blackout is better suited for medium game hunting within 200 yards
- .223 Remington excels at varmint hunting and target shooting
- Both calibers are compatible with the Ruger American Ranch platform
- Choice depends on intended use: close-range/suppressed (300 BLK) vs long-range/precision (.223)
Overview of the Ruger American Ranch Rifle
The Ruger American Ranch rifle is a versatile and popular bolt-action firearm known for its accuracy and reliability. It’s available in various calibers, including the 300 Blackout and .223 Remington. This rifle features a compact design, making it ideal for hunting in tight spaces or as a truck gun. Let’s take a closer look at its key features:
The Ruger American Ranch rifle has a user-friendly design with a lightweight synthetic stock and a compact 16.12-inch barrel. It features Ruger’s Power Bedding system, which free-floats the barrel for improved accuracy. The rifle also comes with a Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger, allowing you to customize the pull weight between 3 and 5 pounds. Whether you choose the 300 Blackout or .223 Remington version, you’ll appreciate the rifle’s smooth bolt action and detachable rotary magazine. The rifle’s overall length of just over 34 inches makes it easy to handle in tight spaces, while its weight of around 6 pounds makes it easy to carry and use for long periods.
In-depth Review of the .223 Remington
The .223 Remington cartridge has been a favorite among shooters since the 1960s. It’s known for its flat trajectory, low recoil, and versatility. Here’s what you need to know about the .223 Remington in the Ruger American Ranch rifle:
Performance Characteristics
The .223 Remington performs well in the Ruger American Ranch’s 16-inch barrel. Typical .223 loads use bullets weighing 55 to 77 grains, with speeds around 3,000 feet per second. This results in a flat trajectory, making it easier to hit targets at different distances without much adjustment. The .223 Remington’s high speed and light bullet weight make it very accurate, especially up to 300 yards. The cartridge’s low recoil lets you shoot quickly and for longer periods without getting tired.
Advantages of .223 Remington
The .223 Remington has several benefits that make it popular for Ruger American Ranch rifle owners:
- Low recoil, allowing for quick follow-up shots and extended shooting sessions without fatigue
- Excellent accuracy, especially with match-grade ammunition, making it ideal for precision shooting
- Wide availability of ammunition at reasonable prices, ensuring consistent practice and use
- Versatile for both hunting small to medium game and target shooting, offering flexibility for various applications
- Flat trajectory makes it easier to shoot accurately at various distances, reducing the need for significant holdover adjustments
Disadvantages of .223 Remington
The .223 Remington does have some limitations:
- Less effective for larger game animals compared to the 300 Blackout, potentially limiting its use for certain hunting applications
- May not be legal for deer hunting in some states due to caliber restrictions, requiring careful consideration of local regulations
- Limited effectiveness in short-barreled rifles compared to 300 Blackout, as it relies on velocity for optimal performance
- Potential for overpenetration in home defense scenarios, necessitating careful ammunition selection
- Less suitable for suppressed shooting compared to subsonic 300 Blackout loads
In-depth Review of the 300 Blackout
The 300 Blackout (also known as 300 BLK) is a newer cartridge designed to work well in short-barreled rifles and with suppressors. It’s become popular among hunters and tactical shooters. Here’s what you should know about the 300 Blackout in the Ruger American Ranch rifle:
Performance Characteristics
The 300 Blackout can use both fast (supersonic) and slow (subsonic) bullets. Fast loads typically use 110-125 grain bullets going about 2,350 fps, while slow loads use heavier 220-grain bullets at about 1,000 fps. This flexibility makes it useful for many different tasks, from hunting to home defense. The 300 Blackout’s bigger bullet (0.308″ vs 0.224″ for .223) hits harder, especially at closer ranges. In the Ruger American Ranch’s 16-inch barrel, the 300 Blackout keeps good speed and power, making it effective for hunting medium-sized animals within 200 yards.
Advantages of 300 Blackout
The 300 Blackout has several benefits that make it a good choice for Ruger American Ranch rifle owners:
- Excellent performance in short-barreled rifles like the Ruger American Ranch, maintaining effectiveness even with the compact 16-inch barrel
- Superior terminal ballistics for hunting medium-sized game, offering improved stopping power compared to .223 Remington
- Versatility with both supersonic and subsonic loads, allowing for a wide range of applications from hunting to tactical use
- Ideal for suppressed shooting, especially with subsonic ammunition, providing a quiet and effective option for hunters and recreational shooters
- Better energy retention at longer ranges compared to .223 Remington, maintaining effectiveness at distances beyond 100 yards
Disadvantages of 300 Blackout
The 300 Blackout does have some drawbacks to consider:
- Generally more expensive ammunition compared to .223 Remington, which can limit practice and recreational shooting
- Less flat trajectory, requiring more holdover at longer distances and potentially affecting long-range accuracy
- Slightly more recoil than .223 Remington, especially with heavier loads, which may impact rapid follow-up shots
- Less common availability of ammunition compared to .223 Remington, potentially making it harder to find in some areas
- Reduced effective range compared to .223 Remington, particularly beyond 300 yards
Key Differences and Side-by-Side Comparison
To help you decide between the Ruger American Ranch 300 Blackout and .223 Remington, let’s compare their main features side by side:
| Characteristic | .223 Remington | 300 Blackout |
| Muzzle Velocity | 3000 fps | 2350 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 1250 ft-lbs | 1350 ft-lbs |
| Effective Range | 500 yards | 300 yards |
| Suppressor Performance | Fair | Excellent |
| Short Barrel Performance | Fair | Excellent |
Choosing the Right Caliber for Your Needs
Picking between the 300 Blackout and .223 Remington for your Ruger American Ranch rifle depends on what you want to use it for. Here are some things to think about:
Hunting Considerations
If you’re mainly using your Ruger American Ranch for hunting, consider these points:
- For small game and varmints, the .223 Remington is a great choice. It’s accurate and doesn’t damage pelts much, making it perfect for animals like coyotes and prairie dogs.
- For medium-sized game like deer, the 300 Blackout works better, especially within 200 yards. Its bigger bullet is more effective for ethical kills.
- Check your local hunting rules. Some places don’t allow .223 Remington for deer hunting, but might allow 300 Blackout.
- Think about how far you usually shoot. If most of your shots are within 200 yards, the 300 Blackout might be better. For longer shots, the .223 Remington’s flatter path could help.
Home Defense Scenarios
Both calibers can work for home defense, but they have different strengths:
- The .223 Remington has less recoil, letting you shoot again quickly. It’s also less likely to go through walls with the right ammo. This can be important in stressful situations where you need to be accurate and controlled.
- The 300 Blackout, especially with slower bullets, works well with a suppressor. This can protect your hearing if you need to shoot inside your home.
- Think about your home’s layout and how far you might need to shoot. The 300 Blackout works better in tight spaces with its shorter barrel.
- Check what self-defense ammo is available near you. You can usually find more options for .223 Remington.
Target Shooting and Competition
For those who like target shooting or competitions:
- The .223 Remington is usually more accurate at long distances and has a flatter path, making it great for precision shooting contests. Its lower recoil also helps in timed events where you need to shoot quickly.
- The 300 Blackout can be fun for close-range tactical competitions or if you want to challenge yourself with a more versatile round. Being able to switch between fast and slow bullets can make your shooting more interesting.
- Think about ammo cost for practice. .223 Remington is usually cheaper, so you can practice more often and improve your skills.
- Check what competitions you’re interested in. Some might have rules about what calibers you can use.
“Choosing between .223 and 300 Blackout for your Ruger American Ranch depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize long-range accuracy and lower ammunition costs, go with .223. If you need optimal performance in short barrels or plan to use a suppressor, 300 Blackout is the better choice.”
โ Firearms Expert
Conclusion
Both the 300 Blackout and .223 Remington have their strengths in the Ruger American Ranch rifle. The .223 Remington is great for its flat trajectory, low recoil, and wide availability. It’s excellent for target shooting, varmint hunting, and general use. The 300 Blackout shines in short-barreled setups, works better for medium-game hunting, and offers both fast and slow bullet options.
Your best choice depends on what you’ll use it for most. If you want a do-it-all cartridge that’s better for hunting medium game and works well with suppressors, the 300 Blackout might be best. If you care more about long-range accuracy, cheaper ammo, and a flatter bullet path, go for the .223 Remington.