Optimizing Your Performance: Hornady Custom 300 Blackout 135 gr Flex Tip eXpanding Ammunition

Are you a dedicated precision shooter looking to shave critical fractions of an inch off your groups? Perhaps you're an ethical hunter seeking the most reliable and effective ammunition for small game, ensuring a humane and decisive outcome. Or maybe you're an avid firearms enthusiast eager to unlock the true accuracy potential of your newly built 300 Blackout rifle. If any of these resonate with your shooting aspirations, then the Hornady Custom 300 Blackout 135 grain Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) ammunition is meticulously engineered to meet and exceed your demands.

This ammunition is specifically designed to provide consistent, match-grade accuracy and dependable terminal performance, making it an indispensable choice for a wide array of shooting disciplines. Forget the frustration of inconsistent velocities or unreliable expansion; Hornady Custom loads deliver the precision and power you need to excel, whether you're at the firing line or in the field. This premium offering is readily available to enhance your shooting experience at DEGuns.

The Foundation of Excellence: What Sets Hornady Custom Ammunition Apart?

When discussing premium ammunition, the Hornady "Custom" line consistently rises to the top, and for very good reason. Hornady’s commitment to quality is evident in every single round. Unlike mass-produced bulk ammunition, Hornady Custom loads undergo stringent quality control measures at every stage of their manufacturing process. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that each cartridge performs identically to the last, leading to unparalleled consistency.

At the heart of Hornady Custom ammunition are the highest quality components available. This includes:

• Premium Brass Cases: Each case is manufactured to precise tolerances, ensuring optimal chambering, consistent powder combustion, and reliable extraction. This attention to case quality directly translates to repeatable ballistic performance.
• Carefully Selected Propellants: Hornady engineers match specific powders to each load, guaranteeing optimal pressures, efficient burn rates, and consistent velocities. This ensures minimal muzzle flash and predictable recoil, contributing to better shot placement.
• Sensitive and Reliable Primers: The primers used in Hornady Custom ammunition are chosen for their consistent ignition, which is critical for uniform powder combustion and, subsequently, consistent muzzle velocity. This reliability is paramount for both competitive shooting and hunting scenarios where every shot counts.

But the true star of the Custom line is undoubtedly Hornady’s most accurate and consistent match-grade projectiles. These aren't just any bullets; they are designed with precision and performance as their primary objectives, giving you the best possible chance to achieve tight groups and high scores.

Unpacking the 300 Blackout Cartridge: Versatility and Supersonic Power

The .300 AAC Blackout (300 BLK) cartridge has rapidly gained popularity since its inception, largely due to its remarkable versatility, especially within AR-platform rifles. Developed to offer a viable .30 caliber option in an AR-15 sized package, it excels in both suppressed and unsuppressed applications, as well as in short-barreled rifles (SBRs). While the 300 BLK is famous for its heavy subsonic loads optimized for suppressed shooting, the Hornady Custom 135 grain Flex Tip eXpanding load represents its powerful supersonic potential.

The 135 grain bullet weight, combined with its impressive muzzle velocity of 2085 feet per second (fps), places this specific load firmly in the supersonic category. This means it travels faster than the speed of sound, making it ideal for scenarios where maximum energy transfer and a flatter trajectory are desired, such as hunting or longer-range target shooting within the practical limits of the 300 BLK cartridge. The .300 Blackout’s inherent efficiency in short barrels means that even from a compact firearm, this ammunition delivers formidable performance. Its ability to utilize standard AR-15 magazines and bolt carriers further enhances its appeal and ease of integration for many shooters.

The Ingenuity of the 135 gr Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) Bullet

The Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) bullet is a testament to Hornady’s innovative spirit and commitment to superior ballistic performance. This isn't just a basic soft point; it's a meticulously engineered projectile designed for reliable expansion and deep penetration across a wide velocity range. Here's a closer look at what makes the FTX bullet so effective:

• Patented Flex Tip® Technology: At the core of its design is a flexible polymer tip. This tip serves multiple critical functions:
  • Initiates Expansion: Upon impact, the flexible tip compresses into the bullet's core, initiating rapid and controlled expansion even at lower velocities.
  • Enhances Ballistic Coefficient: The polymer tip acts as an aerodynamic aid, creating a more streamlined profile that reduces drag. This results in a higher ballistic coefficient, which contributes to a flatter trajectory and better energy retention downrange.
  • Prevents Deformity: Unlike traditional exposed lead tips, the Flex Tip prevents bullet tip deformation during recoil in tubular magazines, which is less common in 300 BLK but highlights the robust design.
• InterLock® Ring: A unique feature of many Hornady hunting bullets, the InterLock® ring mechanically locks the jacket and core together. This prevents core-jacket separation during impact, ensuring maximum energy transfer and deep, consistent penetration through game.
• Secant Ogive Design: The bullet’s secant ogive profile is an optimized shape that provides the best balance of drag reduction and bearing surface. This translates to reduced air resistance, leading to less velocity decay over distance and ultimately superior accuracy.

The combined effect of these features in the 135 grain FTX bullet results in a projectile that flies true, expands reliably, and delivers devastating terminal performance. For hunters, this means a clean, ethical take-down. For target shooters, it means exceptional consistency for tighter groups.

Real-World Applications: Where Hornady Custom 300 Blackout Shines Brightest

The versatility and precision of Hornady Custom 300 Blackout 135 gr FTX ammunition make it an ideal choice for several key shooting applications.

For the Precision Target Shooter and Competitive Marksman:

• Achieving Unrivaled Accuracy: How can you truly test your rifle's capabilities? By feeding it premium, consistent ammunition. These Hornady loads feature match-grade projectiles that minimize shot-to-shot variations, allowing you to fine-tune your rifle and technique without the added variable of inconsistent ammo. If you're striving for sub-MOA groups or top scores in your next target shooting competition, this ammunition provides the consistency you need to push your limits.
• Building Confidence and Skill: Consistent ammunition allows you to focus on fundamental shooting skills—trigger control, breath management, and sight alignment—knowing that any flyers are due to technique, not ammunition. This feedback loop is invaluable for improvement.

For the Ethical Small Game Hunter:

• Reliable Terminal Performance: What's the best ammunition for humane hunting? Ammunition that delivers reliable expansion and sufficient energy to dispatch game quickly and ethically. The 135 gr FTX, with its Muzzle Energy of 1303 ft lbs, provides excellent energy transfer for small game, ensuring a clean kill. Its controlled expansion prevents over-penetration while still delivering enough impact for decisive results on targets like coyotes, bobcats, or even hogs at closer ranges where the 300 BLK excels.
• Appropriate for Game Type: While not a big game round, the 135 gr FTX is perfectly suited for smaller to medium-sized game, offering a balance of velocity and expansion without excessive recoil. It's designed to perform predictably within the ethical hunting parameters of the 300 Blackout cartridge.

For Rifle Builders and Enthusiasts Testing New Builds:

• Establishing a Performance Baseline: If you've just completed a custom 300 Blackout build, whether it's an AR-15 pistol, an SBR, or a bolt-action rifle, how do you truly assess its accuracy and functionality? By using high-quality, consistent ammunition like Hornady Custom. This ammunition provides a reliable baseline for testing barrel harmonics, evaluating different optics, and verifying the overall reliability of your firearm.
• Unlocking Potential: Don't let your high-quality components be held back by subpar ammunition. Hornady Custom loads allow you to unlock the full accuracy and functional potential of your investment, ensuring your new rifle performs exactly as designed.

Decoding Ballistics: Muzzle Velocity, Muzzle Energy, and Their Impact

Understanding ballistic data can significantly enhance your shooting decisions. For the Hornady Custom 300 Blackout 135 gr FTX, two key metrics stand out:

• Muzzle Velocity: 2085 fps (Feet Per Second)
  • This supersonic velocity indicates that the bullet travels faster than the speed of sound immediately upon exiting the barrel. This higher speed contributes to a flatter trajectory over typical shooting distances for the 300 Blackout, making aiming simpler and reducing the need for significant holdovers. For hunting, higher velocity can also lead to more rapid and reliable bullet expansion upon impact, improving terminal performance.
• Muzzle Energy: 1303 ft lbs (Foot-Pounds)
  • Muzzle energy is a measure of the bullet's kinetic energy at the muzzle. This figure represents the raw power and potential impact force of the projectile. For hunting, a higher muzzle energy generally translates to greater stopping power and more effective energy transfer to the target, leading to quicker, more humane kills. For target shooting, while not as directly relevant as accuracy, sufficient energy ensures reliable target activation and consistent impact. This energy level is significant for the 300 Blackout platform, especially considering its compact nature.

These ballistic figures confirm that the Hornady Custom 135 gr FTX load is a potent and effective choice, offering both speed for trajectory and energy for impact, all while maintaining the renowned Hornady precision.

Why Choose Hornady Custom 300 Blackout 135 gr FTX for Your Needs?

In a market saturated with ammunition options, the Hornady Custom 300 Blackout 135 gr FTX stands out as a superior choice for discerning shooters. Its benefits are clear and compelling:

• Unwavering Consistency: From the carefully chosen components to the rigorous manufacturing process, Hornady ensures shot-to-shot consistency that is critical for both precision shooting and hunting reliability.
• Exceptional Accuracy: Featuring Hornady's most accurate match-grade projectiles, this ammunition is engineered to deliver tight groups, allowing you to maximize your rifle's potential.
• Dependable Terminal Performance: The innovative Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) bullet design guarantees reliable expansion and deep penetration, essential for ethical hunting and effective self-defense.
• Hornady's Legacy of Quality: With decades of experience and a reputation built on innovation and excellence, Hornady ammunition is trusted by hunters, competitive shooters, and law enforcement worldwide.

Before your next trip to the range, your next competition, or your next hunting excursion, ensure you're equipped with ammunition that won't let you down. Pick up some Hornady Custom ammo and unlock the true potential of your gun. This premium ammunition is available at DEGuns, your reliable source for quality firearms and accessories.

Ensuring Optimal Performance: Tips for Shooters

To maximize the benefits of your Hornady Custom 300 Blackout 135 gr FTX ammunition, consider these practical tips:

• Rifle Maintenance: A clean, well-maintained rifle is crucial for consistent accuracy. Regularly clean your barrel, chamber, and bolt to prevent fouling buildup that can degrade precision.
• Optics Check: Ensure your scope or red dot sight is securely mounted and zeroed correctly. Even the best ammunition can't compensate for loose optics.
• Consistent Technique: Focus on fundamental shooting techniques—proper stance, consistent grip, smooth trigger press, and natural point of aim—to capitalize on the ammunition's inherent accuracy.
• Ammunition Storage: Store ammunition in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperature fluctuations and humidity, to preserve its ballistic integrity over time.

Safety First: Responsible Ammunition Handling

Always prioritize safety when handling firearms and ammunition. Remember these fundamental rules:

• Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
• Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot.
• Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
• Always wear appropriate eye and ear protection when shooting.
• Store firearms and ammunition separately and securely, out of reach of unauthorized individuals, especially children.

This Hornady Custom 300 Blackout 135 gr FTX ammunition, like all firearms products, should be used responsibly and in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	Custom
Caliber	300 Blackout
Bullet Type	Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX)
Bullet Weight	135 gr
Muzzle Velocity	2085 fps
Muzzle Energy	1303 ft lbs
Casing Material	Brass
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	10
Application	Hunting, Target, Competition
Game Type	Small Game
SKU	1038
MPN	80881
UPC	090255808810