Whisper vs Blackout

[LubeckTech]

I am going to get a 300 Whisper or Blackout upper for my AR. The versatility of it intrigues me but it would mainly be a range toy with thoughts of possibly getting a can in the future. Which cartridge is more desirable?? I am leaning toward the ACC Blackout because it is SAMMI accepted and there are published specs. From what I understand they are not interchangable so I would need to pick one.

 

[bearfoot]

It seems they're at least somewhat compatible - the S&W AR comes in a version that will shoot either:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57785_757784_757784_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

 

[LiENUS]

Isn't blackout supposed to be more compatible with brass formed from .223 brass whereas the whisper chamber is too tight and has to have the brass neck turned before it's safe.

 

[Captaingyro]

The latest issue of the NRA's American Rifleman goes into quite a bit of detail on this very subject. The magazine should be laying around your house somewhere (you are a member of the NRA, right?)

Just in case the dog ate it, here's a link to the online version:

http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/shades-of-gray/

 

[cfullgraf]

Performance wise, the two cartridges are essentially the same. There are small differences in the case and/or chamber dimensions.

I bought a 300 BLK upper because the cartridge was accepted by SAAMI. Components, ammunition, and rifles are interchangeable without issue and should be available from a number of sources.

Not so much with the proprietary 300 Whisper.

 

[Walkalong]

There is no reason I can think of to choose the Whisper over the Blackout these days.

 

[italy176]

Not quite one of your options listed... But, check it out: http://wilsoncombat.com/new/762x40-project.asp

This round packs a little more punch than your 2 choices and brass can be produced from 5.56.

 

[LubeckTech]

The 7.62x40WT is an interesting concept but they mention a modification to the magazine being required.

 

[Lennyjoe]

I'm in the same boat, but I'm gonna put a silencer on mine and load subsonic rounds. We've been tossing around this idea for months now and are about ready to pull the trigger (no pun intended) on the build after the holidays.

 

[Ranb]

Get the 300 blackout as it is a standardized cartridge. The 300 whisper makes no sense anymore.

I bought a 300 whisper back in 2000, AR and Contender barrels. 223 and 5.56 brass that is cut and sized fits just fine, no need to turn necks at all. 300 whisper brass is 1.35" and blackout is 1.368". My 300 whisper will function with brass that is up to 1.37" long. SSK actually supplied whisper brass made from military 5.56 brass when I bought my first barrel. Blackout brass will work just fine in my barrels.

30 caliber bullets loaded 2.26" will jam up in the military issue mags unless the rib is machined down a bit or the cartridge is loaded shorter. I machined down the rib in my mags so I could load to the max length. The 300 whisper mag still works perfectly in my 5.56 AR.

Ranb.

 

[rsilvers]

The article comparing them makes more sense from a historical purpose than as a guide as to what to buy.

You can't even buy a Whisper rifle except from SSK and S&W. 300 AAC Blackout is supported by 145 companies now.