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Quick Look
The 300 Whisper cartridge was introduced in the early 2000s as a versatile suppressed round. It emphasizes subsonic performance for quiet shooting with heavy bullets or supersonic with lighter loads. It remains popular among tactical shooters and hunters seeking low noise and recoil.
Why It's a Top Choice
- Excellent subsonic suppression capabilities
- Versatile bullet weights for varied applications
- Compatible with AR-15 platform with barrel swap
- Low recoil improves shooter control
- Effective for hunting and tactical use
Key Variants
300 Whisper Supersonic — Higher velocity loads ideal for longer-range precision shooting.
300 Whisper Subsonic — Heavy bullet loads optimized for stealth and suppressed fire.
Competitor Comparison Table
| Feature | 300 Whisper | 300 AAC Blackout | 7.62x39mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1.50–$2.50/round | $1.20–$2.00/round | $0.50–$1.00/round |
| Capacity/Size | AR-15 magazine compatible (varies) | AR-15 magazine compatible | AK/AKM magazine specific |
| Weight | ~220–240 gr bullets subsonic | ~110–125 gr bullets supersonic | ~122 gr bullets supersonic |
| Optics-Ready | Depends on rifle setup | Wide AR-15 accessory support | Limited optics on standard platform |
| Trigger Type | Varies by rifle | Varies by rifle | Varies by rifle |
| Notable Pro | Quiet subsonic options | Native suppressor integrability | Widely available and affordable |
| Notable Con | Less common ammo availability | Slightly lower bullet energy | Higher recoil and noise |
Best Use Cases
- Suppressed tactical shooting
- Self-defense with suppressed firearms
- Medium-range hunting applications
- Low-recoil target and range practice
- Specialized hunting for varmints and deer
FAQs
Can I use 300 Whisper ammunition in an AR-15 platform?
Yes, 300 Whisper requires a barrel chambered for it and a standard AR-15 lower; only the upper receiver and magazine may differ.
What is the typical bullet weight for 300 Whisper subsonic loads?
Common subsonic loads use heavy bullets around 220–240 grains to stay below supersonic speeds.
How does 300 Whisper compare to 300 AAC Blackout?
300 Whisper was the precursor, both offer subsonic and supersonic loads but 300 AAC Blackout has broader industry support and commercial adoption.
