Is SHORT Stuff Enough?...Sabre Blade Black Tip 300 Blackout 125 vs 150 Self-Defense AMMO Test!

Checking out a couple of Sabre Blade 300 Blackout rounds from Palmetto State Armory AAC Ammo. Which weight is best for a shorter barrel? Heavy Clothing ballistic gel test using a PSA AR-15 pistol!
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[@gilbertohernandez9223]

Lol the national anthem at 1776 fps was a nice touch 😂

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@g54b95]

'Merica!!!

[@owenwall4770]

.300 Blackout. Splitting the difference between the.30 carbine and 7.62 X 39 that no one knew existed.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😆

[@jamesmarkov9570]

Short barrels no bueno

[@bryanst.martin7134]

@@jamesmarkov9570 For 556/223, sure. The larger diameter gives more push from the pressure.

[@garrettschienschang7898]

Not what I was expecting. I wouldn’t mind seeing both of these tested from a longer barrel

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👍

[@Antioch_PrinceoftheHunt]

My eldest daughter got 3 whitetails and assisted with a 4th last deer season using 150 grain SST projectiles moving @ 1900fps in her 16" 300blk. Not the first one had a nice round exit hole, in fact one was a perfect keyhole. However none made it more then 25 yards after she pulled the trigger.

[@Ret2Play]

You are my go to resource for seeing ballistic performance on ammo. Thanks for all you do! (Music on 1776 was a nice touch 👌🏾 )

[@bwompusss7397]

I agree! When I want a new gun and am on the fence about what configuration to get I always search this channel's videos.

[@nickallowatt5128]

Ended up going with the 110gr Sabre blades for my 8.5 defense rig along with some 110gr v-max. Glad to see I made the right choice in weight

[@jameshood9694]

The best 300 Blackout I have ever seen is Barnes 110 grain solid copper tipped Hollow point.

[@Swissk31300BO]

For supers I agree. Those Barnes are great.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@peady64]

That’s all I run in my home defense rig. It’s pricey, but consistent performance

[@mfwic61]

I love some Barnes TSX, I've never seen bad performance from it in any caliber. Always accurate and great performance

[@ckiefner715]

I came close to getting the 125’s, looks like I should get more 110’s.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yep

[@TenRing69]

Have a safe, happy Memorial day weekend Brian!🎉

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir! same to you!😎👊

[@mikerudolph9785]

I would definitely like to see a part two on these with a longer barrel. And also hope you get a chance to try out the 400 legend at some point.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👍

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Appreciate the observable demo for our information. I am surprised. But it is good to know that these bullets need more speed. Thank you.

[@jonathanwilliams7161]

1776 🫡🇺🇸 love the patriotic edit! Great video! ❤️

[@Omaba_Baba]

I would love to see you use the 115gr Sierra JHP .300 blackout from AAC. Curious to see how they do versus the SST-type projectiles and the 110 grain VMAX, which are AWESOME.

[@brianc0019]

Great Content as Usual my Man 👍🏾 People get weighed down and butt hurt by so much crap they’ve heard. Every Caliber has its best application. Just shoot and figure what works best for your intended purposes.

[@josephpacchetti5997]

Interesting, that's the most I know about the 300 Blak, THX out to Ray, Thank you Brother B. hope everyone stays good, 👍 🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

It's a cool round mostly made for suppressed short barrel use, but can be supersonic near 5.56 performance pretty easily. Just something different to have for me anyway.

[@shawthackston9723]

Enjoyed the test Tools!

[@08ChrisMC]

I took 2 6-point bucks last season with the 150 gr black tips @ 70 yards from a 9.5" barrel. I dropped to the 110s to have more energy this year. From what I could tell while cleaning, both rounds did what they were supposed to do (or maybe they tumbled after watching this video). Nickle sized entry wounds with quarter sized exits on both.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I would bet they tumbled at that distance from that barrel length. All good in the grand scheme of things for hunting though.

[@08ChrisMC]

@@ToolsandTargets Well, idk know I'd even call them good if they won't mushroom like they should. Hitting bone may have helped them mushroom better in the deer. Either way I'm glad I went to the 110s. Edit: Also, your videos are awesome and have been a great help in my ammo selections. Keep up the great work!

[@kens17761]

Sunday afternoon coffee and jelly time!! Unbeatable combo!!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥😎👊💥

[@user-pw8fv6dr5n]

Please do some more supersonic .300 blackout tests out of a sixteen inch barrel please! I love your channel and have been watching you since day one. Keep up the good lords work!!!

[@scarifrougeone7225]

Agreed on your comments and informational test on this ammo out of the 8.5in. barrel. 110gr. Would be a better choice. Don’t have nothing in the Blackout but still good seeing the test and results well done. Have a great Memorial Day and thanks to those who gave and served. Be safe. 🇺🇸🎆🇺🇸

[@celowski6296]

I enjoyed watching your vid on the Saber. I do tests of every cartridge I buy. I recommend the Federal 150grn fusion for hunting. I hit a buck last year about 70yrds. Total alienation of the lungs and heart. Beautiful mushroom tip. As for the Sabre in 150grn. When I shot it at 50yrds through a 16" barrel it TOTALLY gernaded!! The lead powderized and the brass turned into shrapnel! The saber with my testing would be awesome for home defense. Just my 2 cents. results will very.

[@jstephen45]

We'll that was a bummer. I shot a nice 0.2" 3 shot group yesterday at 100 yards with those 125s out of my 16" barrel PSA. Looking forward to see those from the longer barrel. Thanks for the video!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Definitely gonna run the 125's through a test with the 16".😎👊

[@timjames4317]

I’d love to see the 220 subs tested. Love the channel!

[@Anthony-go7es]

Great video brother. Been thinking of a 300 Blackout upper for the AR15..

[@projectturbocoupe4897]

Two great videos in a row! I just don’t know about SSTs in 300 BO, especially from a short barrel. They were designed for 308/30-06 velocities. MAYBE the 125 will do better from a carbine? I don’t think the 150 will perform well though, even at 1,900. I sure wouldn’t mind being proved wrong about that though. Hope you know how much we all appreciate what you’re doing!

[@user-zk4oe7mc8n]

I run a 7.5 bear creek barrel using 125 HP. Nice video 🇺🇲

[@michaelegert1284]

Nice to see some rifle stuff again😊👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@whiteyshark5826]

Now them 220s! Thanks for the video data point as usual.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@ronaldbarnes8302]

Looks like for a short barrel if you’re not subsonic lighter is better. Thanks for the test Tools!

[@stevenflores5549]

Hardest working man on KZbin. Good video

[@yuh9537]

Excited to see the 300blk 220gr black tip next!

[@IRishbuck58]

Great video keep up the good work

[@jcnikoley]

Before I watch, I'll predict low expansion from a short barrel. Gotta get those velocities above 2000.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Mhmm

[@kerino1]

Tools - after the mention in that live stream last night, and seeing that H&K shirt today, I'm really curious to see what you have coming up. Hope it's a decent Memorial Day for you and yours tomorrow!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yippee Ki Yay!😎👊

[@nikos6220]

It’s stay clear of that crap gelly time. Finding the lemons and telling it how it is makes this channel so awesome!

[@toddparsons2980]

Thanks for this test. Always good to see 300BLK tests. Usually the 147 and 150 grain bullets are designed of the 308 Winchester. Most ammo manufacturers will load it in 300Blk to be cost effective. Stick with 110, 125 and subs for your serious stuff.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@jlazcchsbaseball]

95% of all self-defense situations in the U.S. happen within 25 feet. I'd like to see you try these out at 10 yards

[@effeojnedib7208]

Thanks for your tests ! Id love to see what a 16" barrel changes, if anything.

[@neptunestrident4364]

Thanks Tools

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@Quixcilver7.62]

The Star Spangled Banner @ 1776 FPS has me rolling 😆 Love the content, as always. Great job.

[@billdye3530]

Jelly time but I got distracted by something in comments. Didnt think it was your profile photo. Lmao 😂😂

[@ToolsandTargets]

It's really ridiculous that YT can't get a handle on this mess. If I'm not here right when these videos go live, there would be a string of that garbage in the comments for lord knows how long.

[@billdye3530]

​@ToolsandTargets I thought I recognized my 3rd cousin in the one photo 😂. The 110gr was a lot better. Noticed the 125gr dropped about 200fps at 100yds & 150gr dropped apx. 125fps. Cool on the150gr when that loose projectile jumped 2ft straight up off the table. Good job! 🙏👍

[@DinoNucci]

..... WAat?!

[@independentthinker8930]

If you male the tiniest infraction yt jumps on you, BUT, if you are a lying, thieving piece of garbage humanizing, yt doesn't care. What does that tell you? Me, Rumble is better, just wish people would go there instead

[@clintlansdell9505]

Dem booties 😂

[@mikethefarrier]

You should add a 1/4" thick piece of fiberboard behind your cloth to simulate striking bone. I have found it provides a better "observable" performance result. I havent tried the AAC stuff but the Hornady fsctory 110s do REALLY well. As do my handloaded 125 Speer TNTs.

[@robertseafield5810]

Good test. The 300 BLK has become my favorite CF cartridge. Thanks for all the tests! I dont think they would do much better in a 16" barrel. They look like standard 30 cal bullets meant for 308 Win speeds. The 125 gr SST bullets work OK at 300 blackout velocities. Speer makes a 150 gr Gold Dot BLK bullet but I havent been able to get any in factory or handloading bullets. They can be loaded to 2150 fps in a 16". Best for deer seems to be the 110 Barnes TAC. Good results reported on that one. Other 110 gr bullets also show good results.

[@ToolsandTargets]

That 150 Gold Dot would be interesting to see. That just reminded me I have a box of Speer .30 bullets but they're the 168 grain bthp target match.

[@bigracer3867]

300 blk one of my fav. For the carbine.

[@steelpunisher6944]

Well…. I’m glad I waited on those two weights lol. I have the 110s so I guess I’ll get more of those for sure. I use a 10.5” and a 16” for hunting. I know the 110s will do what needs done. Awesome test as always good sir 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, I'm definitely staying lightweight for this shorty.

[@Theloss52]

Deeper penetration with heavier bullets seems in line with the "Special application" of 300 blackout, pick your ammo appropriately

[@kenpickett9317]

300Blk is definitely a specialist round in my experience. Ammo selection is everything with this cartridge.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Ammo for sure makes a big difference.

[@ReubenOaks84]

I use a 16" 300blk for deer hunting, I like the heavier 150gr for deer hunting, I like the 110gr to 125gr for self defense. A faster twist rate may help with these rounds.

[@spaz13b]

I was just seeing this on sale and wondering how it performed! Sweet!

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@yomomma107]

Well shoot! I had high hopes for these grain weights Hopefully the 16"will give better performance ✌️🇺🇸

[@TheCrewChief374]

See I was saying you need to do the Gel-lo test at both ten and twenty-eight yards!

[@Chagsis]

Would love to see you test the black tip subs!

[@robertwess4556]

Another good ammo test

[@curtk8130]

I wonder what these are marketed towards a hunting round or a self defense round? I’ve killed two hogs with the 125gr and they did an excellent job. That was out of a 16” barrel and when I tested it I was getting a little over 200 fps more than boxed velocity. I think psa used a 10.3” barrel so obviously a 16 gets much more. Within a 100 yards the stuff shoots very accurately and I’m sure you could stretch it farther than that but that’s all I have to practice. I personally wouldn’t hesitate to use it again because it did awesome but I don’t have any short barrels like that. Seems it needed a bit more speed. Another highly informative video!

[@angrysheepdog9744]

Still can't beat the reliability of soft points

[@DisgustedGenXr]

The SD is tight on the 1776 run because all the powder that can burn, burns. Great SDs

[@leroycaudill96]

When I want a honest ammo test Tools is the one to watch like the videos Tools stay safe and God Bless.

[@snowdogthewolf]

I'm sure they'll do better from a 16" carbine. Thanks for focusing on the shorter barrel for the initial test as most rigs in .300blk seem to be in SBR format (as mine is). If you're getting that kind of performance out of a 8.5" barrel, I can forget getting anything out of my 7.5" barrel. I guess I'll stick with 110gr Controlled Chaos, but those 110gr Sabre Blade black tips looked to perform well. That's probably the route I'll go. The Controlled Chaos I have is loaded by a company called Beck and they seem to have checkered reviews (the only defensive .300blk available at the time of purchase). I'll likely be swapping those out soon as .300blk becomes more plentiful.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah, the 110 is definitely the way I would go for this short barrel.

[@crsquirrely73]

Id also like to see you redo this test with your Gel block at 15 yards

[@Mrgunsngear]

🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@cpvsgvmnt2116]

I run a 16 inch carbon fiber barrel from Proof Research, 1:8 twist.

[@crsquirrely73]

I have the 125 grain ammo and I have a 12.5 inch barrel banshee and I had a bunch of problems with my ammo from PSA I had several rounds where the primer came out after being fired and stayed in the BCG and it drove me crazy because I loved the way it shot. I don't know if I'm going to buy any more ammo from PSA

[@charlesmckinley29]

Thanks Tools I think these are the same “black tip” bullets that Midsouth has on sale.

[@jcnikoley]

Yep, 110s are the way to go for a short barrel if you're after pure performance on target. The 125s actually performed better than I expected. They might be borderline usable from a 10.5 inch, but I think you need a 16 inch to get the velocities you need for reliable expansion. I wish there was a short barrel made to run supers only. I don't care about poking quiet holes through something. I want a loud explosion on target.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Same here.😎👊

[@onebadjack1313]

Love my 300 blk, I use 110vmax loaded hot in my 8" BA barrel. But the blk has been eclipsed by my 300 Ham'r. Like you I ,don't do supressors. You've got to try the 300 Ham'r. It's everything you wish the supers were in 300blk. I get about 2500fps w 130 hotcor. A 300blk vs 300 Ham'r comparison would be the bees knees! Thanks for another great video Tools.

[@dillonlboyer]

What twist rate is your BA 8"? Is it the 1:5?

[@onebadjack1313]

@@dillonlboyer mine is the 1:7 twist

[@kevnitestalker8561]

Good video - should run the 125gr thru the 16" tho, hunters want to know!

[@SaltyMaverick]

Have you tested any of Fort Scott Munitions' "Tumble Upon Impact" (TUI) ammo yet? I'd like to see how that stuff performs, both rifle and pistol calibers.

[@380master9]

You got to get the G2RIP and 300 blackout and see what they do lol it's like magic

[@johnwilliams9498]

Great video, trying to send some Bluebell ice cream from Texas!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. That might end up a milkshake!😆

[@michaellavaughnrobinson]

I dont see the draw to the 300 blk personally. Appreciate seeing thes difference between those two balls.

[@ru2yaz33]

You gotta remember Clear Ballistics Gel typically don't expand bullets like the FBI Kind & Knox or Vyse 250-A ordnance gelatin.

[@ToolsandTargets]

🤣🤣🤣 You gotta remember you were given a brain so you don't have to parrot salesman garbage. If you are seriously trying to blame gel for a round that's moving 2000 fps not expanding, you're an absolute clueless clown.

[@sparhawk5515]

I would like to see the 9mm punch from a carbine. Any of the punch rounds would probably be excellent carbine rounds.

[@joeyphillips1181]

Have you tested 223 speer gold dots? Those are my favorite 223/556 loads and ive never been a big fan of 300 blackout because I feel 7.62×39 is better.. also if your looking for an affordable tool in 9mm the CZ P10's are really cheap right now.. i already had the P10C and its a great shooter so I got the P10S the other day and ive never been disappointed with anything from CZ.. I also have a P01 & a Tanfoglio defiant stock which is a full size CZ 75 clone in 10mm.. CZ, S&W, HK & Glock are my go to options but I think CZ & S&W are my all around favorites when it comes to handguns.. still it's hard to beat HK & Glock but the CZ & S&W's i own probably do lol there more affordable usually too.. HK can be a little overpriced with the VP9's but I really like them too

[@gsitzkowitz]

You know, not that it's going to happen, but you should take a look at he 300 Hamr. You'll be done with any supersonic 300 BLK!!

[@diegofianza3525]

Thanks, I was wondering which one was more effective for self defense (on a ~9" bbl) PSA's Black Sabre 110 gr or 125 gr. Also, while I'm at it, thanks for the Black Sabre 110 gr vid!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that! 110 is the way for short barrels if you ask me.😎👊

[@user-fc5dn2rp1c]

You have the best gell testing show I have seen but I like pistol test i am in to carry guns

[@ToolsandTargets]

Pistol tests will always be the number one priority.😎👊

[@stevew8716]

So 110 black tips in the shorties for sure. I'll be interested to see if they do better out of 16 or more.

[@nygaardn1]

Got a new sub from me sir. Watched a few of your videos, great, no nonsence information. Im curious, may have missed it in the video so i apologize, what was the twist rate on the pistol/8.5in you used? 1:8? or was it something tighter like 1:7 or 1:5. Ive heard jacketed rounds like this may actually shred when exiting the muzzle on a twist as fast as 1:5. Curious if something a little tighter like 1:7 would cause more expansion since 1:5 was developed to make the subsonic 200-220gr perform better than a standard .45acp.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Appreciate that. It is a 1:8 twist.

[@themoose66]

Try out some maker subsonic 300blk loads! He has loaded ammo on his website and boy is it gnarly

[@mikes8915]

Please do the 125 out of a 16 inch barrel. If it performs with the added velocity it could be a very affordable white tail slayer

[@ToolsandTargets]

Definitely gonna do that.

[@johnparker9139]

Well I just ordered the 125’s yesterday for summer deer damage tags. I’ll see how they work out of a 16 inch barrel.

[@ToolsandTargets]

16" probably has what it needs to do it's thing.

[@abones900]

You should test the 220 gr version of this cartridge.

[@chrissewell1608]

TWO thumbs up 👍👍, for playing the Star Spangled Banner song on Memorial Day! 🫡 Let Freedom Ring!.... Some steel! 🇺🇲

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥😎👊💥

[@bryanst.martin7134]

HK moto: In a world of compromise, some men don't. I don't.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I have something pretty slick from em that I gotta wait until July to do a video on, for reasons.😉💥🎄💥

[@bryanst.martin7134]

I have 85gr TREX loads for my 300BO. I wonder what they would look in your tests. You have to load them yourself.

[@charlesmorgan1879]

I think would be a better test at 10yd for short barrel but good info , Thanks !

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@Michiganredd]

Do the 220 grain black tip

[@dennispiert5742]

JMO… keep the rifle rounds at 28 yards… conduct all handgun/pcc rounds at 10.

[@donakahorse]

My understanding of .300 blackout is it's meant for subsonic suppressed situations. Being supersonic even out of a short barrel it doesn't meet my needs for the caliber. Check out Sellier and Bellot 200 grain FMJ. It's a thumper. :)

[@trentvlak]

Silvers said it's supposed to be for both sub and supersonic.

[@donakahorse]

@@trentvlak I do understand that they make supersonic ammo, and it does ok. And I accept completely that I could be wrong, but my understanding is that the original concept is that it was meant to bring better energy transfer to suppressed AR platforms.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@trentvlak]

@@donakahorse It was designed by Robert Silvers to replace the MP5SD concept, where one could use suppressed ammo for covert operations then simply swap mags for supersonic for effectiveness, in the same gun, no settings changed.

[@dillonlboyer]

.300 blackout is both a suppressed .45 and a 16" 5.56 with just a mag swap, all in one short package. Jack of all trades. Probably need this tipped ammo to reach its potential though, could not pull of either use case with FMJ

[@YellowHammer26]

🇺🇸 Thanks Tools

[@ericpewpew_rn5294]

I have been buying and shooting the 110 grain since your review. These are really disappointing results. I would really like to see a 16” test.

[@matthoward4937]

Please do a review of Tula 9mm brass hollow point. There the cheapest hp 9mm on ammo seek rn

[@MeMadeIt]

In the 110gr tests, the 16" barrel averaged 12.2% ~ 13.45% faster than the 8.5" barrel. Applying that to this 8.5" test, the 125gr would do 2227 ~ 2252 out of a 16" while the 150gr would do 1988 ~ 2010. So ... the 125gr should perform better out of a 16" but the 150gr probably would not since it is barely above 2000.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Interesting and saved me some mathing!😎👊

[@vfonte218]

.300 BO was made to be suppressed and hsed with heavier bullets.

[@Disastrous.Affect]

After my experience with this past deer season, I just can't get excited about 300BO.🤷‍♂️ I didn't give it a lot of consideration after the hunt, just kinda moved on from it...

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@TriggaTrey361]

5.56 seems to be the better hunting round in my opinion more energy on target works great on small white tail here in Texas

[@Disastrous.Affect]

@@TriggaTrey361 I have tried both, I have been disappointed by both... I bought a 308 Banshee for next deer season.👍

[@TriggaTrey361]

@@Disastrous.Affect really I drop whitetails & pigs with my 5.56 all the time but I'm also shooting less than 100 yards

[@ratagris21]

Nice anthem inclusion on yhe velocity testing Tools! Good performance, but at tte cost of price per round. Looks like theyll do much better at a long length barrel. Thanks for all you Tools! ,♠️🎩🎯🎱🇺🇲🏁🇮🇱🇺🇦🔱🌻🏵️🌸💮🌼🏴‍☠️🏹

[@MeMadeIt]

For Pistol caliber tests, 10~12yds would be more meaningful. For Rifle caliber tests, 28yds would be more meaningful. Just about any Rifle caliber will outperform any Pistol caliber under 25yds.

[@Jrh-rp7np]

Man you should test some of that 7.62x39 AAC in Fmj and Sabre.. I got 250 rounds of those FMJ and the bullet is much longer than all the brands I measured it against,, Tula,, Wolf,, Golden Tiger,, ULY 8m3., and some other older combloc stuff.. I haven’t had a chance to test the AAC yet to see how it functions ..,The Cannelure is up way to high in them it’s like they didn’t seat properly or something

[@ToolsandTargets]

Just did one on the Sabre in x39.😎👍

[@Jrh-rp7np]

@@ToolsandTargets Damn how did I miss that one., or did I,,now I have to go see If I watched it… I guarantee I commented on it… edit.. I did watch and comment yeah now I remember good stuff…

[@Thehashbulla]

Have you tested the 220 grain?

[@Mitsurugi2424]

What would you say is the best super sonic 300blk you have tested out of a shorter barrel? I am looking for something with really good expansion and wound channel for an 8-10in pdw

[@msquared9605]

I’m running some Liberty Overwatch 96 grain and hornady 110 vmax for my 8.5”

[@bmarquis3500]

Any chance you could do the 220s next? Thanks

[@whiteyshark5826]

Seconded.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Out of the 16 inch? Not really much chance of getting anything from em out of this 8.5 if these 150's didn't.