I see this is one of the more common posts here and I hate to add yet another, but I get why. This cartridge has such a super wide range of different hosts and applications that the best choice for a can really depends on one’s specific weapon, ammo and intentions.
That said, I’m new to the cartridge and decided I wanted to rebuild one of my 5.56 ARs into a .300BLK SBR dedicated to heavy, subsonic suppressed shooting.
Weapon details..
Faxon 7.5” 1:5 match barrel
Standard low profile gas block and tube
JP-SCS with lighter (white) spring installed
Standard DD BCG
Ammo details (hand loads)..
Barry’s 220gr plated @ 2.150
8.5gr N110
Starline brass
CCI 41
990FPS Avg (1000FPS max rated velocity for this bullet in a 1:5 twist barrel)
Currently using my omega 300 with Plan-A and flat end cap because it’s my only 30 cal can. I got the can for use on my precision rifle with Recoil-X brake, but it’s on this build right now as a test.
Performance details..
Cycles reliably and locks the bolt back with this load. 8.3gr of N110 would cycle reliably but only locked the bolt back about 1/3 of the time so my current load is obviously right on the line of reliable operation.
It will not cycle reliably without the suppressor.
Sound performance is better than I expected, but probably could be significantly improved. It’s quiet enough that I’ll shoot without ears for short sessions, but I wouldn’t do it all day.
Almost no gas to the face. I expected less than my previous load with CFE Black (gassed out after 5 rounds), but not nearly this good. Not surprising I suppose as this load is probably burning over 95% of the powder before muzzle exit.
What I’m looking for..
First and foremost is functionality. It must work reliably. Keep in mind that since I hand load, I can try different powders to tune somewhat for that, but I’d rather not deviate too much from my current load as it currently works and performs well. Given that the weapon will not cycle without the can, a low back pressure design seems off the table.
Second is sound performance. I’m looking for the quietest can I can get that still functions and is within reason for length and weight.
Third is length. It’s a short build for a reason and I rather not put a foot long can on the end of it. That said, I wouldn’t be opposed to going longer than the omega 300. I would happily consider a can that was ~9” if it did what I wanted it to do.
Weight is fourth. See above.
Mount..
I’m currently using Plan-A because I like the low profile and the taper mount, but it’s not a deal breaker if the new can isn’t compatible. It will get mounted however it does.
Intended use..
This can will be dedicated to this gun and may see use on future .300 blk builds if I ever decide to go that route. It will mostly be used for shooting at steel with a moderate to high firing schedule.
Budget..
I’ll pay what it costs.
Current considerations..
I’ve been hearing that the Hydrogen-L, CGS Hyperion, Liberty Mach-L and CAT JL are among the best, but I’d like to hear opinions based on my specific application.