Hornady Black 300 Blackout 110 Grain NTX
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Varmint hunting, tactical, lead-free applications |
| Bullet Type | NTX (Non-Toxic eXpanding) — polymer-tipped, lead-free frangible |
| Bullet Weight | 110 grain |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer (assumed standard Hornady practice) |
| Packaging | 20 rounds per box |
| Typical Price | $36.99/box · $1.85/round |
| Closest Competitors | Hornady Black 300 BLK 110 gr V-MAX, Barnes VOR-TX 300 BLK 110 gr TAC-TX, Sig Sauer Elite Copper 300 BLK 120 gr HT |
Official Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 2,375 | Retailer product listing |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 1,377 | Retailer product listing |
| Bullet Weight | 110 gr | Retailer product listing |
| Bullet Type | NTX (Non-Toxic eXpanding) | Retailer product listing |
| BC G1 | — | Not published |
| BC G7 | — | Not published |
| Manufacturer SKU | 80862 | Retailer product listing |
| UPC | — | Not published |
| Reloadable | Yes | Brass case, Boxer primer |
Note — BC values: Hornady does not publicly list G1 or G7 ballistic coefficients for the NTX bullet in this chambering. The ballistics table below uses a conservative estimated BC derived from comparable 110 gr polymer-tipped projectiles and must be treated as approximation only.
Note — Velocity/Energy consistency check: At 2,375 fps with a 110 gr bullet, calculated muzzle energy = ½ × (110 / 7,000 / 32.174) × 2,375² ≈ 1,377 ft-lbs. The listed energy of 1,377 ft-lbs is internally consistent with the listed velocity. No data conflict detected.
Note — Source quality: Velocity and energy figures originate from a retailer product listing, not the Hornady website or printed box data. Hornady’s own product pages for the NTX line have historically listed test-barrel length as 16 inches. Confirm against box labeling before drawing performance conclusions.
Ballistics Table
Calculated estimate. Real-world results vary by barrel length, temperature,altitude, and lot. Community submissions will provide measured muzzlevelocity for comparison. Estimated G1 BC of 0.275 used; zero set at 100 yards,sight height 1.5″ above bore.
| Yards | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2,375 | 1,377 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2,085 | 1,062 | 0.0 ← zero |
| 200 | 1,815 | 804 | -7.4 |
| 300 | 1,568 | 600 | -24.8 |
| 400 | 1,351 | 446 | -57.3 |
| 500 | 1,171 | 335 | -111.2 |
Key takeaway: The 110 gr NTX launches at a brisk 2,375 fps for a 300 Blackout load, placing it firmly in the supersonic performance tier. Energy retention is solid out to 200 yards for varmint and small-to-medium predator work, but the bullet sheds velocity relatively quickly beyond that point due to the moderate ballistic coefficient typical of this bullet class. Practical hunting distances should be kept inside 200 yards for consistent terminal performance. At 300 yards, energy has dropped below 600 ft-lbs, which limits ethical use on larger animals.
The NTX Bullet — Why It Exists
The NTX (Non-Toxic eXpanding) projectile is Hornady’s response to lead-free hunting mandates that have expanded across multiple U.S. states and several international jurisdictions. Unlike a conventional cup-and-core or bonded bullet, the NTX uses a lead-free frangible core topped with a polymer tip. On impact, the tip drives rearward, initiating rapid expansion even at the moderate velocities that can occur at extended range or from shorter barrels. The absence of lead makes this load legal in California condor zones and other regulated areas where traditional lead-core bullets are prohibited.
In the 300 Blackout context, the NTX at 110 grains occupies the supersonic window that makes the cartridge most versatile — it cycles reliably in standard AR-15 platforms configured for 300 BLK and delivers meaningful terminal energy at hunting-relevant distances. The lead-free construction also makes it attractive for shooters who prioritize environmental considerations or who hunt on land with restrictions on lead ammunition, independent of any legal requirement.
It is worth noting that some retail listings for this SKU (80862) have historically described the projectile as a V-MAX, which is a separate Hornady bullet design using a lead core. The NTX and V-MAX are distinct products. Buyers should verify the bullet type printed on the physical box before use in regulated areas where lead-free compliance is required.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Varmint hunting (prairie dogs, ground squirrels, coyotes) at distances inside 200 yards
- Predator control where lead-free ammunition is legally required or preferred
- Hunting in California condor habitat or other lead-restricted zones
- Supersonic 300 Blackout applications in standard 16-inch or longer barrels
- Hunters who want a single load that satisfies both performance and environmental compliance goals
- Situations where rapid fragmentation on small animals is the desired terminal outcome
Not the right tool for:
- Subsonic suppressed applications — this is a supersonic load and will not cycle reliably with subsonic-tuned gas systems
- Large or heavy game (deer-sized and above) where deeper penetration and controlled expansion are more important than rapid fragmentation
- Very short barrels (under 9 inches) where velocity loss may compromise reliable expansion
- Budget-sensitive shooters — at $1.85/round, this is a premium-tier load compared to lead-core alternatives
- Situations requiring maximum retained weight or pass-through penetration on medium game
Reliability Notes
No structured submissions yet.
Based on manufacturer claims and open-source information: Hornady loads the Black line to SAAMI pressure specifications and uses sequentially marked cases to support consistent headspace. The NTX bullet’s polymer tip is designed to resist deformation during magazine feeding, which is relevant in AR-platform rifles where rounds cycle under spring tension. Open-source user reports from hunting forums suggest the load functions reliably in standard 300 BLK uppers without modification, though no structured data from this site yet confirms that. All notes here reflect manufacturer claims or publicly available commentary, not independently verified test data.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Muzzle Velocity | Price/Box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady Black 300 BLK 110 gr V-MAX | 110 gr | V-MAX (lead core) | ~0.295 | 2,375 fps | ~$28–$32 | Same SKU family; lead-core alternative; lower cost |
| Barnes VOR-TX 300 BLK 110 gr TAC-TX | 110 gr | TAC-TX (lead-free) | ~0.289 | 2,350 fps | ~$38–$44 | Lead-free competitor; bonded copper; better penetration profile |
| Sig Sauer Elite Copper 300 BLK 120 gr HT | 120 gr | Solid copper HP | — | 2,175 fps | ~$34–$40 | Lead-free; heavier bullet; slower velocity; good for hunting |
| Federal American Eagle 300 BLK 150 gr FMJ | 150 gr | FMJ | — | 1,900 fps | ~$18–$22 | Budget alternative; not lead-free; supersonic; training use |
| Remington Premier 300 BLK 125 gr OTM | 125 gr | Open Tip Match | — | 2,215 fps | ~$30–$36 | Not lead-free; heavier; better for medium game |
| Black Hills 300 BLK 110 gr TSX | 110 gr | Barnes TSX (lead-free) | ~0.270 | 2,350 fps | ~$42–$48 | Premium lead-free; solid copper; deep penetration |
Price Reality
- Typical retail range: $34.99–$39.99 per box of 20; case pricing (10 boxes) typically $330–$380 when available
- Per-round cost: approximately $1.75–$2.00 depending on retailer and market conditions
- The Hornady Black V-MAX in the same weight runs $8–$10 less per box — the NTX premium reflects its lead-free construction
- Barnes VOR-TX 110 gr TAC-TX is a direct lead-free competitor at roughly the same price point, making it the most relevant comparison purchase
- Federal American Eagle 150 gr FMJ costs less than half per round — but serves an entirely different purpose (training vs. hunting/compliance)
- Fair price benchmark: paying up to $40/box is reasonable for this load given the lead-free construction and Hornady quality control; anything above $45/box for a single box warrants checking additional sources
Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.
Where to Buy
Hornady Black 300 Blackout 110 Grain NTX (Box)
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FAQ
Is the Hornady Black 110 gr NTX legal for hunting in California’s lead-free zones?
The NTX bullet is a lead-free projectile, which is the defining requirement for compliance with California’s Nonlead Ammunition regulations in condor range and other designated areas. However, legal compliance depends on the specific regulations in effect at the time and location of your hunt — regulations can change. Always verify current California Department of Fish and Wildlife requirements before the season. The NTX’s lead-free status is the primary reason many hunters in regulated states choose it over the otherwise similar V-MAX load.
What is the difference between the Hornady NTX and the Hornady V-MAX in 300 Blackout?
Both bullets are 110 grains and use a polymer tip to initiate expansion, but their cores are fundamentally different. The V-MAX uses a traditional lead core, while the NTX uses a lead-free frangible core that meets non-toxic hunting requirements. Terminal behavior differs as well — the NTX is engineered for rapid fragmentation on impact, whereas the V-MAX is designed with varmint shooting in mind and also fragments aggressively but with a lead-based construction. If lead compliance is not a factor, the V-MAX is typically available at a lower price point from the same manufacturer.
Will this load cycle reliably in a standard AR-15 upper chambered in 300 Blackout?
The 110 gr NTX is a supersonic load operating within standard SAAMI pressure specifications for 300 Blackout. It should cycle reliably in AR-platform rifles with properly tuned gas systems for supersonic ammunition. It is not interchangeable with subsonic-optimized setups — if your rifle is configured specifically for subsonic suppressed use with a heavy bolt or ported barrel, function testing before field use is advisable. Standard 300 BLK uppers with a 16-inch barrel represent the most common and compatible configuration.
Is this load appropriate for deer-sized game?
The NTX bullet design prioritizes rapid fragmentation, which is well-suited to varmints and small predators but is less ideal for deer-sized animals where deeper, controlled penetration is generally preferred for ethical kills. At 300 Blackout velocities and with a frangible lead-free core, pass-through penetration on heavier animals may be inconsistent. Hunters pursuing deer with 300 Blackout are generally better served by a bonded or solid copper expanding bullet such as the Barnes TAC-TX or a heavier subsonic projectile at close range. Check your state’s minimum energy requirements for deer hunting before selecting any 300 BLK load.
Why does some product data list this SKU as a V-MAX rather than an NTX?
SKU 80862 has appeared in retailer databases under both V-MAX and NTX descriptions, which creates genuine confusion for buyers. This appears to be a data entry issue on the part of some distributors or retailers who may have copied product information inaccurately. The physical box and Hornady’s own product documentation are the authoritative sources. If lead-free compliance is the reason for your purchase, inspect the box labeling directly before use — do not rely solely on retailer product descriptions to confirm bullet type.


