Ammo Reports Team
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Hunting (medium game), tactical training |
| Bullet Type | Hornady Super Shock Tip (SST) — polymer-tipped, boat-tail lead-core |
| Bullet Weight | 125 grain |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer (centerfire) |
| Packaging | 25 rounds per box |
| Typical Price | $31.99/box · ~$1.28/round |
| Closest Competitors | Hornady BLACK 300 BLK 125 gr FMJ, Federal Premium 300 BLK 120 gr Barnes TSX, Remington HTP 300 BLK 125 gr BTHP |
Official Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | — | Not published by manufacturer |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | — | Not published by manufacturer |
| Bullet Weight | 125 gr | Manufacturer |
| Bullet Type | Hornady SST (polymer-tipped boat-tail) | Manufacturer |
| BC G1 | — | Not published |
| BC G7 | — | Not published |
| Manufacturer SKU | — | Not published in available data |
| UPC | — | Not published in available data |
| Reloadable | Yes | Brass case, Boxer primer |
Note — Velocity & Energy: Fiocchi does not publish muzzle velocity or muzzle energy for this specific load in currently available product data. The ballistics table below uses a commonly referenced industry estimate for a 125 gr supersonic 300 Blackout load from a 16-inch barrel (~2,175 fps), clearly labeled as calculated. This figure should not be treated as a manufacturer-stated specification. Verified data will be updated when available.
Note — BC: Neither G1 nor G7 ballistic coefficients are published by Fiocchi for this load. The Hornady SST 125 gr projectile has a published G1 BC of approximately 0.370 per Hornady’s component bullet data; however, this is a component bullet value and may not reflect performance from this assembled factory load. It is not entered in the spec table above because it is not confirmed by Fiocchi for this product.
Note — SKU/UPC: Retailer listings vary; no single confirmed SKU or UPC was available in the source data at time of publication.
Ballistics Table
Calculated estimate. Muzzle velocity of 2,175 fps (16-inch barrel) is a commonly referenced industry figure for supersonic 125 gr 300 Blackout loads — it is not a manufacturer-published value. Real-world results vary by barrel length, temperature, altitude, and lot. Community submissions will provide measured muzzle velocity for comparison.
Zero: 100 yards | Sight height: 1.5″ above bore | G1 BC: ~0.370 (Hornady component reference, unconfirmed for this load)
| Yards | ~Velocity (fps) | ~Energy (ft-lbs) | ~Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ~2,175 | ~1,313 | -1.5 |
| 100 | ~1,952 | ~1,057 | 0.0 ← zero |
| 200 | ~1,744 | ~845 | -7.2 |
| 300 | ~1,552 | ~668 | -22.6 |
| 400 | ~1,378 | ~527 | -49.8 |
| 500 | ~1,225 | ~416 | -93.1 |
Key takeaway: At a 100-yard zero, this load stays within a manageable trajectory window out to roughly 200 yards — a realistic maximum for most hunting and field use of the 300 Blackout cartridge in supersonic configuration. The relatively steep drop beyond 200 yards reflects the moderate ballistic coefficient typical of the caliber rather than any deficiency in this specific load. Hunters should confirm their hold-over data with live fire from their actual barrel length, as 300 Blackout velocity is highly sensitive to barrel length changes. Energy retention drops below 600 ft-lbs around the 400-yard mark, which is worth noting for ethical hunting applications on medium game.
The Hornady SST Bullet in 300 Blackout
The Hornady SST (Super Shock Tip) projectile is a well-established hunting bullet that Fiocchi licenses for use in this Hyperformance line rather than manufacturing in-house. The defining feature is a red polymer tip seated in the hollow point cavity. On impact, this tip drives rearward into the lead core, initiating rapid and consistent expansion even at the lower velocities that a short 300 Blackout barrel may produce. The boat-tail base reduces base drag and improves stability in flight, contributing to the load’s advertised accuracy advantage over flat-base designs.
The SST’s secant ogive profile is optimized for a balance between aerodynamic efficiency and terminal expansion. In the context of 300 Blackout, where supersonic loads are typically used for hunting and the cartridge is designed around relatively modest velocity figures compared to larger rifle cartridges, the SST’s ability to expand reliably at impact velocities in the 1,500–1,900 fps range is a meaningful design advantage. This distinguishes it from match-grade open-tip bullets that may not expand reliably, and from bonded bullets that prioritize weight retention over rapid expansion. Hunters using this load on deer-sized game at moderate ranges are working within the bullet’s intended performance envelope.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Whitetail deer and similar medium-sized game at ranges inside 200 yards from a rifle-length barrel
- Hunters running AR-15 platform rifles chambered in 300 Blackout who want a purpose-built hunting load
- Shooters who want a consistent, factory-loaded polymer-tip option without hand-loading
- Field situations where reliable terminal expansion at moderate impact velocities is required
- Users who prefer a brass-cased, Boxer-primed load for potential case reuse
Not the right tool for:
- Suppressed subsonic applications — this is a supersonic load and is not suited to quiet-fire configurations
- Long-range precision work beyond 300 yards, where the cartridge’s trajectory and retained energy become significant limiting factors
- Hunting large or dangerous game where deeper penetration and higher weight retention are required — a bonded or solid bullet would be more appropriate
- Jurisdictions with restrictions on lead-core hunting bullets — this load contains a traditional lead core
- Varmint or small game hunting where rapid fragmentation and minimal pelt damage are priorities — the SST is optimized for medium-game expansion, not varmint-style fragmentation
Reliability Notes
No structured submissions yet.
Based on manufacturer claims and open-source product information, the following notes are available — these are not structured, verified data:
- Fiocchi markets this load under its Hyperformance line, which the company positions as its premium hunting tier, implying tighter quality control and more consistent velocity spreads than their value-oriented lines. This claim is manufacturer-stated and has not been independently verified through structured chronograph submissions.
- The use of the Hornady SST projectile is a meaningful quality indicator, as it is a well-regarded component bullet with a documented track record in hunting applications across multiple calibers and manufacturers.
- Open-source shooter feedback on 300 Blackout SST loads generally reports consistent feeding in AR-platform rifles and reliable expansion on game, though these observations are not specific to this Fiocchi load and should not be attributed directly to it.
- No active recalls, safety notices, or documented lot-specific issues were identified for this product at the time of publication.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Adv. Velocity | Price/box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady BLACK 300 BLK 110 gr V-MAX | 110 gr | V-MAX polymer tip | ~0.295 | ~2,350 fps | ~$28–$32 | Budget-accessible; optimized for varmints, not deer |
| Hornady BLACK 300 BLK 125 gr HP | 125 gr | HP/InterLock | ~0.270 | ~2,175 fps | ~$28–$33 | Same bullet weight; less aerodynamic tip design |
| Federal Premium 300 BLK 120 gr Barnes TSX | 120 gr | Barnes TSX (lead-free) | ~0.315 | ~2,150 fps | ~$38–$44 | Lead-free option; premium price tier; better penetration for larger game |
| Remington HTP 300 BLK 125 gr BTHP | 125 gr | Boat-tail hollow point | ~0.350 | ~2,175 fps | ~$26–$30 | Budget alternative; no polymer tip; expansion less reliable at lower velocities |
| SIG Sauer Elite Hunting 300 BLK 120 gr HT | 120 gr | HT copper HP | ~0.310 | ~2,300 fps | ~$35–$40 | Lead-free copper construction; premium alternative |
| Nosler Match Grade 300 BLK 125 gr CC | 125 gr | Custom Competition (BTHP) | ~0.340 | ~2,175 fps | ~$34–$38 | Match-grade BTHP; not optimized for hunting terminal performance |
Price Reality
- At $31.99 per box of 25, this load comes to approximately $1.28 per round, which places it in the mid-to-upper tier for factory 300 Blackout hunting ammunition.
- A case price (typically 10 boxes / 250 rounds) was not available in the source data; buyers should expect approximately $290–$320 per case if available, though case pricing varies by retailer.
- Compared to Remington HTP 125 gr BTHP at roughly $0.98–$1.10/round, the Fiocchi Hyperformance carries a modest premium that reflects the Hornady SST component bullet and the Hyperformance brand tier.
- Compared to Federal Premium 120 gr Barnes TSX at roughly $1.50–$1.75/round, the Fiocchi load is meaningfully less expensive while still offering a purpose-designed hunting bullet — a reasonable value position for hunters who do not require a lead-free option.
- Fair price benchmark: $28–$34 per box of 25 is a reasonable retail range for this load. Prices above $38/box would represent a significant markup and buyers should compare current listings before purchasing.
Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.
Where to Buy
Fiocchi Hyperformance 300 Blackout 125 Grain SST (Box)
Affiliate links. These do not influence ratings, data, or any editorial content on this page.
FAQ
Does the polymer tip on the Hornady SST actually improve terminal performance compared to a standard hollow point in 300 Blackout?
Yes, in a meaningful way specific to this caliber. The 300 Blackout in supersonic configuration produces moderate impact velocities, especially from shorter barrels. Standard hollow points can fail to expand reliably when impact velocity drops toward the lower end of the expansion threshold. The polymer tip of the SST mechanically initiates expansion by driving into the lead core on impact, making expansion more consistent across a wider range of impact velocities. This is one reason the SST is a well-regarded choice for hunting applications where retained velocity at the target may be lower than in higher-velocity cartridges.
Can this load be used in a suppressed 300 Blackout rifle?
This is a supersonic load, and it will function mechanically in a suppressed rifle. However, it will not produce the quiet-fire performance associated with subsonic 300 Blackout ammunition. The supersonic crack of the projectile will be present regardless of suppressor use. If the goal is hearing-safe or minimal-noise operation, a purpose-built subsonic load in the 220 gr range is the appropriate choice. This Fiocchi load is optimized for hunting performance at supersonic velocities and should not be confused with subsonic configurations.
Is this load appropriate for hunting whitetail deer, and at what maximum range?
Yes, this load is well-suited to whitetail deer hunting within its practical effective range. The 125 gr SST is designed for reliable expansion and sufficient energy transfer on deer-sized game. Using the calculated ballistic data as a guide, energy retention drops below approximately 800 ft-lbs around the 250–275 yard mark, which many hunters consider a reasonable minimum for ethical deer harvests. A practical maximum of 150–200 yards is a conservative and defensible recommendation, with exact range dependent on the hunter’s barrel length, confirmed zero, and ability to read conditions. Beyond 200 yards, the trajectory drop also becomes significant enough to require precise hold-over knowledge.
How does this Fiocchi load compare directly to the Hornady BLACK 125 gr load in the same caliber?
Both loads use 125-grain projectiles and are supersonic, but the bullet designs differ. The Hornady BLACK 125 gr uses an HP/InterLock design rather than the SST, meaning it lacks the polymer tip that aids consistent expansion at lower impact velocities. The SST’s polymer tip gives the Fiocchi Hyperformance load a theoretical advantage in terminal consistency, particularly at longer ranges or from shorter barrels where impact velocity is reduced. Pricing is comparable between the two. Shooters who prioritize hunting terminal performance over general-purpose use will generally find the SST-based load to be the better-matched option.
Is the brass casing on this load reloadable, and does Fiocchi use Boxer or Berdan priming?
Fiocchi uses Boxer-primed brass cases in their Hyperformance line, which means the cases are compatible with standard reloading dies and the spent primer can be punched out with a single decapping pin. The brass is reloadable, and Fiocchi brass is generally considered to be of good quality for reloading purposes. However, this page covers factory ammunition only — reloading data, charge weights, and handload recipes are outside the scope of this reference. Buyers interested in reloading should consult appropriate reloading manuals and resources separately.
