9 × 39 mm vs. .300 AAC Blackout - The data behind the world’s two purpose‑built, suppressed rifle cartridges

Admin
7 days ago
2 min read

1. Why compare these two rounds?

Both 9 × 39 mm (often called “9×39 Russian”) and .300 AAC Blackout (7.62 × 35 mm) were engineered from the outset to launch heavy, sub‑sonic bullets from short barrels that live almost permanently underneath suppressors. That narrow design brief makes them natural competitors for shooters who need maximum energy with minimum noise—whether for tactical entry work, night‑time hog eradication, or discreet range sessions.

2. Ballistics head‑to‑head

Metric (typical sub‑sonic factory load)	9 × 39 mm	.300 AAC Blackout
Bullet weight	248 – 278 gr	190 – 230 gr
Muzzle velocity	950 – 1,070 fps	~1,050 fps
Muzzle energy	677 – 964 ft‑lb	~500 – 540 ft‑lb
Effective “combat” range	≈ 400 – 530 m	100 – 150 yd

Note: Published Russian data for SP‑5/SP‑6; U.S. figures for Blackout per multiple manufacturers.

3. Terminal & barrier performance

• 9 × 39 mm: The armor‑piercing SP‑6 load can penetrate up to 10 mm of steel at 100 m, making it famous among Russian special‑operations units.

• .300 BLK: While AP projectiles are rare in the civilian market, a wide spread of expanding and deep‑penetrating bullets (Barnes TAC‑TX, Hornady Sub‑X, etc.) makes Blackout versatile for game up to small deer or tactical roles where soft‑tissue performance matters.

4. Platforms & parts compatibility

Factor	.300 BLK	9 × 39 mm
Base case	5.56 NATO brass cut‑down	7.62 × 39 parent
AR‑15 conversion	Barrel swap only; keeps 5.56 bolt & mags	Requires dedicated barrel and 7.62×39‑face bolt; feeds best from modified 7.62×39 mags
Factory uppers	Dozens of mainstream makers	Niche (e.g., Wolf 10.5‑in upper)
Commercial bolt guns	Growing (Ruger, Remington, Howa)	Almost none

5. Ammunition cost & availability (U.S. market, April 2025 snapshot)

Caliber	Street price / rd	Supply notes
.300 BLK sub‑sonic bulk (Winchester 200 gr)	$0.75 – 1.00	Widely stocked by major retailers; brass or steel case options
9 × 39 mm (Wolf/Tula 245‑278 gr)	$1.60 – 2.00	Intermittent imports; domestic boutique brass loads often out‑of‑stock

6. Use‑case matrix

Scenario	Best pick	Why
Suppressed home‑defense SBR under 100 yd	.300 BLK	Readily available ammo & parts; reliable cycling in 7‑9" barrels
Suppressed hunting (hogs, deer) inside 150 yd	.300 BLK	Expanding sub & supersonic loads; easier trajectory DOPE
Specialized tactical roles requiring armor/barrier defeat	9 × 39 mm	Heavier bullet & AP variants deliver superior penetration
Collectors / niche enthusiasts seeking something rare	9 × 39 mm	Exotic lineage, unique sub‑gun vibe

7. The bottom line

• Performance: 9×39 wins on pure sub‑sonic muzzle energy and barrier performance; .300 BLK counters with trajectory versatility (you can swap in 110 gr supersonics at 2,200 fps) and a massive commercial ecosystem.

• Cost & logistics: Blackout is 30‑50 % cheaper per trigger pull and parts are on every shelf. Expect to budget roughly double for each 9×39 magazine you burn.

• Future‑proofing: Sanctions uncertainty means 9×39 supply will remain spotty, while .300 BLK is firmly established with SAAMI spec, U.S. commercial production, and NATO‑interoperable suppressor standards.

Recommendation for most potential customers:If you need a suppressed, short‑barrel rifle today—and you value ammo cost, parts availability, and flexibility—.300 AAC Blackout is the pragmatic choice. Opt for a 7‑ to 9‑inch barrel, a quality 220 gr sub‑sonic load, and a .30‑cal suppressor rated for full‑power .308 to future‑proof your rig.

Choose 9×39 mm only if you’re willing to chase limited‑run ammo, pay a premium, and accept platform quirks in exchange for bragging rights and niche performance against hard barriers.

Always verify state and federal regulations before purchasing either caliber, and confirm your suppressor is rated for the specific loads you intend to fire.