Comprehensive Review: 300 Blackout "Spicy Boi" 85gr Maker NAS3+ Ammo – Performance, Ballistics & Results
Posted by Andrew Conrad on Dec 6th 2024
The excitement is real! Today, we’re diving into the highly anticipated 85gr "Spicy Boi" 300 Blackout, a standout round developed by Phantom Defense. Known for pushing boundaries, Phantom Defense has delivered a round that blends power, speed, and innovative design, all optimized for the 300 Blackout platform.
Technical Overview
The 85gr "Spicy Boi" is designed with precision and performance in mind. Here are the standout specs:
- Caliber: 300 Blackout
- Weight: 85 grains
- Velocity: Approximately 2629 fps (from a 10.5-inch barrel)
- Projectile Design: A Vmax-style tip engineered to flower into three twisting petals upon impact
- Terminal Ballistics: Expanded diameter triples post-impact, creating devastating wound channels
Range Testing
Setup and Gear
The "Spicy Boi" was tested with the following setup:
- Firearm: Custom 300 Blackout build
- Barrel: 10.5-inch Ballistic Advantage
- Suppressor: Dead Air Sandman S
- Optics: Vortex Huey
- Trigger: CMC trigger
- Other Components: Forward Control Designs lower parts, Geissele buffer system
Despite forgetting shooting bags, the rounds were fired off an improvised setup with an ammo can and straps. This shows the "Spicy Boi" performs even under less-than-ideal conditions. My target stand was not completely steady and moved back and forth in the wind.
Performance Highlights
The test began with three unsuppressed rounds to confirm functionality. Speeds clocked in at an impressive 2632 fps. The rounds functioned flawlessly, cycling smoothly without any hiccups.
With the suppressor attached, recoil was significantly reduced, mimicking the feel of subsonic rounds. This minimal recoil makes it ideal for shooters prioritizing control and smooth operation.
Accuracy and Groupings
The "Spicy Boi" showed consistent performance in grouping tests at 30 yards, a typical distance for self-defense scenarios. While this isn't a precision round, the groupings were well within acceptable limits for its intended purpose.
| Shot Number | Speed (fps) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2632 | Initial unsuppressed shot |
| 2 | 2606 | Group shot suppressed |
| 3 | 2649 | Group shot suppressed |
After adjusting for shooting speed, the grouping tightened significantly, demonstrating the round’s capability when the shooter takes their time. My final grouping and average results are shown below.
| Average Speed | Standard Deviation | Spread |
|---|---|---|
| 2629 fps | 16.4 fps | 56.3 fps |
Gel Testing: Devastating Terminal Ballistics
The gel test is where the "Spicy Boi" truly shined. Upon impact, the projectile expanded dramatically, its three petals twisting to maximize damage. The expanded diameter tripled, increasing from approximately 0.355 inches to nearly 0.97 inches at its widest point.
The wound channel created was nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing the devastating potential of this round in real-world applications.
Final Thoughts
The 85gr "Spicy Boi" 300 Blackout is an engineering marvel. Its combination of speed, minimal recoil, and terminal performance make it a top-tier choice for self-defense and hunting applications. While not a precision round, its reliability and accuracy within its use case are remarkable.
I'm not the only one getting such good results. It looks like many of you are doing some testing of your own with Phantom Defense's "Spicy Boi" and "Slow Papi". If not, you can watch me test the 200gr "Slow Papi" SUBSONIC 300 Blackout.
A Note from Phantom Defense
The 300 Blackout caliber has long been a favorite among shooting enthusiasts. We've engineered the "Spicy Boi" to show off the platform's awesome capabilities and offer a high-performing ammunition for supersonic, suppressed shooting.
Performance Highlights of the "Spicy Boi"
The 85gr "Spicy Boi" stands out due to its high velocity, reaching over 2,600 fps from a 10.5-inch barrel. This level of performance provides exceptional kinetic energy and rapid expansion upon impact. Compared to traditional 300 Blackout rounds, such as 220-grain subsonic loads, the "Spicy Boi" delivers faster speeds and more pronounced terminal ballistics.
Ideal Applications
- Home Defense: The high velocity and controlled expansion minimize over-penetration, improving safety in close-quarters engagements.
- Hunting Medium Game: Its energy transfer and expansion make it highly effective for ethically hunting medium-sized game.
- Tactical Applications: Ideal for operators using short-barreled rifles requiring compact yet powerful performance.
Ammo Feedback
Early user feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Gel tests demonstrate significant wound channels and consistent penetration, reinforcing its effectiveness in defensive and hunting scenarios.
A big thank you to Andrew Conrad for the ammo review!