Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to be talking about the 8.6 Blackout. This new cartridge has been increasing in popularity since its recent introduction to the market. Firearms and ammunition offerings supporting the caliber are gradually showing up on the market as well. Our goal here is to provide a brief overview of the cartridge while discussing some of its use cases and traits. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
What is 8.6 Blackout?
Developed by Q, LLC in 2022 and envisioned by Kevin Brittingham, the 8.6 Blackout is optimized for short barrels ranging from 9” to 12”. Often described as the "bigger brother" to the .300 Blackout, it provides similar benefits—specifically optimized suppression—in a larger, full-size rifle form. By utilizing a modified 6.5 Creedmoor case with a .338 projectile, the round achieves massive kinetic energy transfer. It has recently garnered significant attention from global military entities and is establishing itself as an optimal choice for suppressed hunting. 
Purchase 8.6 Blackout Ammo
8.6 Blackout: Specs at a Glance
The following technical specifications define the 8.6 Blackout’s unique position as a high-energy, short-barrel optimized round.
|
Metric |
8.6 Blackout Specification |
|
Bullet Diameter |
.338" |
|
Case Design |
Rimless, Bottleneck (Shortened 6.5 CM) |
|
Typical Bullet Weight |
160 gr (Supersonic) - 350 gr (Subsonic) |
|
Muzzle Velocity |
~1,050 fps (Subsonic) / ~2,400 fps (Supersonic) |
|
Optimal Barrel Length |
8" – 12" |
|
Action Compatibility |
AR-10 / Short Action Bolt |
How Does 8.6 Blackout Suppress?
The 8.6 Blackout has a reputation as an excellent round to suppress, particularly when using heavy projectiles in the 200 to 300-grain range. These weights keep velocities in the subsonic range, allowing for incredibly quiet and efficient shooting from short barrels.
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Specialty Loads: Options like the 342-grain Pork Shredder from Gorilla Ammunition are optimized for specific barrel lengths and feature expanding bullets for ethical hunting.
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Hardware: Q has even developed a dedicated suppressor for the cartridge known as the Porq Chop.
How is the 8.6 Blackout for Hunting?
Though new, the 8.6 Blackout has proven effective at dispatching large game, including zebra, lion, kudu, and Cape buffalo. Most performance data comes from Kevin Brittingham’s African expeditions using Fix series rifles. Notably, an 11” barrel variant proved effective as a portable rifle capable of taking game at over 200 yards, while a 16” barrel was used for Cape buffalo. Short barrels provide increased portability and allow for a compact overall package even when a suppressor is attached.
Availability and Firearms
While the current supply of 8.6 Blackout is slim compared to conventional rounds, support is growing rapidly among specialized manufacturers:
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Ammunition: Supported by Gorilla Ammunition and Fort Scott Munitions, with both subsonic and supersonic loadings available.
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Firearms: Q, LLC offers the Fix and Honey Badger lines, while Faxon Firearms provides bolt-action and semi-auto rifles, pistols, and AR-10 barrels.
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Compatibility: In AR-10 platforms, traditional .308 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor compatible magazines can be used with no loss in capacity.
Conclusion
All in all, the 8.6 Blackout is an up-and-coming round that has garnered significant popularity. While not yet as prolific as mainstay rounds, it is rapidly gaining industry support. Whether you are wanting to buy 8.6 Blackout ammo or purchase bulk ammo, we here at True Shot have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
