8.6 Blackout: New Subsonic Round...But Does Anyone Care?

Published on February 24, 2023
Duration: 25:04

The 8.6 Blackout offers extreme quietness and high energy for a subsonic round, essentially a '300 Blackout on steroids' using .338 projectiles. However, its significant bullet drop and high cost ($3/round) limit its appeal primarily to niche hunting applications rather than mainstream tactical use. The fast 1:3 twist rate requires bonded projectiles, and platforms like the Q Fix may experience light primer strikes.

Quick Summary

The 8.6 Blackout is a powerful subsonic round, essentially '300 Blackout on steroids,' using .338 projectiles from 6.5 Creedmoor brass. It offers high energy (547 ft-lbs) but suffers from significant bullet drop and a high cost (~$3/round), making it primarily a niche hunting caliber.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Sound Test
  2. 03:388.6 Blackout Concept & Origin
  3. 07:18Projectile Weights & Ballistics
  4. 08:01Suppressor Options & Maintenance
  5. 13:11The 1:3 Twist Rate Explained
  6. 14:41Range & Bullet Drop Analysis
  7. 15:56Rifle Platform: The Q Fix
  8. 17:51Pros, Cons & Market Viability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 8.6 Blackout cartridge based on?

The 8.6 Blackout is essentially an evolution of the 300 Blackout, utilizing 6.5 Creedmoor brass necked down to accept a larger .338 diameter projectile. It's designed for AR-10 platforms and bolt-action rifles.

How does 8.6 Blackout subsonic performance compare to 300 Blackout?

Subsonic 8.6 Blackout rounds offer significantly more energy, delivering around 547 ft-lbs with heavier projectiles (285-360 gr) compared to typical 300 Blackout subsonic loads. This represents about a 23% energy increase.

What are the main drawbacks of the 8.6 Blackout caliber?

The primary drawbacks are its high ammunition cost, approximately $3 per round, and substantial bullet drop for subsonic loads, limiting effective range. The extreme 1:3 twist rate also necessitates specific projectile types.

Why is the 1:3 twist rate important for 8.6 Blackout?

The very fast 1:3 twist rate is crucial for stabilizing the heavy .338 projectiles used in 8.6 Blackout, especially subsonics. It imparts significant rotational energy but requires bonded projectiles to prevent jacket separation.

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