The Cartridge No One Asked For... But It's Awesome

Published on October 2, 2025
Duration: 9:04

This video explores the 8.6 Blackout cartridge, highlighting its impressive performance through milk jugs, comparable to a 50 BMG. The discussion covers its development from 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 cases, the use of monolithic copper bullets designed for expansion, and its suitability for both gas guns (AR-10 platform) and bolt actions. The cartridge is praised for its enjoyable, low recoil impulse, making it ideal for extended range sessions and effective for hunting applications like hog hunting.

Quick Summary

The 8.6 Blackout cartridge features a 338 caliber bullet on a .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor case, offering impressive ballistics and a remarkably low recoil impulse. It excels in penetration tests, comparable to a 50 BMG, and is effective for hunting with specialized expander bullets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 8.6 Blackout cartridge unique?

The 8.6 Blackout is unique for its 338 caliber bullet, derived from a .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor case. It utilizes monolithic copper bullets designed for dramatic expansion and offers an exceptionally low, almost addictive, recoil impulse, making it enjoyable for extended shooting sessions.

How does the 8.6 Blackout perform in ballistics tests?

In a milk jug test, the 8.6 Blackout demonstrated impressive penetration, going through four jugs and nearly a fifth, a performance comparable to a 50 BMG. This highlights its significant energy transfer and effectiveness.

What types of rifles can shoot the 8.6 Blackout cartridge?

The 8.6 Blackout is primarily designed for the AR-10 platform due to its overall length. It can also be chambered in bolt-action rifles, often through barrel swaps on actions like the Remington 700, offering versatility for different shooting preferences.

Is the 8.6 Blackout suitable for hunting?

Yes, the 8.6 Blackout is highly effective for hunting. Specialized expander bullets from manufacturers like Maker and Lehigh Bullets are designed for devastating terminal performance on game, making it a potent choice for hunters.

What are the accuracy expectations for the 8.6 Blackout?

While early iterations and specific bullet/barrel combinations (like 350-grain bullets in 1:3 twist barrels) faced accuracy challenges, current ammunition from various manufacturers is capable of achieving MOA accuracy, especially with optimized barrel twists like 1:5.

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