8.6 Blackout Cartridge [Tested]

Updated on March 18, 2025

The 8.6 Blackout has been making waves in the hunting and shooting world, promising subsonic power with serious stopping force. But does it live up to the hype in 2025? Designed as the big brother of the .300 Blackout, this cartridge packs a heavyweight punch while staying quiet, making it a strong contender for hunters, suppressed shooters, and tactical enthusiasts. With ammo options expanding and new rifles hitting the market, it’s time to take a fresh look at what this hunting cartridge offers. In this review, I’ll dive into its performance, ammo availability, hunting effectiveness, and how it stacks up against the competition—all based on hands-on research and real-world insights.

Recent Developments (2025)

The 8.6 Blackout has come a long way since its introduction, and 2025 has brought some key updates that make it even more interesting for hunters and suppressed shooters. While it was initially seen as a niche round, major ammunition and firearm manufacturers have started expanding their lineup to accommodate the growing demand.

SAAMI Approval: Still Pending?

One of the biggest talking points is the SAAMI approval status. As of late 2024, the 8.6 BLK was still waiting for official SAAMI certification, which means manufacturers had to rely on their own testing standards. While this hasn’t stopped companies like Gorilla Ammunition and Discreet Ballistics from rolling out quality loads, the lack of a standardized spec still leaves room for variation in velocity and pressure levels between different brands. For reloaders and custom builders, this is something to keep an eye on in 2025.

Ammunition Availability: More Choices Than Ever

A major complaint in the early days of the 8.6 Blackout was the limited ammo options. But in 2025, more manufacturers have stepped in, offering both supersonic and subsonic loads that cater to different shooting applications. Some of the latest developments include:

• Gorilla Ammunition – Their 210-grain supersonic load using the Barnes TSX bullet is gaining traction for hunting and tactical use.
• Discreet Ballistics – Their 300-grain subsonic rounds are optimized for suppressed hunting, providing excellent energy retention.
• Fort Scott Munitions – Introduced a new 285-grain lead-free spitzer bullet, a great choice for hunters looking for an eco-friendly option.
• Underwood Ammunition – Launched a heavy 300-grain jacketed hollow point, delivering devastating stopping power at subsonic speeds.

With more choices available, hunters and long-range shooters now have better access to reliable 8.6 Blackout ammo, making it a more practical option in 2025 than it was just a year ago.

Firearms & Barrel Options: More Brands Getting on Board

Originally, the 8.6 Blackout was limited to custom builds and high-end rifles. But 2025 has seen a shift, with more manufacturers offering affordable rifles and pistols chambered for the cartridge. Some key updates:

• Bear Creek Arsenal introduced a budget-friendly 8.6 Blackout pistol, making the round more accessible to everyday shooters.
• Faxon Firearms continues to produce premium barrels for those looking to build their own 8.6 Blackout platforms, with twist rates optimized for subsonic performance.
• Q LLC, the original developer of the round, has released updated models of their FIX rifle, specifically tuned for better suppressed performance.

For those who prefer custom builds, component availability has also improved, with more options for bolt carriers, triggers, and lightweight handguards designed to handle the unique ballistics of the 8.6 Blackout.

The Growing Popularity of Suppressed Shooting

Another reason for the rise of 8.6 Blackout in 2025 is its perfect pairing with suppressors. Many shooters are now opting for short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and pistols chambered in 8.6 BLK, using high-quality suppressors to maximize subsonic performance. The round’s low recoil and high energy transfer make it a top choice for quiet, effective hunting and home defense applications.

Fact: With more ammunition choices, new firearm models, and growing interest in suppressed hunting, it is more viable than ever. Whether you’re a hunter looking for a quiet, hard-hitting cartridge or a shooter interested in building a unique, suppressed rifle, 2025 is shaping up to be the year where the 8.6 Blackout finally gets the recognition it deserves.

Ballistic Performance & Capabilities

When it comes to performance, it isn’t just another subsonic round—it’s built for serious impact. Whether you’re running it suppressed for stealthy hunting or pushing supersonic loads for maximum energy transfer, this cartridge delivers some unique advantages that set it apart. But how does it actually perform in the field? Let’s break it down.

Barrel Twist Rate: The Game-Changer

One of the most talked-about features of the 8.6 Blackout is its 1:3 twist rate, which is much faster than typical rifle calibers. For comparison:

1. .300 Blackout often uses a 1:7 or 1:8 twist
2. .308 Winchester usually sits around 1:10 or 1:12
3. 8.6 BLK? A blazing-fast 1:3 twist

So, why does this matter?

• The extreme twist rate stabilizes heavy bullets (like 300-grain subsonic rounds), ensuring they expand properly upon impact.
• It generates more rotational energy, which translates into better energy transfer when hitting game.
• It makes subsonic hunting rounds more lethal, even at lower velocities.
• Simply put, this isn’t just about making the bullet fly straight—it’s about hitting hard where it counts.

Velocity & Energy: How Does It Compare?

When we look at actual numbers, 8.6 Blackout delivers impressive energy, even at subsonic speeds. Let’s compare:

Load Type	Bullet Weight	Muzzle Velocity	Energy (ft-lbs)
8.6 Blackout (Subsonic)	300 gr	~1,050 fps	~735 ft-lbs
8.6 Blackout (Supersonic)	210 gr	~2,100 fps	~2,100 ft-lbs
.300 Blackout (Subsonic)	220 gr	~1,050 fps	~500 ft-lbs
.308 Winchester	150 gr	~2,800 fps	~2,600 ft-lbs

While the supersonic 8.6 BLKis still slightly behind the .308 Win in raw energy, its subsonic variant hits much harder than .300 Blackout, making it a serious upgrade for suppressed shooters.

Accuracy & Terminal Ballistics: Real-World Performance

At 100 yards, both supersonic and subsonic loads deliver tight groups, with minimal bullet drop. At 300 yards, supersonic rounds hold their energy well, while subsonic rounds experience more drop but still expand reliably on impact. For hunting, the round’s combination of high mass, fast spin rate, and subsonic expansion makes it devastating on medium and large game.

Hunters using its subsonic loads have reported clean, ethical kills on deer and hogs, with the bullet mushrooming well even at lower velocities—a critical factor that makes it superior to other subsonic rounds.

1. If you’re a suppressed shooter, this round gives you near-silent performance without sacrificing knockdown power.
2. If you prefer supersonic loads, you get hard-hitting energy with manageable recoil, making it a versatile hunting and tactical option.
3. The 1:3 twist rate is a game-changer, ensuring maximum bullet stability, accuracy, and energy transfer.

Overall, this cartridge is redefining what a subsonic cartridge can do—and in 2025, it’s proving to be more than just hype.

Hunting Applications

If there’s one area where 8.6 Blackout truly shines, it’s hunting. Whether you’re targeting whitetail deer, hogs, or even larger game, this cartridge is designed to deliver hard-hitting, ethical kills—especially when paired with a suppressor. But how does it actually perform in real-world hunting scenarios? Let’s break down its effectiveness for different games.

Whitetail Deer

Subsonic: With a 300-grain expanding bullet, its subsonic rounds deliver plenty of energy for clean kills within 150 yards. Unlike .300 Blackout, which sometimes struggles with expansion at subsonic speeds, the faster twist rate ensures controlled bullet expansion, making it much more lethal.

Supersonic: At 2,100+ fps, lighter supersonic loads provide excellent penetration and expansion, making them ideal for longer-range shots up to 300 yards.

Feral Hogs

Hogs are tough animals, and this is where 8.6 BLK outperforms .300 Blackout. Subsonic 300-grain bullets retain enough mass and energy to drop a hog with a well-placed shot to the vitals—even past 100 yards. Supersonic rounds hit with even more authority, making them great for hog hunting at night with thermal optics and a suppressor.

Elk & Larger Game

While 8.6 Blackout isn’t a .338 Lapua, it still packs a serious punch, especially at moderate hunting distances. Supersonic rounds (210-225 gr) with high weight retention work well on elk-sized animals inside 200 yards, though shot placement is critical.

Subsonic rounds are NOT recommended for larger game due to limited penetration—this is where a supersonic load or a more powerful cartridge like .308 or .300 Win Mag might be a better choice.

Suppressor Compatibility: The Quiet Hunter’s Dream

One of the biggest advantages of 8.6 Blackout is that it’s built for suppression. Here’s why:

Subsonic rounds are whisper-quiet—when paired with a good suppressor, they produce less noise than a .22 LR, making them ideal for stealthy hunting. The heavy bullets still retain enough energy to drop game effectively, something that most subsonic rounds fail to do. Unlike .300 Blackout, which often has inconsistent expansion at subsonic speeds, 8.6 Blackout’s faster twist rate ensures reliable expansion and energy transfer.

Best Ammo for Hunting

Choosing the right hunting load can make all the difference. Here are some of the best options in 2025:

1. Gorilla Ammunition 210gr Supersonic – Best for deer and hogs at longer distances.
2. Discreet Ballistics 300gr Subsonic – Ideal for quiet, close-range hunting with a suppressor.
3. Underwood 285gr Mono Metal Expanding – Excellent for ethical kills with lead-free ammo.
4. Fort Scott Munitions TUI 280gr – A great all-around hunting choice with deep penetration.

8.6 Blackout vs. Other Cartridges

One of the biggest questions surrounding 8.6 BLK is: How does it compare to other popular hunting and tactical cartridges? Is it just another hyped-up round, or does it genuinely offer something unique? To answer that, let’s break it down against .300 Blackout, .338 Federal, and .308 Winchester—some of the closest competitors in terms of application and performance.

8.6 Blackout vs. .300 Blackout – A Bigger, Better Brother?

Both cartridges share a similar design philosophy, but 8.6 Blackout is a major upgrade in terms of power and versatility.

Feature	8.6 Blackout	.300 Blackout
Bullet Diameter	.338″ (8.6mm)	.308″ (7.62mm)
Case Length	1.68 in	1.37 in
Standard Barrel Twist	1:3″ (very fast)	1:7″ or 1:8″
Subsonic Bullet Weight	285-350 gr	190-220 gr
Supersonic Bullet Weight	150-225 gr	110-150 gr
Muzzle Energy (Subsonic)	~735 ft-lbs	~500 ft-lbs

8.6 Blackout vs. .338 Federal – Same Bullet, Different Performance

Since 8.6 Blackout and .338 Federal both fire .338 bullets, many shooters wonder: What’s the difference?

Feature	8.6 Blackout	.338 Federal
Intended Use	Suppressed, subsonic & tactical	Hunting & long-range
Case Length	1.68 in	2.01 in
Velocity (Supersonic)	~2,100 fps	~2,700 fps
Energy at 100 yds	~1,850 ft-lbs	~2,500 ft-lbs
Best Application	Suppressed hunting, short barrels	Traditional hunting, longer barrels

8.6 Blackout vs. .308 Winchester – David vs. Goliath?

.308 Winchester is a tried-and-true classic, but 8.6 Blackout brings something new to the table.

Feature	8.6 Blackout	.308 Winchester
Bullet Diameter	.338″ (8.6mm)	.308″ (7.62mm)
Barrel Length Needed	8-12 in	18-24 in
Muzzle Energy (Supersonic)	~2,100 ft-lbs	~2,600 ft-lbs
Effective Hunting Range	300 yards (supersonic)	600+ yards
Best Application	Suppressed, short-barrel hunting	Long-range hunting, military use

Ultimately, 8.6 Blackout is carving out its own niche—delivering serious subsonic power, short-barrel efficiency, and excellent suppressed performance, making it one of the most exciting cartridges in 2025.

Availability & Cost Considerations

One of the biggest factors influencing whether a cartridge gains mainstream adoption is availability and cost. In its early days, 8.6 Blackout was considered a niche round, with limited ammo options and expensive rifles. But now, in 2025, the market has changed significantly. So, how easy is it to find 8.6 Blackout rifles, ammo, and components—and is it still an expensive round to shoot?

Ammo Pricing & Availability in 2025

A few years ago, 8.6 Blackout ammunition was scarce and expensive, but with more manufacturers producing factory loads, prices have started to stabilize. Here’s what you can expect in 2025:

Ammo Type	Brand	Bullet Weight	Price per Round
Subsonic	Discreet Ballistics	300 gr	$2.50 – $3.00
Subsonic	Fort Scott Munitions	285 gr	$2.75 – $3.25
Supersonic	Gorilla Ammunition	210 gr	$2.00 – $2.50
Supersonic	Underwood	225 gr	$2.25 – $2.75

If you’re someone who shoots frequently, the cost of ammo might be a drawback, but for hunters who take only a few critical shots per trip, the price difference isn’t a deal-breaker.

Firearm Options (Factory vs. Custom Builds)

When 8.6 Blackout first launched, the only real option was high-end rifles from Q LLC or custom-built AR-10s. But 2025 has seen a major shift, with more brands offering affordable, off-the-shelf options.

Popular Factory Rifles in 2025:

1. Q FIX Rifle – The original 8.6 Blackout bolt-action, still a premium choice. ($3,000+)
2. Faxon Firearms 8.6 Blackout AR-10 – A semi-auto option for those who prefer AR-style rifles. ($2,000)
3. Bear Creek Arsenal 8.6 Blackout Pistol – A budget-friendly option, making it more accessible. (~$1,200)
4. Custom Aero Precision Builds – Many builders are now using Aero Precision AR-10 lowers to build custom 8.6 Blackout rifles.

Component Costs & Expected Trends

Building a custom 8.6 BLK rifle is becoming easier in 2025, but components can still be pricey. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts needed for a build:

Component	Estimated Cost (2025)
8.6 Blackout Barrel (Faxon, Q, or Aero)	$300 – $500
AR-10 Upper Receiver	$250 – $400
AR-10 Lower Receiver	$200 – $350
Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)	$200 – $300
Trigger (Geissele, Timney, or LaRue)	$150 – $250
Handguard & Accessories	$150 – $300

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, mass-produced hunting or tactical rifle, 8.6 Blackout is still not as cheap as .308 or .300 Blackout, but it’s definitely more attainable than it was a few years ago. The growing demand for suppressor-friendly, hard-hitting cartridges means we could see even more budget-friendly options in the near future.

Future Prospects: What’s Next for 8.6 Blackout?

The 8.6 Blackout has gained serious traction over the past few years, but where is it headed in 2025 and beyond? Will it remain a niche cartridge for suppressed hunters and tactical shooters, or will it see widespread adoption? Let’s take a look at the factors shaping its future.

Will SAAMI Approval Happen?

One of the biggest hurdles for 8.6 Blackout has been its lack of SAAMI certification. While it hasn’t stopped companies like Q, Faxon, and Gorilla Ammunition from producing high-quality loads, official approval could push major manufacturers like Hornady and Federal to start mass production. If SAAMI approval happens in 2025 or 2026, we could see:

• More affordable factory ammo
• Increased rifle options from big brands
• Better availability of reloading components

Right now, it’s a waiting game, but if approval comes, it could become a mainstream caliber rather than a niche option.

Expansion of Hunting & Tactical Use

The 8.6 Blackout’s real-world performance has proven it’s not just hype—hunters are dropping whitetail, hogs, and even elk with subsonic loads, and short-barreled tactical rifles are gaining popularity. In 2025, we could see:

• More law enforcement/military interest in 8.6 Blackout for CQB (Close-Quarters Battle) suppressed applications.
• A rise in suppressed hunting as more states legalize hunting with suppressors.
• More states allowing 8.6 BLK for big game hunting, especially as bullet expansion data continues to prove its effectiveness.

More Ammo & Rifle Manufacturers Joining the Market

As demand continues to grow, we’re likely to see more companies producing ammo and rifles chambered in 8.6 Blackout. Some possibilities:

• Major ammo brands like Hornady, Federal, or Winchester developing factory loads.
• More budget-friendly rifle manufacturers like Ruger, Savage, or Springfield getting involved.
• Increased suppressor-specific ammo options, optimized for hunting, home defense, and tactical use.

Potential Challenges & Limitations

Despite its growth, 8.6 Blackout still faces some challenges:

Cost – It’s still more expensive than mainstream calibers, which could limit widespread adoption.

Limited Long-Range Capabilities – While great for short to mid-range use, it can’t compete with .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor at 500+ yards.

Reloading Complexity – The 1:3 twist rate means handloading requires careful bullet selection, and component costs remain high.

For hunters, suppressed shooters, and CQB enthusiasts, this is stronger than ever—and it’s only going to get better with time.

Conclusion: Is 8.6 Blackout Worth It in 2025?

After breaking down the performance, availability, hunting applications, and future prospects of 8.6 Blackout, the big question remains: Is it worth investing in this cartridge in 2025?

Who Should Choose 8.6 Blackout?

Hunters Who Want a Suppressed, Hard-Hitting Round – If you hunt deer, hogs, or even larger game and want a quiet, effective cartridge, 8.6 Blackout is one of the best subsonic options available. The 1:3 twist rate ensures reliable bullet expansion, solving a major problem other subsonic rounds have.

Shooters Looking for a Short-Barrel Powerhouse – Unlike .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor, 8.6 Blackout thrives in shorter barrels (8-12 inches) while still delivering high energy transfer. This makes it ideal for home defense, tactical use, or compact hunting rifles.

Those Who Already Use Suppressors – If you’re running a suppressor and want one of the best-performing subsonic cartridges, 8.6 Blackout is tailor-made for that purpose.

Who Might Want to Skip It?

Long-Range Precision Shooters – If your focus is hitting targets beyond 500 yards, you’re still better off with .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, or .300 PRC.

Budget-Conscious Shooters – While ammo prices have improved, 8.6 Blackout is still more expensive than .300 Blackout or .308, and factory rifles remain relatively costly compared to mainstream calibers.

Reloaders Wanting Easy Component Sourcing – If you reload your own ammo, keep in mind that .338 bullets are less common than standard calibers, and the fast twist rate requires precise bullet selection.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a modern, suppressed hunting or tactical round, this is one of the most thrilling cartridges available in 2025. While it still has some hurdles to overcome (pricing, SAAMI approval, and limited long-range capability), its subsonic and short-barrel performance make it stand out from the crowd.

For hunters, CQB shooters, and suppressor enthusiasts, the 8.6 BLK is absolutely worth it in 2025.

For long-range marksmen or those on a strict budget, you might want to look at other options.

As manufacturers continue to develop more rifles, ammo, and components, 8.6 Blackout’s future looks bright—and in the right hands, it just might be the new king of subsonic hunting.