8.6 Blackout
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
8.6 Blackout: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle |
| Used For | Hunting, Long-range Shooting, Military Applications |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 2021 |
8.6 Blackout: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Excellent long-range performance
- ✔ High bullet weight retention for improved terminal ballistics
- ✔ Compatible with standard AR-10 platforms
- ✔ Effective suppression capabilities
- ✔ Improved performance over .308 Winchester in shorter barrels
Cons
- ✘ Limited commercial ammunition availability
- ✘ Higher recoil compared to smaller calibers
- ✘ More expensive than more common calibers
- ✘ Heavier ammunition weight for field carry
- ✘ Requires specific twist rate barrels for optimal performance
8.6 Blackout: The Modern Big-Bore AR Cartridge
The 8.6 Blackout, also known as the .338 Blackout, is a relatively new cartridge designed to provide enhanced terminal performance in short-barreled rifles, particularly AR-15 platforms. Developed by Q LLC, this cartridge aims to offer improved ballistics and energy transfer compared to the popular .300 Blackout, while maintaining compatibility with existing AR-15 bolt carrier groups and magazines.
Development and Design
The 8.6 Blackout was conceived by Kevin Brittingham and his team at Q LLC in 2017. The goal was to create a cartridge that could deliver superior terminal performance from short-barreled rifles, addressing limitations of existing options like the .300 Blackout. The 8.6 Blackout uses a .338 caliber projectile, which offers a significant increase in diameter and mass compared to .30 caliber rounds.
The cartridge is based on a modified .308 Winchester case, necked up to accept .338 caliber bullets. This design allows for the use of heavy, high ballistic coefficient projectiles while maintaining compatibility with standard AR-10 magazines and bolt faces. The 8.6 Blackout is optimized for use in barrels as short as 8 inches, making it ideal for compact, suppressed rifle configurations.
One of the key features of the 8.6 Blackout is its ability to function effectively in both supersonic and subsonic loadings. This versatility allows shooters to switch between high-velocity, flat-shooting loads for longer range engagements and quiet, subsonic loads for close-quarters use or hunting applications where noise reduction is crucial.
Performance and Applications
The 8.6 Blackout offers significant advantages in terminal performance over smaller calibers, particularly in short-barreled configurations. Its larger diameter projectiles deliver improved energy transfer and wound channel creation, making it effective for hunting medium to large game at moderate ranges. The cartridge's ability to stabilize long, high ballistic coefficient bullets also contributes to improved long-range performance compared to the .300 Blackout.
In military and law enforcement applications, the 8.6 Blackout provides enhanced barrier penetration and terminal effects, addressing some of the limitations of 5.56mm NATO rounds in certain scenarios. The cartridge's compatibility with existing AR platform components makes it an attractive option for agencies looking to upgrade their capabilities without a complete overhaul of their weapon systems.
For civilian shooters, the 8.6 Blackout offers a versatile option for those seeking improved performance from their AR-15 style rifles. Its effectiveness in short barrels makes it well-suited for home defense applications, while its range of loadings provides flexibility for various hunting and sport shooting activities.
8.6 Blackout Development Timeline:
8.6 Blackout Performance Characteristics
Key performance metrics of the 8.6 Blackout cartridge in various configurations:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 210-300 grains Common loadings for both supersonic and subsonic applications |
| Muzzle Velocity (Supersonic) | 1,900-2,200 fps From a 12-inch barrel with 210-grain projectiles |
| Muzzle Velocity (Subsonic) | 950-1,050 fps With 300-grain projectiles |
| Effective Range | 500-600 yards With supersonic loads in optimal conditions |
| Energy at 100 yards | 1,500-1,800 ft-lbs With supersonic 210-grain loads |
8.6 Blackout: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for 8.6 Blackout ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Military/Combat | 0-800 | Effective for long-range engagements, superior penetration through barriers |
| Law Enforcement | 0-600 | Excellent for urban and rural scenarios, high stopping power |
| Hunting (Medium to Large Game) | 0-500 | Ideal for medium to large game, delivers high energy on target |
| Target Shooting | 0-1000 | Capable of extreme long-range accuracy with proper loads |
| Self-Defense | 0-200 | Highly effective, but overpenetration is a significant concern |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The 8.6 Blackout is known for its exceptional long-range performance and barrier penetration capabilities. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for 8.6 Blackout
The 8.6 Blackout's powerful performance profile makes it suitable for a wide range of applications:
8.6 Blackout Caliber Comparisons
The 8.6 Blackout is a relatively new cartridge designed for enhanced performance in short-barreled rifles. To understand its capabilities, let's compare it to similar cartridges:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of 8.6 Blackout with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of 8.6 Blackout with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of 8.6 Blackout with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of 8.6 Blackout with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
8.6 Blackout Sectional Density Comparison
The 8.6 Blackout, also known as .338 Blackout, is a relatively new cartridge designed for improved performance in short-barreled rifles. This table compares its sectional density with similar cartridges.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| 8.6 Blackout | 210 | 0.263 |
| .300 Blackout | 125 | 0.188 |
| .308 Winchester | 168 | 0.253 |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | 140 | 0.287 |
| .338 Federal | 210 | 0.263 |
Note: The 8.6 Blackout offers a higher sectional density compared to the .300 Blackout, potentially providing better penetration and energy retention. It matches the sectional density of the .338 Federal while being designed for use in shorter barrels.