The 8.6 Blackout cartridge (8.6 BLK) is an interesting round. It was developed by Kevin Brittingham of Q in collaboration with a handful of ammunition manufacturers. It was originally intended mostly for the AR10 and Remington 700 platforms, but since then has been discussed as an option in other weapons. We’re going to tell you about the 8.6 Blackout, how it compares to the 300 Blackout, and then where you can find 8.6 Blackout ammo for sale.

This article about the 8.6 Blackout cartridge might be from the archives, but it remains relevant.

8.6 BLACKOUT

8.6 BLK has been likened to 300 Blackout, albeit on a larger scale, i.e., “300 BLK’s big brother,” and is occasionally referred to as the “8.6 Creedmoor”. The most common weapons chambered in this cartridge are (as of this writing) available via Faxon Firearms – there are others, including some from Q.

Interestingly, the barrels mostly utilize a 1:3 twist rate (though there are some reportedly in 1:4).

Barrels for the 8.6 BLK cartridge line were initially manufactured by Faxon, as were lower receivers. Whether that company will be the only ones to build for 8.6 Blackout remains to be seen, but it seems doubtful. If 8.6 BLK sees anything close to the success of the 300 Blackout then other brands will almost certainly get in on it.

Features of the 8.6 Blackout Cartridge

• 338 Subsonic load, based around the 300 grain Sierra Match King
• Similar to 338 Federal; however, the case was shortened to work reliably with gas guns without modification to mags.
• Fits AR10 frame long guns
• It uses Standard 308 Mags
• Low-Pressure Cartridge
• Utilizes a shortened 6.5 Creedmoor case for the use of subsonic and high BC projectiles
• Current Ammo Companies in Development: Gorilla, Hornady, Black Hills, and Discreet Ballistics

8.6 Blackout Ballistics

8.6 Blackout vs 300 Blackout

The 8.6 Blackout represents an option for the AR platform that has more hitting power and is legal in more places for hunting applications compared to conventional .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO. It is available in supersonic and subsonic loadings, and for what it lacks on raw speed it makes up for it with a heavier and bigger bore .338 inch pill. But the concept of creating a more powerful suppressor-friendly round is nothing new. Such was the case when the .300 Blackout was rolled out in AR platforms in 2009. It too split the divide between supersonic and subsonic rounds and its .308 inch bullet is infinitely legal and ethical for medium game. But should you go with the new 8.6 over the established .300?

8.6 Blackout for Sale

Find your 8.6 Blackout ammo for sale at one of these places – do us a solid and use one of our links.

 

Check 8.6 BLK Prices & Availability

• Gun.Deals ($$$ compare)
• Gorilla Ammo

 

Faxon on the 8.6 BLK Cartridge

Faxon Firearms has previously shown several 8.6 Blackout loads with a 300-grain bullet and a 210 grain Barnes TTSX bullet. These loads are still in development but should become commercially available in the foreseeable future.

The following come from a Faxon Firearms Q&A.

8.6 BLK – what is it?

The 8.6 Blackout is widely spoken of as the “big brother” of 300 Blackout. The new caliber, developed by Q, completely re-imagines energy on target by using a faster twist rate – 1:3, compared to the popular twist rates of 1:7 and 1:8 for calibers like 5.56 NATO and 300 BLK.

When paired with a suppressor, these 300 grain bullets are as quiet as a .22. Plus, with the 1:3 twist, the bullet goes further and impacts harder than your traditional 1:7 twist bullet. The extra rotation is giving the bullet more spin, allowing it to travel further with more punch and expand at a lower velocity.

What about the round itself?

It’s a low-pressure cartridge utilizing a shortened 6.5 Creedmoor case, for use of subsonic and high BC 338 projectiles. Currently, Gorilla, Hornady, Black Hills, and Discreet Ballistics are in the process of developing ammunition in this caliber. And no, you won’t need any special mags for this ammo – it will fit in a standard 308 mag.

8.6 Blackout rounds and brass. Early cartridges include 285-350 grain subsonic and 160-225 supersonic.

You should also read: Determining the best 8.6 Blackout barrel length. 

What kind of barrels is Faxon making, then?

We’ll have our own 8.6 BLK barrels for both AR-10 and Remington 700 platforms. The full offering (for now) will be:

Remington 700 Platform:

• 8″ Light Palma, Remage style with 1:3 twist
• 12″ Light Palma, Remage style with 1:3 twist
• 16″ Light Palma, Remage style with 1:3 twist

AR-10 Platform:

• 8″ Big Gunner with 1:3 twist
• 12″ Big Gunner with 1:3 twist
• 16″ Big Gunner with 1:3 twist

So… is Faxon making 8.6 BLK guns?

As of right now, no, we are not. We’re just making the barrels. However, you’ll be able to build yourself an awesome 8.6 gun with some incredible parts from all kinds of companies. For example, one of the builds we brought to SHOT Show was a KRG Chassis, Falkor Defense action, Thunder Beast suppressor, and one of our barrels.

What are you thinking for MSRP?

Still figuring out what our final MSRP will be, but our rough ballpark for these barrels will be $225-350 price range, depending on length.

Ok, we have to ask… what about the barrel life?

We can’t confirm just yet the barrel life on these, as they’re still really new. We’re currently mid-testing one and have gotten up to 1000 rounds through it.

What barrel contours will be available?

AR10 barrels will be a modified big gunner profile. Remington 700 barrels will be a modified light palma profile.

What will the gas length be on the AR10 barrels?

8 and 10 pistol length, 16 carbine length.

Now…curious what the 5.7 is all about?

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