The Subsonic king
The Only Choice for 8.6 Blackout
The 8.6 Blackout is not yet a SAAMI approved cartridge and we are the first manufacturer which owns a conformal transducer for pressure testing the 8.6 Blackout. Believe it or not, even subsonic ammunition could exceed 70k psi if not loaded properly which is extremely dangerous! Every batch of our 8.6 Blackout is pressure tested to ensure it falls within Q’s spec and is safe for use in properly chambered firearms.
When you purchase our 8.6 Blackout Ammunition, you’re purchasing premium peace of mind.
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8.6 Blackout 180 GR Maker T-REX 20 rounds
$51.99Out of stock
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8.6 Blackout 300 GR Maker Solid – 20 Rounds
$39.99Out of stock
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8.6 Blackout 352 Maker Rex SUBSONIC 20 ROUNDS
$59.99Out of stock
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8.6 BLACKOUT, 185 Gr Hornady CX (Copper alloy expanding) – 20 Rounds
$49.99 -
8.6 BLACKOUT, 350 Gr Maker REX (Rapid EXpanding), Subsonic – 20 Round Box
$57.99Out of stock
Why Choose the 8.6 Blackout?
8.6 Blackout ammunition, commonly referred to as 8.6 BLK, is a modern .338-caliber rifle cartridge designed for short barrels, fast twist rates, and suppressed performance. Introduced to the commercial market around 2022 by Kevin Brittingham at Q, LLC, 8.6 Blackout ammo was created to deliver heavier projectiles, increased energy, and superior terminal performance compared to smaller Blackout cartridges.
Shooters searching for 8.6 Blackout ammunition for sale are typically looking for purpose-built loads optimized for modern rifles with aggressive twist rates and suppressor use.
The 8.6 Blackout cartridge is derived from the 6.5 Creedmoor case. The case is shortened and necked up to accept .338-caliber bullets, allowing the cartridge to function in short-action rifles, including AR-10-style rifles, the Taurus Expedition, the Q Fix, and custom bolt actions. This design provides the mass and energy benefits of .338 bullets while maintaining compatibility with compact rifle systems.
From its inception, 8.6 BLK ammunition was engineered to perform efficiently in short barrels, making it well suited for suppressed rifles and modern hunting setups.
8.6 Blackout FAQs
The 8.6 Blackout is not yet a SAAMI approved cartridge and we are the FIRST manufacturer which owns a conformal transducer for pressure testing the 8.6 Blackout. Even subsonic ammunition could exceed 70k psi if not loaded properly! Every batch of our 8.6 Blackout ammunition is pressure tested to ensure it falls within Q’s spec and is safe for use.
When you purchase our 8.6 Blackout Ammunition, you’re purchasing premium peace of mind. Click the toggles below to learn more.
Which 8.6 Blackout Ammunition Should I Get for My Hunt?
For Suppressed Hunting (0-200 yards)
Recommended: 350gr or 352gr Maker REX Subsonic
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- Maximum stealth
- Devastating terminal performance
- Proven on deer, hogs, and dangerous game
For Target Practice / Training
Recommended: 300gr Maker Solid Subsonic
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- Most economical option
- Excellent accuracy
- Note: Non-expanding (not for hunting)
For Long-Range Hunting (200-500 yards)
Recommended: 180gr Maker T-REX (1st Choice) or 185gr Hornady CX Supersonic
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- Flatter trajectory
- Higher retained energy
- Faster bullet flight time
For Versatile Hunting (All Ranges)
Recommended: Keep both subsonic and supersonic on hand
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- Subsonic for close encounters and suppressed shooting
- Supersonic for longer shots and challenging conditions
- Make sure to buy enough 8.6 Blackout ammunition to test and know your drops at range!
8.6 Blackout Barrel Length Considerations
The 8.6 Blackout was designed with sub-12″ barrels in mind, but performs well across a range of barrel lengths:
| Barrel Length | Best For | Velocity Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 8″-10″ | Maximum compactness, suppressed builds | Lowest velocity, still effective subsonically |
| 12″ | Q’s recommended length, optimal balance | Design specification sweet spot |
| 16″ | Civilian rifle length, maximum velocity | Highest velocity, may push subsonic loads supersonic |
Important: Our subsonic ammunition is designed to remain subsonic even from 16″ barrels. Refer to specific product pages for muzzle velocity charts by barrel length. There is no need for a barrel longer than 16″ in the 8.6 Blackout.
Suppressor Requirements for 8.6 Blackout
⚠️ Critical Safety Information:
Your suppressor MUST be rated for .338 caliber or larger. Using a smaller suppressor (like a .30 caliber suppressor designed for .308/7.62mm) can result in dangerous baffle strikes or suppressor failure.
Recommended Suppressors:
- Q, LLC. PorQ Chop
- Q, LLC. Short Chop
- SilencerCo Hybrid 46M (.46 caliber rated)
- Dead Air Primal (.46 caliber rated)
- Thunder Beast Ultra 9 CB (.338 rated)
- CGS Hyperion (.338 rated)
Always verify your suppressor is rated for both the caliber (.338″) and the pressure specifications of 8.6 Blackout.
Why Does Conformal Transducer Testing Matter?
The Danger of Untested 8.6 Blackout Ammunition
Because 8.6 Blackout is not yet SAAMI-certified, there are no industry-wide pressure standards that all manufacturers must follow. This means:
❌ Many manufacturers are loading by guesswork or copying others
❌ No way to verify safe pressure levels without proper equipment
❌ Even subsonic loads can reach dangerous pressures
❌ Your rifle, suppressor, and safety are at risk
Our Commitment to Safety
✅ SAAMI-spec conformal transducer – The first 8.6 BLK manufacturer with this equipment
✅ Every lot batch tested – Not just sample testing, every production run
✅ Q’s pressure specifications – We’ve worked directly with Q, LLC to manufacture our ammunition, not copied from another company.
✅ Documented pressure data – We know exactly what each load produces and have the best data in the industry for 8.6 Blackout.
✅ Your peace of mind – Our ammunition is safe to use in all properly chambered firearms.
This investment in testing equipment costs tens of thousands of dollars, but it’s non-negotiable for us. Your safety is worth it.
8.6 Blackout vs 300 Blackout vs 338 ARC vs 308 Winchester
8.6 Blackout vs 300 Blackout
| Feature | 8.6 Blackout | 300 Blackout |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter | .338″ | .308″ |
| Max Subsonic Weight | 380+ grains | 220 grains |
| Energy on Target | Significantly higher | Lower |
| Penetration | Superior | Good |
| Platform | AR-10 / Short action | AR-15 / Mini action |
| Best For | Medium-large game, suppressed power | Small-medium game, versatility |
Bottom Line: If you need maximum terminal performance from a suppressed platform, 8.6 BLK delivers significantly more energy and penetration than 300 BLK. The 300BLK will use 30 caliber suppressors while a .338 caliber suppressor or larger is required for the 8.6 BLK. The 300BLK will use a mini action bolt or AR-15 while the 8.6 Blackout ammunition will require a short action or AR-10 platform.
8.6 Blackout vs 308 Winchester
| Feature | 8.6 Blackout | 308 Winchester |
|---|---|---|
| Subsonic Performance | Excellent (purpose-built) | Poor (underpowered) |
| Suppressed Use | Optimized | Requires compromise |
| Barrel Length | 8″-16″ | 16″-24″ |
| Bullet Weight Range | 160-380 grains | 110-180 grains |
| Best For | Short suppressed rifles | General purpose rifles |
Bottom Line: For suppressed hunting from short barrels, 8.6 BLK outperforms 308. It will also carry 160gr bullets at 30-30 velocities for supersonic needs. The 308 utilizes the most commonly found 30 caliber bullets and for hunting past 400 yards, 308 winchester has the edge.
8.6 Blackout vs 338 ARC
| Feature | 8.6 Blackout | 338 ARC |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Case | 6.5 Creedmoor (shortened) | 6.5 Grendel |
| Case Capacity | Larger | Smaller |
| Max Bullet Weight | 380+ grains | ~300 grains |
| SAAMI Status | Not yet approved | SAAMI approved |
| Platform Compatibility | AR-10 | AR-15 (modified) |
Bottom Line: 8.6 BLK offers heavier bullets, greater energy on target, the ability to shoot supersonic ammunition, and more case capacity for superior terminal performance, while 338 ARC has SAAMI approval and smaller platform compatibility.
MISC Frequently Asked Questions
Is 8.6 Blackout SAAMI approved?
No, 8.6 Blackout is not yet SAAMI-certified. However, we pressure test every batch using SAAMI style equipment to ensure safety and consistency. We load to Q, LLC’s published specifications.
How far can 8.6 Blackout shoot effectively?
- Subsonic loads: Technically it’s effective to 400 yards on game, however we don’t recommend hunting with subsonic ammo past 150 yards. There are too many variables from shot to animal that could result in wounded game out of the hunter’s control.
- Supersonic loads: Effective to 400 yards and more depending on load, rifle setup, and the amount of practice you put into your rifle prior to season.
Is 8.6 Blackout good for hunting?
Yes, excellent. Our customers have successfully harvested everything from whitetail deer to Cape Buffalo. The heavy, expanding bullets deliver massive energy transfer and deep penetration.
Why is Just Cause USA 8.6 Blackout ammunition better?
We are the first manufacturer that pressure tests every batch with conformal transducer. This ensures safety, consistency, and optimal performance. Our ammunition is also proven by industry experts like Garand Thumb, Ron Spomer, Field Ethos, and more.
Can I reload 8.6 Blackout brass?
Yes, our brass can be reloaded. However, we strongly recommend working up loads carefully and only using verified published data if you reload this caliber.
Do you ship ammunition to my state?
We ship to most states. See our shipping policy for state-specific requirements. Some states require FFL transfer or additional documentation.
What Twist Rate and Ammo
Should I Choose for 8.6 BLK?
Barrel Twist Rate Requirements
One of the most important considerations when purchasing 8.6 Blackout ammunition is barrel twist rate. This cartridge requires an extremely fast twist to stabilize long, heavy projectiles.
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1:3 twist (most common and recommended by Q)
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1:5 twist (better accuracy for the lighter 8.6 Blackout offerings )
Using 8.6 BLK ammo in barrels with slower twist rates can result in instability and poor performance. When choosing your 8.6 Blackout offering please note some of our loadings will only function properly in the 1:3 twist.
Subsonic vs Supersonic 8.6 Blackout Ammo
Subsonic 8.6 BLK ammo typically uses very heavy bullets, often in the 300–380 grain range. Subsonic ammunition will not exceed 1050fps, making these loads ideal for suppressed shooting. Subsonic 8.6 Blackout ammunition is favored over the 300 Blackout for its penetration and energy on target when paired with a 338 suppressor. The greater case capacity of the 8.6 Blackout even allows it to use heavier bullets than the 338 ARC for cleaner, faster kills or drive supersonic ammo for distance.
Supersonic 8.6 BLK ammo uses lighter projectiles, commonly between 160 and 180 grains. These loads can exceed 2,000 feet per second depending on barrel length and bullet design. Supersonic 8.6 Blackout ammunition is often chosen for hunting and applications requiring extended effective range.
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