8.6 Blackout 180 GR Maker T-REX 20 rounds

8.6 Blackout 180gr Maker T-REX - Premium Supersonic Hunting Ammunition

The Just Cause Solutions 8.6 Blackout 180gr Maker T-REX is our lightest supersonic 8.6 Blackout offering, designed for maximum velocity and flat trajectory while maintaining devastating terminal performance. Featuring Maker's innovative T-REX (Tipped Rapid EXpanding) bullet with a polymer tip, this load delivers exceptional long-range accuracy combined with reliable expansion down to 1600 fps - providing effective hunting performance to approximately 300 yards from a 16" barrel.

Even though this is not a SAAMI approved cartridge (yet) we still test to SAAMI standards.

We're the first 8.6 Blackout manufacturer with a SAAMI-spec conformal transducer for pressure testing. Every batch is verified for your safety and optimal performance.

Maker T-REX Bullet Technology - Tipped for Performance

The Maker T-REX represents the evolution of the proven Maker REX design, adding a polymer tip for improved ballistic coefficient and enhanced terminal performance. This precision CNC-machined solid copper projectile features:

• Polymer tip - Improves BC for flatter trajectory and initiates expansion on impact
• Solid copper construction - Precision CNC-machined for consistency
• Engineered expansion channels - Designed to expand to 3x original diameter
• 100% weight retention - Maintains mass through bone and tissue
• Reliable expansion down to 1600 fps - Effective to ~300 yards from 16" barrel

This combination of high velocity, polymer tip efficiency, and controlled expansion makes the 180gr T-REX ideal for hunters who need flat trajectory with proven terminal performance at extended distances.

Supersonic Advantage - Speed Meets Precision

At 2200 fps from a 16" barrel, this is our fastest 8.6 Blackout load. The benefits include:

• Flattest trajectory in our 8.6 Blackout lineup - Less holdover at distance
• Fast bullet flight time - Minimal lead on moving game
• High retained energy - Maintains hunting energy beyond 300 yards
• Polymer tip efficiency - .371 G1 BC delivers excellent ballistic performance
• Reliable expansion - Proven to expand down to 1600 fps (approximately 300 yards)

Best Applications

Perfect For:

• Whitetail deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope
• Wild hogs and black bear
• Open country hunting requiring flat trajectory
• Hunters who prioritize speed and reach
• Situations where you need less holdover than heavier bullets
• Precision rifle applications and target work

Effective Range: Designed to expand reliably to approximately 300 yards from 16" barrels (velocity drops to ~1600 fps at this distance, the minimum for reliable T-REX expansion).

Technical Specifications

Barrel Length & Velocity Data

This is the fastest 8.6 Blackout load in our lineup. The T-REX bullet is designed to expand reliably down to 1600 fps, which occurs at approximately 300 yards from a 16" barrel. Always verify your specific rifle's performance and practice at your intended hunting distances.

Platform Compatibility

Optimized For:

• Q Fix (bolt action) - Excellent accuracy platform
• Q Boombox (semi-auto) - Gas system tuning recommended
• Faxon Sentinel (AR-10 platform) - Adjustable gas block helpful
• Custom bolt-action builds
• Taurus Expedition

Requirements:

• 1:3 or 1:5 twist barrel - This 180gr bullet stabilizes well in either twist rate
• Suppressor optional (will still produce sonic crack)
• Adjustable gas block recommended for semi-auto reliability tuning

Why Choose the 180gr T-REX?

Choose This Load If You:

• Want the flattest shooting 8.6 Blackout available
• Hunt in open country with longer shot opportunities
• Need less holdover than heavier bullets provide
• Want high velocity with reliable expansion
• Prefer lighter recoil than heavier supersonic loads
• Need a load that works in both bolt and semi-auto platforms

Comparison to Other Loads:

• vs 185gr Hornady CX: Slightly faster with similar trajectory. Maker T-REX expands more dramatically (3x vs 2x diameter).
• vs 350gr Subsonic: Dramatically flatter trajectory and longer effective range, but louder and produces sonic crack even when suppressed.
• vs 352gr Subsonic: Opposite ends of the spectrum - 180gr for speed and distance, 352gr for maximum stealth and close-range power.

Terminal Performance Notes

The Maker T-REX is engineered to expand to approximately three times its original diameter (.338" to nearly 1.0") while retaining 100% of its weight. Key performance characteristics:

• Expansion threshold: 1600 fps minimum - Ensures reliable expansion to ~300 yards
• Polymer tip: Initiates expansion on impact and improves BC for flatter flight
• Deep penetration: Solid copper construction drives deep even through heavy bone
• Massive wound channels: 3x expansion creates significant tissue damage
• Weight retention: 100% weight retention = no fragmentation = straight-line penetration

Twist Rate Considerations

The 8.6 Blackout was designed with a 1:3 twist rate by Q, LLC. However, this 180gr T-REX bullet stabilizes effectively in both 1:3 and 1:5 twist barrels.

1:3 Twist: Optimized for the heaviest bullets. Works excellently with this 180gr load and all other 8.6 Blackout bullets.

1:5 Twist: Works very well with lighter supersonic bullets like this 180gr T-REX. Generally better for supersonic applications in the 160-210gr range.

Note: Very heavy subsonic bullets (Maker 352gr and heavier) require 1:3 twist specifically. Consult your bullet manufacturer's recommendations for heavy subsonic loads.

Comparison: 180gr T-REX vs Other 8.6 Blackout Loads

Important Safety Notes

• Twist Rate: This 180gr bullet works well in both 1:3 and 1:5 twist barrels. Verify your barrel twist before purchasing.
• Suppressor Consideration: While this load can be suppressed, you will still hear the sonic crack. Suppressor primarily reduces muzzle blast.
• Not for .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor: Despite case similarity, NEVER fire 8.6 Blackout in .308 Win or 6.5CM chambers.
• Eye & Ear Protection: Always use proper hearing protection even when suppressed with supersonic loads.
• Know Your Limits: Practice at your intended hunting distances. The T-REX is designed to expand down to 1500 fps, which is approximately 350 yards from a 16" barrel.
• Semi-Auto Tuning: If using in semi-auto platforms, an adjustable gas block may be helpful for reliable cycling with this lighter bullet.

Why Just Cause Solutions?

Every lot of our 8.6 Blackout ammunition is:

• SAAMI pressure tested with conformal transducer
• Loaded with premium Maker T-REX projectiles
• Tested in Q, LLC rifle platforms
• Optimized for consistent performance in bolt and semi-auto rifles
• Manufactured by an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran
• Made in the USA with American components

If we don't test it, we don't release it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between T-REX and REX bullets?
A: The T-REX features a polymer tip that improves ballistic coefficient for flatter trajectory and initiates expansion on impact. REX bullets have a hollow point design. Both expand to 3x diameter and retain 100% weight.

Q: Will this work in my semi-auto 8.6 Blackout?
A: Yes, this ammunition is suitable for both bolt guns and semi-auto rifles. An adjustable gas block may help optimize cycling with this lighter bullet weight.

Q: How far will this bullet expand reliably?
A: The Maker T-REX is designed to fully expand down to 1550 fps. From a 16" barrel at 2200 fps muzzle velocity, this occurs at approximately 350 yards.

Q: Do I need a 1:3 twist barrel?
A: No. This 180gr bullet works well in both 1:3 and 1:5 twist barrels. However, very heavy bullets (Maker 352gr+) require 1:3 twist specifically.

Q: How does this compare to the 185gr Hornady CX?
A: Very similar ballistically. The 180gr T-REX is slightly faster (2200 vs 2150 fps) and features more dramatic expansion (3x vs 2x diameter). The Hornady CX offers slightly higher BC (.407 vs .371). Both are excellent choices.