The 8.6 Blackout (8.6 BLK) is the next evolution in high-performance ammunition, designed by Kevin Brittingham and his team at Q LLC. Building on the success of the .300 Blackout, the 8.6 BLK was developed to provide superior energy, range, and versatility, especially for AR-10 platforms. This groundbreaking cartridge applies the design principles of the .300 BLK to a larger, .338-caliber bullet, offering dramatically enhanced performance while maintaining compatibility with .308-sized platforms. A simple barrel swap is all that’s required to convert AR-10s and .308 Winchester bolt guns to 8.6 BLK, making the transition seamless.
What sets the 8.6 BLK apart is its ability to fire a wide range of bullet weights, from 160 to 210 grains at supersonic speeds, and 280 to 350 grains at subsonic velocities. The cartridge excels in short-barrel rifles and is highly effective in suppressed applications, making it ideal for hunters and tactical shooters alike. The supersonic rounds deliver up to 2,400 feet per second and impressive energy transfer, while the heavy subsonic bullets deliver tremendous stopping power, with energy exceeding 830 ft-lbs.
One of the most unique innovations in the 8.6 BLK is the radical 1:3-inch twist rate in the rifling. This fast twist rate imparts extreme spin to the bullet, maximizing both accuracy and terminal performance. As the bullet spins at over 500,000 RPM, it causes significant expansion and deformation on impact, resulting in devastating wound channels. This effect has been described as akin to turning a blender to its highest setting, tearing through tissue and creating massive damage.
The 8.6 Blackout is based on a shortened and necked-up 6.5 Creedmoor case, designed to perfectly seat long, high-ballistic-coefficient bullets. The result is a dual-purpose cartridge that offers unprecedented subsonic performance while also extending the effective range of supersonic rounds. The 8.6 BLK has the capability to take down the largest game with ease, offering hunters confidence in any scenario, whether at close range or beyond 450 yards.
With its revolutionary design, high energy, and incredible versatility, the 8.6 Blackout is redefining the standard for modern cartridges, combining power and precision in a platform that is as adaptable as it is devastating.
