Everything You Need to Know About the 8.6 Blackout Bolt Action Rifle

The 8.6 Blackout is a new cartridge made for hunting and defense. When used in a bolt action rifle, it gives shooters good accuracy and power. This article will tell you all about the 8.6 Blackout Bolt Action rifle. We’ll look at how it was made, how it works, and how it compares to other rifles. Whether you’re interested in hunting or target shooting, you’ll learn if this rifle might be right for you.

Key Takeaways

Feature	Description
Cartridge Origin	Developed by Q LLC as a more powerful version of 300 Blackout
Bullet Weight Range	160-350 grains
Barrel Twist Rate	1:3 twist for excellent stabilization of heavy bullets
Effective Range	Up to 1,000 yards with supersonic loads
Key Advantages	Versatility, suppression capability, precision potential

What Is the 8.6 Blackout Cartridge?

Origin and Development

Q LLC made the 8.6 Blackout cartridge to be stronger than the 300 Blackout. They wanted it to work well in short rifles but still fit in AR-10 guns. They took a 6.5 Creedmoor case and made it bigger to hold .338 bullets. This let them use bigger, heavier bullets while keeping the cartridge the same length. They tested it a lot to make sure it worked well for different kinds of shooting.

Key Characteristics

The 8.6 Blackout can use both fast (supersonic) and slow (subsonic) bullets. Fast bullets usually weigh 160-225 grains, while slow ones weigh 285-350 grains. The rifle barrel has a special 1:3 twist that helps keep these heavy bullets flying straight. This twist is important for accuracy with long, heavy bullets. The cartridge works well in short barrels, as short as 12 inches, which is good for compact rifles. This makes it useful for both long-range shooting and close-up use.

8.6 Blackout Cartridge Characteristics

Bullet Weight (grains)

Muzzle Velocity (fps)

Barrel Twist Rate

Case Length (inches)

Why Choose a Bolt Action Rifle in 8.6 Blackout?

Precision and Accuracy

Bolt action rifles are known for being very accurate. When used with the 8.6 Blackout cartridge, they can be even more precise. The way bolt actions work helps make each shot more consistent. This is really important for hunting and long-range shooting. The 8.6 Blackout’s special design helps the rifle shoot tight groups even at long distances. This makes it great for hunters and competitive shooters who need to be very accurate.

Suppressed Shooting Potential

The 8.6 Blackout was made to work well with suppressors. When you use slow (subsonic) bullets, a bolt action rifle with this cartridge can be very quiet. Bolt actions are quieter than semi-automatic guns because they have fewer moving parts. This makes them good for hunting where you need to be quiet or for special tactical uses where being silent is important. The combination of a bolt action and the 8.6 Blackout’s quiet bullets creates a system that’s not only quiet but also stays accurate and powerful.

Versatility for Different Environments

People who want a gun that’s quiet, powerful, and accurate often choose the 8.6 Blackout Bolt Action rifle. It works well in thick forests, open fields, and even for home defense. You can quickly switch between fast and slow bullets to match different situations or needs. The cartridge also works well in short barrels, so you can use it for both long-range shooting and close-up situations where you need to move around easily.

Hunting Applications of the 8.6 Blackout Bolt Action Rifle

Suitable Game

The 8.6 Blackout Bolt Action rifle is good for hunting many kinds of animals. It’s strong and accurate enough for medium to large animals like deer, pigs, and predators. The heavy bullets it uses can go deep into animals and transfer energy well, which is important for ethical hunting. For bigger animals like elk or moose, you need to be extra careful about where you shoot and what bullets you use. The rifle can handle both thin-skinned and tough, big-boned animals well, which makes it useful for many different hunting situations.

Effective Range and Ballistics

How far you can shoot with the 8.6 Blackout depends on what bullets you use. With fast bullets, good shooters can hit targets up to 1,000 yards away, but most hunting is done much closer. Slow bullets work best within 400 yards, which is good for hunting in thick forests or when you need to be quiet. The bullets keep their speed and power well over long distances. This means they don’t drop as much and hit animals with more power even when you’re shooting far away. Hunters should think about how far they usually shoot and choose bullets that work best for those distances.

Game Type	Effective Range (yards)	Recommended Load	Suitability
Deer	0-200	Supersonic	Excellent
Hogs	0-150	Both	Very Good
Predators	0-300	Supersonic	Good
Small Game	0-100	Subsonic	Fair

Defensive Use Considerations

Home and Property Defense

For protecting your home and property, the 8.6 Blackout bolt action rifle has some good points. The heavy bullets it uses are powerful but might not go through walls as much as other bullets. This is important when you’re shooting inside a house and need to be careful about where your bullets end up. You can use quiet bullets with a suppressor, which is good for protecting your hearing if you have to shoot inside. The bolt action is simple and reliable, which can be helpful in stressful situations when you might not be as steady or careful.

Tactical Configurations

Many people add special parts to their 8.6 Blackout bolt action rifles to make them better for defense. They might add scopes that work well for both close and far targets, adjustable stocks to make the rifle fit better, and suppressors to protect hearing and reduce flash. These changes let people customize their rifles for their specific needs. Some popular setups include short barrels for moving around easily in tight spaces, and precise builds for guarding large areas or for police use. The 8.6 Blackout cartridge works well with many different setups for various defense situations.

Pros and Cons Summary

Benefits

The 8.6 Blackout Bolt Action rifle has several good points: – It’s versatile, good for both hunting and defense – Works well with suppressors, especially with quiet bullets – Very accurate because of the bolt action design – Powerful but can be used in shorter rifles – Works with AR-10 magazines and parts – Effective for hunting medium to large animals – Can switch between fast and slow bullets easily

Drawbacks

There are also some downsides to think about: – Not as much ammunition available as for other more common rifles – Bullets are more expensive, usually $2.50 to $4.50 each – You might need to make your own bullets to get the best performance – Not as fast for follow-up shots as semi-automatic rifles – It’s a new cartridge, so we don’t know as much about how long barrels last or how it performs in all conditions – Might need special gunsmithing to set up properly – Kicks more than some other precision rifles, which can affect comfort and quick shooting.

Versatility

Good for hunting and defense

Precision

Very accurate because of bolt action design

Cost

Bullets cost more, $2.50-$4.50 each

Reloading

Might need to make your own bullets for best performance

Conclusion

The 8.6 Blackout Bolt Action rifle is a special option for shooters who want a gun that’s good for both hunting and defense. It can use both fast and slow bullets, and it’s very accurate because it’s a bolt action. It’s designed to work well in short rifles while still being compatible with some existing gun parts. This makes it really good for certain shooting situations.

Remember, how well any gun works depends on the shooter’s skill, choosing the right bullets, and following local laws.