Most ballistics guides lead with speed. The 8.6 Blackout is different. It is built to throw very heavy .338-caliber bullets, often slower than the speed of sound, from a suppressed rifle. So 8.6 Blackout ballistics are less about flat flight and more about bullet weight, bullet build and how quiet the rifle runs.
This guide covers the 8.6 Blackout loads we stock, what the round is for, and how to read the data makers publish. One note up front: our catalog does not yet list verified velocity and energy for these loads. Check each product page and the maker’s data before you build a dope card.
What Is 8.6 Blackout?
The 8.6 Blackout came out in 2022. It fires a .338-inch bullet, which is about 8.6mm, from a short case in the .308 family. The rifles use a very fast twist barrel so they can stabilize long, heavy bullets at low speed.
Is 8.6 Blackout AR-15 or AR-10?
It is an AR-10 size round. It works in .308-size rifles with the right barrel. It does not fit an AR-15. If you want a big subsonic round in an AR-15, look at the .300 Blackout instead. Bolt-action rifles are also made for it.
8.6 Blackout Loads We Carry
All of these come from Gorilla Ammunition. The table lists bullet type, weight and pack size from our 8.6 Blackout ammo section.
| Load | Bullet | Grain | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Punisher 8.6 Blackout 190 Grain Fracturing Supersonic | CNC Solid Copper Fracturing (lead-free) | 190 | 20-round box |
| 8.6 Blackout Barnes TSX 210 Grain by Gorilla | Barnes TSX Solid Copper Expanding (lead-free) | 210 | 20-round box |
| 8.6 Blackout 210 Grain Bucket Barnes TSX by Gorilla | Barnes TSX Solid Copper Expanding (lead-free) | 210 | 80-round bucket |
| Gorilla 8.6 Blackout 285 Grain Fracturing Subsonic | Solid Copper Fracturing (lead-free) | 285 | 20-round box |
| 8.6 BLK Ammo Gorilla Silverback 285 Grain Subsonic | Solid Copper Fracturing (lead-free) | 285 | 80-round bucket |
| 8.6 Blackout 285 Grain Subsonic Gorilla Cosmetic Blemish | Solid Copper Fracturing (lead-free) | 285 | 20-round box |
| Gorilla 8.6 Blackout 300 Grain Sierra MatchKing Subsonic | Sierra MatchKing Hollow Point Boat Tail | 300 | 20-round box |
| 8.6 Blackout 300 Grain Bucket Sierra MatchKing by Gorilla | Sierra MatchKing Hollow Point Boat Tail | 300 | 80-round bucket |
| 8.6 Blackout Berger Hybrid 300 Grain Subsonic by Gorilla | Berger Hybrid Open Tip Match | 300 | 20-round box |
| Pork Shredder 8.6 Blackout 342 Grain Subsonic by Gorilla | CNC Solid Copper Expanding (Pork Shredder, lead-free) | 342 | 20-round box |
| Shredder Bullet 8.6 Blackout 342 Grain Subsonic Cosmetic Blemish | CNC Solid Copper Expanding (Pork Shredder, lead-free) | 342 | 20-round box |
Two of the loads are cosmetic blemish rounds. They are sold at a different grade because of looks, not function. Check the product page for details.
Subsonic vs Supersonic
Subsonic loads (285 to 342 grain)
These stay below the speed of sound. With a suppressor, that means no sonic crack downrange. The Gorilla Silverback 285 grain subsonic uses a solid copper fracturing bullet. The Pork Shredder 342 grain uses a solid copper expanding bullet. Both are built for hogs and game at close range.
Supersonic loads (190 to 210 grain)
These run faster for a flatter path. The Gorilla Punisher 190 grain uses a copper fracturing bullet. The Barnes TSX 210 grain loads use a classic copper expanding design.
Match and target
The 300 grain Sierra MatchKing and Berger Hybrid loads are made for accuracy, not for game.
How to Read 8.6 Blackout Ballistics
When you check a maker’s data, look at three things.
- Velocity: For subsonic loads, the goal is to stay below the speed of sound in your conditions. Cold air lowers the speed of sound, so a load that is quiet in summer may crack in winter.
- Energy: Subsonic loads post far less muzzle energy than full-power rifle rounds. Their heavy copper bullets are made to do the work at low speed. Treat energy as a comparison tool only.
- Barrel length: Makers test in a set barrel. Short barrels, common on suppressed rifles, change speed. A chronograph is the only way to know your rifle’s true numbers.
Altitude also matters. Thin air changes both drag and the speed of sound. Use a ballistic app with your own data.
What Is 8.6 Blackout Good For?
It suits hog control, deer at close to moderate range and quiet shooting with a suppressor. Hunting rules and suppressor laws vary, so check your state and local rules before you use it in the field. Heavy subsonic rounds drop fast, so know your range.
For a smaller subsonic round, see our 300 Blackout gel test guide.
Shop 8.6 Blackout Ammo
See every load, including 80-round buckets like the Barnes TSX 210 grain bucket, in our 8.6 Blackout ammo section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 8.6 Blackout?
The 8.6 Blackout is a .338-caliber rifle round introduced in 2022. It fires very heavy bullets, often at subsonic speed, from a short .308-family case. It runs in AR-10 size rifles and bolt guns with a fast twist barrel, and it pairs well with a suppressor.
What caliber is 8.6 Blackout?
It fires a .338-inch bullet. The 8.6 in the name is the bullet diameter in millimeters. That is the same bullet size as the .338 Lapua and .338 Win Mag, but the case and loads are very different. Use only ammo marked 8.6 Blackout.
What is 8.6 Blackout used for?
Hog control, deer at close to moderate range and quiet shooting with a suppressor. Heavy subsonic copper bullets are built to expand or fracture at low speed. Supersonic loads give a flatter path. Check hunting and suppressor rules in your state first.
Is 8.6 Blackout AR-15 or AR-10?
It is an AR-10 size round. It works in .308-size AR rifles with an 8.6 Blackout barrel, and in some bolt-action rifles. It will not fit an AR-15. For a subsonic round in an AR-15, the .300 Blackout is the usual pick.
