The 8.6 Blackout bolt action rifle is changing how people hunt quietly and accurately. It uses heavy bullets that work great with suppressors, making it super quiet but still powerful enough for big animals. Let’s look at why hunters and target shooters are getting excited about this new rifle.
| Key Points |
| – Works great with suppressors and heavy bullets- Shoots well from short barrels, making rifles easier to carry- Uses big bullets (210-350 grains) that hit hard- Special barrel design makes it very accurate- Good for hunting medium to large animals and target practice- Fills the gap between smaller and bigger hunting rifles- More rifle choices becoming available |
What’s Special About the 8.6 Blackout Bolt Action Rifle?
The 8.6 Blackout bolt action rifle is cool for a few reasons:
1. Super Quiet: It works great with suppressors, so you can shoot without scaring away animals or bothering other hunters. This is helpful if you’re hunting in places with noise rules or if you want to hear what’s going on around you while hunting.
2. Works Well in Short Rifles: Unlike some other hunting rifles, the 8.6 Blackout shoots really well from short barrels. This means you can use a smaller, lighter rifle that’s easier to carry through thick bushes or use in a small hunting blind. Even with a short barrel, it still hits hard enough to take down big animals.
3. Big, Slow Bullets: The 8.6 Blackout uses really big bullets, usually between 210 and 350 grains. These big bullets hit hard, even when they’re moving slowly. This is great for hunting big animals because the bullets go deep and make big holes. They keep their power well, so they work great at normal hunting distances.
4. Special Barrel Design: The barrel of an 8.6 Blackout rifle has special twists inside that make the bullet spin really fast. This helps make the rifle super accurate and makes the bullets work even better when they hit an animal. The fast spin lets the rifle use really long bullets that keep their speed better over long distances.
Why Hunters and Shooters Like the 8.6 Blackout
Great for Quiet Hunting
The 8.6 Blackout is awesome for hunting quietly:
1. Really Quiet Shots: With a good suppressor, the 8.6 Blackout is super quiet. This means you’re less likely to scare away other animals after taking a shot. It’s also great for teaching new hunters because the quiet shots are less scary.
2. Less Kick: Because the bullets are moving slower, the rifle doesn’t kick as much when you shoot. This makes it easier to shoot accurately and to take quick follow-up shots if you need to. It’s also more comfortable to practice with, which can help you become a better shot.
Good for Different Types of Animals
The 8.6 Blackout can be used to hunt lots of different animals:
1. Works on Medium to Big Animals: The big bullets are great for hunting deer, wild pigs, and even black bears if you’re close enough. You can use one rifle to hunt different kinds of animals, which is super handy.
2. Compared to Other Rifles: The 8.6 Blackout hits harder than smaller quiet-shooting rifles, but it’s not as loud or hard to shoot as bigger hunting rifles. It’s kind of in the middle, which a lot of hunters really like.
Good for Accurate Shooting
Target shooters also like the 8.6 Blackout:
1. Accurate at Normal Distances: While it’s not made for super long-distance shooting, the 8.6 Blackout is really accurate up to about 300 yards. This is perfect for most hunting situations and for practicing your accuracy.
2. Works Great in Bolt-Action Rifles: The 8.6 Blackout works really well in bolt-action rifles, which are known for being accurate and reliable. This makes it a great choice for hunters who want to make precise shots.
Best Rifles for 8.6 Blackout
Since the 8.6 Blackout is pretty new, there aren’t tons of rifles made for it yet, but the options are growing:
1. Custom-Built Rifles: Many people choose to have a rifle specially made for 8.6 Blackout. They often start with popular rifles like the Remington 700 or Ruger American and change parts to make them perfect for 8.6 Blackout. This lets you pick exactly what you want for your rifle.
2. Factory-Made Rifles: As more people get interested in 8.6 Blackout, more companies are starting to make rifles for it. These are easier to buy and often come with guarantees from the company that made them.
When picking an 8.6 Blackout rifle, think about things like how long you want the barrel to be (usually 12-16 inches works best), and make sure it works with the suppressor you want to use. Many people also like to customize the stock to make the rifle fit them better.
Picking a Suppressor for 8.6 Blackout
Choosing the right suppressor is really important for the 8.6 Blackout:
1. Size: You need a suppressor that’s big enough for the .338 caliber bullets the 8.6 Blackout uses. Many people use suppressors made for bigger rifles like the .338 Lapua Magnum.
2. Length and Weight: Think about how long and heavy you want your suppressor to be. Shorter, lighter ones are easier to carry, but longer ones usually make the gun quieter.
3. What It’s Made Of: Look for suppressors made from tough materials like Inconel or titanium. These can handle the heat and pressure from the 8.6 Blackout bullets.
4. How It Attaches: Pick a suppressor that’s easy to put on and take off your rifle. This is helpful if you need to remove it for traveling or if you want to shoot without it sometimes.
Choosing Bullets: Subsonic vs. Supersonic
The 8.6 Blackout can use two main types of bullets, each good for different things:
Subsonic Bullets
1. Best for Quiet Hunting: These bullets, usually 280-350 grains, are the quietest when used with a suppressor. They’re great for hunting when you really need to be quiet.
2. Less Kick: These bullets make the rifle kick less when you shoot, which can help you be more accurate.
3. Still Work Well: Even though they’re slower, these big bullets still hit hard enough to take down big animals at normal hunting distances.
Supersonic Bullets
1. Shoot Farther: These bullets, usually 160-250 grains, go faster and can shoot accurately at longer distances.
2. More Speed: With speeds up to 2,400 feet per second, these bullets hit harder at longer distances and are easier to aim at far-away targets.
3. More Flexible: These bullets are good for times when being super quiet isn’t as important, like shooting at longer ranges or hunting where suppressors aren’t required.
Is the 8.6 Blackout Right for You?
Deciding if the 8.6 Blackout is right for you depends on what you want to do with it. Here are some good and not-so-good things about it:
Good Things:
1. Works great with suppressors for really quiet shooting
2. Good for hunting medium to large animals
3. Works well in short, easy-to-carry rifles
4. You can choose between quiet or more powerful bullets
5. Doesn’t kick as much as bigger hunting rifles
Not-So-Good Things:
1. Bullets can be harder to find and more expensive than common hunting rifles
2. Special parts for the rifle can cost more
3. Not great for shooting at really long distances
4. You might need special barrels and suppressors to make it work best
The 8.6 Blackout is great for hunters who want to shoot quietly and those interested in new types of rifles. It’s really good for hunting medium to large animals quietly. But if you mostly want to shoot at really long distances or if you’re worried about finding bullets easily, you might prefer a more common hunting rifle.
Conclusion
The 8.6 Blackout bolt action rifle is a cool new option for hunters and target shooters who want something different. It’s really good at shooting quietly and accurately, especially for hunting medium to large animals. As more companies start making rifles and parts for it, it’s becoming easier for more people to try out.
If you like hunting quietly or are interested in new types of rifles, the 8.6 Blackout could be a great choice. It offers a unique mix of being quiet, powerful, and accurate in a smaller package. Just remember, like with any new gun, it’s important to practice and learn about it to use it well.