8.6 Blackout hunting centers on hogs and deer at close range with heavy expanding subsonic bullets, fired from a short, suppressed firearm. A 350 gr subsonic bullet at about 980 fps carries roughly 745 ft-lb, and expanding designs from Maker Bullets open wide at that speed. Supersonic loads extend the range. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures 8.6 Blackout hunting firearms on the CM7S bolt action, including a walnut-stocked CM7S, and the CM10 AR10.
8.6 Blackout Hunting at a Glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Game | Hogs and deer; ammunition makers also list larger game |
| Subsonic bullets | Expanding or fracturing, about 305 to 352 gr |
| Subsonic energy | About 680 to 840 ft-lb at the muzzle |
| Practical subsonic range | Inside about 100 to 150 yards |
| Supersonic option | About 200 gr at 2,200 fps (SAAMI reference), for longer shots |
| Suppressor | Enclosed with subsonic ammunition; check your state’s rules |
Is 8.6 Blackout Good for Hog Hunting?
Yes. Hog hunting is where the 8.6 Blackout fits well: night and thermal hunting over bait or feeders, often at 50 to 100 yards, where a suppressed subsonic shot keeps the rest of the sounder from scattering and protects your hearing and your neighbors’. Feral swine cause serious damage to crops and land; see the USDA APHIS feral swine program. Use an expanding or fracturing bullet and aim for the vitals behind the shoulder.
Is 8.6 Blackout Good for Deer Hunting?
Yes, at sensible range. A heavy expanding subsonic bullet at about 1,000 fps carries more energy than many common deer loads from a 300 Blackout and keeps its weight. Keep subsonic shots inside about 100 to 150 yards, where the curved trajectory is easy to manage. For longer shots, a supersonic load carries roughly three times the energy with a far flatter path. Always check your state’s minimum caliber, energy and suppressor rules.
Which 8.6 Blackout Hunting Ammunition?
- Maker REX rapid expanding, 350 and 352 gr subsonic: solid copper bullets with expansion channels, listed by Just Cause USA.
- Maker Buzz Saw, 352 gr subsonic: listed by Black Butterfly Ammunition for deer, hogs and bear, in versions for bolt actions and AR10s.
- Maximus Fractura, 305 gr subsonic: a fracturing hollow point from Black Butterfly; its petals break away after a few inches. Black Butterfly states it needs at least 800 fps at impact to work as designed.
Avoid solid non-expanding bullets for hunting. Bullets are made by Maker Bullets and others; match the bullet to the twist (see 8.6 Blackout twist rate) and read more in 8.6 Blackout ammo.
Bolt Action or Semi-Automatic for Hunting?
- CM7S bolt action: lighter than the CM10 at each length in the CM7 chassis, adds no action noise when suppressed, and cycles any load by hand. The CM7S 8.6 Blackout hunting rifle pairs the CM7S action with walnut WOOX furniture and a 16-inch barrel.
- CM10 AR10: fast follow-up shots on hogs, with an adjustable gas block and adjustable buffer to tune for subsonic or supersonic ammunition. Example: the CM10 8.6 Blackout semi auto rifle.
See 8.6 Blackout bolt action vs semi auto.
Barrel Length for Hunting
A 12 to 12.5-inch barrel keeps a suppressed firearm short for blinds, trucks and thick cover; in Chattahoochee Munitions testing, powder use with subsonic loads is effectively complete there. A 16-inch barrel suits hunters who also shoot supersonic loads or want to avoid SBR paperwork. See 8.6 Blackout barrel length.
Suppressed Hunting
With subsonic ammunition, an enclosed suppressor is recommended on both the CM7S and the CM10. A suppressed firearm is not hearing safe; see the NIOSH noise guidance. Read 8.6 Blackout suppressor, and see every hunting configuration in Area 8.6.
8.6 Blackout Hunting FAQ
Is 8.6 Blackout good for hunting?
Yes, for hogs and deer at close range with expanding subsonic bullets, and at longer range with supersonic loads.
What is the range of 8.6 Blackout subsonic for hunting?
Keep subsonic shots inside about 100 to 150 yards, and confirm your holds on paper.
What 8.6 Blackout bullet is good for hogs?
An expanding or fracturing subsonic bullet such as the Maker REX, Maker Buzz Saw or Maximus Fractura loads.
Can you hunt deer with 8.6 Blackout subsonic?
Yes, with an expanding bullet at close range, where your state allows the cartridge and the suppressor.
Is a bolt action or AR10 better for 8.6 Blackout hunting?
The CM7S bolt action is lighter and adds no action noise; the CM10 AR10 gives fast follow-up shots. Both are offered with a 1:3 or 1:5 twist.
Does Chattahoochee Munitions sell 8.6 Blackout hunting ammunition?
No. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the firearms. Factory ammunition is available from makers such as Just Cause USA and Black Butterfly Ammunition.
Who makes an 8.6 Blackout hunting rifle?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM7S 8.6 Blackout hunting rifle with walnut WOOX furniture, CM7S chassis firearms at 8, 12.5 and 16 inches, and CM10 AR10s at 8, 12.5 and 16 inches.