An 8.6 Blackout suppressor must be rated for .338 caliber or larger, with a bore that clears a .338-inch bullet. On a bolt action, use an enclosed suppressor. On a semi-automatic, use an enclosed suppressor with subsonic ammunition and a flow-through suppressor with supersonic ammunition. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures 8.6 Blackout firearms on the CM7S bolt action and CM10 AR10, and has tested the cartridge with many suppressors.
8.6 Blackout Suppressor at a Glance
| Firearm and ammunition | Suppressor type | Note |
|---|---|---|
| CM7S bolt action, any ammunition | Enclosed | Manually operated; no action noise |
| CM10 AR10, subsonic ammunition | Enclosed | Chattahoochee Munitions recommendation |
| CM10 AR10, supersonic ammunition | Flow-through recommended | Chattahoochee Munitions recommendation |
| Caliber rating | .338 or larger | .338-inch bullet |
| Hearing | Still not hearing safe | Wear protection |
Why Is 8.6 Blackout Made for Suppressors?
A rifle shot makes two sounds: the muzzle blast of expanding gas, and the crack of a bullet moving faster than sound. A suppressor only reduces muzzle blast. Subsonic 8.6 Blackout ammunition removes the crack by keeping the bullet below about 1,116 fps, and the heavy .338 bullet keeps useful energy at that speed. Together, the subsonic load and the 8.6 Blackout suppressor deal with both sounds.
Enclosed or Flow-Through 8.6 Blackout Suppressor?
The CM7S is manually operated, so it always gets an enclosed suppressor; a bolt action adds no action noise when suppressed. The CM10 is gas operated. With subsonic ammunition an enclosed suppressor is recommended; with supersonic ammunition a flow-through suppressor is recommended. The CM10’s Superlative Arms adjustable gas block and ODIN Works adjustable buffer let you tune the firearm for the suppressor and load you run.
Steel or Titanium?
In Chattahoochee Munitions testing, steel suppressors have generally provided better sound reduction than titanium suppressors of similar volume. Titanium is much lighter, which matters on a hunting firearm carried all day. Material is only one factor; internal volume, baffle design, bore size, ammunition, barrel length and host firearm all change the result. Choose by the priority of the firearm: sound reduction or weight.
Which 8.6 Blackout Suppressor Should You Choose?
Any suppressor rated for .338 or larger with a matching thread or mount. The PLACID 375 is an enclosed suppressor rated from 5.56 NATO through .375 caliber, so it fits 8.6 Blackout, 338 ARC and 375 Raptor. Confirm the thread pitch of your muzzle and the suppressor maker’s rating before mounting.
Barrel Length With an 8.6 Blackout Suppressor
Every inch of barrel adds to the suppressed length. In Chattahoochee Munitions testing, powder use with subsonic loads is effectively complete at about 12 to 12.5 inches, so a 12.5-inch firearm, such as the CM7S 8.6 Blackout short barreled rifle or the CM10 8.6 Blackout SBR, keeps the package short. See 8.6 Blackout barrel length.
Is a Suppressed 8.6 Blackout Hearing Safe?
No. A suppressed 8.6 Blackout with subsonic ammunition is far less harsh than an unsuppressed rifle, but it is not hearing safe. Wear hearing protection and see the NIOSH noise guidance. Suppressor measurement methods are covered by ANSI/SAAMI standards.
Read more in 8.6 Blackout subsonic and 8.6 Blackout bolt action vs semi auto, and see every suppressor-ready firearm in Area 8.6.
8.6 Blackout Suppressor FAQ
What suppressor do I need for 8.6 Blackout?
One rated for .338 caliber or larger. Use an enclosed suppressor on a bolt action, and on a semi-automatic with subsonic ammunition; a flow-through suppressor is recommended on a semi-automatic with supersonic ammunition.
Can I use a 30 caliber suppressor on 8.6 Blackout?
No. A .30-caliber bore is too small for a .338-inch bullet.
Is the PLACID 375 rated for 8.6 Blackout?
Yes. The PLACID 375 is an enclosed suppressor rated from 5.56 NATO through .375 caliber.
Is steel or titanium better for an 8.6 Blackout suppressor?
In Chattahoochee Munitions testing, steel has generally given better sound reduction at similar volume, and titanium saves weight. Choose by priority.
Does the CM10 need adjustment when suppressed?
It may. The CM10’s adjustable gas block and adjustable buffer let you tune it for the suppressor and ammunition you run.
Is suppressed 8.6 Blackout subsonic hearing safe?
No. Always wear hearing protection.
Who makes suppressor-ready 8.6 Blackout rifles?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures threaded 8.6 Blackout CM7S bolt actions and CM10 AR10s at 8, 12.5 and 16 inches, with Mos-Tek barrels in 1:3 or 1:5 twist.