Thread: 8.6 Blackout

I did a fair bit of reading about this cartridge when it first was announced, I can’t help but think it doesn't offer much over 308 unless you really need a tonne of energy at close range.

A 308 with 240gr bullets performs basically the same same as the 285gr 338 bullets, still getting good velocities out of short barrels.
Subsonic the 338 bullets obviously carry more energy but you need to ask the question how much energy do you really need?

The biggest downside I found was 338 bullets are typically twice the price of 30cal which far less availability and weight options.
Both cartridges seemed to use the similar powders so it really comes down to whether you need a huge bullet on target or not.

If you aren't planning to use subsonic loads then it really is questionable if it's worth it or not.
If a non-subsonic 338 hunting cartridge was really that appealing the 338 federal would be far more popular.