The Most Lethal 8.6 BLK Ammo! — SHOT Show 2024

in Riley Baxter, SHOT Show 2024
A bullet and expanded projectile lay in a gel block on display.
The 8.6 BLK 280gr subsonic projectile is extremely lethal due to the reliable, expanding nature of the bullet and fast twist-rate.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

If you’re not in the know about 8.6 BLK, here’s the scoop: it’s a cartridge born from the 6.5 Creedmoor case, necked up to 338 caliber. Why does it catch the eye of hunters and shooters?

The 8.6 BLK is extremely versatile and suppressor-friendly, thanks to supersonic and subsonic offerings. And let’s be real, those subsonic options pack a punch, thanks to hefty 280-grain projectiles, a fast twist, and innovative expanding designs that shred flesh.

What makes 8.6 BLK so versatile? It slides right into AR10/SR25 mags and your run-of-the-mill short action mag boxes. No fuss, no hassle.

8.6 BLK Selous Machined Expander Projectiles

Now, let’s get to the star of the show: the 8.6 BLK Selous Machined Expander projectiles made by Discreet Ballistics, a company in Wyoming. These bullets are CNC machined from solid copper and are designed to expand between 1050 and 750 FPS.

The pinch point near the ogive ensures expansion occurs reliably, whether its impact is in bone, flesh, or both. This expanding projectile makes the most of the rotational kinetic energy from the 1:3 twist barrels that 8.6 BLK is so well known for.

Tests show immediate expansion at 950 FPS with 19 inches of penetration in calibrated gelatin. Still, this projectile holds onto 100% of its mass post-expansion. Preorders are live, and these projectiles ship in the first quarter of 2024.

Need some brainy math for rotational kinetic energy? Hit up Discreet Ballistics’ Rotational Kinetic Energy Calculator. It’s like math class, but cooler.

And for the DIY enthusiasts, if you’re thinking of loading these projectiles yourself, shoot Discreet Ballistics an email via their website. They’re friendly folks willing to share information to get you started.

A closer view of the 280 grain 8.6BLK subsonic Selous Expander.
Here is what the 8.6 BLK Selous Expander looks like after full expansion.

Projectiles Details:

  • Quantity: 80 projectiles
  • Price: $130.00
  • Weight: 280gr
  • Minimum Expansion Velocity: 700 FPS

Loaded 8.6 BLK Ammunition

Discreet Ballistics also will be offering 8.6 BLK ammunition featuring the 280gr Expander projectiles. This ammunition will be available in the first quarter of 2024 with a price tag of $64.99 for 20 rounds.

The loaded ammo rocks Q headstamped Hornady Brass, hitting speeds around 1,000 FPS (barrel length and firearm dependent). David, at Discreet Ballistics, shared that the results of his testing with 20 rounds yielded an SD of 8 FPS!

Bullets are suspended in Gel.
The new Hotline Monolithics ELR offerings start with a 308 caliber and 375 caliber bullet.

Other New Offerings:

But wait, there’s more!

Discreet Ballistics is rolling out an ELR projectile line under their Hotline Monolithics brand. Expect a 375 caliber 385gr and 308 caliber 216gr ELR bullet in the second quarter of 2024.

a 9mm bullet is suspended in gel.
The 121 grain 9mm Selous Expander is a new projectile offering available in the first quarter of this year, soon to be seen in loaded ammunition!

And if you’re itching for a 9mm fix, the 121gr Selous Expander is dropping in the first quarter, with plans to offer it in loaded ammo in the second quarter. It’s 2024, and Discreet Ballistics is bringing the heat – no frills, just firepower.

Learn more about Discreet ballistics here!

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About the author: Riley Baxter is an avid and experienced hunter, shooter, outdoorsman, and he’s worked in the backcountry guiding for an outfitter. He also get’s a lot of enjoyment out of building or customizing his firearms and equipment. Check out Riley’s Instagram @Shooter300

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