The 8.6 Blackout 285gr ammo from Gorilla is one of the most purpose-built subsonic hunting loads in the caliber. At its heart is a 285‑grain solid‑copper fracturing projectile designed to do something dramatic on impact: when it hits a fluid medium it sheds four roughly 40‑grain petals that radiate outward, opening multiple wound channels, while the base keeps driving for penetration. The result is a quiet, suppressor‑friendly round that still hits with authority — exactly what 8.6 Blackout was created to deliver.
Specifications
| Caliber | 8.6 Blackout (.338) |
| Bullet weight | 285gr |
| Projectile | Solid copper fracturing (sheds 4 petals on impact) |
| Type | Subsonic — hunting |
| Muzzle velocity | ~1,000 FPS (subsonic) |
| Case | Factory-new brass |
| Quantity | 20-round box |
How the fracturing projectile works
This is not a conventional expanding bullet. The 285gr solid‑copper design is engineered to fragment in a controlled way: on entering soft tissue, the front of the projectile breaks into four petals of roughly 40 grains each that fan out radially, each carving its own wound path, while the remaining base continues penetrating to reach the vitals.
That dual action — multiple radial wound channels plus deep core penetration — is what makes this 8.6 Blackout 285gr ammo so effective on game at subsonic velocity, where a non‑expanding bullet might simply pass through.
Quiet, heavy and hard-hitting
Held below the speed of sound, this load produces no sonic crack, so through a quality .338 suppressor it stays genuinely quiet. But unlike many “quiet” options, it doesn’t sacrifice terminal effect to get there — the heavy 285gr copper bullet carries real momentum, and the fracturing design ensures it transfers that energy violently on impact. It’s the defining promise of subsonic 8.6 Blackout: silence and stopping power in the same cartridge.
Best for suppressed hog and deer hunting
This 8.6 Blackout 285gr ammo is at its best on hogs, deer and similar game at close to moderate range, fired suppressed. The 285gr weight sits in the sweet spot — heavy enough to penetrate a hog’s tough shoulder, with a fracturing bullet built to do damage rather than zip through.
Keep shots inside the cartridge’s effective subsonic window and place them well, and it delivers clean, decisive results. For a deeper look at choosing subsonic hunting loads, see our guide to the best 8.6 Blackout subsonic ammo for hunting.
Lead-free and consistent
The all‑copper construction means this is a lead‑free load, suitable for areas with non‑lead hunting requirements, and copper’s weight retention contributes to reliable penetration. Built on factory‑new brass and to Gorilla’s quality standards, it’s made to chamber, fire and extract consistently round after round — the kind of reliability a hunting load has to have.
Rifle and suppressor pairing
Run this in any properly chambered 8.6 Blackout rifle — AR‑10‑pattern or bolt action — with the fast 1:3‑class twist the cartridge needs to stabilize heavy subsonic bullets. A .338‑rated suppressor is the natural companion, and on a gas gun, back‑pressure from the can helps cycle these low‑pressure subsonic loads. Confirm a dedicated subsonic zero before hunting. New to the platform? Our 8.6 Blackout barrel & twist rate guide covers the essentials, and you’ll find suppressors at our sister store, blackoutammo.shop.
285gr: the all-around subsonic weight
Among 8.6 Blackout subsonic loads, the 285gr sits in a genuine sweet spot. It is lighter and a touch faster than the heaviest 342gr offerings, which means slightly flatter shooting and a bit less drop, yet it is heavy enough to penetrate deeply and carry real momentum. Combined with the fracturing projectile, that balance makes this 8.6 Blackout 285gr ammo a versatile choice for hunters who want one subsonic load to handle most situations rather than specializing at the extremes.
If you are not sure whether to go lighter for reach or heavier for penetration, 285gr is the confident middle ground.
Confirming your zero and getting the most from it
Like any hunting load, this one rewards a little range time before the season. Subsonic bullets drop quickly, so establish a zero at a realistic distance, learn your holdovers, and confirm tight grouping with this specific load in your rifle. Run it through the suppressor you intend to hunt with so you know exactly how it cycles and prints.
Store it cool and dry, and it will be just as reliable when you need it. A few minutes of preparation turns this 285gr fracturing load into a round you can trust completely in the field.
Why buy from Blackout Ammunition
We stock genuine, in‑stock 8.6 Blackout ammunition and ship fast to lawful destinations nationwide. If you’re not sure whether this 285gr fracturing load or a heavier 342gr or match offering fits your hunt, ask us — we know the cartridge. Browse the full 8.6 Blackout ammo lineup, review shipping & delivery, and see the FAQ before ordering. To understand the velocity and energy behind it, read our 8.6 Blackout ballistics guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is this 8.6 Blackout 285gr ammo subsonic?
Yes — it’s loaded below the speed of sound for quiet suppressed shooting, with no sonic crack.
How does the fracturing bullet perform?
On impact in soft tissue it sheds four ~40gr petals that create multiple wound channels, while the base penetrates deeply — devastating on game at subsonic velocity.
Is it lead-free?
Yes. It uses a solid‑copper projectile, making it suitable for non‑lead hunting areas.
What rifle does it need?
Any properly chambered 8.6 Blackout rifle with the fast 1:3‑class twist required to stabilize heavy subsonic bullets — AR‑10 or bolt action.
For suppressed hunters who want one dependable, hard-hitting subsonic load that does most jobs well, this 8.6 Blackout 285gr fracturing round is a genuinely smart choice. Order yours today and pair it with the right rifle, twist and suppressor to get the quiet, decisive performance the cartridge was built for.
You must be 21 or older to purchase rifle ammunition. All ammunition ships via ground to lawful destinations only; it is the buyer’s responsibility to comply with all federal, state and local laws.
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