We talk a lot about hunting in Wisconsin and the perfect tools to use for the job. In all honesty, there’s never anything perfect. That said, the new 8.6 blackout cartridge is damn close.

With an ultra-fast twist rate to stabilize heavier than normal bullets, it’s well equipped to take down any Wisconsin game. No, we’re not shooting grizzlies or cape buffalo (although it does that with ease), but as anyone who hunts here regularly knows, the more stopping power the better. Tracking a deer or black bear through thick vegetation flat out sucks.

So, let’s get into it. The 8.6 blackout is a .338 projectile that fits into a necked-down 6.5 creedmoor casing. There’s more to it, but that’s the high level. It shoots HEAVY copper. There’s a wide range to choose from but it will effectively shoot up to 400gr bullets.

Now, that seems heavy, and the ballistics would agree with you, but we don’t live in Montana. Shooting large game at 500yrds even on a Wisconsin farm is not common. We’ll always lob one at a coyote though.

Subsonic is where the 8.6 really shines. Man is this thing quiet. Everyone’s entitled to their own setup and opinion, but I use a Fix by Q with their Short Chop suppressor. Whisper quiet. Add a 300gr bullet on top of it and you’re throwing a silent freight train down range.

Accuracy of the Fix is second to none. With light weight platform and barrels made by some of the most accurate manufacturers in the industry, it is far below an moa rifle. Both sub and supersonic, into the multiple hundreds of yards. You could be using a great rifle but if it couldn’t hit the broadside of your neighbor’s red barn it doesn’t matter much. Accurate and consistent ammo with a sub moa rifle makes for a dangerous combination.

Like I said, there are lots of ammo options, but the one that’s stood out to me is Halworx Ballistics. Texas made, by someone that truly knows what he’s talking about. For a cartridge that’s not widely manufactured, I’m glad I found someone I can trust to make consistent ammo. I’ve learned the hard way that when it’s in stock, you better get it quick. His loading is spectacular and sell out fast

So why am I saying it’s the perfect Wisconsin cartridge? Think about the last time you went hunting. 200yrds max, potentially thick brush if you’re hunting up north, large deer or black bear. Super sonic for shots across the farm on opening morning of deer season and heavy subs for bears in thick vegetation. A real do it all rifle.

It’s an AR10 platform so no, this isn’t the traditional deer rifle for the Wisconsin woods. If you need a wood stock lever action, go get a Henry 30-30 and call it a day. This however is a killing machine. Customizable to a T and about the most effective caliber I’ve found for the lower 48 and quite frankly, most of the rest of the world.