Tag Archives: 338

SilencerCo Omega 36M

July 4, 2025Product review, suppressors338, 36m, 9mm, asr, omega, omega 36m, QD suppressor, SiCo, silencer, silencerco, suppressorcoldboremiracle

Introduction

An incredible amount of activity has happened in the suppressor market over the last ten or so years. And it would be difficult to talk about much of this activity without mentioning one of the big players in the game. SilencerCo has been one of the most recognizable names in the suppressor market since I started playing stamp collector. Today I bring you something fresh from SilencerCo, fresh at least to me. I’ve got a few can’s from the company, but this is the first one in the last few years. The suppressor we are looking at today is the SilencerCo Omega 36M.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, desert tech, srs m2, apex optics, rival, two vets tripod, two vets, no-name inverted, — the **SRS A1 Covert** in 8.6 Blk made a great host for the Omega, the **Sig Sauer Tango 6** is also a perfect match

What’s all the Hubbub?

The last few years in particular have shown a huge development in modularity in suppressor design. One of the main changes and one I fully endorse is the adoption of common hub mounting systems among suppressor manufacturers.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, — the short configured Omega mounted to my Desert Tech WLVRN

Another big change has been the stackable module designs, allowing you to use a suppressor in stages. Giving you the option for short suppressor when needed, or full noise control if you choose.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor — the **Omega 36M** with the front section removed

The SilencerCo Omega 36M fits into this group of suppressors. The M in the 36M stands for modular I assume, as it incorporates a removable chamber on the muzzle end. As well as interchangeable end caps to adapt to additional caliber options.

And on the breach end, the Omega uses the popular ASR mounting system that has a locking ring to prevent coming off it’s mount. There is a great variety of ASR mounts options that are bound to fit whatever firearm you wish to host the 36M.

Howa Mini, 22 ARC, lucid Optics MLX, Silencerco, omega 36m, marmot, chuck, varmint hunting, varmint, — The **Omega 36M** was quite at home on this **Howa Mini 22 ARC**

Specifications

SilencerCo Omega 36M Specifications
Caliber Compatibility	5.7×28 up to 9mm, 5.56N up to .338LM
Full-Auto Rated	Yes
Construction	Fully Welded
Materials	Cobalt 6, Inconel, Titanium, & 17-4 SS
Length	4.90 or 6.85 inches
Diameter	1.57 Inches
Weight	9.8 or 12.5 Ounces
Mounting Options	Direct Thread, ASR Mount, Piston Mount, 3-Lug Mount
Front Cap Options	.223/5.56, .30/7.62, .355/9mm
Included Accessories	Charlie ASR Mount, SiCo Disassembly Tools

The overwhelming theme with this suppressor is modularity. The modular design allows you to customize the suppressor to fit the host.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, desert tech, srs m2, — the Omega 36M comes with tools to service and configure the suppressor

Shooting with the Omega 36M

With a variety of ASR mounts, I would be able to put the Omega to use on a wide variety of host firearms. Varying from semi-auto carbines to bolt-action rifles, in calibers from 5.56 up to .338. Shortening the Omega 36M for more compact duties as needed.

One of the first projects where the Omega fit into place, was on my 8.6 Blackout project. A 16-inch barrel for my Desert Tech SRS A1 Covert. The Omega did a fine job of holding back the hiss of the this stubby and fun cartridge.

I also used the Omega during a variety of varmint hunts, shooting prairie dogs and marmots across various states. The Omega did an excellent job suppressing the Howa Mini 22 ARC, as well as my Desert Tech SRS M2 chambered in both 6.5CM and 223 Remington.

Additionally, the Omega 36M did some time on a couple short carbines. Both 300Blk and 5.56 carbines were suppressed, with short barrels like 7-inch and 11-inch. Both in its short configuration and its long one, of course being more effective with the additional baffles.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, ar15, trijicon MRO, quattro-15, goonbeam, — this little Desert tech/CMMG hybrid carbine is a 5.56 outfitted with a **Trijicon MRO** and a Goonbeam Weaponlight

Results

After a few months using the Omega 36M, I have put together a few of my thoughts on the 36M.

Sound Suppression

On all the firearms I tested using the Omega 36M, the sound suppression was more than adequate. I’ll quantify that statement saying as long as a suppressor is pleasant to listen to in the outdoors I’m good with it. I don’t have any high-tech measuring devices, just my ears.

With that said, the Omega was comparable to most other suppressors of similar construction and design. It was very pleasant to my ears, and the reduction in recoil varied from one caliber to the next but was always better. I really like the ability to change out the end cap for caliber specific applications.

In the short configuration, the 36M wasn’t hearing safe on some firearms. But it definitely took the edge off. Super short K cans are often that way, simply designed to stop the concussion at the muzzle.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, desert tech, WLVRN, 300blk, us optics, TXH 3-18, — My **Desert Tech WLVRN**

Modularity

Converting from one caliber to another, and changing lengths is a nice option to have. It makes you feel like you have more than one suppressor without having to pay the crown’s randsome twice. I really like the modularity that Silencer Co put into this design, and the fact that these designs are interchangeable with other SiCo options gives you a reason to stick with the brand.

The whole suppressor industry is moving into the modular design market, this design of SiCo’s predates much of that. I will say this, I love the universal hub system that most manufacturers are moving to. While there are plenty of options for this Omega, I would like the cross-compatibility of the universal hub.

While I have a great many other suppressors that also are modular, I appreciate the design of the Omega 36. With the assortment of ASR Brakes, I can rapidly switch the Omega back and forth between various rifles with ease.

Mounting

Speaking on mounts; the variety of ASR mounts gives you options. I have both brake designs, as well as bird-cage and three-prong flash hider designs. The only complaint I could muster up would be I don’t like timing muzzle devices. But the side-brake devices did come with a shim kit to time the brakes properly.

Here’s a hint for you, if you’re only going to shoot suppressed you needn’t time the brake anyway. This has been a lazy practice of mine for years now.

The locking ring that secures the Omega to its ASR mounts is easily operated. In all my installation and removal, it never gave me any issues. I did notice that if you managed to lock the ring before bottoming out the threads, you got a ratcheting sensation as you make the last turn. The locking teeth grab the mount well, keeping the suppressor from coming loose. Of course securing the various ASR mounts is required if you don’t want things coming loose. I never put thread-locker on my muzzle threads, they are used far too often. But the SiCo instructions give direction on how this should be done.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, tikka, t3x, 25 creedmoor, kahles 318i, KRG bravo, — the **Omega 36M** made a great companion to my custom Tikka T3x 25 Creedmoor

Accuracy

I only have interest in accurate rifles, so in my opinion a suppressor that deteriorates the accuracy of a rifle is a no-go. I was very happy to see that the Omega had no adverse effects on the accuracy of the host firearms. If anything it was better, and it for sure calmed the rifles down.

Durability

I am not particularly hard on my cans, so this is one spot where I’d lean on other’s results. The Omega 36M is full-auto rated, and I’ve seen plenty of folks who have abused them repeatedly with heavy fire. Because this can is far from new, there has been quite a bit of testing done. I expect this can will serve me for years to come.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, cole-tac, python, suppressor cover, — Suppressor covers like the **Python from Cole-TAC** keeps cans warm and protected

I did notice that the finish of the Omega was a bit easy to mar or scratch. This is not a huge deal to me, as I typically Cerkote my suppressors every now and then to keep them looking clean. Also, suppressor covers have become very popular, keeping your cans wrapped avoids scratches if you’re worried about such a thing.

Conclusion

As I had suspected, the SilencerCo Omega 36M turned out to be just what I expected. A reliably robust can, that I can abuse between a wide variety of rifles. The only drawback if there is one is the uniqueness of the mounting systems, though with the different Charlie mounting options like direct threading to your muzzle you can go almost any way you choose.

I look forward to working this can over more, and seeing how it stands the test of time and round count. I have every expectation it will do very well, making it an excellent choice for someone looking for a multi-purpose suppressor they can suppress an entire collection. With that in mind, I may have to look into another Omega, for some other calibers….

-CBM

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Fast Twist and Quiet Shooting: The 8.6 Blackout

May 22, 2025blog300 blackout, 300blk, 338, 338 arc, 338arc, 450 bushmaster, 450bm, 8.6 Blackout, 8.6 BLK, 8.6blk, subsonic, Suppressedcoldboremiracle

Introduction

Every so often there are new cartridges that break onto the shooting scene, most of the time it is part of a marketing campaign, but sometimes there is a higher purpose. Some new cartridges offer a marginally better performance like some extra feet per second, or a faster twist for modern bullets. But today we are looking at a bit of an oddball, in that to some folks it seems like a step in the wrong direction. The subject of discussion today is the very popular fast twist and quiet shooting: The 8.6 Blackout. A relatively new cartridge brought to us by the folks at Q LLC.

athlon Rangecraft velocity pro chronograph, Garmin Xero C1 chronograph, chronograph, comparison, review, garmin, athlon, 8.6 blackout, — the Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Chronograph was used to measure velocity

Blackout Background

The bigger blackout, the 8.6 follows the same line of thinking as the popular 300 Blackout. *Record scratch* The 300 Blk has been around for a long time, first as the 300 Whisper. The cartridge has done well particularly in AR15 platform rifles. Its main idea is contrary to popular trends in ammunition; slowing bullets down to reduce the sound signature. Of course with slower velocities the only way to keep energy on target up is to increase the bullet weights used in these situations. The heavier bullets typically shot at these slow speeds, require faster than average twist.

the **CGS Group Hekate 338 suppressor** was a fantastic option to keep the 8.6 quiet

Slowing bullets down to below the speed of sound is by design with Blackouts, doing so removes the supersonic shockwave produced. And when coupled with a suppressor to remove the muzzle report of the firearm, the result is near movie quiet shooting. This is where both Blackouts shine, when they are shot suppressed with subsonic bullets, there is a level of anonymity that is appealing to many hunters.

The 8.6 Blackout

It should come as no surprise that the boys at Q came up with the 8.6, carrying on from their previous work. The cartridge is based off of the 6.5 Creedmoor case, that is opened up to accept .338 caliber bullets. Bullets typically weigh between 200 and 350 grains, again, using heavier bullets is part of increasing energy on target when increasing velocity is not an option.

Loading the 8.6 Blackout is usually done with faster burning powders typically used in pistols and cowboy cartridges. Again, this is because velocity is not the goal of the 8.6. It has a very specific purpose, to propel big bullets right up to the speed of sound but not exceed it.

I was turned onto the 8.6 Blk a few years ago, when I sat down to speak with Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. As nerds often do, our discussion quickly went to numbers and the science behind 8.6 ballistics. A brilliant part of the 8.6 design that departs from the 300 Blk predecessor, is the barrel twist. Taking the fast twist for heavy bullets to an extreme, has more than just stabilization benefits. The 8.6 typically uses a one twist in three inches (1:3), yes it almost looks more like threads than rifling. This incredibly tight twist does far more than stabilize long and heavy bullets.

8.6 Blackout, 8.6blk, brass, loading, desert tech, srs, srs a1, sig sauer, tango 6

The Numbers

Let us again look at numbers, the point of the Blackouts is to keep bullets under the speed of sound. Subsonic bullets are quiet, and if you can’t increase speed the only way to increase the energy on target is to increase the mass of the bullet. At least it was the only way, but there is another. The 1:3 twist of the 8.6 drastically increases the rotation of the bullets, and as the RPM of 8.6 bullets increase, so does the energy they impart on the target.

8.6 Blackout, 8.6blk, brass, loading, 300 grain, sierra match King — The 300 gr. Sierra Match King is a great bullet for the 8.6Blk, they were provided by **Wideners Reloading supplies**

This of course only works if the bullet grossly deforms from its smooth shape. Imagine if you could, removing the blade of your favorite blender, and putting a bullet in its place. Even if you filled the blender with tomatoes, the spinning bullet wouldn’t do much. But imagine now that the bullet opens up like some are designed to do, with broad petals and increased diameter. You can imagine what this blender bullet might do to organs, even though its velocity is subsonic.

8.6 Blackout, 8.6blk, brass, loading, desert tech, srs, srs a1, sig sauer, tango 6, anechoic, anechox 35, suppressor

Popular Firearms in 8.6 Blackout

As the popularity of the 8.6 has increased, many firearm manufacturers have brought new guns to the market chambered thusly. And the volume of manufacturers doing so, seems to show some faith in the concept. It would be far too time consuming to list them all, but its safe to assume you can find one from your preferred brand. Whether it be one of the Fix’s by Q, or one of the CMMG variants, or more bargain branded guns like Bear Creek Arsenal. The 8.6 I am shooting today is like many others a custom one, a sixteen-inch 1:3 twist barrel for my Desert Tech SRS.

my **Desert Tech SRS 8.6Blk** with the **Anechoic Anechox 35 suppressor** and **Sig Sauer Tango 6 riflescope**

Of course the 8.6 Blackout can also be used as a supersonic cartridge as well. There are plenty of options out there in the 180-230 grain class that can also be used. Though my personal opinion is if you are going to shoot super sonic cartridges there are better options.

Suppressors

Shooting the 8.6Blk without a suppressor makes no sense to me, so I wanted to try a few different options to see what worked best. It should come as no surprise that the CGS Group Hekate won that competition. This DMLS suppressor is well known for its superior suppression, and it made the 8.6 sound like a distant duck fart in quiet water.

a little spread of some of my **8.6 Blk handloading supplies**

I purchased a set of dies by Lee Precision, and started trying various loads to see where the 8.6 would take me. I will say that I did find it a touch more challenging than loading the 300Blk. It took a little more work to find the right powder and suppressor combination that would produce quiet results.

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Comparing Subsonic Bullets to SuperSonic
Velocity	300gr SMK 8.6Blk	% of Loss from start	300gr SMK 338LM	% of Loss from start
Muzzle	1000 fps / 666 Ft lbs	100%	2730 fps / 4963 Ft lbs	100%
250 Yards	965 fps / 620 Ft lbs	96% fps / 93% Ft lbs	2484 fps / 4111 Ft lbs	91% fps / 83% Ft lbs
500 Yards	932 fps / 578 Ft lbs	93% fps / 87% Ft lbs	2250 fps / 3373 Ft lbs	82% fps / 68% Ft lbs
750 Yards	900 fps / 539 Ft lbs	90% fps / 81% Ft lbs	2027 fps / 2738 Ft lbs	74% fps / 55% Ft lbs

Left to Right: 300 Blk, 8.6 Blk, 450 Bushmaster, 338 Lapua Magnum. The three on the left are loaded subsonic for quiet work

Want to read about another big subsonic cartridge? Click here

The 338 Lapua Magnum: a legend in its time

April 3, 2023blog338, 338 lapua magnum, 338lapua, 338lmcoldboremiracle

Introduction

In the world of long-range shooting there are many legendary cartridges, the reasons behind the legend differ but they all share a mystical status among shooters. One of those cartridges is the 338 Lapua Magnum, and today we will take a hard look at the Lapua and what makes it so sought after.

Often it’s a particular story or mission that highlights a particular cartridge, or the firearm it is most famous for; like the 308 Winchester in the M24, or the Mk 13 SOCOM rifle chambered in the 300 Winchester Magnum. But as stories are told, and reputations made, the shooting public is keen to appreciate a good performer, and before long it becomes a legend.

The PGW Timberwolf is a popular sniper rifle chambered in 338LM

As technology improves, it takes less and less time for products to improve and be implemented. The 338 Lapua Magnum (LM) has been around a relatively short time compared to most others, and yet it is incredibly famous for its prolific use as a sniper cartridge. Even video gamers who’ve never held a real firearm in their life know that if you are going to get a sniper rifle, get the 338.

Lapua Products

The 338LM is based off of the .416 Rigby case with some additional improvements to safely operate at higher pressures.

What sets it apart?

The mighty 338 Lapua Magnum has many things going for it, and probably the most notable is its power. With a .33 caliber bore, larger bullets can be fired than typical .30 caliber sniper cartridges like the 300WM or 308Win. Not only are they bigger bullets but they are heavier and carry their energy for much further, which are both good traits for long-range accuracy and lethality.

But the mighty Lapua also offers accuracy with its power. With quality components and an adequate rifle, the .338LM is easily capable of shooting 1/2 MOA or better. For many of the years it has been commercially available, it has been offered in many of the best sniper rifles ever produced like; the Accuracy International AXSR, the Desert Tech SRS M2, and the Barrett MRAD (Mk22). And more recently it has been offered in more affordable rifles from manufacturers like Ruger and Savage.

The Ruger RPR in 338LM has lowered the entry price for shooting the big Lapua

I’ve been shooting the 338 for a few years now in various of these different platforms, and despite not lusting after the Lapua like many, I cannot oppose its impressive performance. And today I’ll take you down a thirty-three caliber rabbit hole.

33 and Me

I’ve been shooting the Desert Tech SRS for over a decade now, and the rifle was built for the 338. I’ve made some impressive shots with it over the years, surprising even myself. That’s not meant to be boasting, I’ll explain.

The significant power of the Lapua can be a lot to handle, and for those of us accustomed to shooting short action cartridges the recoil and muzzle blast from the 338 can be “unwelcome”. And yet nearly every time I shoot the 338 for accuracy, I find myself so pleased with the accuracy that I ask myself why I dont shoot it more.

The 338 gets such an impressive bark from the 100’ish (give or take) grains of powder that it runs on. These large powder charges push 250-300 grain bullets up to over 2500 feet per second, which is where all that power comes from. Loading the Lapua can lower the cost of ammunition like most others, but it still hurts to watch a pound of Retumbo disappear so fast.

It is an easy cartridge to load for, and handloaders will find everything about it to be familiar all but for volumes and prices perhaps. Components are not as hard to find as they once were, even American Eagle is making 338 Lapua cases now. Though I greatly prefer the higher quality ones from Lapua, Petersen, and RUAG. If you are going to shoot this this thing you may as well do it right to maximise the performance.

A handful of a few of the worlds best 338LM rifles at a recent military trial I attended

Seeing as I am no sniper, the majority of my experience shooting the 338 has been in recreation, hunting, and a little bit of military demonstration. The same attributes that make it a good long-range sniper cartridge also make it an excellent long-range hunting cartridge. And we have used it over and over for outstanding downrange performance on large Rocky Mountain game like Elk and Moose.

We have used the big Lapua to take down many large Rocky Mountain animals like elk and moose

The significant power of the 338LM makes it an easy choice for hunting big animals or any animal that is far away. Sure it is more than necessary for many animals, but they certainly aren’t going to get up and ask you about it.

Bullets and barrel twists

The big Lapua works best when shooting 250 grain or larger bullets, not that it wont do well with smaller bullets just that you aren’t getting the full performance. Most of the factory ammunition I am familiar with is usually using a 250 or 300 grain match bullet, and they are typically either Sierra Match Kings or Lapua Scenar bullets. Of course there are others from companies like Hornady and Berger, the .338 caliber enjoys a great selection of bullets so you’ll always have something to choose from. Technological advances haven’t skipped over the .338 either, you can get some extremely high performing lathe turned solid bullets in .338 as well from companies like Warner Tool and Cutting Edge. These monolithic solids are lighter than typical lead cored bullets, and come with a much higher ballistic coefficient. These two qualities allow them to be fired faster and fly better than traditional bullets, but it certainly comes at a cost.

It’s important when configuring your rifle to ensure you have enough barrel twist to stabilize the bullets you plan on shooting. Modern projectile development seems to be favoring faster barrel twists, particularly as we continue to discover the value of added gyroscopic energy from faster twists. These are part of the reason I recommend a faster twist barrel than has been traditionally used, regardless of caliber. The common 1-10 twist you see in many 338LM will work, though I prefer something a little faster like a 1-9.5 or 1-9 twist.
Most .338LM rifles utilize full length barrels around 26-inches long, some are longer, and few are shorter. Getting the most out of your .338 typically means taking it to the highest velocity possible, and longer barrels are the way to achieve that. I have had some experience shooting shorter barrels however, some would argue too short. And yet even with barrels as short as 18-inches, the .338LM is still impressive and very useful.

Deserving of a Legend?

So does the mighty .338 Lapua deserve the Legendary status? I would argue that it certainly does.

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As far as commercially available cartridges that can produce results like the Lapua, few others rival it. You can go almost anywhere in the world, and if someone is shooting great distances, they probably have a .338 LM.

The accuracy of the cartridge is as good as any, and it carries over 1,000 pounds of energy to targets as far as a mile away. All this can be done with either the finest sniper rifles available today, or with an affordable rifle you can buy on Guns.com.

If you have an itch to try the fantastic .338 Lapua Magnum, my recommendation would be to scratch that itch. Just keep in mind the costs and attributes we’ve outlined here today and get a legend of your own.

-CBM