Firearms Silencers 101
The Best .338 and 8.6 Blackout Suppressors
When it comes to rifles, there is always the new "in" cartridge that everyone seemingly has to have. Some catch on, while others fade away. For most of these "hot new calibers - I'm looking at you 6.5 Creedmoor - a .30 caliber suppressor fits the bill nicely. There are some big-bore cartridges that either have a steady following, as well as a few newcomers that are gaining momentum. Let's take a look at the .338 class.
A quick look at the popularity of the .338 and 8.6mm
The staple of the .338 is the .338 Win Mag. It was Winchester's bridge between the .300 magnum and the .375 H&H. It is popular for elk and moose hunting and is well-known for beating the snot out of the shooter if you're not ready for it. Wildcatters took a look at the .338 bullet offerings and went to town, creating a few that seem to have some staying power - such as the .338 Lapua and the latest, the 8.6 Blackout, to name a couple. Weatherby has jumped in with a couple .338 variants and there are some others out there, too.
There are some .338 cartridges that, for one reason or another, didn't seem to catch on too well, even though they probably should have. The .338 Federal comes to mind, as well as the .325 WSM and the .338 Marlin Express.
You might think that you can’t adequately suppress big bore rifles chambered in .338 cartridges, but guess again. While they aren’t as common as .30 caliber suppressors, there’s actually a good number of options available for shooters who want to suppress their .338 rifles.
| Category | Name | Caliber | Weight | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Best 338 Suppressor | BANISH 338 | Up to .338 LM | 17.5 oz | 9.1 in | $1,099 |
| Lightest 338 Suppressor | SilencerCo Omega 36M | Up to .338 LM | 9.8 or 12.5 oz | 4.9-6.8 in | $1,169 |
| Best Magnum | Elite Iron SIERRA 338 | Up to .338 RUM | 29 oz | 9.1 in | $925 |
| Most Versatile | BANISH 46 | .46 | 20.4 oz max | 7.9-10 in | $1,249 |
| Most Rugged | Rugged Alaskan36 | 9mm - .338 LM | 11.8 oz | 7.5 in | $1,084 |
BEST OVERALL - BANISH 338
Most of the .338 cartridges are beasts. You need a great rifle to withstand the punishment it can dole out, and a great suppressor to match. That’s exactly what you get with the BANISH 338.
Made of titanium and Inconel for the ultimate combination of durability and weight reduction, the BANISH 338 weighs only 17.5 oz and is just 9.1” long. Testing has shown the BANISH 338 provides sound reduction of 33 decibels, proving that you can have the best build quality and the best sound performance.
The BANISH 338 is a direct thread suppressor with a ported Inconel blast baffle and eight titanium baffles of increased thickness for better durability with large calibers. The BANISH 338’s accuracy baffle ensures that you’ll have minimal POI shift for long-range shots.
Designed to be a user-serviceable suppressor, it can be easily disassembled for cleaning. Since it’s made of titanium and Inconel, you can easily clean the baffles in a tumbler, ultrasonic cleaner, or by hand with a brush and solvent. Reassembly is just as easy, thanks to the keyed and indexed baffles. This guarantees that each one will be lined up perfectly for optimum performance.
The BANISH 338 is the perfect choice for rifle shooters who want a quieter shooting experience. Whether you’re shooting 5.56/.223, .308 Winchester, or even .338 Lapua, the BANISH 338 is the best choice when it comes to rifle caliber versatility. Silencers are a significant investment, so it’s a huge plus to be able to use one can on multiple different firearms in a wide variety of calibers.
Advantages:
- Great noise reduction: 33 dB
- Durable and resilient
- User-serviceable
Disadvantages:
- No muzzle brake option at this time; direct thread only
Specs: BANISH 338
- Caliber: .338 LM
- Weight: 17.5 oz.
- Length: 9.1”
- Sound reduction: 33dB
- Price: $1,499
LIGHTEST - SILENCERCO OMEGA 36M
Guns that are chambered for .338-caliber cartridges tend to be on the heavier side. This is because the guns need to be beefy enough to handle the powerful loads they can deliver. Even though the guns will be heavier to lug around, there can be a benefit to it. The added weight helps with some recoil reduction.
Of course, weight is still weight. Whether you’re carrying it from the truck to the bench or from the truck to a distant shooting location, that weight can add up quickly. As a result, if you can save some extra weight with your suppressor, that could be a good thing depending on your application.
Made from a mix of stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, and Cobalt 6, the Omega 36M can be used on a variety of firearms in multiple calibers, including 9mm handguns and .338 Win Mag rifles, with plenty of other options in between. This makes the Omega 36M highly versatile - and incredibly lightweight. In the short configuration, it weighs less than 10 ounces. That’s basically unheard of for such a capable big bore suppressor.
The Omega 36M is a lightweight, compact, modular suppressor built specifically for big bore centerfire rifles. Modular in design, it can be run in long or short configurations depending on your specific needs. If sound suppression is the most important, run it in the long configuration. If size and maneuverability take top priority, remove the front section, run it in the short configuration, and still get very good sound reduction.
Featuring a durable lock-ring, SiCo’s Omega ensures that it stays firmly on your firearm through all of your adventures. Compatible with the Charlie mounting systems, including the ASR, direct thread, 3-lug, and piston housings, the Omega 36M offers a fantastic blend of sound suppression, versatility, and durability.
Advantages:
- Multiple different mounting options
- Modular lengths for different uses
Disadvantages:
- Barrel length restrictions for different calibers
Specs: SilencerCo Omega 36M
- Caliber: Up to .338 LM
- Weight: 9.8 oz. or 12.5 oz.
- Length: 4.9” or 6.8”
- Sound reduction: 35 dB
- Price: $1,169
BEST MAGNUm - ELITE IRON SIERRA 338
We all know that suppressors aren’t cheap. When figuring out how much you’re willing to spend, Uncle Sam reminds us that you’ve got to factor him into the equation, too. There’s no way around the extra $200 tax stamp that gets added to your overall cost.
With that in mind, we’ve determined that the Elite Iron SIERRA 338 is the perfect balance between performance and price. At just 9.1” in length, it’s the second shortest can on the list. Weighing in at 29 ounces, however, makes it the heaviest on the list. But then again, at $925, it’s the most affordable on the list. So, it’s all about balance and sacrifice.
Made of stainless steel, the SIERRA 338 is a robust magnum class suppressor. Elite Iron makes cans that are rated up to .50 BMG, so they know just how important it is for a silencer to be robust.
If you’re going to have to compromise, we think the SIERRA 338 does a fairly good job at it. Our customers seem to think so, too, as we sell quite a few of these direct thread suppressors.
Even after you factor in the cost of the $200 tax stamp, the Elite Iron SIERRA comes in at a price point that is less than three of the five options on this list before the tax stamp. That definitely makes this can the best bang for your buck!
Advantages:
- Size; 2nd shortest on this list (same as BANISH 338)
- Price; it’s the most affordable one on this list
Disadvantages:
- Weight; heaviest on this list
- Direct thread attachment only
Specs: Elite Iron SIERRA Suppressor
- Caliber: all .338 varieties up to .338 RUM
- Weight: 29 oz
- Length: 9.1”
- Sound reduction: 31 dB
- Price: $925
Most versatile - BANISH 46
We are pretty fond of just how versatile the BANISH 46 turned out, but hey - that's what we designed it for! It is a modular silencer designed for use with a wide assortment of rifle calibers including 8.6 Blackout and .338 Lapua up to the mighty .45-70 Government as well as pistol calibers including 10mm and .45ACP.
Testing has shown that the BANISH 46 offers a best-in-class noise reduction, more than 34 decibels in its long configuration. Being modular, you can set it up to best fit your needs.
The 46 is made of titanium and Inconel, and provides an outstanding combination of durability and light weight, weighing only 16.3 oz in the short configuration of 7.9 in. It is just 20.4 oz in its 10 in. configuration.
The BANISH 46 is available with a variety of mounting options, including direct thread, a quick-detach muzzle brake attachment, or a Nielsen Device. It is user-serviceable and can be easily and disassembled for configuration changes and cleaning. Since it’s made of titanium, you can easily clean the baffles in a tumbler, ultrasonic cleaner, or by hand with a brush and solvent.
The unique design of the BANISH 46 makes it the one suppressor to fit any gun – rifle or pistol. It’s never been easier or more convenient to use one suppressor for smaller pistol and rifle calibers like .380ACP and .223/5.56 as well as larger pistol and rifle calibers like .45ACP and .45-70 Government. Silencers are a significant investment, so it’s a huge plus to be able to use one can on multiple different firearms in a wide variety of calibers. If you want versatility, this is the one to get.
Advantages:
- Versatility - One can to silence them all!
- Price is great for all it can do
Disadvantages:
- We will let you know when we find one
Specs: BANISH 46
- Caliber: .46 on down.
- Weight: 20.4 oz. max
- Length: 7.9-10 in.
- Sound reduction: 34 dB
- Price: $1,249
Most Rugged - RUGGED ALASKAN360
Rugged Suppressors' Alaskan360 is an incredibly versatile, lightweight suppressor suitable for multiple calibers and designed to withstand demanding days at the range, rugged backcountry treks, and everything in between. Being tough is one of the many things we like about this model.
The Alaskan360 offers remarkable flexibility, with full-auto ratings for pistols and sub-guns up to 9mm and rifles up to .338 Lapua. True to Rugged’s tradition, it is engineered for long-lasting durability, promising a lifetime of use. It is the first suppressor from Rugged equipped with the Rugged Universal Mount, or R.U.M., which enhances rear-end modularity by ensuring compatibility with all Rugged rifle mounts and industry-standard equivalents. Constructed from US Grade 5 Titanium, this mount stands as one of the lightest available. When combined with the Alaskan360, the total weight of the suppressor is just 11.8 ounces.
What's in the box? The Rugged Alaskan360 package includes a titanium front cap, Alaskan360 multi-tool and retainer, Rugged Universal Mount (R.U.M), Rugged dual taper tool, Rugged Suppressors and Rugged R stickers, as well as an operator’s manual.
Advantages:
- Versatility
- Durability
Disadvantages:
- Handles smaller stuff, but really meant for big caliber rifles
Specs: Rugged Alaskan36
- Caliber: 9mm to .338 LM
- Weight: 11.8 oz.
- Length: 7.5 in.
- Sound reduction: N/A
- Price: $1,084
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A .338 SUPPRESSOR
In an attempt to appeal to as many shooters as possible, the suppressors on this list are spread across a pretty wide range. There’s a cost spread of $1,005 between the most expensive and most affordable ones on the list. There’s also a size spread of 1.65” in length and a weight spread of 12.1 ounces. Those last two factors might not seem like much, but they do make a difference. When considering any suppressor, people tend to look at three main factors: cost, size, and sound.
Cost and size are simple; those numbers are pretty well established. You’re going to pay a set amount (plus the $200 tax stamp) for a given suppressor, and whatever one you choose will be of a certain size and weight.
With two of the three main factors out of the way, it’s time to consider the tricky one: sound. The most important feature of any given silencer is how well it helps to reduce the sound signature of a given firearm. This can be of special importance when you’re dealing with .338 calibers since they’re generally quite loud. When shooting unsuppressed, some shooters even prefer to double up with earplugs and over-ear muffs, so every decibel reduction makes a difference here.
The type of host gun (or guns) you use will have a determining factor in the overall decibel reduction. Generally speaking, bolt-action guns will be quieter than semi-automatics by a few decibels. But don’t let that discourage you if you only intend on running the can on a semi-auto!
No matter what suppressor you finally decide to get, just make sure you’re taking it all – cost, size, and sound – into consideration before you make your purchase!
YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY
There are a ton of suppressors on the market. There are also a ton of .338 rifles out there, too. It’s possible that the suppressors we picked for this article might not be the right ones for you. This list is just a starting point.
Given the time and money that goes into a suppressor purchase, we encourage you to do your own research before pulling the trigger – pun intended.
Hopefully, the information in this article helped answer a lot of your questions. If you’re still not sure, don’t worry! We’re here to help. Get in touch with us and we’ll talk you through what cans would be best for your specific rifle(s) and application(s).
SILENCERS MADE SIMPLE
We like to think we know more than just a thing or two when it comes to suppressors. We’ve been doing this for almost 20 years and we are the nation’s largest silencer dealer. We’re also the only one licensed in all 42 suppressor-legal states that can sell, process, and ship your new suppressor directly to your door.
At Silencer Central, we are passionate about compliance, knowledge, and community education when it comes to firearm sound suppression. If you’re ready to take the next step and get a .338-caliber suppressor, we’re here to walk you through the process. We can also help with trusts and barrel threading, too! Our experts are ready to help you by phone or email, Monday through Saturday!
