2012 6.8 SPC Discussion Thread... Can we please start over?

[babirl]

I hoped to keep this a separate thread for current "6.8 SPC info" and NOT turn this into the typical pissing contest/re-posting of ridiculous nonsense.

As always, for current 6.8 Forum/ "The Wilson 6.8 Project" Info you're way better off here: http://68forums.com/forums/forum.php

I'll reiterate, the 6.8 SPC is FAR FROM DEAD!

B2

OK, I luv y'all so here are some thoughts:

The 6.8 SPC, .300 BLK, and 6.5 Grendel are all superb AR alternative/intermediate rounds but have significant differences... I was hoping to start a tacked thread for each; appears to have worked w/ 458 SOCOM.

(FWIW asmotao the 6.8 SPC has a SAAMI date of 06-23-2004... http://www.saami.org/PubResources/CC...0-%20Rifle.pdf)

One part of the fight/confusion is REM jumped the gun on 6.8 SAAMI before it was optimized because it was a significant change/tried to get an edge commercially while working w/ some of the pioneers/against their advice... Needless to say the approved SAAMI load is a bit anemic and I suspect you'd have a hard time finding a non-spec II chamber out there given the small community at that time/shared reamer.

All of the 1000's/10,000's of "non-optimal" 1-10 twist rifles sold 07-09 are just fine w/ even "hot" SSA TAC ammo; the improved versions are better and flying off the shelves/out-of-stock.

------

I for one have used a non-optimal 6.8... DRT!



My understanding is relatively "cheap ammo" is on the way shortly/"cheap" mags are due again shortly.

More later if anybody cares.

[DHC]

I have recently started a 6.8 project (the lower is fully assembled) and I am trying to find the cheapest of the 6.8 ammunition out there, can anyone who shoots 6.8 help me out with this one? I am just looking for some of the cheaper stuff to put a few rounds down range when it is complete, however, it will be more of a hunting AR, so I will also be investing in some of the more expensive stuff too.

The least expensive factory load is probably the Remington UMC 115gr cartridges. When available, they are about $15 for a box of 20. The primary drawback for many people (reloaders) is that Remington brass uses large rifle primers whereas Hornady and SSA (Silver State Armory) use small rifle primers - same as the 5.56 cartridge. Next least expensive would be SSA 115gr OTM at about $17/box of 20.

It seems Federal Cartridge is about to offer ammo in 6.8, also with a small primer, but those are not yet available.

I hope this helps.

[osok-308]

It seems Federal Cartridge is about to offer ammo in 6.8, also with a small primer, but those are not yet available.

I hope this helps.

Thanks for the info, I hope that federal does put 6.8 out soon. Having a company like that making (possibly) cheaper ammunition should encourage other people to go the 6.8 route.

As said before it will be a hunting rifle, but that doesn't mean I don't want to blow a few rounds down the pipe before next hunting season.

[babirl]

I still have several rounds of 6.8 REM Sellier & Bellot 110gr Plastic Tip Ammo (~VMAX/death on varmints) that came out several years ago from Cabelas or REM when they jumped the gun on ammo. It's definitely not "hot" but it's 100%... Definitely NOT suitable for anything other than sighting in, playing or obliterating varmints due to the projectile IMHO.

Never done business w/ them, but here's a quick search: http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/produc...p-special-ammo (I'm sure there are better deals...)

I know we're all conditioned to buying/shooting thousands of rounds at a time and all indications are some "cheaper" 6.8 ammo is coming soon... HOWEVER, as with all variants they come w/ a price and always will (* err, .22LR possibly excepted).

For reference, go to Walmart and see what an average white box or two of .270 or .30-30 costs your average shooter every range session/hunting season...

B2

(*.22LR is super-cheap/not all the same... Can't make the cheap-ass REM "Golden Bullet" reliably work in any of my dedicated ARs or even a GSG-5/semi-runs in a 10-22. Spent a few more $ on good rimfire ammo and they're flawless...)

FWIW, In spite of the hate/confusion, the 6.8 SPC II variant isn't going away!

[Hoser]

FWIW, In spite of the hate/confusion, the 6.8 SPC II variant isn't going away!

It might not be going away, but it sure isnt taking over...

Kind of like most non mainstream calibers. Lots of press at first, then it just kinda lingers. Kinda like the 45 GAP or 220 Swift.

[DHC]

It might not be going away, but it sure isnt taking over...

Kind of like most non mainstream calibers. Lots of press at first, then it just kinda lingers. Kinda like the 45 GAP or 220 Swift.

Seems like some REALLY mixed signals with the 6.8.

I just picked up a NIB Remington LTR bolt action in 6.8 SPC that has been out of production for some years. As far as I can tell, there are no manufacturers currently producing bolt action 6.8 SPC caliber rifles now that both Remington and Ruger having discontinued previously produced models. Ruger also has discontinued their Mini-14 in 6.8 SPC caliber and is only producing a 6.8 SPC (to the older SAAMI spec) in their SR-556 (AR platform).

OTOH, there are new manufacturers jumping into the 6.8 SPC in the AR platform with PSA and LWRC joining ARP, Wilson, Spikes, Noveske, Bison Armory and a few others in producing the 6.8 to the latest spec. Ammo producers such as Silver State are constantly back-ordered and the 6.8 SPC pills (for reloaders) from Sierra and Hornady are often difficult to find. There is hope that Federal's entrance into the commercial ammo market might result in greater availability of ammo and possibly some more competitive pricing.

I keep reading that the 6.8 SPC is the 2nd most popular caliber in the AR platform - behind (of course) the 5.56/.223 and ahead of such other calibers as the 6.5, 300 BLK, .204 Ruger, etc. I have no idea if this is true or not, but there seems plenty of activity over at the 68forums site.

From my personal experience, I could not be happier with the AR 6.8 from Bison Armory and am hopeful the Remington LTR will prove to be equally capable in a bolt action platform. I sometimes wonder if I should have selected a different caliber, but when I take the 6.8 to the range and it is outperforms me by a mile, it is difficult to question the choice very much.

Offered FWIW.

[babirl]

Update: Just found/from 6.8 Forums and BEST deal I've seen on decent 6.8 ammo recently (must call the Gunny/Scott @ Good To Go Ammo directly):

http://68forums.com/forums/showthrea...ood-To-Go-Ammo

Let me know if you can't get to the link; I won't repost info/prices here in case he has to change prices and not sure what agreements he has.

B2

Got your viewpoint Hoser... on me anytime.

(Hey, I saw a 6.8 SPC vs. 6.5G thread just started up here... Best get after them too! )

[fly boy]

Not seeing to much info on the 6.8, except for the heavy bias on 68forums.

Should I consider a 6.8 over the 5.56? I am very new to AR's and have given an opportunity to pick up a 6.8, but have no clue about it. Any UN-BIAS info would be great. Thanks.

[Hoser]

Not seeing to much info on the 6.8, except for the heavy bias on 68forums.

Should I consider a 6.8 over the 5.56? I am very new to AR's and have given an opportunity to pick up a 6.8, but have no clue about it. Any UN-BIAS info would be great. Thanks.

Depends on what your intended use is and what you ammo budget is.

[rtr]

Depends on what your intended use is and what you ammo budget is.

Basically 6.8 is a cool cartridge but ammo costs a lot more. If you have a need that the slightly harder hitting 6.8 round fills then go for it. If you just want a good self defense/fun/competition get a 556.