6.8 SPC II AR-15

[Ratdog68]

I'm likin' this round (the more I read).  The 6.8 SPC has been around for a few years now... Remington offered it in the Model 700, however the SAAMI specs for the gun were incorrect... Remington dropped the caliber.  There is (however) a semi-cult following of this round in the AR-15 crowd.  The chambering has been updated to that of 6.8 SPC II and it's been refined to show that the performance of this round is best served with an 11 twist or 12 twist barrel, and the M4 feed ramps cut into the barrel extension.  They've also found that ChromeMoly barrels with a Nitro-Carbeurizing or Stainless Steel barrels out perform the Chrome Lined barrels.  If you already have an AR-15, all that's needed to convert to this caliber is a new upper (Yeah, you can go even cheaper than that, but a dedicated upper is really quick) and some magazines/ammo.  

This round is quite effective for deer, and with proper ammo choice... it's equally effective on black bear and feral hogs (BIG ones too).  The brand new Barnes 95gr TTSX projectile has just been introduced, and will affectively open (with four petals) clear down to 1600fps velocities (making the 6.8SPC effective to 400yds).  Muzzle velocities are anywhere from 2700-3000fps with sub MOA accuracy from a 16" recon profile barrel.

So... off to the gun shop I goes... as well as ordering some parts/pieces online.  I ordered up a completed upper from AR15Performance with a 16" recon barrel, full float quad rail fore stock, a railed gas block, the works... for about $700.00.  I went to Surplus Ammo and Arms in Lakewood and got a lower receiver.  IF you buy the lower, the lower parts kit, and stock from them... they'll knock $20 off the price of the lower (Aero Precision, of Tacoma) (from $79.99).  I went with a DPMS lower parts kit, a TAPCO T6 stock and put it all together today.  I'm adding the MAGPUL angled fore grip, the MAGPUL front/rear back-up sights, and (for now) a Pentax HS20 reflex sight.  I found some C-Products 25rd mags for just over $12ea.




That's not a flaw on the lower receiver... I just blacked out the serial number.


This is the upper I'm waiting on... (off the web site).  AR15 Performance is a family owned/run business out of Colorado... the components are all American Made too.

Can't wait to get the upper and get it to the range !  My Colt Sporter Match Grade HBAR will end up being a 'yote/paper punchin' gun now !!!  Ok... "sod-poodles" too, if I get a chance to vaporize some.

[Austrian Hunter]

I just got mine in 6.8 spc. and I love it.  I got to get a pic up of mine. 

[ribka]

Keep us updated. Sounds interesting

[FALFire]

The 6.8 is a really good round, a couple of us here hunt with them on a regular basis. We have found that the 110 VMax bullet is very effective on coyotes and the 110 Sierra is a good one for deer out to about 300 yards and possibly more. If you reload, be sure to use Silver State Armory brass with the small primer pocket and try some RL10X and H322 powders, you will be very happy with these and won't break the bank shooting it. The new Barnes 95 sounds very promising from what I have read and I am eager to try it out but so far the 110 VMax has done so well, I hate to change.

[Ratdog68]

I just got mine in 6.8 spc. and I love it.  I got to get a pic up of mine. 

What did you get?  Post up pix too !!

[Ratdog68]

Keep us updated. Sounds interesting

Will do... it's my latest "passion".   

[Ratdog68]

The 6.8 is a really good round, a couple of us here hunt with them on a regular basis. We have found that the 110 VMax bullet is very effective on coyotes and the 110 Sierra is a good one for deer out to about 300 yards and possibly more. If you reload, be sure to use Silver State Armory brass with the small primer pocket and try some RL10X and H322 powders, you will be very happy with these and won't break the bank shooting it. The new Barnes 95 sounds very promising from what I have read and I am eager to try it out but so far the 110 VMax has done so well, I hate to change.

Congrats... post up what you have and pix !!!   I have 180 rds of SSA Sierra 110gr Pro Hunters ready to rock-n-roll.  I also have 100ea. of the Barnes 85gr TSX projectiles.  I'm in the process of acquiring my reloading equipment... not there yet... but getting there.  A number of folks have already taken a number of hogs with the Barnes 95... and they're REALLY pleased with the performance so far (even 300+lbs boars).  Nearly all are single shot DRT with head or neck shots... even with a supressed 12" barrel.  Yup... I'm liking the reports of the 10X as well as the 7X too.  H322 seems pretty popular too.  The advantage of the Barnes 95 TTSX on big hogs and bear is... the ability to open fully at 1600fps to devistate tissue.

[FC]

What is it costing you to reload for the 6.8? I looked into building a 6.8 myself but the ammo was cost prohibitive for my purposes as a varmint/plinker/general fun type rifle.

[Ratdog68]

What is it costing you to reload for the 6.8? I looked into building a 6.8 myself but the ammo was cost prohibitive for my purposes as a varmint/plinker/general fun type rifle.

Go to Silver State Armory's website and they have prices listed for brass and bulk bullets... not that bad.  Of course... you're gonna pay a premium for high end projectiles... I managed upon two "unopened" boxes (of 50ea) of Barnes 85gr TSX projectiles for $50 (for the two boxes).  As it gains popularity, the 6.8 is becoming less of a wildcat notion and is beginning to knock on the mainstream door.  

Beyond that... dies, powder, primers... no difference than reloading for others.  Waiting for sales... I snagged up factory ammo for .75/rd (SSA 110gr Sierra ProHunter)

[machine]

Looks like a fun build a 6.8 upper is on my list.Not sure were you plan to mount the front sight but I've heard of them melting to the gas block.

[Ratdog68]

Looks like a fun build a 6.8 upper is on my list.Not sure were you plan to mount the front sight but I've heard of them melting to the gas block.

The plan is to keep it on the quad rail, behind the gas block's little rail.  They're truly gonna be "back up only".  Definately havin' fun with puting this one together.

[Austrian Hunter]

I just got mine in 6.8 spc. and I love it.  I got to get a pic up of mine. 

What did you get?  Post up pix too !!

Here is mine, sorry took me a while to get it out and take pics.  DPMS lower and 6.8 spc upper.  I LOVE IT!!!!!!!

[carpsniperg2]

looks like a nice rig

[Ratdog68]

I was told two weeks when I ordered... last week they said another 2-3 weeks before my upper ships.  The wait is drivin' me nuts !!!

Just as an FYI... C-Products is testing a new magazine with ID that may allow 2.30" COAL of hand rolled ammo.  To date... PRI has made the mag with the ability to offer the longest COAL of loads.  The plot thickens !!

[Ratdog68]

My upper finally arrived last week, it's even sweeter than I'd imagined it'd be.  Life's gotten in the way this passed week, so I haven't gotten to the range with it yet... but, when I do, I'll post up some follow-up impressions.  Being that it's JUST assembled, the action is a little on the stiff side.  Opened it up and gave a little more lube inside the upper receiver for the BCG and charging handle.... then cycled it at least a hundred times... opened it back up and blew it all out with compressed air and another film of lube.  Everything married up quite nicely.  The red dot is spot on with the front sight post of the Magpul BUS.  The mesh bag brass catcher fits quite well for this style of weapon, as well as my Colt AR15A2 Match Grade HBAR too.  To heckle a guy on another BBS who's very "into" Twinkies... I had to get some "Tactical Twinkies into the pic... that's why they're in there.  




Discoloration on the dust cover plate is just a tinge of the lube from test firing before shipment.

Love the look of your 6.8 Austrian Hunter.  Fine lookin' rifle !!