What makes a 6.8 so special?

2169 Views 16 Replies 8 Participants Last post by smoffett, Dec 1, 2010

TankerHC

Discussion Starter · Nov 30, 2010

So I read a lot on here about the 6.8. And I see a lot of people want a rifle in 6.8. So what makes the 6.8 so special that so many want one? Note: I know I could have googled for an answer, but I like reading ya'lls feedback.

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smoffett

· #2 · Nov 30, 2010

More power at the muzzle and downrange vs. 223 and 7.62x39.
Plenty of killing power for deer up to at least 300 yards (depending on bullet/load).
Small brass case means you can carry almost as much 6.8 on you as 223.
Very easy to develop accurate loads.
Almost all velocity is gained in 16" barrel (only about 100 fps more in 20").
Very efficient cartridge -- still a 200 yard deer rifle with 12" barrel.
Available in AR-15 platform, as well as Ruger Mini and Remington 700, (maybe more?).

That's just off the top of my head.

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smoffett

· #5 · Nov 30, 2010

Okay I just thought of some more:

1) It's just darn satisfying to get so much performance out of such a tiny little cartridge. ;-)
2) Extremely low recoil -- most say about the same as 223.

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smoffett

· #10 · Nov 30, 2010

jbpmidas said:
I want to hear a real comparison between the 6.8 and 6.5. I am considering building a "long-range" upper and, right now, those are the two best choices.

My biggest concern with the 6.5 is the availability of brass.

If you had both in a 24" barrel, would there be much difference? I want a gun that, if we ever get to shoot the 600 yard range at McCain, will be capable.

Here's a real apples-to-apples comparison using 16 inch barrels...
http://68forums.com/forums/showthread.php?11140-6.8-VS-6.5-drop-comparison

If the barrels were 24", well, I think the 6.5 G would likely outperform the 6.8. That's because (a) the 6.8 has pretty much burned up all the powder after 20 inches of barrel length, and (b) the 6.5 bullets have better BC's. That being said, maybe you could load up some 6.8 rounds with slower powder and you might squeak a little more performance out of a 24" barrel? I'm unaware of anybody who's tried that. In fact, I don't even know where you'd get a 6.8 SPC barrel in 24 inch length -- don't know of anybody making 'em.

As far as high BC bullets go, there are two companies I'm aware of that are developing high-BC bullets for 6.8. One is GS Custom (http://gscustom.co.za/), which recently opened a US office, and Elite Ammunition (http://68forums.com/forums/showthread.php?15988-Elite-Ammunition). HTH.

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smoffett

· #15 · Dec 1, 2010

You can get complete 6.8 rifles, uppers and components from these places.

www.ar15performance.com
www.bisonarmory.com
www.rockriverarms.com
www.stagarms.com
www.palmettostatearmory.com (Stag uppers)
www.spikestactical.com
www.blackholeweaponry.com
www.adxtactical.com (search for "6.8")
http://global-tactical.com
www.schryvergunsales.com (Barrett rifles)
http://beta.impactguns.com/search.aspx?keyword=6.8
http://dynamicarmament.com (search for "6.8")
http://dsgarms.com/Search.aspx?Keyword=6.8
http://www.jtacsupply.com/search.aspx?find=6.8
www.kiesfirearms.com
www.pkfirearms.com (search for "6.8")
www.pof-usa.com
www.tacticalmachining.com
http://www.yhm.net/

Midway also has a bunch of different brands of uppers (DPMS, Bushmaster, etc.)...
http://www.midwayusa.com/Search/#6.8%20upper____-_1-2-4_8-16-32
... and plenty of components as well, including barrels.

I'm sure there's more, but that's a good start. Just be careful not to buy the original SAAMI chamber or 1:10 twist (unless you're planning to shoot the heavy bullets and/or subsonic). HTH.

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smoffett

· #17 · Dec 1, 2010

Also as far as availability, if you're willing to go used, a lot of stuff comes up for sale on the 6.8 forums site...

www.68forums.com/forums

That's how I got my upper, and I couldn't be more pleased.

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