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I just shot my 6.8spc AR this weekend....my gosh! I shot 2 boxes of ammo and left wondering why I even had the .223 upper. WOW! What a round.

It shoots almost as light as a .223, has considerably more knock down power, and is just as versitile as it isn't too large or small.

Anyone else tried it? I can't think of a better all around cartridge for hunting and self defense.

I own two 6.8 SPC ar15s. The first is a factory rifle, and the second is built around a custom barrel and fits together so tight you won't believe it unless you see it for yourself.

I've been very intrigued about 6.8 SPC after doing some research about LWRCI gas-piston rifles. Apparently the proponents consider it the wave of the future. I'm just curious as to availability/cost of ammunition. I'm fully aware that the price cannot compare to the widespread availability and cost of 5.56 or .223 but if it develops enough of a following, I'm sure that 6.8 can be just as readily accessible. So, how much does ammo cost?

it's a hair more expenesive, but it's not a crazy drain on the wallet or anything. I reload my own, so I don't get all wrapped up in that. I've been shooting .223 for classes (I'm a firearm's instructor and CHL instructor) and shoot over 500 rounds at each class, so the reloading helps. So, i plan to do the same for 6.8 rem. as the dies and components are readily available.

But if you're not shooting that much...who cares? It's not THAT expensive.

The benefits highly outweigh the slightly elevated costs.

The 6.8 has undergone alot of development over the last 18 months. It has a very solid following...and is here to stay.

I barley notice the difference in recoil between it and the 5.56 (a tad sharper..but not much unless you put some really hot loads through it).

http://68forums.com/forums/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

that is a great forum....i've been on there for a while and have learned a ton.

Good stuff.

just curious...

is a 6.8 upper compatible with a 5.56 lower? and what about mags?

rokclimbertx wrote:just curious...

is a 6.8 upper compatible with a 5.56 lower? and what about mags?

Yes, 6.8 and normal .223/5.56 lower are compatible (as are many other variants). Mags are proprietary.

You can use the sam emags in a pinch, but my 5.56 mags would shoot a couple 6.8 then have feeding issues. It turns out that the lip needs to be spread out a bit. But there's no point in that since there are plenty of 6.8 mags available almost anywhere.

gringogigante wrote:You can use the sam emags in a pinch, but my 5.56 mags would shoot a couple 6.8 then have feeding issues. It turns out that the lip needs to be spread out a bit. But there's no point in that since there are plenty of 6.8 mags available almost anywhere.

Correct.

6.8 mags are proprietary in the sense that most use a slightly different follower and the mag is "tweaked" a bit to aid in bullet stacking and feed. However, a standard mag can be pressed into service if the shooter can afford to risk some FTF's.

Its a great round for close to medium range defense and hunting.

great info...

i guess what i was trying to get at with the mags was, 6.8 mags would work in the 5.56 lower... but i think it's pretty obvious they would/do...

Check out this power point presentation. http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2008Intl/Roberts.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; It goes in to ammunition development and wound ballistics by one of the experts in the field. I have three lower receivers that I am in the process of building. I am going to be looking hard at using the 6.8 mm in the build.

When I get around to building an AR, I'm going to heavily consider 6.8 instead of 5.56

74novaman wrote:When I get around to building an AR, I'm going to heavily consider 6.8 instead of 5.56

You won't be disappointed, amigo. 6.8 is my new favorite caliber. It is outstanding in every way, extremely flexible and versatile, and cheap enough to be a real solid contender for the long term.