AR in 6.8SPC II

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MiniMe

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I 've got lower and upper that I wanted to build as something for precision, so long bull barrel, nice trigger, etc... Keep in mind that I just want an AR with better average precision, I have no intention of getting in competitions against bolt rifles...
After various consultations to the know-all GOOGLE, I noticed that many people suggested the 6.8SPC II instead of .223.

Is it worth the trouble? or should I just stick to .223? :confused:

Thanks!!!
 
Are you looking for a long range precision cartridge? Will you be reloading?
The 6.8 is a great round, but was designed primarily to increase lethality from the M4 platform at <500yds. Barrels longer than 18 inches do not really give you any performance increase, and loadings are limited by the length of the magazine.
Have you considered the 6.5 Grendel or .223 Wylde chambers?
 
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- Yes, I'll be reloading it.

- I'd be looking into an 18" to 20" barrel.

- Mr Google didn't tell me much about the Grendel...I'll definitely search for info about it today. Any other calibers I should consider?

This little project of mine is still just a baby, I only have the upper and lower, no other parts at all. So all suggestions are welcome!

TKS!


Carson said:
Are you looking for a long range precision cartridge? Will you be reloading?
The 6.8 is a great round, but is was designed primarily to increase lethality from the M4 platform at <500yds. Barrels longer than 18 inches do not really give you any performance increase, and loadings are limited by the length of the magazine.
Have you considered the 6.5 Grendel or .223 Wylde chambers?
Click to expand...
 
Handloading will open up a whole myriad of possible chamberings.
The folks to ask hang out downstairs in the precision rifle section, or search out some of the cartridge specific forums like 6.5, 6mmbr, 6.8 etc.
Your trip down this particular "rabbit hole" should be a lot of fun.
Good Luck

Oh be sure to document your build and post it here.
 
If you want something different then by all means build a 6.8SPC

It is hard to draw any meaningful conclusion that 6.8SPC would be any more accurate , since there are lots more mitigating factors that will affect accuracy

Barrel - lots of variation in barrel potential accuracy out there . Seen freaky accurate 5.56 Wylde chamber barrels . I would say it will be much easier for you to find a outstanding barrel in 5.56 Wylde in Canada than a outstanding 6.8SPC barrel

I have both 5.56 ( Noveske Match Mod 0 chamber ) and 6.8 SPC ( Noveske Match Mod II chamber ) Noveske SPR contour barrels. Both rifles are built on similar components and you cannot concluded that one is more accurate than the other

If I were you , buy a good quality match barrel in 5.56 Wylde such as Shilen, Krieger , White Oak etc

Brass - one of the biggest problems with handloading accurate loads with 5.56 is the brass variation is all over the place...even with virgin Winchester etc brass . Use Lapua / Norma and don't look back. Even the much heralded Lake City needs lots of work . Since the case is so small , a small variation in volume will make difference

The common Remingtion or SSA 6.8SPC brass is ok but again needs work

This is one of the advantages of 6.5Grendel . The Lapua brass is outstanding

Bullets

I am far from a ballistic expert by I think if you do some research you will concluded that 5.56 with loadings such as duplicating the MK262 ammunition ( 77Gr Sierra MK @ over 2700 fps ) is a better long range loading than anything out of a 6.8SPC . Long story short, typical match loading out of SPC is the 115Gr SMK . IF you go to their web site and compare BC, you will find that the 77Gr SMK is the way to go

This is again why the 6.5Grendel is so attractive....the BC the 6.5 projectiles offer are outstanding. This is why bolt gun guys are now going to to 6.5X47 , 6.5 Creedmore, 260Rem

I love the 75Gr Hornady A Max ...incredible BC and consistency . Only issue is single load only ...which is no biggie since you are poking holes in paper
 
So a 6.5grendel or 223 wylde would be better options I think.
I spent some time searching the net for components and parts, it seems that either SPC or Grendel AR parts are hard to find in Canada.
Does anyone know where to get barrels, bolts and mags for the 6.5?
 
MiniMe said:
So a 6.5grendel or 223 wylde would be better options I think.
I spent some time searching the net for components and parts, it seems that either SPC or Grendel AR parts are hard to find in Canada.
Does anyone know where to get barrels, bolts and mags for the 6.5?
Click to expand...

ATRS would be the 1st place I'd talk too in Canada as I know they will produce 6.5 match barrels, so the rest should also be available though may not say so on their website (?); haven't looked to be honest.
 
MiniMe said:
THANKS!!! I wonder why they don't show up in google searches.

http://www.albertatacticalrifle.com...ting/product/44-custom-match-grade-ar-barrels
Click to expand...

2 reasons.
#1 Google can not get their stuff together, we are still trying to get correct address and other info that changed 7 years ago

#2 We do not get enough call for the 6.5 and 6.8 barrels to make them a stocked item. We have barrel blanks in stock in 6.5 cal for sure, would have to get up to check on inventory for 6.8 blanks but in either case we would make EXACTLY what you spec'ed as far as contour , length, etc.

We have brass, dies etc for both the 6.5 G and the 6.8 SPC

Frankly if it were me I would still go 223 Wylde and spin out the 75 to 80 gr bullets, we have a few clients who go prairie dog shooting in Montana using our AT15 rifles, 18" barreled 223 Wylde and seem to be able to kill a pile of the critters at 600 to 800 yards. Not sure how far you want to go? With my 223 Wylde chambered 11.5" AT15 clay birds placed 500 yards away in the sand bank at the range where I shoot are not much of a challenge.
I would love to find a range with more distance just to see exactly how far we can get with it.
 
I have an ATRS 18 inch heavy stainless with 223 Wylde chamber, 1:7 twist and integrated muzzle brake and it's a tackdriver. Easily the most accurate 223 I've owned and once I finish load development on my HK SL8-4 I'm going to start working up a load for this one. I've shot 6 different factory loads through it and it shoots them all well and a couple exceptionally.
I have the rifle for sale in the EE because I am short on cash and the tax man is knocking but I'm actually hoping it doesn't sell because I like it so much. Hopefully my other rifle sells first and I'll get to keep this AR.

Good luck with your build, I would definitely call Rick at ATRS and see what they can build for you. You won't be disappointed.

View attachment 8157
 
alberta tactical rifle said:
2 reasons.
#1 Google can not get their stuff together, we are still trying to get correct address and other info that changed 7 years ago

#2 We do not get enough call for the 6.5 and 6.8 barrels to make them a stocked item. We have barrel blanks in stock in 6.5 cal for sure, would have to get up to check on inventory for 6.8 blanks but in either case we would make EXACTLY what you spec'ed as far as contour , length, etc.

We have brass, dies etc for both the 6.5 G and the 6.8 SPC

Frankly if it were me I would still go 223 Wylde and spin out the 75 to 80 gr bullets, we have a few clients who go prairie dog shooting in Montana using our AT15 rifles, 18" barreled 223 Wylde and seem to be able to kill a pile of the critters at 600 to 800 yards. Not sure how far you want to go? With my 223 Wylde chambered 11.5" AT15 clay birds placed 500 yards away in the sand bank at the range where I shoot are not much of a challenge.
I would love to find a range with more distance just to see exactly how far we can get with it.
Click to expand...

Do you guys do 6.8 SPC II or the SAAMI spec? Also what rate of twist?
 
Dude, that's an ugly rifle!!!
I'll be a nice guy and pay very cheap just to take it off your hands.....:onCrack:
I'm jealous now

cr5 said:
I have an ATRS 18 inch heavy stainless with 223 Wylde chamber, 1:7 twist and integrated muzzle brake and it's a tackdriver. Easily the most accurate 223 I've owned and once I finish load development on my HK SL8-4 I'm going to start working up a load for this one. I've shot 6 different factory loads through it and it shoots them all well and a couple exceptionally.
I have the rifle for sale in the EE because I am short on cash and the tax man is knocking but I'm actually hoping it doesn't sell because I like it so much. Hopefully my other rifle sells first and I'll get to keep this AR.

Good luck with your build, I would definitely call Rick at ATRS and see what they can build for you. You won't be disappointed.

View attachment 8157
Click to expand...
 
MiniMe said:
Dude, that's an ugly rifle!!!
I'll be a nice guy and pay very cheap just to take it off your hands.....:onCrack:
I'm jealous now
Click to expand...

Lol, ya I should have wiped the oil off it better before the picture. Just ruined it. I'm ashamed I posted that.
Feel free to adjust your offer taking into account the oil on it.

OP, have you decided on maximum range you want to use the rifle at?
If you want something different consider 300 blackout. If you already have a 223 then you can make the brass for the 300BLK from your 223 brass or just buy cheap 223 brass and convert it. You can buy factory loads for around $16/box. 300BLK doesn't require a long barrel to get good performance and mine has a 9.75 inch barrel and can shoot MOA with my 110gr V-max handloads. You can load all the way up to 220gr and run those subsonic which even though we can't run a supressor are still much quieter than supersonic loads. 30 cal bullets are cheap and available in a wide range of weights from every manufacturer.

Or look into 450 bushmaster.

My buddy used to have a 6.8 and ended up selling because he said it was not as easy to find reloading components for.
 
cr5 said:
I have an ATRS 18 inch heavy stainless with 223 Wylde chamber, 1:7 twist and integrated muzzle brake and it's a tackdriver. Easily the most accurate 223 I've owned and once I finish load development on my HK SL8-4 I'm going to start working up a load for this one. I've shot 6 different factory loads through it and it shoots them all well and a couple exceptionally.
I have the rifle for sale in the EE because I am short on cash and the tax man is knocking but I'm actually hoping it doesn't sell because I like it so much. Hopefully my other rifle sells first and I'll get to keep this AR.

Good luck with your build, I would definitely call Rick at ATRS and see what they can build for you. You won't be disappointed.

View attachment 8157
Click to expand...

Was there a particular reason you went with the 7 and not the 8 twist (having the opportunity to choose) for a .223 Wylde chambered barrel?
 
BenL said:
Was there a particular reason you went with the 7 and not the 8 twist (having the opportunity to choose) for a .223 Wylde chambered barrel?
Click to expand...

I bought it used and that's what it had. Got too good of a deal to be that picky.
1:8 is actually my favorite twist for 223 though.

It doesn't really make much difference though, you can't overstabilize a bullet so it just lets me shoot longer/heavier if I ever decide to try some really heavy projectiles.
 
cr5 said:
I bought it used and that's what it had. Got too good of a deal to be that picky.
1:8 is actually my favorite twist for 223 though.

It doesn't really make much difference though, you can't overstabilize a bullet so it just lets me shoot longer/heavier if I ever decide to try some really heavy projectiles.
Click to expand...

Fair enough - something a good deal just can't be passed over :)

Reason I asked about the 8 twist is that it seems to be able to work with a wider range of bullet weight than what a 1:7 or 1:9 can.
 
BenL said:
Fair enough - something a good deal just can't be passed over :)

Reason I asked about the 8 twist is that it seems to be able to work with a wider range of bullet weight than what a 1:7 or 1:9 can.
Click to expand...

1:7 will shoot anything, my SL8-4 has a 1:7 and it will shoot 50gr ballistic silvertip's into just a fraction over 1MOA@100yds with a 4 power scope. I think it will do better with more magnification and is why I just put my 4-12x42 scope on it for load development. I'm going to try a bunch of different ammo through it again now that it has a different scope.

You can't overstabilize a bullet, you can only spin it faster than it was designed to be spun and have it come apart in the air. That isn't an issue with most modern jacketed bullets though so a 7 twist is fine.
 
The longest range at the club is only 150meters, I'm considering "renting" a Sharon club share, they have a 300m.
If I manage to get the skills to shoot it well I might join ORA and I would be able to shoot at Base Borden, they have ranges up to 1000m if I'm not mistaken.

I don't have the budget to build a .223 now and later have to build another upper in another caliber, nor I have the time to build a 223 now, just to sell it on EE later to finance another build.

Currently I'm shooting my M&P15T, I'm working on a load for it and also practicing and reducing my lack of skills. lol

I'm getting interested in the idea of a Grendel instead of the SPC.

BTW, what lower/upper parts kits and triggers would you recommend? without breaking the bank!



cr5 said:
Lol, ya I should have wiped the oil off it better before the picture. Just ruined it. I'm ashamed I posted that.
Feel free to adjust your offer taking into account the oil on it.

OP, have you decided on maximum range you want to use the rifle at?
If you want something different consider 300 blackout. If you already have a 223 then you can make the brass for the 300BLK from your 223 brass or just buy cheap 223 brass and convert it. You can buy factory loads for around $16/box. 300BLK doesn't require a long barrel to get good performance and mine has a 9.75 inch barrel and can shoot MOA with my 110gr V-max handloads. You can load all the way up to 220gr and run those subsonic which even though we can't run a supressor are still much quieter than supersonic loads. 30 cal bullets are cheap and available in a wide range of weights from every manufacturer.

Or look into 450 bushmaster.

My buddy used to have a 6.8 and ended up selling because he said it was not as easy to find reloading components for.
Click to expand...
 
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