XCR 6.8spc factory barrel quality VS custom match SS

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CDNsldr

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Goodmorning to the gun nut world!

I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a 6.8 conversion for my competition length XCR-L. I haven't found much information specific to the R.A. 6.8 barrels on this forum, xcrforum, nor the 68forum.

I understand "newer" 6.8 barrel are cut to the SPCII spec. I don't have positive confirmation that RA barrels are cut to this superior spec.

I've also looked into a custom 6.8 barrel by ATRS. Cost will come out to over double what a factory barrel would, understandably.

Curious if anyone had experience specifically with the factory RA 6.8 barrel and what kind of accuracy can be achieved with factory and hand-loads. I would also appreciate any recommendations for custom barrel fitters or shops with experience/desire to experiment with "accurizing" an XCR-L.

And yes, I understand the barrel retention system is a major point of accuracy weakness...no need to beat that dead horse.

Sole purpose would be hunting.
 
You've answered your own Q.
It's that little bit at the end, where you buried the horse.

If you buy $1,000 pair of shoes, and a $10 pair, both pair being one size too big, is one better than the other?

My factory x39 barrel with 20,000+ rounds is still plenty accurate for hunting.
You'll be fine with factory.
 
I'm extremely happy with mine but I knew going into it that the xcr platform has its limitations. Regardless it didn't let me down either.

I can squeeze 2 1/2 - less than 3 inches at 200 yards out of my factory 6.8 heavy barrel using factory loaded Hornady 110gr v-max and a 3-9 power scope. I have done better on a couple lucky days but 2 1/2 - 3 inches is the normal for me. Plenty accurate for taking a coyote at 200 or larger game like deer at 300 while still leaving a little room for error.

As you mentioned the barrel retention is a week point in accuracy potential. Also all the moving mass of the piston system.

I believe the factory barrel is more than adequate enough for hunting accuracy within the effective range of the 6.8 SPC round. Due to the above mentioned accuracy limiting design characteristics, no amount of money spent on a custom barrel will improve accuracy of the xcr platform significantly enough to justify the cost. Only benefit I can see in spending your hard earned coin on a new barrel is the possibility of going with stainless.

To sum it up: You can put lipstick on a pig but in the end you still have a pig.
 
Thanks for your first hand information, Jiffx.

I've read some discussions about improving the current retention system, specifically drilling and tapping holes at the 3 and 9 position to add addition set screws to better secure the barrel extension.

Another discussion involved the use of red locktight around the barrel extension against the receiver.

Some day if I can source a cheap upper I may look into permanently attaching the barrel.
 
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Also, FWIW I've owned 2 5.56mm XCR-L's.

My last L was a newer keymod version. I was able to squeeze out a sub moa 5rd grouping with hornady superformance 75grn, but more consistently 1.5" or up to 4" with surplus norinco and 4x ACOG.

My current new competition model with the Wylde chamber is reliably grouping the same surplus norinco at just under 2" but I haven't been able to test with any high end factory ammo.
 
Search for camp cook's posts, he has written a few posts on the 6.8 especially with the XCR, he was getting consistent 1.5 MOA out of stock barrel and he hunts with his rifle as well.
 
You'll be fine with factory 6.8 spc , I have a barrel that was used / second hand with an unknown round count, but it's fine. I would not put the money into a custom barrel, there is much more than the barrel that can affect it's accuracy. XCR's are much better in that department than given credit for.
 
CDNsldr said:
Also, FWIW I've owned 2 5.56mm XCR-L's.

My last L was a newer keymod version. I was able to squeeze out a sub moa 5rd grouping with hornady superformance 75grn, but more consistently 1.5" or up to 4" with surplus norinco and 4x ACOG.

My current new competition model with the Wylde chamber is reliably grouping the same surplus norinco at just under 2" but I haven't been able to test with any high end factory ammo.
Click to expand...

That hrndy 75 gr hpbt is my uber handload In my remmy 700 and have a .556 conversion In 1/8 twist all lined up with wolverine ( just waiting on bolt).

What twist barrel were you shootin these 1moa groups with? I also have a couple boxes of hrndy .556 75gr superformace to try out as well.
 
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