Let's talk 6.8SPC

Lights

Lights

New member
So I am set on building a 6.8SPC upper for deer hunting. Where I hunt I will never have a shot longer than 150 yards. So the 6.8SPC should do just fine. Now what barrel length and twist would be the best for this build?
 
I went with a AR performance upper back when he still put uppers together. I chose a 18 inch barrel with a target crown. I figured for a deer rifle I didn't need a flash hider and a 18 inch target crown is the same length as a 16 with a flash hider. Gained 2 inches of barrel and no extra length overall. His barrels are 11.25 inch twist. I'd like to say it hammers the deer, but I don't know yet. I let a 12 year old fill my tag, but there is next year!
 
It will hammer the deer, I've seen it first hand! I like to shoot 110 grain Vmax and shoot at the ribs broad side. Last year my buddies buck went 30 yards.
 
Love my 6.8! I bought a 20 inch upper off someone in this forum last year for deer hunting. It has a flash hider in addition, but because of that is a little too long for my taste, moving around in the stand etc. Love how it shoots though. After deer season was planning to get the barrel cut off at least 2 inches. But I may go all the way down to 16 inches because I truly love my predator pursuit 16 inch 223. Will the difference between a 16 inch barrel and an 18 inch length make much difference in perceived noise level? I shoot with muffs at the range, but not in the woods. Am I messing up a good thing? Give me some feedback. thanks.
 
Good advice so far.
AR Performance barrels are good, as sre Bison, White Oak Armament, Wilson Combat and others. Be sure the twists are 11", 11.25" and there are some early ARP 12" twist barrels out there. Also get one with a Spec II chamber.

Barrel length is personal preference. Nothing wrong with a shorter barrel because the cartridge was designed to be efficient with shorter barrels. I have a 16" Bison and a 90 grain bullet is running around 2900 fps and a 110 grain at 2600-2700 fps.

I've killed a few deer using a Sierra 110 grain Pro Hunter and never had a problem. There are other "better" but more expensive bullets out there but the Pro Hunter works good. I got in on a "bullet buy" last month so this year I'm trying the Speer 90 Grain Bonded Gold Dot bullet.
Lately a lot of guys are using the Hornady 120 grain SST with excellent results on deer and hogs. Velocity is 2400-2600 fps.

Lots of good stuff out there for the 6.8. Check out 68forums.com for some good info.
 
Originally Posted By: LightsSo I am set on building a 6.8SPC upper for deer hunting. Where I hunt I will never have a shot longer than 150 yards. So the 6.8SPC should do just fine. Now what barrel length and twist would be the best for this build?

If that's the case a 300 Blackout upper will do just fine and the cost of admission will be significantly cheaper. With the 300 Blackout you will be able to use the same bolt and magazines as your .223/5.56. If you reload you will be able to use reformed .223 brass and .223 shell holders. You can't do that with the 6.8.

I reload for mine and get 2400-2500 FPS with Barnes 110 grain bullets depending upon which bullet type I use and 2300 FPS with Hornady 130 grain SP's.
 
The 6.8 was designed for a 16" barrel, its range is very accurate out to 450yds or more. The arp "scout" 16" barrel is simply unbeatble, with 110gr vmaxs it will hold moa past what you shoot.

The first time out with 90gr sierra varminters mine did 7 of 9rds in one hole at 100yds from a open rest, yes i have the target and it is posted over on the 6.8 forums in the arp section under "my 16" arp barrel".(probaby page 2-3 by now)

There should be a new batch of scout barrels coming out pretty soon, i would use his superbolt, and his "vortex" flashider for best results.
 
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I think I am set on a 18" barrel with a mid length gas port. No need for a flashider on this build. Who makes a 18" unthreaded HBAR barrel? Fluted would be ok also.

Mark
 
ARperformance is where I got my 18" barrel try there or black hole. If you need a bolt I know of a place that has a few good ones in stock.
 
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i got a bison armory match grade 18" mid weight and its a great barrel have not shot any dear with it yet due to i use other guns more
 
Originally Posted By: LightsThanks Bill I think I may have found my barrel their.

Thank you,
Mark

No problem Mark. Glad I could help. Bill
 
I have a rra 16 inch that LOVES the SSA 110 gr Accubonds or prohunters
I have shot numerous deer/hogs/predators with no problem out to 225.
That was the farthest shot and shots were dead where they stood.
in the animals was a red stag and a 515 lb wild hog. My 6.8 has become my primary hunting rifle
 
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Mark, I had a 16" oly m4 that Dtech Mike put together,was really lite,sold it and I'm having Mike build me a 18" midlength fluted.
 
Dang it ARP sold out yesterday just before I was ready to place my order. Might have to give Mike a call or go with one from Bison.
 


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