6.8 SPC Forums banner

Rush to Declare 6.8 Dead

22K views 75 replies 45 participants last post by  RugerIte 
#1 ·
Perusing the other forums, I keep seeing posts about how 6.8 is a dying round and headed towards obsolescence like the .45gap. Now I have to admit I don't see many other 6.8's at the range when I go, but I refuse to believe the 6.8 is a dying round. Also, every time the 6.8 is mentioned in a conversation there are always those that have to go on about how much better the 6.5g is and denigrate the 6.8 at every opportunity, it is annoying to say the least.

I think it may be cartridge envy.

I do know that during the development of the 6.8, they did try various bullet diameters and came to the conclusion that the 6.8 had the best terminal effect of the various bullets tried. IMO, terminal effect is what matters as well as accuracy, but for overall effectivity, not putting too much emphasis on one attribute or another they found the 6.8 was the best compromise and this is one reason I jumped on the 6.8 bandwagon and I ain't getting off any time soon.
 
#9 ·
Frame of reference: when the 10mm became available, I was doubtful. The line was.....the flat shooting of a 357 and the knock down of a 45.
I took a 6" SnW hunting............wow. It was what I had always thought a hunting pistol should be.
After, the FBI went to 40 cal, the public was throwing away the 10mm pistols. People made fun of me. I kept shooting 10mm. I kept bringing in the game. It worked well, regardless of pubic attention.

36 years later, everyone is "discovering" the 10mm for defense and hunting applications.

The 6.8spc is a great midrange hunting cartridge. Especially in semi-auto AR's for hog hunting. I don't take a 250+ yard shot because there is too much time for the game to move and point of impact not be where I aimed it. Most of my shots are 120 yards or less. I prefer 80 to 100 yard shots for ease of recovery and quick painless kills. It is silly to take a quick shot, when waiting for a five minutes for a decent shot to present itself is wiser.

NO........the 6.8 is here to stay. Although the ammo makers would have better sales if they up loaded a 90/100 grain to 3000 fps. 90 Grain Gold Dot...hint, hint, wink, wink, nudge. :a08::a37:
 
#11 · (Edited)
I have to admit that years and years ago, when I was first hearing about the 6.5G and 6.8SPC, I had an instinctive bias toward the Grendel without even knowing more . . . and that was due to my eternal affection for the 6.5x55 Swedish round. I was totally aware of how easy it can be to develop love for 6.5mm projectiles and what they can do.

But, as the years went by, and I read more and more, I steadily warmed toward the 6.8SPC. I was a late-comer and I admit it, but I'll say that what kicked it over for me was when I found out about what LWRC was doing with their Six8 and the UCIW. So essentially, I came into the 6.8 world through the back door and only later learned about the rich history, the developmental improvements, and the hard work of the folks who have led the way toward perfecting this cartridge and the rifles that it feeds.

I still love the Swede when I reach for a bolt-action hunting rifle; however, when it comes to hunting with an MSR with an intermediate round, for me, it's the 6.8SPC all the way.
 
#13 ·
Evidently I have a "death wish" as I own (5) 45 GAP pistols since 2003,a Barrett M-468 since January 2005 (still have it as well as a 12.5 ARP barreled SBR)
and a Glock Gen4 G-20 and G-40 in 10mm. I also have a couple of .357 Sig pistols. I had a early Alexander Arms 6.5 G , but sold it after a year. My 6.8's are my go to midrange hunting rifles and if I need to go long range I use my 6.5 Creedmoor or my 6.5x55 Swedes. As Mark Twain once said "The report of my death was an exaggeration.”
 
#15 ·
It took me 20 yr to be rid of the Xs and be able to get a 6.8 ......But 1st I had to wildcat it in 7mm :a11: .

I have a safe full of weird dead cartridges , 32 Rem , 7x57 , 38 shorts , the cultish 257 Roberts , and just assembled a 45 Raptor on 95 Mauser because it was impossible to find a repeater in 460 .

It figured I'd get into a AR platform cartridge as usable as an 06' just in time for it to go south .....
I did see 3 brands and 3 weights for the 6.8 on the shelf and 2 rows of 6.8 design bullets . There is enough interest for Lee to offer a 27 cal mould and a custom maker that offered nothing smaller than 30 cal to move into "sub" calibers . The semi custom guys are offering a short shank 27 in production too . That points to growing demand .

A few die hards and a forum like this one are driving the growth . Nevermind that it is an awesome cartridge.
 
#16 ·
I guess that with the 6.8 spc being on it's death bed in the throws of extinction that I should sell off all my 6.8 components and move on to the next flash in the pan caliber. It won't be long before the 6.5 CM goes tits up too!:a39:
 
#18 ·
I completed a build on a 6.8 last summer, which is my first official rifle build. I was looking for another caliber to play with on the AR platform and glad I chose this one. I haven't hunted with it, unless you count paper targets out to 100 yards. I really like this cartridge. It's certainly not dead with me.
 
#19 ·
Am in the process of building two 6.8 spec 2 AR's. These will be rifles number six and seven in the "dying cartridge" for me one is my first long barrel 18" and other is a 16" 1:7 twist specifically for shooting subsonic rounds and will be suppressed. Am "that guy" that stops by one or two of the local gun shops most days to make sure no trade in of interest get by me. As such, find myself behind the counter when busy helping customers or at the gunsmithing counter swapping muzzle devices, triggers, mounting optics and such. Yesterday was picking up another SIG pistol, computer was down so all forms were being done on paper with backgrounds called in.

While place was swamped and staff was busy stepped behind counter. Guy came in with a Ruger Mini 14 in 6.8 complaining about accuracy. Asked if wanted to make it better or just sell it to me? He looked at me odd then realized I was serious. Said preferred to get it shooting better as his experiences in Marine Force Recon had sold him on the cartridge. Said his unit was having trouble with their 5.56 M4's putting people out of the fight fit round. Said his last combat tour was issued a 6.8 with the 90 grain bullets (didn't know we're Speer Gold Dots) and that for rest of his active combat role his 6.8 never failed to put an enemy down, dead and totally out of the fight with any torso shot. Got a Gen 5 Accu Strut with adjustible gas block, extended magazine release on the way and scheduled for trigger work in the shop. Had his son with him who was adamant wanted a 300 BO upper for his AR and after a little salesmanship sold him on a 6.8 upper instead. Trying to do my part to spread the 6.8 love but really would have liked to buy his Mini. Sure one will come through eventually to add to collection.
 
#28 ·
Am in the process of building two 6.8 spec 2 AR's. These will be rifles number six and seven in the "dying cartridge" for me one is my first long barrel 18" and other is a 16" 1:7 twist specifically for shooting subsonic rounds and will be suppressed. Am "that guy" that stops by one or two of the local gun shops most days to make sure no trade in of interest get by me. As such, find myself behind the counter when busy helping customers or at the gunsmithing counter swapping muzzle devices, triggers, mounting optics and such. Yesterday was picking up another SIG pistol, computer was down so all forms were being done on paper with backgrounds called in.

While place was swamped and staff was busy stepped behind counter. Guy came in with a Ruger Mini 14 in 6.8 complaining about accuracy. Asked if wanted to make it better or just sell it to me? He looked at me odd then realized I was serious. Said preferred to get it shooting better as his experiences in Marine Force Recon had sold him on the cartridge. Said his unit was having trouble with their 5.56 M4's putting people out of the fight fit round. Said his last combat tour was issued a 6.8 with the 90 grain bullets (didn't know we're Speer Gold Dots) and that for rest of his active combat role his 6.8 never failed to put an enemy down, dead and totally out of the fight with any torso shot. Got a Gen 5 Accu Strut with adjustible gas block, extended magazine release on the way and scheduled for trigger work in the shop. Had his son with him who was adamant wanted a 300 BO upper for his AR and after a little salesmanship sold him on a 6.8 upper instead. Trying to do my part to spread the 6.8 love but really would have liked to buy his Mini. Sure one will come through eventually to add to collection.
It would be nice if the 6.8's use in combat could be confirmed, maybe it is and I just didn't know! (very possible). I know a middle east country or two had a contract with LWRC for 6.8 rifles, but I didn't know that it was used by US, in combat. Had this been documented before ? Sorry if this had been covered already.

Thanks, Joe
 
#20 · (Edited)
When I first became interested in a more powerful AR-15 for hunting purposes, I too was initially led to believe the 6.5 Grendel was the better choice over the 6.8 SPC-II...having "better ballistics, bullets, and range capabilities" and what not. Then I learned that the 6.5 data really only looked "superior" when comparisons were based on long barrels...22-24" or so...which I have no interest in for hunting. When I looked at what I wanted to hunt with...18" max...the 6.8 won...and it became my choice.

My point is I think there is still a lot more promotion on the 6.5 is based off of long data from long range shooters that really means little to the hunter.
 
#21 ·
When I first became interested in a more powerful AR-15 for hunting purposes, I too was initially led to believe the 6.5 Grendel was the better choice over the 6.8 SPC-II...having "better ballistics, bullets, and range capabilities" and what not. Then I learned that the 6.5 data really only looked "superior" when comparisons were based on long barrels...22-24" or so...which I have no interest in for hunting. When I looked at what I wanted to hunt with...18" max...the 6.8 won...and it became my choice.

My point is I think there is still a lot more promotion on the 6.5 is based off of long data from long range shooters that really means little to the hunter.
Pretty much this. Also, I haven't seen any major companies with flag ship products in 6.5 Grendel. 6.8 SPC is the superior shorter barrel cartridge and .270 projectiles are a dime a dozen. And for as dead as the round is, every time 6.8 SPC goes on sale anywhere it seems to sell out more or less immediately(much to my annoyance), so somebody wants that ammo.
 
#23 ·
Just curious, are there any available data to show the extent of growth or decline in usage of the 6.8 round? Ideally, the data would compare .223, .300BO, 6.5G and 6.8SPC and show which chamberings are growing and by how much in absolute numbers. For example, number of barrels manufactured annually by chambering, or number of factory rounds produced. I realize such data is hard to come by, especially recent figures, but measured activity in the marketplace is vastly superior to the opinions of gunzine writers and arfcom detractors.

Because all of these rounds are specific to the AR-15 platform, their future use by military and paramilitary organizations is a major consideration. The .223/5.56 round has its detractors, including many serving in and supporting US Forces. The original AR designers back in the 1950s considered full auto fire to be a primary objective, but subsequent experience in several "dirty little wars" has eroded that thinking in favor of striking power at open-country distances (up to 300 meters). Of the other 3 rounds mentioned, only the 6.8 fits that criteria IMO. keep the faith - CW
 
#24 ·
When I asked the WOLF rep at SHOT about availability, I started to walk when he started spouting 6.8 is dead bull****.
 
#25 ·
i thought the same thing when i built my 6.8 two years ago. that it might be a dying cartridge. since then i've built 3 more and have never had an issue getting anything from ammo to parts. True some barrel makers go out of stock for a while but that's expected on a popular round. in other words, pay not attention to the 'yakdicks' as they're called.
 
#29 ·
Since I saw this warning I have been watching my 6.8 rifles very closely for the last few days.
No fever, no cough, and they are enthusiastic about the weekend approaching so they can go out to play.

So I am going to say this 6.8 dying is pure 100% BS.

My 6.8s are doing great!
 
#30 ·
Hi All, I think this might be my first responce to a thread. But this one got my attention. I'm a retired mechanical/electrical specialist.
My son got me in the ar game when he started a build on a 223. I bought him a complete upper for Christmas to finish it off.I also got him dies to put 10 different 3 shot loads together for a stocking stuffer. Mostly for an excuse to go to the range on Christmas day. (Gotta be sneaky once in awhile) Was a bolt action fan until that day. My only experience with ar15's was unjamming them at the range for people who shouldn't be allowed to own a bbgun. Never impressed with the accuracy I was seeing. But after my son fired those 10 3 shot groups, I became a big fan. That was 3 years ago. I now own 8 ar15's. 5 of them are Arp 6.8's. I have built an additional 6 6.8's for friends some of which are professional hog erradicators for several different government agencies. These are thier own personal guns. Thier offices won't buy them 6.8 ammo. They became interested in them after my bring a 20" arp to several hog slaying adventures. They leave thier government issue weapons home and buy or use my handloads to work with. Kind of rambling around here but my point is people with a little sense know how effective the 6.8 is. (That would be non yakdick's) So hopefully it will be around a long time. I think with the guys like H and his buddies fixing Remingtons screwed chamber and twist rate. Plus some of the awesome work done by forum members such as Xman and the rest of us spreading the truth about what the 6.8 is capable of. We should be ok. Love the forum and 6.8's
 
#31 ·
My 2 cents...

First, I really, REALLY like the 6.8 round, it is (IMO) by far the best all-around AR-15 round...however...I do think it will always remain a "niche" round and will not likely gain the popularity and mass-market appeal it deserves. I don't think by any means that it is "dying" or "dead" but I don't see it's usage growing too much either.

What seems to be winning the battle for those who want a better round than the 223/5.56 are the large-frame AR's. As time goes by I expect the AR-10/LR-308 market to continue to develop even further. It seems (almost) every manufacturer is now offering a large-frame AR, and the weight difference is not what it used to be (on average). I see a lot of 7.5-8-ish pound guns, where several years ago I remember most everything was 8.5-10+ pounds, not to mention all the aftermarket stuff where one could bring the weight down even further. Essentially, the power (cartridge) to weight (gun) ratio has changed favorably over the past few years with the 308AR's and it's going to be VERY hard to beat going forward.

The only hope (again...just my opinion) for the 6.8 to gain substantial growth is A) The military gets rid of 5.56 and replaces with 6.8 SPC...which I don't think anyone sees as a possibility, or B) for someone (other than LWRC) to start manufacturing LWRC-sized 6.8 receiver sets (and complete rifles) that will accept the Magpul magazines, not be ridiculously overpriced for what they are, and be marketed toward the "tactical" crowd.

Most things 6.8-related that I see/read often tout the benefit of 6.8 for hunting. Most people who own/buy/shoot AR-15's these days are not hunters, they are buying for defense/tactical/SHTF/etc reasons...in other words...the marketing for the 6.8 over the past years has been abysmal...at best. I have met countless people who shoot AR-15's that have never even heard of 6.8 SPC...let alone the desire to go out and buy one.

Thankfully, there are outlets such as this forum, for those who have the desire to dig a little deeper, learn a bit more, and expand their parameters a bit. If it weren't for this forum I would never have gotten into 6.8, and I can say that I am very glad I did, and so are the few others I know who shoot 6.8.

But 6.8 dead/dying? I sure hope not.

Again, just my thoughts.
 
#32 ·
Well, I hate to say this, but the AR market just lost 30 to 40% of total sales on 1/1/2017. The California market is dead. And before everyone starts laughing, don't. This will make it harder to develop any niche calibers, especially one that is almost exclusively AR related.
 
#36 ·
Have a 1st gen REC7 in 6.8, love it, love it, love it.
 
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top