6.8 SPC for antelope/deer rifle?

[Nogaroheli]

I've just recently gotten into big game hunting and have had to borrrow a rifle from my BIL each time I go elk hunting. So I need a big game rifle. I went with my BIL antelope hunting this last weekend and his 7mm mag tore his antelope up pretty well. So I'm thinking I may need a "smaller" big game rifle in addition to an elk rifle.

I was going to sell one of my AR's to get that. I live in Colorado where we need .243 or bigger for hunting. I'm wondering if it may be better to throw a different upper on that AR to hunt antelope/deer. It looks like the 6.8 SPC round may be a good choice for that. Does anyone have any experience hunting with that round? Is there another round I should be looking at that fits the AR15 platform?

Thanks!

[pacisland]

I've used 6.8spc to hunt whitetail here in the Northern Virginia area and it's done pretty well so far. Never tried it on anything else though...

Why not go with .308? Then you can build an AR-10... You obviously couldn't use the lower you have now, but if you prefer the AR platform then an AR-10 can fulfill both needs?

[Nogaroheli]

Yeah, I thought about that and I absolutely positively want an AR10. I was thinking it would be easier (maybe also less expensive) to convert an AR I already have than to sell one and buy another. But that's definitely an option.

[loonybin]

6.8SPC will work very well for both antelope and deer. I've never shot antelope, but a member at ..::68FORUMS::..shot at least one at longer ranges (300yds+) with great effectiveness.

As for deer... I just got two this season with my 6.8SPC. It will be the most cost effective way to get a hunting caliber, and it will be a lot lighter to carry than an AR-10.

[sneedb82]

+1 for the 6.8SPC. Antelope are not that much different than WT even in Colorado. I'd say go with the 6.8SPC, and you'll be pleasantly surprised about the results you can get even with an 85grain bullet (barnes TSX), or the 110gr Accubond from Nosler, or Sierra Prohunters.

These three bullets will take down pigs and deer sized animals out to 200 yards without a scream. I'd limit my shots personally to within 200 yards, just because that's how I roll, but the 6.8 is worth more in its weight than a .308. Hands down.

[Bultx1215]

Will you guys STOP telling the OP how good the 6.8 SPC is??? PLEEZE?????? I had actually stopped considering getting one until this thread popped up.


Dang...now I'll have to start looking at them again. Resistance really IS futile.

[Nogaroheli]

Good info guys, thanks! I like the lightweight aspect of being on the AR15 platform, and the fact that I already have a donor rifle helps as well. I think I'm leaning that way for sure.

Now, do you think it's better to just swap barrel and bolt on the current upper or just swap uppers all together? I've been checking out the Stag 6.8's and they look decent (and on arf.com there's the group buy)- anybody know of other good deals I should be looking at?

[sneedb82]

Most definitely look into a new upper.... Stag's new 16" upper is sporting the 1/11" barrel, which will allow you to shoot 85g to 130 grain, and tactical loadings (hotter pressures, more velocities). Definitely look at the 68forums to determine what manufacturer you would like. For price, I'd consider a Stag w/ bolt combo. For performance, an AR15performance barrel/bolt combo. Built the upper yourself, and save some money.

If there's a group buy, go for Stag. They're quality and good prices.

[loonybin]

Originally Posted by sneedb82

+1 for the 6.8SPC. Antelope are not that much different than WT even in Colorado. I'd say go with the 6.8SPC, and you'll be pleasantly surprised about the results you can get even with an 85grain bullet (barnes TSX), or the 110gr Accubond from Nosler, or Sierra Prohunters.

These three bullets will take down pigs and deer sized animals out to 200 yards without a scream. I'd limit my shots personally to within 200 yards, just because that's how I roll, but the 6.8 is worth more in its weight than a .308. Hands down.

With good support and correct shot placement the 6.8 can reach out and touch a deer all the way to 300-350yds.

If you handload, the new Nosler 100gr Accubonds can be pushed to 3,000fps in the right barrel (ar15performance or Titan Armory uppers). If you do decide to handload, get a 1:12 twist 3-groove barrel from ar15performance and make the 100gr accubond and the soon-to-be-released 100gr Barnes Tipped Tripple Shock really scream.

Originally Posted by Bultx1215

Will you guys STOP telling the OP how good the 6.8 SPC is??? PLEEZE?????? I had actually stopped considering getting one until this thread popped up.


Dang...now I'll have to start looking at them again. Resistance really IS futile.

You will be assimilated. You know you want one... just do it...

Originally Posted by sneedb82

Most definitely look into a new upper.... Stag's new 16" upper is sporting the 1/11" barrel, which will allow you to shoot 85g to 130 grain, and tactical loadings (hotter pressures, more velocities). Definitely look at the 68forums to determine what manufacturer you would like. For price, I'd consider a Stag w/ bolt combo. For performance, an AR15performance barrel/bolt combo. Built the upper yourself, and save some money.

If there's a group buy, go for Stag. They're quality and good prices.

Yes, definitely check out ..::68FORUMS::.. to learn all you can before you buy. The Titan Armory/ ar15performance XTreme upper is hard to beat with their 1:11.25 5R barrels that are nitrocarburized (harder than chrome lined).

I'm actually considering swapping my already good 18" Cardinal Armory barrel (1:11 twist, SPC II chamber) with one of ar15performance's 12 twist 3-groove barrels to get the most out of handloading. I'll be able to move to a 16" barrel and retain the same velocities that I'm getting in my 18" barrel.

[Nogaroheli]

Thanks for the great info you guys! It looks like I'm going to be trying to get a complete 6.8 upper.

Now I just need to figure out which one... And sell my current upper.

Thanks again for the info!