AR platform - 6.8 spc vs 300 AAC Blackout

[mjfast82]

Starting my first AR build and trying to figure out what caliber. My primary use will be hunting [coyotes, pig, maybe deer] and having fun punching paper. I have not ruled out the 5.56, but leaning towards a more all around hunting, tactical, target round.

What are your thoughts and experiences?

[B. Wong]

5.56 is a ton cheaper if you are punching paper and is a great caliber for hitting coyotes and smaller game.

If this is your first AR I'd get in in a 5.56 and see how you like it.

[SPECR]

I've had good luck with 6.8 on medium sized game such as pig. Accurate and effective to at least 300yds. About a buck a round...much cheaper than 300!

It would be nice to have a second upper to hit the range with ie 5.56 or even 22 rimfire.

[russ69]

Hunters seem to like the 6.8 SPC.

[tomd1584]

If I were you, i'd get the LMT MRP platform and get a 5.56 & 6.8/.300 blackout barrels.

That way you can change barrels quckly. the .300blk will even support your same 5.56 PMAGs.

Expensive, but perhaps the way to go.

[Bug Splat]

I'm going 300blk. Only thing I have to buy new is a barrel. I have a ton of 30rd AR mags that I'd love to use again. I have a ton of 223 brass that can be converted to 300blk and 308 bullets can be bought cheap. For me it looks like it would cost an additional $30 per 1000 to reload above 223. Hardly any difference in cost.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

6.8 is easier to find than .300 blk. And it seems to be pretty effective out to about 300 yards on game. I would go with the 5.56 just so that you have one, as it is cheaper than either of them. But there is nothing that says you can't have more than one upper...

[HBchevelle68]

6.8 all the way!

its ballistics are far better than that of the 300 blackout.

I went through the same thought process as you have and compared these 2 calibers as well.

Decided the 6.8 for many reasons but mainly how perfect it is for hunting pig.

[HBchevelle68]

6.8 is easier to find than .300 blk. And it seems to be pretty effective out to about 300 yards on game. I would go with the 5.56 just so that you have one, as it is cheaper than either of them. But there is nothing that says you can't have more than one upper...

++1

[PolishMike]

If you can get a suppressor get 300BLK if not, get 6.8
That easy.

[robcoe]

Starting my first AR build and trying to figure out what caliber. My primary use will be hunting [coyotes, pig, maybe deer] and having fun punching paper. I have not ruled out the 5.56, but leaning towards a more all around hunting, tactical, target round.

What are your thoughts and experiences?

In order I would say

5.56

6.8

.300 AAC

5.56 cause it's dirt cheap compared to the other two.

the main attraction to .300AAC for me is the ability to use an effective suppressor, and this being California I couldn't do that.

I would suggest getting a 5.56 and a 6.8 upper, then down the road(if you leave California or common sense breaks out) get either a .300 upper or a .300 barrel(since IIRC the .300 AAC uses the same magazines, and bolt carrier group as the 5.56)

though you did leave off one of my favorite AR platform rounds, the .50 beowulf

[John Browning]

For a first, get 5.56. That is a no brainer.

For a second AR, I would suggest a third option...6.5 Grendel/264 LBC. .300 BLK onlt makes sense with a suppressor.

[jm13690]

If it is just going to be a hunting AR then I say go for 6.5 Grendel or the 6.8 Spc and not the 223.

6.8 Spc II is what you should go for between that and the 300. The 300 was designed for short suppressed barrels. If you go up to a 16" barrel its fine to go 6.8 you won't be disappointed.

[McCrown]

I would go 6.5 Grendel before 6.8 SPC, but that is just me. The 6.5 G is better for long range, and just as effective as 6.8 SPC closer in.

[AyeGuy]

I would go 6.5 Grendel before 6.8 SPC, but that is just me. The 6.5 G is better for long range, and just as effective as 6.8 SPC closer in.

Finally, the correct answer! 6.5 Grendel is vastly superior to the 6.8