RRA SPC 6.8

[Palebock]

I have been reviewing posts for the past couple weeks, trying to obtain some information before asking too many questions. New to the Site and am absorbing as much as I can.

I have been bouncing back and forth on a Build for my first CA-AR System.

A little on what I was Looking For:
1. Target distance out to about 200 yards.
2. Something I could take a Deer/Pig down with.
3. Price Point under 1300.00 (for now)
4. Something I can shoot alot and not have to get a part time job to support the habit.

I made the purchase (RRA LAR-6.8), at the Costa Mesa Show this weekend (was supposed to be doing hands on reasearch, but couldn't help myself) with pick up in 8 days and counting. I am now wondering if I should have went with something else (little late I know).

One of the probably few things I did not research enough was ammo cost.

Questions:
1. Where can I find a good price on 6.8 Ammo?
2. Any Suggestions on loading my own (ie. Source for Equipment, Savings...)?
3. Any one else using this same Setup? if so, how are you liking it?
4. Any other suggestions on AR System that falls into my Looking For List

Thanks in advance

[Prc329]

I would recommend loading your own. I have got my 308 cost down pretty significantly since I started. You will have an initial investment that will seem a lot but my investment was paid for rather quickly by the savings I got from reloading.

Actually let me rephrase that. I go shooting a lot more then I would have before due to reloading

If you do want to start reloading what is your budget?

[Palebock]

Thanks for the info Prc329.

I actually do not have much of a clue on reloading setup cost, but I have about 600.00 left from my current Riffle Fund, was going to buy some Optic, but this maybe a better investment for the next couple months.

[5150Marcelo]

6.8 = .308? I am gonna do a .308 uild as well.

[Palebock]

No, I think the .308 a bit larger. I think Prc329, was speaking in general about reloading.

[Paratus et Vigilans]

Bottom line first, then I'll explain why: Take your $600.00 and spend it on a second upper in 5.56.

Here's the why:

1. The 6.8 SPC round is exactly that. SPC = Special Purpose Cartridge. It splits the difference between 5.56 and .308/7.62x51 in a number of areas. It's a "compromise round." More close quarters penetration capability than 5.56. Not as much as .308/7.62x51, but it's also not as bulky as .308/7.62x51 to pack around. Will load in mags that already fit into AR-15/M16/M-4 lowers.

2. 6.8 SPC is very effective and accurate out to 300 yards or so. Beyond that, the 5.56 and .308/7.62x51 both have the edge on it for accuracy. The .308/7.62x51 will deliver both accuracy and effectiveness way past 300 yards. The 5.56 is going to be more accurate than 6.8 SPC beyond 300 yards, but past that range it is losing speed in a hurry, and thus effectiveness, because the 5.56 depends on its speed to deliver effectiveness on contact.

3. From what I've read (not personal experience) the 6.8 SPC is fine for deer (within its effective range) but is probably a bit light for pigs at any range. Something about pigs having a tougher hide and their vitals being better protected, IIRC what I read.

4. 6.8 SPC is not cheap to shoot because it is not as common as 5.56/.223, so blowing a lot of rounds out of your AR is going to be a bit pricey.

5. Loading your own 6.8 SPC (which I do on my Dillon XL 650) is a great cost saver, but getting set up to reload 6.8 SPC, if you are not already into reloading, is going to put a much bigger hole in your wallet than the $600.00 left in the budget. Press, dies, scale, calipers, tumbler, media, polish, media separator, and the endless string of little tools and things that go into reloading can set you back quite a bit.

6. A nice upper in 5.56 can be had for less than $600.00. You can use that 5.56 upper to satisfy your blasting Jones with more reasonably priced ammo, and switch over to your 6.8 SPC upper if you feel the need to blow stuff up or go hunting.

Don't get me wrong, I love my 6.8 SPC build, but it doesn't get anywhere near the range time that my 5.56 M4gery does. Now, if we were talking home defense purposes, I'd grab the 6.8 SPC before the 5.56 every time, but then again, I'm grabbing the 12 GA before either of them anyway, in all likelihood.

So, shoot it, enjoy it, and love it for what it is: a niche weapon, not a general purpose one.

[Palebock]

Thanks Paratus et Vigilans, for the additional info, I think I will take a look at the second upper in 5.56, when I go down to Cold War Shooters to pick up my Rifle.

[SBOldMan]

What about the possibility of exchanging the 6.8 and going for a 5.56 or .308 instead...forgetting about 6.8 alltogether. Seems more practical in your situation and then you can save that money for optics. Later, buy more uppers with your next 'rifle fund'.

If he were to choose between 5.56 and .308, which would be the better choice for him and why? Anyone???

[Prc329]

308 you will need a whole new lower and mag as well. 556 and 6.8 will work in the same lower and mag. Just need a different upper.

Actually you will need a new mag follower since I believe 6.8 and 556 use different followers.

[SkyMag68]

take a look here http://ko-tonics.com/ it might answer your question.

[ar15barrels]

I have Rock River uppers or Ko-tonics barrels for custom builds, both in-stock.