The 6.5 is a good round. I have heard it described best by a rifle builder that does both 6.5 and 6.8: If you mostly shoot long targets, with some hunting, use a 6.5. If you mostly hunt, with some target shooting, use a 6.8. Within game distances, the two cartridges are closer than their fan bases want to admit, with the 6.8 being better suited to shorter barrels and the 6.5 being ideal in full rifle length setups.
300Blackout Vs 6.8
- Thread starter samuelcmm
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Gtscotty
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I went with the 6.8 spc over the 300 BLK for my dedicated AR hunting rifle, and I really believe the 6.8 is better suited for that role. The 6.8 is a faster, harder hitting round than the 300 blk in all bullet weights (or SD's) for which they are comparable. Even in the extreme upper end of factory 6.8 bullet weights, the 140 gr SSA load is still booking along at 2400 fps. While bullet drop can, of course, be accounted for, most people seem to prefer flatter shooting rounds that simplify the bullet drop memorization/calculations required for normal hunting distances.
The load I'm going to use for deer this year sends a 110gr Accubond out of the muzzle at 2660 fps, which should be about perfect for our small southern white tail.
I do think the 300 BLK is a fine caliber, and I will most assuredly be buying an upper when I get around to picking up a 30 cal can, its just the 6.8 is better suited to the hunting niche.
Looking back though, it looks like the OP intends to mostly use this AR for 3 gun competitions, if so, why are you even looking at the 6.8 and 300? The only round that really makes sense for AR shooting games is the .223.
p.s.~ If you decide to look at the 6.8, I would check out AR Performance and Bison Armory first, they are pretty much the go-to 6.8 makers.
The load I'm going to use for deer this year sends a 110gr Accubond out of the muzzle at 2660 fps, which should be about perfect for our small southern white tail.
I do think the 300 BLK is a fine caliber, and I will most assuredly be buying an upper when I get around to picking up a 30 cal can, its just the 6.8 is better suited to the hunting niche.
Looking back though, it looks like the OP intends to mostly use this AR for 3 gun competitions, if so, why are you even looking at the 6.8 and 300? The only round that really makes sense for AR shooting games is the .223.
p.s.~ If you decide to look at the 6.8, I would check out AR Performance and Bison Armory first, they are pretty much the go-to 6.8 makers.
I watched the TacTv episode as well. My 1st question, which I dont believe was answered, was what grain bullet was being used in the 300 blk out? I use the 115 grain Remington supersonic HP (cheap stuff) and it does not drop like what was shown on the show. I believe Vickers was using a heavier bullet. The 147 300 blk it what I believe may have been used. He (Vickers) did mention that the 300 is bullet specific and considering all the loads currently available, if it was used for 300 yards, the 115 grain will work. I'm getting 7"-9" drop at 300 yards using a 50 yard zero.
I would love it if they came out with reloading components for the 30AR. I would do a 6mm/30ar. I have also thought very hard about the 6.5 grendal as I am in the prosses of building a 6.5x55. Swede, and wod be able to buy bulk bullets for reloading... so many choices, not enough moola...
I looked at both.
I chose the 6.8
Better all around bullet performance was the deciding factor
For hunting Texas boar the Hornady 120 SST is devastating
There is an upside as a there will be some new low cost ammo coming in 2013
Its worth the time if you are serious about the decision to call Ben at Bison Armory (Where I purchased my 6.8) or "H" at AR Performance
Both are experts in the 6.8 field and are a wealth of knowledge
They both make fantastic rifles
Also do some research at 6.8forums.... Many people made the same choice there after looking at the options
I chose the 6.8
Better all around bullet performance was the deciding factor
For hunting Texas boar the Hornady 120 SST is devastating
There is an upside as a there will be some new low cost ammo coming in 2013
Its worth the time if you are serious about the decision to call Ben at Bison Armory (Where I purchased my 6.8) or "H" at AR Performance
Both are experts in the 6.8 field and are a wealth of knowledge
They both make fantastic rifles
Also do some research at 6.8forums.... Many people made the same choice there after looking at the options
@68wj I spend more time at the range than I do hunting but I do a good bit of time hunting.
@Gtscotty While I really do wish to get well into 3 gun matches and I would use this rifle for them for a while really I want one that I can use to hunt, shoot competitions, and paper-punch without breaking the back to buy 2 rifles. I will eventually buy a better suited 223 upper for the primary purpose of matches.
@Brian923 I know exactly what you mean with not enough cash. Good luck with your 6.5 Swede I have a Carl Gustave and absolutely love the cartridge and the gun.
@Dean 1818 I will Search around on fourums and give a call to mentioned persons. But when i do decide on the caliber chances are ill make a post in the smithing section as to best general part selection as this will be the first AR I will build.
@Gtscotty While I really do wish to get well into 3 gun matches and I would use this rifle for them for a while really I want one that I can use to hunt, shoot competitions, and paper-punch without breaking the back to buy 2 rifles. I will eventually buy a better suited 223 upper for the primary purpose of matches.
@Brian923 I know exactly what you mean with not enough cash. Good luck with your 6.5 Swede I have a Carl Gustave and absolutely love the cartridge and the gun.
@Dean 1818 I will Search around on fourums and give a call to mentioned persons. But when i do decide on the caliber chances are ill make a post in the smithing section as to best general part selection as this will be the first AR I will build.
True, I generally build an entire new upper versus rebuilding one. But, 223 Remington components are more available and easier to find for a 300 BLK build. But for some, even saving a little is important.
As far as magazines, I have lots of 223 Remington magazines on hand. When I bought my 300 BLK, I did not have to buy any more. For a 6.8 SPC, new magazines would be required. Not a big deal unless they are out of stock.
The choice of the two rounds depends on what your purpose it. While their capabilities overlap, each has distinctly different strengths.
stubbicatt
Member
Sometimes I think the "industry" introduces "new" cartridges simply because they know they can sell more barrels, or more finished firearms, not for any true ballistic improvement over what is already available, and that is how I view this 300 blk, and even to some extent the 6.8 spc.
I guess for some there is a use for them, but given the ballistic envelope of 300 meters, I personally don't see any true improvement over the 5.56.
I guess for some there is a use for them, but given the ballistic envelope of 300 meters, I personally don't see any true improvement over the 5.56.
Right, but the same can be said for all the short, fat magnums that are all the rage these days. Realistically, what do they do that a 30-06 cannot?
Folks are always trying to build a better mousetrap.
The Whisper has been around for some time and many shooters liked it. It took a while, but eventually someone saw some potential in it enough to change the name and file with SAAMI.
The 6.8 was created because soldiers asked for something better. Remington stepped in to commercialize it too. It can be described as a compromise between carrying a .308 rifle and a 5.56. It is light weight, low recoiling, and accurate like the 5.56, but puts more energy on target, though still not as powerful as the .308 cartridge. In a general purpose role, the .300 BO is a compromise between the 5.56 and the 6.8, offering bolt and mag interchangeability with the 5.56, but increasing energy on target, though still falling short of the 6.8.
HorseSoldier
Member
This. For either of them. I was pretty fast onto the 6.8mm bandwagon and think it is a great fighting rifle round, but I eventually sold all my 6.8mm stuff because the cost of taking a 6.8 SPC chambered rifle to the range and putting it through its paces was much more than doing the same with 5.56mm.
For the end of the world or something, a 6.8SPC chambered AR and a couple Conex's full of ammo might be ideal, but other than that I don't have any real use for it (outside the cool factor, and there's never anything wrong with the cool factor) -- if I ever need a rifle or carbine for home defense or something, I've got several flavors of 5.56mm ARs, for competition shooting 5.56mm is preferable, and both 6.8 and 300Blackout are too light for any hunting I might do up here in AK (and too light for a bear gun).
Fit in a short action rifle?
Who sights in a rifle to be 4 inches low at 100? You should sight in 300 BLK to be 3 inches high at 100, which is zeroed ar 200, and 13 inches low at 300.
Then you can shoot to max point blank range - 0 to 230 yards, with no adjustments.
David E
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No, you have it wrong: they sighted it in 4" low at FIFTY yds and SIX inches low at 100
From his banter, it seemed that Larry simply attached the scope, was tickled it was as close as it was and simply didn't care to adjust it properly like a professional (or even a NON-professional) would/should.
From his banter, it seemed that Larry simply attached the scope, was tickled it was as close as it was and simply didn't care to adjust it properly like a professional (or even a NON-professional) would/should.
Bartholomew Roberts
Member
The primary determinant in how effective a bullet works is shot placement. The more your ammo costs, the more expensive it will be to get good at shot placement.
303 hunter
Member
I bought my 6.8 for deer hunting/target shooting out of the AR platform that I feel very comfortable with. It is a 16" SPC II 1:11 twist. I also handload everything I shoot. With the 110 V Max, I'm getting 2770 fps. Quite a bit more than the 2300 for the same weight bullet Walkalong spoke of in 300blk. I've taken 2 nice bucks this year with my 6.8 handloads;one at 75 yards,one at 170,both DRT. I've also taken deer with the 7.62x39, that the 300blk is directly compared to. Had to track most of them after the shot. As far as hunting goes,there is no comparison between 6.8 and 300blk. As far as 3 gun matches-I'd stick with the 5.56.
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303 hunter
Member
Did I get in on the butt end of this conversation? Let's keep it going! I've owned both of these. I still own the 6.8. Anyone who wants plenty of power in a compact package will pleased with the 6.8. My freezer is already full of venison!
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meanmrmustard
Member
Most of my shots at anything I can eat are within 200 yards. If I'm hunting with the AR, I just use heavy, soft point or jacketed hollow 556/223. Don't really need anything else personally.
Shawn Dodson
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Then there's the 7.62x40mm Wilson Tactical - http://wilsoncombat.com/new/762x40-project.asp
It also utilizes a re-sized 5.56x45 case.
It also utilizes a re-sized 5.56x45 case.
303 hunter
Member
That's interesting,do you have experience with this round?
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