6.8 SPC as a hunting cartridge?

Paladin_Hammer · Dec 1, 2008

The 7.62x39mm just doesn't have the range we've been looking for. What ranges is the 6.8 SPC good for and is it effective enough at that range to down a Whitetail Deer? If nothing else, whats a low-recoil, lightweight rifle that can hit something 100-200 yards away and kill it?

Please note, if you try to convince me on a .223, I will tell you stories about shooting a year and a half old buck several times, a 2 year old doe so many times it ruined the meat, and never finding two other deer who are probably still walking around with two-or-so .223's in them (they went down, then got up, and we never found them).

No .308 Winchester or .30-06 either, it hurts his shoulder (this is for my old man).

gvnwst · Dec 1, 2008

For the 6.8 see this thread:
http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=380279&highlight=6.8spc+good+deer

And what range are you wanting to shoot at? The 'x39 should do....

jerkface11 · Dec 1, 2008

Please note, if you try to convince me on a .223, I will tell you stories about shooting a year and a half old buck several times, a 2 year old doe so many times it ruined the meat, and never finding two other deer who are probably still walking around with two-or-so .223's in them

Can we suggest more range time instead of a new gun then?

browningguy · Dec 1, 2008

The 6.8 should be effective on deer out to 200 yards I would think, longer than that I would look at the 6.5 Grendel. The .223 can be effective, we had two does headshot at under 100 yards this weekend with one, and with something like the 53 gr. Barnes TSX or 60 gr. Partition it's ok on body shots, although personally my minimum caliber for deer is a .243.

rbernie · Dec 1, 2008

The 7.62x39mm just doesn't have the range we've been looking for. What ranges is the 6.8 SPC good for and is it effective enough at that range to down a Whitetail Deer?

The effective range of either (effective == 800ft/lb of energy or greater) is within 50yrds of each other or less, depending on load and bullet BC. If you're hunting within 200 yards, then either will do the job admirably.

I've used 7.62x39 on 5yr shots on a 500lb hog and for 200 yard shots on deer. I've used the 6.8SPC to equal success for both hog and deer.

frogomatic · Dec 1, 2008

i have to agree with jerkface...spend more time practicing those shooting skills. also, a little studying up on the anatomy of a deer would do a great deal. No offence intended, just being honest.

just out of curiosity, what kind of bullets were you using for those deer you had to shoot so many times?

woof · Dec 1, 2008

More practice is good advice for anyone, but the .223 is not adequate for deer at any range. The original poster might look at the ballistics for the managed recoil ammo in 7mm-08 with 140 gr bullet (on Remington website). Recoil is .30-30 level, maybe a tad more than x39, but much flatter shooting and enough punch out to 200 yds. Plus whenever you want you can use full power loads.

Jason_G · Dec 1, 2008

Ever thought about a 6mm Remington? More range than 6.8, flatter shooting, and hardly any recoil. I can tell you it works on whitetails. All I've killed with it have been DRT. Can be a pretty good round for a lot of different things if you reload, too. A .243 would be the next step down, but it's easier to find rifles chambered in .243.

Jason

rbernie · Dec 1, 2008

Frankly, my definition of a lightweight, low-recoil, highly effective field rifle suitable for deer-sized game inside of 250 yards is a H&R single-shot in 30/30 topped by a 1.75x-6x VXIII or similar.

But that's just me.

trstafford · Dec 1, 2008

CZ 527 Carbine in 7.52x39

Topped with a Leupold 2-7 compact scope.

http://cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=15

doctorxring · Dec 1, 2008

6.8 spc

.

Basically the 6.8 SPC is a 270 Winchester minus 200 yards.

i.e. The killing power of the 6.8 SPC at 200 yards is equal to a bullet
strike by a 270 Winchester at 400 yards, using the same bullet.

To get at information on results being achieved
with the 6.8 SPC on hunting you need to go here --

http://68forums.com/viewforum.php?f=11

hogs, deer, elk...

dxr

.

DeathByCactus · Dec 1, 2008

Elks have been killed up to 287 yards if I remember right (might be more, it was on 68forums.com), with a 6.8mm. I got one for my new all purpose rifle, hunting included. 7mm magnum is just too easy. I'd also like to add that hunting deer with a .223 is illegal and wrong in all manners of thought. It isn't enough fire power to adequately stop and kill the animal and should never, ever be thought of as a hunting rifle for anything except varmints and maybe hogs. If it isn't illegal in all states, it should be.

Paladin_Hammer · Dec 1, 2008

To everyone knocking on my old mans marksmanship skills: He knows where to shoot a deer. Right behind the front shoulder, and a little low for the heart. Not low of the deer mind you, low of the shoulder.

He's been using these 62 grain rounds from Remington. Black box from what I remember. Using a bolt-action from Savage. Hasn't worked out to well so far.

From what you've all told me, the 6.8 has more energy to it. Anyone here ever actually use the thing and got one? One shot one kill that is. Pics of a kill would help. Along with any information on what kind rifle is available in the caliber. Please note, unless Ruger makes a Mini-14 that doesn't shoot like all crap, please don't say anything about AR-style or "evil" rifles. He won't shoot them because "I never shot a deer on a battlefield" mumble "whoever needs an assault rifle to kill a deer has the skill of a blind man". Now, I'm sure if a Ruger could shoot to a good inch or two inch group at 100-200 yards, he'd have no problem if it was wood, no pg or "evil" features (see above for reason).

DeathByCactus · Dec 2, 2008

R.W.Dale · Dec 2, 2008

The 7.62x39mm just doesn't have the range we've been looking for. What ranges is the 6.8 SPC good for and is it effective enough at that range to down a Whitetail Deer? If nothing else, whats a low-recoil, lightweight rifle that can hit something 100-200 yards away and kill it?

7.62x39 will do everything on game that 6.8 will only for less money and at a much lower smug factor. Doubly so inside the range you stipulate. Plus you can afford to get about 4x the practice for the same dollar amount.....which apparently he needs

I used my 7.62x39mm ar15 this year to bag a large doe at 278yds.

Bigfoot · Dec 2, 2008

Elks have been killed up to 287 yards if I remember right (might be more, it was on 68forums.com), with a 6.8mm.

Sounds like Constructors 5x5 Rocky Mt bull elk. It was 372 yards with the 110 Accubond launched at 2880 fps from a 20" 1:13 twist barrel. One shot behind the shoulder did it in. The Accubond didn't exit, the 110 TSX or TTSX probably would have.

R.W.Dale · Dec 2, 2008

Sounds like Constructors 5x5 Rocky Mt bull elk. It was 372 yards with the 110 Accubond launched at 2880 fps from a 20" 1:13 twist barrel. One shot behind the shoulder did it in. The Accubond didn't exit, the 110 TSX or TTSX probably would have.

As if killing a an 800 lb animal with a 110 grn bullet retaining right at 1000ftlbs of of energy is anything other than an irresponsible STUNT. I wouldn't be touting this as some great feat.

The Accubond didn't exit, the 110 TSX or TTSX probably would have.

I very very very seriously doubt either of these projectiles would have either unless they completely failed to expand which is entirely possible at those kind of impact velocities

Deer Hunter · Dec 2, 2008

Please note, if you try to convince me on a .223, I will tell you stories about shooting a year and a half old buck several times, a 2 year old doe so many times it ruined the meat, and never finding two other deer who are probably still walking around with two-or-so .223's in them

Get your bum to the range and practice.

I've seen deer shot numerous times with .308s. I've only ever needed one shot when hunting. And that includes the .223.

And I was using the cheapest SPs I could find.

Range time is what you need, not a "better" caliber.

Bigfoot · Dec 2, 2008

I very very very seriously doubt either of these projectiles would have either unless they completely failed to expand which is entirely possible at those kind of impact velocities

Impact velocity would be right at 2000 fps.

R.W.Dale · Dec 2, 2008

Impact velocity would be right at 2000 fps.

A little less for the barns because of the lower BC, prolly 1900 or so. Which is pretty low for a bullet of this type. I cannot speak for the barnes. But the much much more fragile SST and ballistic tips require 1600 to 1700fps MINIMUM impact velocities. The only Barnes I would use below 2000fps would be the 30-30 bullet or their handgun projectiles.

mgregg85 · Dec 2, 2008

More practice is good advice for anyone, but the .223 is not adequate for deer at any range.

Plenty of deer are taken every year with the .223, it is easily adequate for deer within 100 yards if you can hit your target.

DeathByCactus · Dec 2, 2008

I've seen deer shot numerous times with .308s. I've only ever needed one shot when hunting. And that includes the .223.

It's illegal to hunt deer with a .223 in Texas. If a game warden catches you, you are in some trouble.

Cohibra45 · Dec 2, 2008

"As if killing a an 800 lb animal with a 110 grn bullet retaining right at 1000ftlbs of of energy is anything other than an irresponsible STUNT. I wouldn't be touting this as some great feat."

Sounds like a great shot from a very good shooter and also a bit of jealousy to me!!!

Deer Hunter · Dec 2, 2008

It's illegal to hunt deer with a .223 in Texas. If a game warden catches you, you are in some trouble.

Cite that and I'll be happy to change my position.

Lonestar.45 · Dec 2, 2008

It's illegal to hunt deer with a .223 in Texas. If a game warden catches you, you are in some trouble.
Today 02:01 PM

You couldn't be more wrong.

Fact is, it is completely legal, as long as it is not a rimfire. And the .223 folks are talking about here is not a rimfire.

Now, I would never hunt with a .223 for deer myself, I find .243 the smallest I'd feel comfortable with. But it's not illegal.

6.8 SPC as a hunting cartridge?

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