6.8 was optimized for the 14.5" military barrel, go 16", it's all you need, and you save weight. It'll shoot accurately past 450m if you have at least a 2X optic on it. It's a good deer caliber, albeit there's no plinking ammo, but what the heck, that's what a 5.56 upper is for.
Check the 6.8forums for all the help and feedback you need. Their most important recommendation is to get the SPC II chamber and four or five rifling in 11" or slower. It gives the best performance from the new loads like the 95gr Barnes.
I think it's a good choice, it's exactly what I'm building. I lugged that Hk around enough. and a bolt gun never gave me any deer, just recoil. Bolt guns with 3x9 scopes are ok for big country, broken farmlands and woods, not so much. Hunt deer like a bow hunter, you set up in sight of rubs, trails, saddles, crossing points, etc. Not 500 yards away.
Check the 6.8forums for all the help and feedback you need. Their most important recommendation is to get the SPC II chamber and four or five rifling in 11" or slower. It gives the best performance from the new loads like the 95gr Barnes.
I think it's a good choice, it's exactly what I'm building. I lugged that Hk around enough. and a bolt gun never gave me any deer, just recoil. Bolt guns with 3x9 scopes are ok for big country, broken farmlands and woods, not so much. Hunt deer like a bow hunter, you set up in sight of rubs, trails, saddles, crossing points, etc. Not 500 yards away.