So looking into my first AR and just "discovered" the 6.8 so to speak. I own a 270, 22-250 bolt as well as 30-30 lever action. Is the 6.8 a good choice for whitetail and hogs? Shots would be within 200 yards. Where is the 6.8 future heading? I don't reload so I don't want to end up with a gun I can't find ammo for.
Inknow the 223/5.56 is being used by many for the same purpose but I'd like something not too close to the 22-250, plus I admit, I want an AR
Furthermore my budget is limited to under $900. So far I've see the Stag M5 and the RRA A4, which are close to my budget.
I know, lots of questions and all over the place but I have found nothing but good info here every time I'm in need of info. If you have any experience with the 6.8 and/or any of the guns I listed I'd appreciate it. I'm open to other brands within the same budget.
Thanks

Check 68forums.com. Lots of good info.

We were overdue...

I have 2. The round isn't going anywhere. It's already very popular. I wouldn't worry about finding ammo. Any decent brand of AR will work. I'd stay off the 6.8 Forums unless you want to hear a bunch of cartridge worship and the same info regurgitated over and over. I mean it's insane to me that people can fill a forum on one cartridge. Don't get me wrong I like it buts not the super deathray people on that forum think it is and you get them sharing load data that is unsafe. They think a spec 2 chamber turns it in to a 6.8 ultramag.

Think of it as a 250 Savage in an AR platform. Very effective for hogs and deer inside 300 yards.

Thank you for the info. I've been to 68forums but found it as you described. Lots of good info but a lot to digest.

The 6.8 is a very good hunting round. I use one for hog eradication and it gets the job done. Ammo is fairly easy to find now and there is a good choice of hunting bullets. You won't be disappointed in it.

I bought a RRA ATH in 5.56 and then bought an RRA Coyote Carbine upper in 6.8. Got to shoot the 6.8 upper Saturday with my Omega suppressor, cannot wait to get after some central TX WT and hogs with this rig. I shot some cheap ammo to foul it in and get it on paper, then put the first three Federal Fusion 115gr into 3/4" at 100 yards. It should be deadly out to 200; I can switch to my 7mm-08 if I expect to have longer shots.

The 6.8 SPC isn't even a real round. It's a caliber made up by people that don't understand the velocity of a 5.56 or the knockdown power of a 300 Blackout, or the ability to shoot 3 miles like a 6.5 Grendel.

scottfromdallas makes a good point here about the 6.8forums, BUT take a close look at the bullet performance section where pictures speak volumes about bullets used in handloads & factory loads. Personally, I prefer 100 gr bullets minimum for all hunting, despite what some say. The 6.8mm SPC ain't going away soon.

That is the one of the few things that is useful. It's thread in the hunting forums by XMAN on bullet performance where he tests a boatload of bullets in test mediums at 100-300 yards.

Other than that there is only so may times you can hear people talk about which is better for deer, SST or 115 Fusion? Or other endless discussions on optimal twist rate and land/groove ratios to get the most velocity out your 6.8.

I have been looking at a 6.8 for some time it was an easy switch...but hell nothing I do is easy...I went with the .264 LBC/6.5 grendel. I love it. I used to use a 222, 223, 22-250, ect for taking hogs, does ect...now I use my AR 6.5 to cull and shoot varmints, it is tons more effective on deer and hogs, and can reach out on the odd coyote. Ammo is pretty cheap, and cheaper if you reload. The 120 grain bullets pack a punch. When I take my daughter on her first plains game hunt. I will switch her encor barrel from 300 blackout to the 6.5 grendel...game up to zebra within 150 yards I have no worries...

Ed

Grendel is good too, pretty much splitting hairs in performance. I looked at both too but there just seemed to be more options with 6.8. More complete rifles and uppers,more brass and ammo manufacturers, etc.

I have two i use to hunt (eradicate) pigs. One is a day time setup with a regular scope, the other with a NV scope. We kill probably 150 pigs a year. I use the 6.8 and my buddy uses a 5.56. The 6.8 definitely kills them better/easier. I think in the AR 15 platform it is the best hunting round available if you want a short barreled lightweight rifle. And ammo is readily available.

And make sure it has the SPC II chamber, which i believe everyone has finally switched too.

Thanks everyone for their valuable input.

I converted one of my 5.56 to 6.8 and am very pleased. Next is a 6.5 CM build in progress.

How about producing some factual data on this. I know its a real round because I have some.

I think he was being facetious, hence the smiley face at the end. He was posting all the common stuff that comes out when someone asks about an AR15 caliber.

Yep. And it made a lot more sense last night when I was hammered. Today...

I just got my second 6.8 barrel a 12.5" to build as a night rig with my saker, and will probably get a photon xt or x-sight in a month or 2. My 20" 6.8 is great but its too long with the suppressor for night work. I would also check out the grendel as I think I like mine a bit more than the 6.8, both are great for different things.

Im jealous. I built a 6.8 and put a photon on it. Now I have to do the saving for the saker.

So does anyone use any of the cheaper 6.8 mags out there or do I need to dish out 40 for 1 10 rd PRI Mag?