6.8 SPC ammunition discussion (and other questions)

[the tick]

I have recently received all my "goodies" I'm going to add to my rifle when it gets here (hopefully next week ). I've done reading on this website and some others (68forum.com, AR15 sites, etc) about the history and current state of the 6.8 among a few different ammunition manufacturers.

I've read everything on this site about ammunition in the XCR and almost everything about "break in".

The ammunition I have purchased so far is Rem 115 gr FMJ. As far as I can tell these rounds have large rifle primers, which matches what I've heard about Remington ammunition. Does SSA use small rifle primers? Does SSA use brass of their own manufacture or from someone else?

I will be reloading for this rifle but wanted to get a baseline of performance and break it in using factory ammunition. There were posts on this site stating that Remington downloaded their ammunition. Do they load to or below SAAMII specs? What about SSA?

I'm interested in people's opinions of the performance difference between Remington and SSA (and if there are other manufacturers toss those in as well) in the XCR. My rifle will probably be doing paper punching, steel plinking and maybe home defense if it comes to that.

Sorry for the organization of this post. I didn't purposefully make it a "stream of consciousness", but I think that's what happened.

PS. What is OTM ammunition? I've never seen that acronym before.

[SSBiggun]

"
  "PS. What is OTM ammunition? I've never seen that acronym before"
 Open Tip Match

[SheepDog]

SSA is small primer. Their 110 grain Pro-Hunter is all I have used so far. They manufacture their own brass. OTM stands for Open Tip Match (hollow point).

SheepDog  

[the tick]

So Berger VLDs could be called an OTM? Thanks for the explanation.

Are all the SSA offerings loaded hotter than the Remington ammo? For that matter is the Remington considered anemic or just standard SAAMI?

[stanc]

Tick, check www.68forums.com for info on this cartridge.

[aziator]

I have only shot a couple boxes of Remington and didn't chrono it.  Everyone that has shot both has said that Remington is loaded down compared to SSA and Hornady.

[stanc]

Nominal muzzle velocity (16" bbl)

Hornady:    110gr BTHP @ 2550 fps
Remington:  115gr SMK @ 2450 fps
Silver State: 115gr SMK @ 2550 fps

[the tick]

Tick, check www.68forums.com for info on this cartridge.

I've checked there and am still checking. I just wanted to get a sense of the 6.8 from some XCR owners.

Thanks for the info everybody.

[Semper Paratus]

Tick,
   The Remington ammo tends to be very downloaded compared to Hornady and especially SSA ammo. When the first, erroneous chamber spec came out, Remington was having a lot of flattened primers so they downloaded their ammo. The other brands should have a spec II chamber to operate safely. Hope this helps.

                 - SP

[the tick]

Yes that helps. With any luck my gun will arrive next week and I'll be able to try a few types of ammo before I get all my handloading components and dies for the 6.8.

Tick,
   The Remington ammo tends to be very downloaded compared to Hornady and especially SSA ammo. When the first, erroneous chamber spec came out, Remington was having a lot of flattened primers so they downloaded their ammo. The other brands should have a spec II chamber to operate safely. Hope this helps.

                 - SP

[crenca]

I was getting between 2200-2300 with Remington "Metal Case" before I shot my chrony - granted their cheapest 6.8 offering.

Not that it is cheap, as street price is still more than SSA, Horndy, S&B, etc.

I would stay away from the Remington based on cost and it being downloaded.  I would especially stay away from it during break in.  No reason to put that stuff in the equation if/when you are troubleshooting problems.  I have found SSA and Double Tap to be loaded consistently

Also be aware that the PRI mags shipping with XCR rifles (or at least they used to be PRI) have a very high defect rate.  If yours fails to “rebound” well when loaded with > 15 rounds or so you could have one of the bad mags.

[the tick]

crenca

I hoped to avoid a mag problem so I dropped the money on a Barrett mag. Good God that thing feels like a block of solid steel. I hope it was worth the cost.

I'll start start stocking up on a SSA ammo and see if some of the other manufacturers are available in my area.

[Carl AMG]

The current issue of a magazine by the name of Black Guns that I picked up at WalMart has a few articles on 6.8 SPC weapons and discuss the various ammo options with some chrono, accuracy, and SD information. They test the Barrett REC 7, POF 415 6.8 SBR and a LWRC M6A2-PSD 6.8 SBR. They discuss SSA and Hornady loads in the various articles but nothing on Remington.

In one article, they like the SSA 85gr TSX load as the best all around performer. They also like the "anti material" capability of the SSA 110gr Accubond and show it fully penetrating a steel car wheel. Another article shows the SSA 110gr Sierra Pro Hunter as most accurate followed by the SSA 85gr TSX load.

I have only shot SSA rounds in my XCR but I have shot a number of different loads. I have shot the 110gr Sierra Pro Hunter, a 90gr Varminter round no longer on their website (lots of muzzle flash), 90gr Speer TNT round, and my defense loading of Tactical Load 110gr Barnes TSX rounds. I like the SSA ammo and service and can't wait for them to finally release the 90gr Plinking round at a reasonable price.

[crenca]

Here is a good price on some the 90 grain speer TNT load from SSA:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM597-5.html

About as good as price as you are going to get with 6.8 ammo right now.  They have been talking about the $15 a box 90 grain "plinking" round for about a year now.  Now that SSA is in the middle of a move to Washington state it looks like spring at the earliest.

Those Barrett mags are tough.  I have dropped them on concrete, fully loaded on the feed lips with only small scuff marks to show for it.  However, they will not lock into the mag well when fully loaded with bolt forward - and even don't like to downloaded to 28 rounds...

[Sean K.]

Here is a good price on some the 90 grain speer TNT load from SSA:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM597-5.html

About as good as price as you are going to get with 6.8 ammo right now.  They have been talking about the $15 a box 90 grain "plinking" round for about a year now.  Now that SSA is in the middle of a move to Washington state it looks like spring at the earliest.

Those Barrett mags are tough.  I have dropped them on concrete, fully loaded on the feed lips with only small scuff marks to show for it.  However, they will not lock into the mag well when fully loaded with bolt forward - and even don't like to downloaded to 28 rounds...

Hmmm....wonder if it's your particular mags or the XCR.  My LWRC takes all 11 of my Barrett 6.8 mags loaded to 30 rounds on a closed bolt with no problem. 

Sean

[the tick]

Here is a good price on some the 90 grain speer TNT load from SSA:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM597-5.html

About as good as price as you are going to get with 6.8 ammo right now.  They have been talking about the $15 a box 90 grain "plinking" round for about a year now.  Now that SSA is in the middle of a move to Washington state it looks like spring at the earliest.

Those Barrett mags are tough.  I have dropped them on concrete, fully loaded on the feed lips with only small scuff marks to show for it.  However, they will not lock into the mag well when fully loaded with bolt forward - and even don't like to downloaded to 28 rounds...

Sweet! The ammo price, not the magazine issue. Is the TNT similar to the Varmint Grenade?

[Carl AMG]

Here is a good price on some the 90 grain speer TNT load from SSA:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM597-5.html

About as good as price as you are going to get with 6.8 ammo right now.  They have been talking about the $15 a box 90 grain "plinking" round for about a year now.  Now that SSA is in the middle of a move to Washington state it looks like spring at the earliest.

Those Barrett mags are tough.  I have dropped them on concrete, fully loaded on the feed lips with only small scuff marks to show for it.  However, they will not lock into the mag well when fully loaded with bolt forward - and even don't like to downloaded to 28 rounds...

Sweet! The ammo price, not the magazine issue. Is the TNT similar to the Varmint Grenade?

I bought some of the same ammo direct from SSA in a 100 pack for cheaper but it looks like they are sold out. Keep an eye for ammo on sale at SSA and you can get some decent deals. Please beg and plead with SSA to get the plinking load out to the public. We need reasonably priced ammo to have 6.8SPC really take off.

I don't know what the Varmint grenade is but I have found that the SSA 90gr Varmint they used to sell is different than the Speer TNT 90gr. There is much more muzzle flash on the old Varmint round.

With regards to magazines I just recently got a 10 round PRI mag for bench shooting and it's a 100% runner.

[bolster]

I shot 120 rounds today, mostly the SSA Speer 90gr TNT. It would only cycle on gas setting 4, but this is a new conversion kit, so maybe it needs more break-in.  115 gr OTM's work fine on 3, didn't try 2, as it's not broken in.

Tried shooting the 90 gr TNT's in my AR in 6.8, with an 18" Kotonics/Cardinal barrel, mid-length gas.  Would not cycle enough to pick up the next round out of the magazine.  115gr OTM's worked fine.  So, I guess there is a significant charge difference.

[Carl AMG]

I shot 120 rounds today, mostly the SSA Speer 90gr TNT. It would only cycle on gas setting 4, but this is a new conversion kit, so maybe it needs more break-in.  115 gr OTM's work fine on 3, didn't try 2, as it's not broken in.

Tried shooting the 90 gr TNT's in my AR in 6.8, with an 18" Kotonics/Cardinal barrel, mid-length gas.  Would not cycle enough to pick up the next round out of the magazine.  115gr OTM's worked fine.  So, I guess there is a significant charge difference.

My conversion kit is broken in and I run the Speer 90gr TNT on 3 no problem; next time I'll try 2 and see how it goes. I also felt that the 110gr SSA loads I've shot had more charge/recoil to consistently cycle at lower numbered gas settings than the 90gr loads. I am looking to try some of the SSA 85gr. Barnes TSX ammo in commercial and tactical loadings to see how that runs.

I'd keep the bolt/carrier lubed up really well until you're fully broken in.

[Carl AMG]

Here is a good price on some the 90 grain speer TNT load from SSA:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM597-5.html

About as good as price as you are going to get with 6.8 ammo right now.  They have been talking about the $15 a box 90 grain "plinking" round for about a year now.  Now that SSA is in the middle of a move to Washington state it looks like spring at the earliest.

Those Barrett mags are tough.  I have dropped them on concrete, fully loaded on the feed lips with only small scuff marks to show for it.  However, they will not lock into the mag well when fully loaded with bolt forward - and even don't like to downloaded to 28 rounds...

Hmmm....wonder if it's your particular mags or the XCR.  My LWRC takes all 11 of my Barrett 6.8 mags loaded to 30 rounds on a closed bolt with no problem. 

Sean

I have the same issue as Crenca with the Barrett mags loaded to 30 rounds in my XCR. I keep my (Barrett) defense mag fully loaded to 30 and know I need to insert it on an open bolt.

[Sean K.]

Here is a good price on some the 90 grain speer TNT load from SSA:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM597-5.html

About as good as price as you are going to get with 6.8 ammo right now.  They have been talking about the $15 a box 90 grain "plinking" round for about a year now.  Now that SSA is in the middle of a move to Washington state it looks like spring at the earliest.

Those Barrett mags are tough.  I have dropped them on concrete, fully loaded on the feed lips with only small scuff marks to show for it.  However, they will not lock into the mag well when fully loaded with bolt forward - and even don't like to downloaded to 28 rounds...

Hmmm....wonder if it's your particular mags or the XCR.  My LWRC takes all 11 of my Barrett 6.8 mags loaded to 30 rounds on a closed bolt with no problem. 

Sean

I have the same issue as Crenca with the Barrett mags loaded to 30 rounds in my XCR. I keep my (Barrett) defense mag fully loaded to 30 and know I need to insert it on an open bolt.

I haven't tried my Barretts in my XCR yet.....wonder if I'll have the same problem.  I'd guess so.

Thanks for the heads up.

Sean

[the tick]

Could the problem with the Barrett mags stem from how high the magazine sits in an XCR compared to ARs?

[bolster]

Could the problem with the Barrett mags stem from how high the magazine sits in an XCR compared to ARs?

That is what I believe to be the issue.  It's hard for me to get them to seat with the bolt closed.

[crenca]

I also believe the SSA 90 grain TNT loading is not the strongest charge.  They cycle my broke in rifle on 3, but they don't get thrown very far. 

Might be better to break in a rifle/conversion kit with Horndy, S&B, or SSA's 110 grain pro hunters, regular or tactical loading. 

[SheepDog]

Here is a good price on some the 90 grain speer TNT load from SSA:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM597-5.html

About as good as price as you are going to get with 6.8 ammo right now.  They have been talking about the $15 a box 90 grain "plinking" round for about a year now.  Now that SSA is in the middle of a move to Washington state it looks like spring at the earliest.

Those Barrett mags are tough.  I have dropped them on concrete, fully loaded on the feed lips with only small scuff marks to show for it.  However, they will not lock into the mag well when fully loaded with bolt forward - and even don't like to downloaded to 28 rounds...

Hmmm....wonder if it's your particular mags or the XCR.  My LWRC takes all 11 of my Barrett 6.8 mags loaded to 30 rounds on a closed bolt with no problem. 

Sean

I have the same issue as Crenca with the Barrett mags loaded to 30 rounds in my XCR. I keep my (Barrett) defense mag fully loaded to 30 and know I need to insert it on an open bolt.

I haven't tried my Barretts in my XCR yet.....wonder if I'll have the same problem.  I'd guess so.

Thanks for the heads up.

Sean

After reading this column I loaded 30 rounds into one of my Barrett 6.8 mags. I couldn't slam it home but I turned the rifle rifle sideways, inserted the mag, slapped the bottom and it stuck. Did it twice. So it can be done.

SheepDog 

[bolster]

I also believe the SSA 90 grain TNT loading is not the strongest charge.  They cycle my broke in rifle on 3, but they don't get thrown very far. 

Might be better to break in a rifle/conversion kit with Horndy, S&B, or SSA's 110 grain pro hunters, regular or tactical loading. 

My exact thoughts. When I fired 115 gr OTMs from SSA on setting 4, they were going at least 10 feet further.  Made collecting brass a pain.

BTW- no problems whatsoever with my C-products 6.8 mags. I am really happy with them and will probably buy only C-products from here on out. The price is right, and the quality is there!

[SheepDog]

Plus one on the "C" mags. I own 14 and they were all 100% performers. I used them for my break in of 350 rounds, fully loaded 25 rnds each. I bought 5 Barrett 6.8 mags (got a good deal) but have not tried them yet.

SheepDog 

[gunner69]

When I started with the 6.8, I bought a bunch of new Remington brass at a good price.  I don't want a chance to mix up small primered brass with large primered brass so haven't loaded any of the various small primered cases.

I have been reloading the 115gr bullet, both the FMJ and hunting bullet.  I am happy with both as the shoot good groups.  Maybe in the spring, after hunting season, I will try some 110gr reloads.  I like the 6.8 as it is capable of taking deer or wild boar, not just ground squirrels like the 5.56.

[Carl AMG]

Plus one on the "C" mags. I own 14 and they were all 100% performers. I used them for my break in of 350 rounds, fully loaded 25 rnds each. I bought 5 Barrett 6.8 mags (got a good deal) but have not tried them yet.

SheepDog 

I have 7 or 8 C Products mags bought direct and they are 100% as well. I had an 18 round C Products straight mag bought from a 3rd party vendor that was bad. I just mailed it to C Products with a letter asking for a replacement and they quickly sent me back a new (25 rd.?) one.

[Carl AMG]

I like the 6.8 as it is capable of taking deer or wild boar, not just ground squirrels like the 5.56.

I'd love to go boar hunting with my 6.8 XCR sometime. Sounds like a lot of fun!

[stanc]

Notice of a special sale on SSA 6.8 ammo:
http://www.68forums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10579

[crenca]

88 cents a round before shipping.  Better but by no means great.

More (elusive as it is) evidence that .mil has no interest in 6.8...

[Desert_StormTrooper]

Really like everything I've read about 6.8SPC, have never shot it, but was considering making the switch.  But at $1/round at the time, and no good feel for military making it popular, I just can't justify spending $1/bang on it.

I'm holding off and if it comes down, I'll 'pull the trigger' on it.

[stanc]

88 cents a round before shipping.  Better but by no means great.

Yeah, but it comes packed in a "free" ammo can that's stenciled with a poor imitation of U.S. military markings. Shouldn't that count for something?

More (elusive as it is) evidence that .mil has no interest in 6.8...

If it really is "military surplus" as claimed in the ad, it may indeed be evidence of that.

[aziator]

Or it could just be an overrun that they can't sell as first run due to the age of the ammo.

[Carl AMG]

Personally I wouldn't be concerned about the age of this ammo and I'm tempted to go for some of this ammo deal. It appears to be tactical loads and that typically costs $1 more per box of twenty. Not the best sale price I've ever seen from SSA but I'm not sure there's anything cheaper out there at this time.

[stanc]

Or it could just be an overrun that they can't sell as first run due to the age of the ammo.

I dunno. Guns can be listed as new even if they've been on the shelf for several years. Is there any law or regulation which limits the time after manufacture that ammo can be sold as new?

[aziator]

Or it could just be an overrun that they can't sell as first run due to the age of the ammo.

I dunno. Guns can be listed as new even if they've been on the shelf for several years. Is there any law or regulation which limits the time after manufacture that ammo can be sold as new?

I think there may be something but I too would have to look further into it that I care to or it is worth.

[SheepDog]

I have now fired 380 rounds of 6.8 SSA 110 gr. Pro Hunter exclusively through my XCR. The last 30 rounds were fired on setting #1 and threw the brass 6 to 8 feet. I will leave it on #1 for now since I did not have a single malf during break in. I have total confidence in the rifle and this ammo combo.

Has anyone tried the Hornady TAP ammo in their XCR? A friend gave me three boxes I have yet to try.

SheepDog 

[Carl AMG]

I have now fired 380 rounds of 6.8 SSA 110 gr. Pro Hunter exclusively through my XCR. The last 30 rounds were fired on setting #1 and threw the brass 6 to 8 feet. I will leave it on #1 for now since I did not have a single malf during break in. I have total confidence in the rifle and this ammo combo.

Has anyone tried the Hornady TAP ammo in their XCR? A friend gave me three boxes I have yet to try.

SheepDog 

I haven't tried the TAP in 6.8 yet but it has been outstanding in my XCR in 5.56 mode. It's functioned perfectly and has been extremely accurate. Let us know how the 6.8 TAP works for you.

[aziator]

Look at my 7" 6.8 review, I used the TAP in that.  Also, as soon as I have good weather I will conduct a 9" review shooting TAP for accuracy and over the chrono.  The 6.8 TAP is what I used for my hogs I killed back in Nov. Put them all down with one shot each.

[gunner69]

Aziator,  If you like the 6.8 you will LOVE the 6.5G it will make the plate go "bing" way off.

[aziator]

That is what I hear but I am just trying to learn to shoot at further distances with repeatable success.  With only a 100m range where I live I think that 6.8 is OK for now.  Plus, there will be a hunting model 6.8 AR released at SHOT featuring the first Hammer Forged 6.8 Barrels.  I should have one in my hands either right before the show or after, depending on parts.

[gunner69]

I wish there was a better selection of bullets for the 6.8 SPC.  It is a handicap to the reloader. 

[aziator]

It really depends what you want to do.  I think the Barnes 85gr TSX is a killer round.  I should have some chrono numbers soon.

[Cid1911]

Look at my 7" 6.8 review, I used the TAP in that.  Also, as soon as I have good weather I will conduct a 9" review shooting TAP for accuracy and over the chrono.  The 6.8 TAP is what I used for my hogs I killed back in Nov. Put them all down with one shot each.

I hear that, it's about 5 degrees below zero now with the windchill here. Maybe I'm not as much of a hard-charger as I used to be, but I like it to be at least a sunny 25 degrees before I'll go out to the range. I killed a smallish (100 lbs or so) whitetail deer with a .223 Hornaday TAP round. I believe it was with the 60 grain bullet. Dropped it with one shot through the shoulder at about 70 yards.