6.8 SPC in a bolt gun??

[NorCalMikie]

Anybody try one yet and what do you think of it?? Lots of AR use but what about a bolt action?
Thinking of another project. ;D

 

[Laurie]

There's a feature on handloading 6.8 SPC in the 2007 Hodgdon Annual Manual using an AR and a Robar custom Cz527, the accuracy results given for the bolt gun.

If you haven't seen this piece, send me a PM and I'll email a scan of it to you.

Accuracy was far from impressive - best 100yd groups averaging a bit over the inch. In the text, the author Frank W. James says three-quarters inch is as good as it gets with the 6.8 in his view.

Despite that, I've just had my Southern Gun SSR-15 (a manuallly operated AR type, as we're not trusted with semi-auto centrefires in the UK) rebuilt in 6.8 with a Krieger 25" barrel. I've not had the chance to try handloads yet, so will have to see how it does once I can find a source of 115gn Sierra MKs in this country.

Laurie,
York, England

 

[rayjay]

I have a Savage with a Pacnor bbl. Magnum sporter bbl contour, .625 at the muzzle if I remember correctly. Below are some pics of groups I have fired with this rifle using SSA factory ammo. Unmodified factory tupperware stock. Pre-Accutrigger with a probably 3 lb pull. No windflags, shot before I ever fired my first Benchrest match.

The top group is 3 shots with the original SSA Extreme offering. Goes 2700 FPS in this rifle with only slightly flattened primers. The 5 shot group is with the SSA Matchking load after they reduced the powder charge. The bottom group is probably 3 shots, can't remember. I just looked at my notes which say this is 3 shots measuring .215.

Anybody that says the 6.8 won't shot good groups is an idiot. Judging a round's accuracy potential with crappy factory bbls is a farce. Typical modern 'journalism'. If you asked the guy how much he was bumping the shoulders on his reloads he probably wouldn't have any idea what you were talking about.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Anybody that says the 6.8 won't shoot good groups is an idot?? Ray, I like your style!! ;D
Less recoil than a .308, more poop than a .223. What's not to like.
I'am thinking that a straight pipe and a short throat chamber would be in order.

 

[rayjay]

IIRC the trajectory is basically the same as the 223 but with about double the energy after 300 yds.

 

[rayjay]

and a short throat chamber would be in order.

Actually the throat is pretty much at a minimum length already. There is a "Spec II" iirc and the only real difference is the the Spec II has a much longer throat to lower pressure ala Weatherby.

 

[kevinbritvec]

Like RayJay pointed out the 6.8 SPC actually needs the Spec II chamber, it has a longer leade and allows bullets to be seated longer before they are in the lands. This helps increase powder capacity which a small case like this can use.

6.8 can shoot as well as any other standard caliber, barrel quality and bullet selection is important just like any other round.

This is a very good caliber for people who dislike recoil, young shooters and short range deer hunters.

 

[rayjay]

The longer leade is probably needed more for the AR platform and the Savage chamber is better able to handle the pressure. If you shot the hot SSA Extreme loads in a Spec I chambered AR the primers will be falling out of some of the cases when you go to pick them up after firing. THAT will get your attention.

 

[ForneyRider]

I know this thread is old but here is some information on 6.8SPC...

Stag 7 has Spec II chamber in AR, with 1:11 twist barrel.

110gr Accubonds in Silver State Armory factory loads are loaded to higher pressure.