277 Fury VS 6.8 SPC

If you’re as excited about modern rifle cartridges as we are, you’ve probably jumped into debates around 277 Fury VS 6.8 SPC. Both cartridges owe their existence to the U.S. military. Their creation came about due to the battlefield limitations of the 5.56 NATO round.  While both are designed to outperform the aging 5.56 NATO round, they do so by taking different paths.

The .277 Sig Fury is the U.S. Army’s new go-to battle rifle cartridge. It was specifically designed as part of the Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon Program.  The 6.8 SPC evolved from the needs of the Army’s Marksmanship Unit. It’s seen plenty of action on the battlefield, however, it’s more known these days for its popularity with civilian hunters, and AR-15 owners. 

On paper, it’s hard to tell which cartridge performs the best. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a newbie looking for insights, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down these two contenders and see how they stack up.

277 Fury VS 6.8 SPC

Let’s take a quick look at the differences. 6.8 SPC is a different cartridge than the .277 Sig Fury.  The 6.8 SPC cartridge measures 6.8x43mm and was designed to be compatible with the AR-15 rifle platform. The larger .277 Sig Fury measures 6.8x51mm and is too large for the AR-15 rifle platform. You’ll need to bump up to an AR-10 style rifle (or Sig MCX) to have compatibility with the .277 Sig Fury.

In terms of ballistics, the .277 Sig Fury bullet has more velocity (capable of 3,000+ FPS), and more energy (capable of 3,000+ FT LBS) than the 6.8 SPC. This is partially because the .277 Sig Fury has a longer case length. This allows it to hold more powder and withstand a higher maximum pressure at 80,000 PSI. Whereas the smaller 6.8 SPC cartridge tops out at 55,000 PSI. 

Dimensions for the .277 Sig Fury: 

• Designed: 2019
• Designer: Sig Sauer
• Type: Centerfire Rifle
• Case capacity: 54gr H2O

Dimensions for the 6.8 SPC: 

• Designed: 2002-2004
• Designer: Remington Arms
• Type: Centerfire Rifle
• Case capacity: 34.8-36.9GR H2O

History: 277 Fury VS 6.8 SPC

Both the .277 Fury and the 6.8 SPC have been in the limelight, each staking its claim in the firearms community. Although both were created for military applications, they’ve become sought-after rounds in the civilian market. Let’s take a look at their unique histories below.

.277 Sig Fury History

The .277 Fury is a relatively new kid on the block, created by SIG Sauer for U.S. Army applications. This cartridge has one primary goal: to outpace the performance of existing infantry rifle rounds while still being usable in short-action rifles. It’s the same case length (2.015″) as the established 7.62×51 NATO round, with its extra length attributed to the elongated .277 bullet (similar to the 7mm-08 Rem). 

Its unique “hybrid” casing consists of three parts: A stainless steel base, an aluminum locking washer, and a brass casing. Sig claims that these hybrid cases have a higher yield strength, allowing them to handle higher maximum pressures, increasing performance and reliability (standard brass, low-pressure cases for the civilian market also exist). When comparing it to similar military cartridges: In terms of size, it sits above the 5.56 NATO, and barely above the 7.62×51 NATO. In terms of ballistics, it sits above the 5.56 NATO in energy, but is slightly below it in average velocity. It sits above the 7.62×51 NATO with slightly more muzzle energy and velocity on average.

6.8 SPC History

A bit older in origin, the 6.8 SPC (Special Purpose Cartridge) came about in the early 2000s with collaboration from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. Its aim? To rectify the perceived deficiencies of the 5.56 NATO round, especially in short-barreled rifles. The 6.8 SPC never caught on with the masses, or at least not to the degree that its developers had hoped. But it is still a great round that offers some definitive advantages over the 5.56 NATO.

Despite being based on the .30 Rem cartridge, the 6.8 SPC is very close in size to the 5.56 NATO round. Its .277 bullet diameter (same as the .270 Win) is closer in size to the 7.62×51 NATO round, but its performance more closely resembles the 6.5 Grendel. When comparing it to similar military cartridges: In terms of size, it sits between the 5.56 NATO, and the 7.62×51 NATO. In terms of ballistics, it sits just below the 5.56 NATO, and the 7.62×51 NATO, in both muzzle energy and velocity. 

Ballistic Comparison: 277 Fury VS 6.8 SPC

Now that we’ve gotten the history lesson out of the way, let’s get to what you really care about, performance! A cool origin story is great and all, but ballistics are what really matter the most. The ballistic data below was recorded using a 16″ rifle barrel. Keep in mind the numbers below will differ based on the type of ammunition you’re using, the length of the gun barrel, and weather/wind conditions.

277 Fury

The Fury’s claim to fame is its unique three-piece case design, which allows it to operate at higher pressures than traditional brass-cased ammunition. This translates into faster muzzle velocities and, consequently, flatter trajectories. The cartridge has showcased its ability to deliver consistent performance over various distances, making it a versatile choice.

6.8 SPC

With its roots in enhancing close-quarters battle performance, the 6.8 SPC offers increased bullet weight and improved ballistics over the 5.56 NATO. Many users laud it for its balanced attributes, giving a good blend of range and stopping power. However, the .277 Fury outperforms it at longer distances. 

Standard Ballistics

The 135gr FMJ in .277 Sig Fury is a solid performer. It hits 2,750 FPS in muzzle velocity leaving the 16 inch barrel, with an impressive 2,267 FT LBS of energy. Bullet energy stays well over 1,200 FT LBS out to 300 yards and beyond, giving it more stopping power than the 6.8 SPC bullet. Bullet drop is even at 100 yards and only 10.8 inches at 300 yards, showing off its impressive flat trajectory.

For a S&B 110-grain 6.8 SPC cartridge, you’ll get a respectable muzzle velocity of 2,556 FPS, and 1,767 FPS at 300 yards. The energy will be about 1,500 FT LBS  at the muzzle, dropping all the way to 763 FT LBS at 300 yards. Bullet drop is negligible at 100 yards and falls 18.1 inches at the 300 yard mark.

Hunting Ballistics

The 130gr SP in .277 Sig Fury is a hunter’s dream. It hits 2,710 in muzzle velocity leaving a 16 inch barrel, with an impressive 2,120 FT LBS of energy. Bullet energy stays well over 1,000 FT LBS to 300 yards and beyond, giving it more power to drop a deer at a distance than the 6.8 SPC. Bullet drop is zero at 100 yards and it remains respectable, dropping 11.9 inches at 300 yards.

For the 90gr Federal round in 6.8 SPC, you’ll get a muzzle velocity of 2,605 FPS and 2,089 FPS at 300 yards. The energy will be about 1,355 FT LBS at the muzzle, dropping to 581 FT LBS at 300 yards, trying to take a deer beyond that range is questionable with this specific cartridge. Bullet drop is negligible until 300 yards when it falls about 15 inches below the point of aim.

Performance Ballistics

The 150gr poly-tip “hybrid” .277 Sig Fury cartridge is a beast. It hits 2,830 in muzzle velocity leaving a 16 inch barrel, with a mighty 2,667 FT LBS of energy. Bullet energy stays well over 1,500 FT LBS to 300 yards and beyond, giving it almost double the stopping power of the 6.8 SPC bullet. Bullet drop is zeroed at 100 yards and only falls 9.6 inches at 300 yards.

For a 110-grain Hornady Black cartridge in 6.8 SPC, you’ll get a muzzle velocity of 2,550 FPS and 1,893 FPS at 300 yards. The energy will be just under 1,600 FT LBS at the muzzle and 875 FT LBS at 300 yards. Bullet drop is solid, it only falls 10.4 inches below the point of aim at 300 yards.

Usability & Compatibility

Since it’s a newer round, firearms chambered explicitly for the .277 Fury are harder to come by, but they (semi-auto, and bolt-action options) are out there. In theory, the .277 Fury is compatible with the AR-10 rifle platform, meaning that by swapping out the barrel and bolt on your AR-10, you should be able to safely run low-pressure, civilian market brass .277 Fury ammo.

However, keep in mind that the .277 Fury cartridge has an extremely high max pressure (80,000 PSI). The “hybrid” high-pressure .277 Fury military rounds are loaded much hotter than the brass civilian cartridges. For safety reasons, it’s important that you know the maximum port/chamber pressure that your AR-10 rifle can handle, and don’t overload it. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer, or your local gunsmith before proceeding. 

Given its longer tenure, there’s a broader market for 6.8 SPC-chambered firearms. For AR-15 enthusiasts, switching to 6.8 SPC often requires a new bolt and barrel, making the transition relatively painless. You’ll have a much easier time finding 6.8 SPC components for your AR. Plenty of finished uppers come chambered in 6.8 SPC if you don’t want to do the barrel swap yourself. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

Ammo Futures: 277 Fury VS 6.8 SPC

The 6.8 SPC has been around for over a decade and is here to stay. While no one can know if the .277 Fury will build its own loyal following, things are looking good so far. Here’s a glimpse into the future of both cartridges. 

.277 Fury

Given its recent entry and SIG’s push for its adoption in military trials, the future looks bright for the .277 Fury. If it gets the nod from defense forces, expect it to gain substantial traction. Even if it doesn’t, some gun owners love to follow the newest fads and will undoubtedly become fierce .277 Fury loyalists (Looking at you, 6.5 Creedmoor). 

6.8 SPC

While it didn’t become the military standard it initially intended, the 6.8 SPC has found love among hunters and sport shooters. Its established foothold ensures it won’t be fading anytime soon. And there is a vast selection of products, from finished rifles to barrels and BCGs. Oh, and the ammo is easier to find. 

Cost & Availability

So, what will it cost you to get these rounds? Can you even find them?  Being newer and having a unique case design means the .277 Fury is generally pricier than conventional rounds. As for availability, while it’s gaining traction, it may not be as readily available as some other cartridges. 

Having been around for almost two decades, the 6.8 SPC is more widely available, and options in terms of manufacturers and loadings are diverse. Prices can be higher than more common rounds like the 5.56 NATO, but it’s generally more affordable than the 277 Fury.

Best Cartridge: 277 Fury VS 6.8 SPC

If you’re looking for cutting-edge performance and are willing to risk investing in the latest cartridge tech, the .277 Fury offers exciting prospects. Its high-pressure capabilities and versatile ballistics are undoubtedly attractive. It is important to remember that its performance is dependent on the quality of the gun it is chambered in. Currently, those guns are relatively more expensive, with limited options, and are somewhat difficult to acquire. 

For those who want a proven round that bridges the gap between the 5.56 NATO and larger cartridges, the 6.8 SPC is a reliable bet. Its blend of range, stopping power, and availability make it a favorite for many. As an added bonus, it’s compatible with the standard AR-15 platform, which, has more availability, accessories, and options than any other centerfire rifle in existence. 

So, which cartridge should claim the top spot in your armory? It depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you lean toward the innovative .277 Fury or the tried-and-true 6.8 SPC, one thing’s for sure: firearm technology is ever-evolving, and it’s a thrilling journey for all of us!