The 6.8 SPC (Special Purpose Cartridge) has earned a reputation as a versatile and effective round, whether you’re training, competing in matches, or hunting. Initially developed for military applications, the 6.8 SPC has found its way into the civilian market due to its ability to balance recoil and stopping power. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a new firearm enthusiast, understanding the features of the 6.8 SPC can help you choose the right ammo for your needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of the 6.8 SPC, its ballistics, and its comparison to the .308. We’ll also review some of the best 6.8 SPC ammo available for various uses, including training, competition, and hunting.
Key Takeaways
- History: The 6.8 SPC was originally developed by the U.S. military to enhance performance in short-barreled rifles.
- Ballistics: The 6.8 SPC balances accuracy, stopping power, and recoil, making it ideal for mixed-use applications.
- Ammo Selection: Grain weight and bullet type affect performance, with different ammo optimized for training, match shooting, and hunting.
- Comparison: The 6.8 SPC offers less recoil and lighter rounds than the .308, but the .308 has better long-range performance.
Best 6.8 SPC Ammo
When selecting 6.8 SPC ammo, it’s important to consider your intended use. Different bullet weights and types can significantly impact performance in different scenarios, whether you’re practicing at the range, competing in a match, or hunting. Below, we’ve broken down the best ammo for each category.
Plinking & Training Ammo
Federal American Eagle TMJ 115gr
Train and save at the range, with consistent Federal American Eagle TMJ 115gr ammo.
This is a great choice for range training. Its total metal jacket (TMJ) design ensures reliable feeding and consistent accuracy, making it ideal for extended practice sessions. The 115-grain bullet weight is light enough to minimize recoil yet offers enough mass for realistic training.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.8 SPC | TMJ | 115gr | 2,675 FPS | 1,827 FT LBS | 2,442 FPS/1,523 FT LBS | 2,221 FPS/1,260 FT LBS | 2,012 FPS/1,034 FT LBS |
Federal American Eagle 6.8mm SPC 115 Grain FMJ – 200 Rounds
$199.85
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Remington UMC FMJ 115gr
For high-volume shooting scenarios, Remington UMC FMJ 115gr won’t break the bank.
Another excellent training option is Remington’s 115-grain FMJ round, which is reliable and affordable. It’s designed for consistent performance and is ideal for extended range sessions or drills where volume shooting is a priority.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.8 SPC | FMJ | 115gr | 2,625 FPS | 1,759 FT LBS | 2,329 FPS/1,385 FT LBS | 2,053 FPS/1,076 FT LBS | 1,797 FPS/824 FT LBS |
Federal American Eagle 6.8mm SPC 115 Grain FMJ – 200 Rounds
$199.85
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Match Ammo
Remington Premier Match 115gr
Match grade accuracy when it matters, Remington’s 115-grain Premier Match OTM sets the bar high.
For those looking to push the limits of their rifle’s accuracy, Remington’s 115-grain Premier Match OTM ammo is a top-tier option. This ammo is designed for competitive shooters and delivers precision performance, ensuring tight groupings at the range.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.8 SPC | OTM | 115gr | 2,625 FPS | 1,759 FT LBS | 2,365 FPS/1,428 FT LBS | 2,119 FPS/1,147 FT LBS | 1,889 FPS/911 FT LBS |
Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 120 Grain SST - 20 Rounds
$29.85
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Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 120 Grain SST - 200 Rounds
$274.85
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Hornady SST 120gr
Sure, Hornady’s 6.8 SPC 120gr SST is good for hunting, but it also shoots flat and has excellent stabilization.
The Hornady SST (Super Shock Tip) is known for its impressive accuracy and terminal performance. At 120 grains, it’s slightly heavier, making it an excellent choice for match shooting. Its precision construction helps to maintain consistent accuracy shot after shot.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.8 SPC | SST | 120gr | 2,460 FPS | 1,612 FT LBS | 2,250 FPS/1,349 FT LBS | 2,051 FPS/1,121 FT LBS | 1,863 FPS/925 FT LBS |
Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 120 Grain SST - 20 Rounds
$29.85
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Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 120 Grain SST - 200 Rounds
$274.85
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Hunting Ammo
Federal Fusion MSR 115gr
This 115-grain round is specially designed for modern sporting rifles (MSRs). The bonded core bullet ensures deep penetration and controlled expansion. This makes it a top choice for hunting medium-sized game like deer and hogs.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.8 SPC | SP | 115gr | 2,470 FPS | 1,558 FT LBS | 2,248 FPS/1,290 FT LBS | 2,037 FPS/1,059 FT LBS | 1,838 FPS/862 FT LBS |
Winchester Deer Season XP 115gr
Expect larger wound cavities and faster knockdowns with Winchester’s Deer Season XP 115-grain cartridge.
Winchester’s Deer Season XP 115-grain load is another excellent hunting round. Its Extreme Point bullet design ensures massive impact trauma, making it ideal for deer hunting. Its accuracy and stopping power make it hard to beat for field use.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.8 SPC | XP | 115gr | 2,625 FPS | 1,759 FT LBS | 2,348 FPS/1,407 FT LBS | 2,087 FPS/1,112 FT LBS | 1,845 FPS/869 FT LBS |
Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 120 Grain SST - 20 Rounds
$29.85
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Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 120 Grain SST - 200 Rounds
$274.85
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Hornady BLACK 6.8 SPC 110 Grain V-MAX – 20 Rounds
$30.85
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Hornady Black 110gr
Hornady Black 6.8 SPC ammo features poly-tipped A-Max bullets designed for match-grade performance.
The Hornady Black 110-grain V-MAX round is designed for versatile hunting applications. Its polymer tip delivers fast expansion, making it highly effective for hunting smaller game or varmints. The lighter bullet weight also allows for higher muzzle velocities.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.8 SPC | Poly | 110gr | 2,575 FPS | 1,619 FT LBS | 2,343 FPS/1,341 FT LBS | 2,123 FPS/1,101 FT LBS | 1,916 FPS/896 FT LBS |
Hornady BLACK 6.8 SPC 110 Grain V-MAX – 20 Rounds
$30.85
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Cartridge Specs & Overview
The 6.8 SPC Remington fits right in between the 5.56x45mm NATO and the 7.62×51 NATO cartridges in size.
The 6.8 SPC is a rimless bottlenecked intermediate cartridge designed for performance in short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and carbines. Its specifications are tailored to offer improved lethality at close-to-medium ranges, and it is compatible with the AR-15 platform with a simple barrel and bolt change.
| Cartridge Specs | 6.8 SPC |
|---|---|
| Parent Casing | .30 Remington |
| Bullet Diameter | .277″ |
| Neck Diameter | .306″ |
| Base Diameter | .422″ |
| Case Length | 1.687″ |
| Overall Length | 2.260″ |
| Grain Weight | 85gr-120gr |
| Max Pressure (SAMMI) | 55,000 PSI |
The 6.8 SPC delivers a good balance between muzzle velocity, bullet weight, and recoil, making it effective in a range of scenarios. Its versatility and adaptability have made it a favorite for mixed-use applications, from target practice to hunting.
Ballistic Overview
Ballistics are a key consideration when choosing any round, and the 6.8 SPC excels in several areas. The cartridge is known for its excellent performance at short to medium ranges. Typically performing at it’s peak between 100 and 300 yards, making it ideal for hunters and tactical shooters.
- Muzzle velocity: Generally between 2,400 and 2,600 feet per second (fps), depending on bullet weight.
- Muzzle energy: Typically ranges from 1,600 to 1,900 foot-pounds.
- Effective range: The 6.8 SPC performs best at distances under 300 yards but can be stretched further with proper marksmanship and the right setup.
- Trajectory: The 6.8 SPC’s trajectory is relatively flat at short ranges but starts to drop more noticeably beyond 300 yards.
When it comes to performance, the 6.8 SPC balances the lightweight, lower-recoil 5.56 NATO with the harder-hitting but heavier .308 Winchester. At close ranges, it offers more punch than the 5.56 NATO without the high recoil of a larger caliber like the .308.
Pros & Cons: The 6.8 SPC Caliber
The 6.8 SPC is great for SBR builds, making it ideal for medium-range hunting and home defense applications.
Pros
- Balanced performance: The 6.8 SPC offers an ideal blend of recoil, accuracy, and stopping power, making it perfect for mixed-use scenarios.
- Versatility: The 6.8 SPC is well-suited for various applications, such as hunting, target shooting, and tactical operations.
- Effective in short-barreled rifles: The cartridge was designed to maximize performance in short-barreled rifles, making it great for AR-15 setups.
Cons
- Limited range: While it excels at close-to-mid-range, the 6.8 SPC lacks the long-range performance of rounds like the .308 Winchester.
- Ammunition availability: Although it’s gaining popularity, 6.8 SPC ammo isn’t as widely available as more common calibers, which can limit your options.
- Slightly more expensive: 6.8 SPC ammo tends to be pricier than 5.56 NATO or other similar intermediate rounds, which can add up if you’re doing a lot of shooting.
Best Uses: 6.8 SPC
The 6.8 SPC is a versatile cartridge that excels in a variety of situations. Here are some of the best uses for this round:
- Hunting: The 6.8 SPC’s increased stopping power and moderate recoil make it perfect for hunting medium-sized game. It can take deer and hogs, especially at ranges under 300 yards.
- Tactical and home defense: The cartridge’s ability to perform in short-barreled rifles makes it a strong choice for tactical use and home defense scenarios.
- Target shooting and training: The relatively low recoil and wide availability of FMJ training rounds make the 6.8 SPC an excellent option for extended-range sessions and drills.
6.8 SPC VS 308 Winchester
While the 6.8 SPC and the .308 Winchester are both effective cartridges, they serve different roles. The .308 is a full-powered rifle round that offers better long-range performance and greater stopping power. However, it comes with more recoil and heavier cartridge weight, which can be a drawback in specific scenarios.
In contrast, the 6.8 SPC is optimized for shorter ranges. It offers a balance of power and recoil that makes it easier to shoot accurately, especially in AR-15 platforms. If you’re primarily shooting at shorter distances or using a shorter-barreled rifle, the 6.8 SPC is an excellent choice. For long-range precision and greater stopping power, the .308 would be the better option.
A Brief History: The 6.8 SPC Remington Cartridge
The 6.8 SPC was developed in the early 2000s by members of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, in collaboration with Remington, to improve the terminal ballistics of the standard 5.56 NATO round. The main goal was to create a round with better stopping power for close- to mid-range engagements, particularly in short-barreled rifles. The result was the 6.8x43mm SPC, commonly called the 6.8 SPC.
Designed to provide greater lethality in shorter barrels, the 6.8 SPC has a higher bullet mass than the 5.56 NATO, delivering more energy on impact. Though initially designed for military use, the cartridge found popularity among civilian shooters, particularly those using AR-15 platforms for hunting, self-defense, and target shooting.
The Bottom Line
With a balance of power, recoil, and accuracy, the 6.8 SPC cartridge makes an excellent addition to any AR-15 owner’s arsenal.
The 6.8 SPC is a highly versatile cartridge well-suited for a wide range of applications from hunting to tactical shooting. Its balance of power, recoil, and accuracy make it an excellent choice for shooters looking for a reliable mixed-use round. When selecting the best 6.8 SPC ammo, consider your specific needs, whether it’s for training, competition, or hunting. With options like Federal FMJ, Hornady SST, and Winchester XP, you’re sure to find the right round for your rifle.
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