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Posted: 10/30/2006 2:51:58 AM EDT
I don't know much about balistics, or hunting, etc....  
so that's a real quesiton not a 'lets jump on 6.8' invite......

This is in addition to the AR and 1911 we all have, in a long term SHTF situatiojn, can you get away with a 6.8 for larger jobs (hunting, long range work) or does it not stand up to the 308?
Link Posted: 10/30/2006 3:00:42 AM EDT
[#1]
The biggest problem I can think of is availability of ammo.
Link Posted: 10/30/2006 3:08:09 AM EDT
[#2]

Quoted:
The biggest problem I can think of is availability of ammo.


+1  Also i should thing the 6.8 would not be able to take large game as well ie, moose, elk, black bear (big ones, not VA ones).  the .308 can because it can be loaded with heavy 175 and up bullets.  

Link Posted: 10/30/2006 4:22:43 AM EDT
[#3]

Quoted:

Quoted:
The biggest problem I can think of is availability of ammo.


+1  Also i should thing the 6.8 would not be able to take large game as well ie, moose, elk, black bear (big ones, not VA ones).  the .308 can because it can be loaded with heavy 175 and up bullets.  



isn't the 270 a popular hunting cartridge?
Link Posted: 10/30/2006 4:46:44 AM EDT
[#4]
The .270 is a very popular hunting round, but it's sitting on a lot more powder than the 6.8.

I would say the answer to your question is no.
Link Posted: 10/30/2006 4:48:39 AM EDT
[#5]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Quoted:
The biggest problem I can think of is availability of ammo.


+1  Also i should thing the 6.8 would not be able to take large game as well ie, moose, elk, black bear (big ones, not VA ones).  the .308 can because it can be loaded with heavy 175 and up bullets.  



isn't the 270 a popular hunting cartridge?



Just because a round is the same diameter does not mean that the ballistic performance is the same.  While 6.8mm may be very similar to .270 in dimension, the .270 case is much longer than the 6.8mm round which gives the .270 a larger powder capacity.  
.270 is a derivation of the .30-03 cartridge (very similar to .30-06).  That makes .270 a very popular hunting cartridge because it becomes a fast shooting, and hard hitting game round.  

Link Posted: 10/30/2006 5:10:38 AM EDT
[#6]
The 6.8 has less than 75% of the muzzle energy of a 308.  Plus, bullet selection is severly limited by mag length.

It will not do everything a 308 will do, but it is sufficient for big game in the whitetail deer sized range. (2 legged of 4 legged)
Link Posted: 10/30/2006 5:28:43 AM EDT
[#7]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Quoted:
The biggest problem I can think of is availability of ammo.


+1  Also i should thing the 6.8 would not be able to take large game as well ie, moose, elk, black bear (big ones, not VA ones).  the .308 can because it can be loaded with heavy 175 and up bullets.  



isn't the 270 a popular hunting cartridge?


yes, but just because it's the same caliber doesn't mean anything.  the 6.8 typically reaches speeds of up to 2700 FPS with 110 or 115 grain loads, but those are the heaviest bullets you can use in an AR platform.  the 270 Win. reaches speeds of 3100 FPS with those same bullets. but the 270 is for bolt guns and you can load 150-160 grain bullets that are good for larger game in it.

ETA already been explained, but this added some useful loading info.
Link Posted: 10/30/2006 7:40:35 AM EDT
[#8]

Quoted:

yes, but just because it's the same caliber doesn't mean anything.  the 6.8 typically reaches speeds of up to 2700 FPS with 110 or 115 grain loads, but those are the heaviest bullets you can use in an AR platform.  the 270 Win. reaches speeds of 3100 FPS with those same bullets. but the 270 is for bolt guns and you can load 150-160 grain bullets that are good for larger game in it.

ETA already been explained, but this added some useful loading info.


I agree the diffs were explained well. The only comparisons Ive seen between 6.8 and .308 is that the 6.8 ballistic arc "mirrors" the .308. No it will not have the same terminal energy as the .308 either. As explained due to bullet wgt and available powder charge.

The .270 is a 30.06 case necked down to .270 so the available powder charge and bullet wgts made it a popular load. I wondered about a 27.08(.308 brass necked down to .270) but the 7mm08 pretty much covers that idea already(.270= 6.8mm).
Link Posted: 10/30/2006 7:49:07 AM EDT
[#9]
Regarding people, yes.

Regarding other things, no.
Link Posted: 10/30/2006 10:22:38 AM EDT
[#10]

Quoted:

Quoted:
The biggest problem I can think of is availability of ammo.


+1  Also i should thing the 6.8 would not be able to take large game as well ie, moose, elk, black bear (big ones, not VA ones).  the .308 can because it can be loaded with heavy 175 and up bullets.  


Ammo availability is becoming a moot point. Surplus 6.8 aint happening anytime soon, but with SSA, Remington, Hornady, Thompson Center and Barrett loading ammo, Its out there. Handloaders have been going hog wild developing 6.8 loads. If your handloading look into it.

The 6.8 will reliably take "normal" sized game(whitetail, Muley, hogs) to feed the brood in a SHTF sitch.

Link Posted: 10/30/2006 10:28:37 AM EDT
[#11]
.308

Link Posted: 10/30/2006 10:29:51 AM EDT
[#12]
False.
Link Posted: 10/30/2006 10:34:48 AM EDT
[#13]
Link Posted: 10/30/2006 11:17:19 AM EDT
[#14]

Quoted:
In terms of SHTF (which is what you asked), the cost/availability of ammo would simply make it cost-prohibitive for me to stockpile in the quantities that I would find comfort in.  YMMV.

I built a 6.8SPC early on, and I like it just fine... but now that I have a .308 AR (which I like far better than I ever thought I would ), I don't see any reason whatsoever to keep a 6.8SPC AR around & will be selling it.  Again, YMMV.


True, stockpiling factory 6.8 ammo would be cost -prohibitive. The big "IF" is handloading( and having time available) if your into handloading that would drop the cost of 6.8 ammo. Thats the best $$wise way to "stockpile" 6.8. JMHO, YMMV

I have a Bushmaster Bar-10. I like all 3 calibers, 5.56, 6.8SPC and .308. I myself will not go off experimenting with any other AR calibers trying this and that. Except for maybe a pistol caliber carbine...ie...45ACP..but thats a moot point here.


But to address the o/p's SHTF question. GO .308 for terminal energy, being able to"reach out thar" if needed and surplus ammo availability. IMHO
Link Posted: 10/30/2006 12:49:24 PM EDT
[#15]
false, there isn't a belt fed for it yet....

seriously 308 can rip up a brick wall go thru pine trees deny bad guys cover ect will the 6.8?
Link Posted: 10/30/2006 12:59:37 PM EDT
[#16]
Link Posted: 10/30/2006 4:01:13 PM EDT
[#17]
One size does not fit all, though the Chineese are thinking otherwise.
Link Posted: 10/30/2006 6:46:17 PM EDT
[#18]
The 6.8 reminds me of the 7.62x39mm.

.308 for ammo availability and sheer nastiness.
Link Posted: 10/30/2006 6:52:12 PM EDT
[#19]
Maybe if I was trying to milk an M-16 lower for all it was worth or something like that I'd go with 6.8mm.  Otherwise I think I'd stick with 308.
Link Posted: 10/31/2006 3:07:38 AM EDT
[#20]
SHTF= 308

6.8 is to pricey,, not readily avialble ect ect ect ect.

now if your johhny bench rest/milk jug  shooter.. have fun....but not for a "Event"
Link Posted: 10/31/2006 3:22:20 AM EDT
[#21]
False!

If  TSHTF, 6.8mm wont work in my .308 Rem700.

So that is one thing it cant do that .308 can






Sorry, I had to
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