6.8 SPC

I'm really excited about this semi-new round. It was created for Special Operations Command to replace the 5.56 because enemy forces are staying in the fight when hit with 5.56. It is essentially a .270 bullet with a .30 Newton case shortened and necked down. This makes a lot of sense because the .270 Winchester is probably the greatest deer round of all. Dad and I have often discussed the ability of the .270 Win to drop deer. I guess this was a low tech. discussion of terminal ballistics. It is probably my favorite cartridge to reload because it was my grandfather's favorite round and he left me an outstanding platform to fire it from.

When the 5.56 inadequacy problem surfaced in Mogadishu (not a big surprise to hunters) SOC was charged to created a rifle that could be fired from the M16/M4 platform. They literally needed it to fit on the 5.56 lower with the same magazine dimensions. They needed more knock-down power and better terminal ballistics. I think they did it right. It is amazing to see how ballistically similar the 6.8 SPC and the 5.56 as far as trajectory is concerned. It is the perfect mix between the shock factor of the 7.62 and the trajectory of the 5.56. I think I have to have one.

There are a few drawbacks. A special waffled magazine is needed for the 6.8 SPC. Also, 6.8 is not a NATO round which limits availability. Also, full accuracy potential cannot be achieved because the overall length of the case ends up being determined by the magazine length.

The 6.8 will never be the service round. I understand the idea behind the 5.56 which is to teach common men with no weapon experience to yield good results on the range and on the battlefield with minimal training. I'll simply be ready to justify the 6.8 SPC if anyone ever asks.

Below is the 6.8 SPC beside the 5.56 NATO (.223 Remington)