AR15 .223 to 6.8 SPC

[Rlandry]

If I take one of my ARs and install a 6.8 SPC barrel and BCG, can I use the existing buffer and spring or do I need to go with something different. I want to try out the caliber to see if I like it before committing to a full blown build. If I like it I'll build a dedicated lower and upper.
I habd load, but will not be loading super hot, but within the load tables, and it will not be suppressed. Looking at either a 16" or 18" barrel.
What magazines are used in the AR 68 SPC and where are they available?
I had seriously considered an AR10, but did not want the learning curve or the tool expense associated with the big bore ARs.

All comments appreciated.

Edited to add:
I'm not running an adjustable gas block.

 

[mudpig]

You'll love the 6.8 SPC II. I currently have a 16" Wilson barrel and it's a shooter! Barrel, bolt and magazines are all you need. Buffer and spring are the same. Magazines, I think you can get from most online locations.

 

[snarkscarbine]

It’ll use the same spring/buffer, but a heavier buffer or a different spring may help it run better.

 

[357Max]

The best mags for 6.8 & .224 are PRI

Precision Reflex - Product Detail - 6.8MM, .224 Valkyrie, .22 Nosler 15 Round Capacity Magazine - $36.00

And your in luck PRI just put up %15 off BF sale.

Precision Reflex Inc. | AR 15 Rifles and Tools

I also have a few ASC 10 round 6.8 mags that have worked well.

 

[Rlandry]

What about barrel length, 16 or18". I'm not a long range shooter.

 

[ed308]

I have four 6.8 ARs with barrels by LWRC, PSA, and ARP (x2). The ARP barrels are the most accurate of my 6.8. They will easily print .5 MOA or better. The PSA is slight larger. All of those are DI ARs. My LWRC Six8 SPR is a piston AR and shoots around .75 MOA. I use PRI 15 round mags mostly except for one of my LWRC AR which uses the larger Six8 PMAG. I'd go with a 16" barrel. There's really not much of a difference between a 16" and 18" barrel. So go with the length that feels right for you.

 

[357Max]

6.8's don't need a long barrel, not really geared towards long range high BC pills. Better for hunting class bullets like 120SST.

I've got a 16" Black Hole SPR profile. Happy with it so far & looking forward to reloading for it. Columbia river arms usually does a %25 off sale for Black Friday, but it's not up yet.

X-Caliber has a sale on right now and may have 6.8's in stock.

For BCG I used a toolcraft DLC coated from Arm or Ally +-$130

 

[mudpig]

I've got a bunch of small primer Barrett brass, small Winchester rifle primers with Hornady 110gr HPBT and A1680 powder. 2600fps and right at .75 MOA. 16" Wilson barrel 1:11 twist.

 

[Hound Dog]

LWRC has the bolts on sale right now, as stated above PRI mags are the best. I have a couple of variations from a factory built LWRC to several I put together myself. I like Wilson combat or ARP performance barrels. I have one built with a 18 inch Wilson combat barrel, bolt and almost all wislon parts, and a 16 inch that is built with all ARP barrel and bolt. I keep one dedicated for a night hunting rig and a similar with a day scope for when the sun shines. All mine love the Hornandy 120 grain SST, and shoot in the .75 MOA or less (most of the time .5) out to 300 yards. I use the 6.8 for everything I used to use a 30/30 for. Hunting pigs in the swamps and along the edge of fields it really can't be beat.

6.8 SPCII

6.8 SPCII barrels, AR Performance, ARP has been the number 1 choice in 6.8 SPC barrels for over 10 years, that is my only goal.

ar15performance.com

 

[LeadZeke]

Don't overlook AR Performance for a 6.8SPC setup, they make great stuff.

 

[nn8734]

What about barrel length, 16 or18". I'm not a long range shooter.

14.5” is a great overall length for an AR, esp if you will be running a can...you can always pin/weld the brake to avoid the form 1 process. 6.8 spc doesn’t need a lot of barrel length to perform. I run 110g Nosler accubonds in mine.