New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

[346ci]

I figured since most of us here are into LR shooting from a AR15, this would be intresting. Awesome preformance from a small package.

http://www.ssarmory.com/index.aspx

2400fps from a 16" bbl, supersonic past 1000yds, over 500ft lbs of energy at 800yds.

 

[Pusher591]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

Very interesting, you happen to know a BC for the projectile? Might be a good competitor for the 6.5 Grendal if the BC is right.

 

[346ci]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

0.487. Defintley puts the 6.8 closer to the 6.5/.264 but I'd still go with a .264 for serious LR work.

 

[Pusher591]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

Yeah, definitely but really excited for the 6.8 guys, I bet they are excited.

 

[bustin]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 346ci</div><div class="ubbcode-body">0.487. Defintley puts the 6.8 closer to the 6.5/.264 but I'd still go with a .264 for serious LR work. </div></div>
LOL, I'd rather shoot a 6BR or BRX for looong range work.

Are ya keeping em hopping over on arfcom?

 

[346ci]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bustin</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 346ci</div><div class="ubbcode-body">0.487. Defintley puts the 6.8 closer to the 6.5/.264 but I'd still go with a .264 for serious LR work. </div></div>
LOL, I'd rather shoot a 6BR or BRX for looong range work.

Are ya keeping em hopping over on arfcom? </div></div>

A 6BR or BRX would be sweet, I barely have the time to reload so investing more time into those ain't going to happen right now. That is why I'm thinking a .264 would be a better choice, for me anyway.

Yeah, those guys are a riot but giving a few of them a reality check every so often works.

 

[346ci]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pusher591</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yeah, definitely but really excited for the 6.8 guys, I bet they are excited. </div></div>

Yup, it seems something big for the 6.8 comes out twice a year. 2013 should be a big kick for it with the cheap ammo coming and other countries using it for their .Mil

 

[LVdubbin]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

Hmmm LWRC Pmag 6.8 lowers and now this? 6.8 is making a strong come back!

 

[sgtbutt]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

I have my 6.8 set up as my SPR so for me its worth buying a box or two to check out. At 30 a box it would be interesting to see if they're worth it and then get set up to try to duplicate it with reloads. Just yet one other thing to play with.

 

[Doubleajaybrock]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

Makes me want to start building an upper in 6.8.

 

[Tactical]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

I have just used my 6.8 to 300 yards but man I sure like it.

I will probably try some and see what it will do to 600 yards.

Great caliber for AR Ssytems.

Forget what ballistic programs say when comparing to 5.56. Shoot something with 6.8 and 5.56 and you wont have to be convinced it works better on all legged game.

Once a doubter of 6.8 but now a huge fan

 

[346ci]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sgtbutt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have my 6.8 set up as my SPR so for me its worth buying a box or two to check out. At 30 a box it would be interesting to see if they're worth it and then get set up to try to duplicate it with reloads. Just yet one other thing to play with. </div></div>

$30 seems high but when compared to other good loads for the 5.56 and .308, $30 doesn't seem so bad. I plan to get a few boxes from SSA to check 'em out, then get into reloading.

 

[346ci]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tactical</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Once a doubter of 6.8 but now a huge fan </div></div>

It had a slow start with the screwed up chamber and weak ammo. Now with the SPCII/ARP chambers and good ammo, it offers the most out of the AR15 platform IMO. You can run powerful supersonic loads or killer subsonic loads out of the same rig, what is not to like?

 

[sgtbutt]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 346ci</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sgtbutt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have my 6.8 set up as my SPR so for me its worth buying a box or two to check out. At 30 a box it would be interesting to see if they're worth it and then get set up to try to duplicate it with reloads. Just yet one other thing to play with. </div></div>

$30 seems high but when compared to other good loads for the 5.56 and .308, $30 doesn't seem so bad. I plan to get a few boxes from SSA to check 'em out, then get into reloading. </div></div>

You are absolutely right about the perspective when comparing to other match ammo. With my rifle it fricking loves Sellier & Bellot. With that ammo being less then $20 its affordable. With these 140s though being heavier and having a higher BC, I'm willing to give it a try. If they dont work out I can stick with S&B and just jump to my 308 for longer ranges. Very promising though.

 

[346ci]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sgtbutt</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 346ci</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sgtbutt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have my 6.8 set up as my SPR so for me its worth buying a box or two to check out. At 30 a box it would be interesting to see if they're worth it and then get set up to try to duplicate it with reloads. Just yet one other thing to play with. </div></div>

$30 seems high but when compared to other good loads for the 5.56 and .308, $30 doesn't seem so bad. I plan to get a few boxes from SSA to check 'em out, then get into reloading. </div></div>

You are absolutely right about the perspective when comparing to other match ammo. With my rifle it fricking loves Sellier & Bellot. With that ammo being less then $20 its affordable. With these 140s though being heavier and having a higher BC, I'm willing to give it a try. If they dont work out I can stick with S&B and just jump to my 308 for longer ranges. Very promising though. </div></div>

I like cheap ammo just like everyone else and Tula/PMC hasn't come soon enough for me to run the 6.8 like my 5.56. One of the big reasons I reload 6.8. I can get 20 bad ass rounds of my choice for about $6.

S&B and remy makes some good blaster 6.8, they just don't last as long as Hornaday/SSA and use LRP brass which isn't very popular.

 

[LongArm]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

I think that the catch here is that the 6.8 was never intended to be a long range round. Comparing it to a 6.5 that needs at least a 20" barrel to get its speed is not an apples to apples comparison. Also I think that 6.8 still has a edge on delivered energy down range over the 6.5.

This round(140)is more like the LEVERevolution rounds for the 3030, in that it will extend the effective range. I shoot the 6.8 and love it. I reload but not for the 6.8. I it is a hunting rifle for me so I just shoot box ammo.

The 6.8 was designed for a 16" barrel to get that speed and #'s. I am shooting a 20.77" barrel from stag. I'd love to try these out. I am usually seeing a 150-175 plus feet per second more from my barrel. Not a huge difference but every little bit helps

 

[Drifter™]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LongArm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">... a 6.5 that needs at least a 20" barrel to get its speed...

Also I think that 6.8 still has a edge on delivered energy down range over the 6.5.

This round(140)is more like the LEVERevolution rounds for the 3030, in that it will extend the effective range.</div></div>

The 6.5 shines with longer barrels, but it also performs well with 16" and 18" tubes. And I don't think 6.8 downrange energy exceeds the 6.5. What data are you using to draw these conclusions?

The new 6.8 140gr load doesn't really extend the effective hunting range of the cartridge when you consider velocity needed for bullet expansion. The 6.8 Hornady 120gr SST is likely a better option for medium thin-skinned game (deer) at 6.8 velocities. The new 140gr load should be very nice for target shooting at extended distances with the 6.8.

 

[bustin]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Drifter_1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LongArm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">... a 6.5 that needs at least a 20" barrel to get its speed...

Also I think that 6.8 still has a edge on delivered energy down range over the 6.5.

This round(140)is more like the LEVERevolution rounds for the 3030, in that it will extend the effective range.</div></div>

The 6.5 shines with longer barrels, but it also performs well with 16" and 18" tubes. And I don't think 6.8 downrange energy exceeds the 6.5. What data are you using to draw these conclusions?

The new 6.8 140gr load doesn't really extend the effective hunting range of the cartridge when you consider velocity needed for bullet expansion. The 6.8 Hornady 120gr SST is likely a better option for medium thin-skinned game (deer) at 6.8 velocities. The new 140gr load should be very nice for target shooting at extended distances with the 6.8. </div></div>
I wish SSA had loaded the 130 Berger...if it isn't too long
I agree for a hunting bullet the 120 sst is probably a better option.

 

[346ci]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

The 6.8 and 6.5 are pretty much limited to 400ish yards for hunting, if you can take the shot. Much more than that and you will want some more thump for deer sized targets.

One of the reason why both are excellent choices and offer the most power/accuracy from any of the AR15 varients.

 

[Drifter™]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 346ci</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 6.8 and 6.5 are pretty much limited to 400ish yards for hunting...</div></div>

In my experience, there is a noticeable difference in long-range hunting performance. The best long-range factory deer loads are likely the 6.5 123gr A-max and 6.8 120gr SST. Both will have an MV of ~2475 fps from 16" barrels. Aside from the differences in ballistic data, I've both shot and witnessed numerous deer taken at various yardages with both cartridges. Inside ~325 yards, there's little to no discernible difference of hits on game. Inside 200, the 6.8 might even have a slight edge for DRT's. But beyond ~325 yards, the 6.5 is clearly the better deer cartridge, and has proven to be more reliable at longer distances than the 6.8. YMMV.

 

[346ci]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Drifter_1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 346ci</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 6.8 and 6.5 are pretty much limited to 400ish yards for hunting...</div></div>

In my experience, there is a noticeable difference in long-range hunting performance. The best long-range factory deer loads are likely the 6.5 123gr A-max and 6.8 120gr SST. Both will have an MV of ~2475 fps from 16" barrels. Aside from the differences in ballistic data, I've both shot and witnessed numerous deer taken at various yardages with both cartridges. Inside ~325 yards, there's little to no discernible difference of hits on game. Inside 200, the 6.8 might even have a slight edge for DRT's. But beyond ~325 yards, the 6.5 is clearly the better deer cartridge, and has proven to be more reliable at longer distances than the 6.8. YMMV. </div></div>

If the 6.5 rocks like that then roll with it. I want to build a .264 gARP one day, until then I'm going to keep the 6.8 going. These new 140gr loads have really sparked my interest..

 

[Drifter™]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 346ci</div><div class="ubbcode-body">These new 140gr loads have really sparked my interest..</div></div>

As they should.

WARNING: Long range shooting is addictive.

 

[346ci]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Drifter_1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 346ci</div><div class="ubbcode-body">These new 140gr loads have really sparked my interest..</div></div>

As they should.

WARNING: Long range shooting is addictive. </div></div>

Yeah, I'm getting that feeling.

Have you met Dave Branson here?

 

[Drifter™]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 346ci</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have you met Dave Branson here?</div></div>

Not yet, but we've corresponded regarding some parts for a build.

 

[346ci]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Drifter_1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 346ci</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have you met Dave Branson here?</div></div>

Not yet, but we've corresponded regarding some parts for a build. </div></div>

If you are around his area, it would be worth stopping by, great guy. I'm going to try and get in on the next LR shoot they have at Woody's place.

 

[Pusher591]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

Woody's is highly recommended! It was a blast this past time. We finished 31st or 32nd out of 70 something teams, I can't remember but we completely blew the first round and ended up with a 12 minute penalty.

We realized what we done wrong and we can't wait to shoot the next match. Dave is a great guy, as is Woody. Fastex500 and I are building some MaTen monolithic 308's with LW barrels that we purchased from Dave and Woody. They are great and really do you well if you need parts.

Where are you guy's at in NC?

 

[346ci]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

I finger banged one of the NiB Ma-Ten sets while at Dave's, when I decide to get into a AR10, Mega will be the heart.

I'm in Laurinburg. Not much here other than a good gun store and 300yd range in Wagram. Richmond and Moore County have some good fun shops also.

Hitting Woody's is on my radar, plan to take the .308 and 6.8 to try some real LR shooting. I hope it isn't during deer season though, lol.

 

[Pusher591]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

Well if you ever coming my way just holler at me, we have a 800 yard range with steel or paper targets. Just give me a week heads up to make sure we can go.

 

[TNtrg.300]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

Has anybody tried these yet?

 

[346ci]

Re: New 140gr 6.8 load from SSA

We got a few guys running them over at the 68 Forums with nice results. I haven't ordered or loaded any yet. I've been busy trying to nail down a good load with the 100 and 110gr Accubonds for deer season.

The blended powder SSA is using for those loads seems to be pretty bad ass..