Which to build SPR or SDMR...? Is either worth it?

[jn_fsu]

I'm having alot of trouble making up my mind...

Here are the potential players-
Special Purpose Rifle 18" stainless steel barrel
Squad Designated Marksman Rifle 20" stainless steel barrel

Part of my delima is wether it's worth building it in 5.56 or upgrading to 6.8 SPC/II ?
I already have a 16" BCM stainless steel barreled rifle built around the concept of the 16" LaRue Stealth rifle for short to medium range precision shooting.
So my question is would I see a significant enough benifit in performance such as, distance and accuracy at greater distances by building an 18" SPR or 20" SDMR over my current rifle chambered in 5.56 ?
What does every one think?
I'll sort out the rifles specific details once I figure out which I'm building.

 

[Subee13]

Re: Which to build SPR or SDMR...? Is either worth it?

I do not have anything to help your dilemma. I have the exact same problem debating my next builds. Good luck.

 

[rchman]

Re: Which to build SPR or SDMR...? Is either worth it?

IIRC, 5.56 is flatter shooting than 6.8, so unless you are looking for more umph on target, then that isn't going to fill that need.

 

[MLC]

Re: Which to build SPR or SDMR...? Is either worth it?

I don't see any reason to use a 6.8 unless what you're shooting at can tell the difference.
5.56 is plenty accurate and also as inexpensive as you can get shooting centerfire.
Trigger time will trump accuracy potential through paper ballistics any day.

From the level of experience you seem to have the ballistic difference between a 16 or 18 or 20" barrel will not be readily noticeable. Internet/smart phone based ballistic calculators abound these days so having a flatter shooting rifle isn't as crucial.

I would spend my money on decent ammo and optics and personal skill level upgrades.

 

[jn_fsu]

Re: Which to build SPR or SDMR...? Is either worth it?

I'm not building right now just research for my potential spring build. Right now I'm working on optics and shooting time. Classes hopefully before next summer. I didn't see any real advantage to building one so I wanted to see if any one could justify building one for any other reason then just to build one. Thats part of my delima is seeing a logical reason to have one over what I've already built. I have a spare lower so I kinda figured what the hell I love building them just about as much as shooting them.

 

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

Re: Which to build SPR or SDMR...? Is either worth it?

In speaking with a manufacturer of machinery for the projectile industry 6.8 projectiles (produced in their current form) are not very accurate at a distance and the trend within the industry is to not alter their form.

18" vs 20" it doesn't matter. With a 77 grn and at 800+, even with a can you able to hear the 'tink' only if the wind is right.

I sold my 18" and now just shoot 16". I have made hits on IPSC sized steel out to 940 with it.

Personally, i'd just spend the money on reloading componets.



Good luck

 

[MLC]

Re: Which to build SPR or SDMR...? Is either worth it?

FWIW without any profile info the question is tougher to answer.
If you live in Jersey then you're almost guaranteed to be shooting under 300 yards.
Nevada on the other hand would make a 20", and the 100 fps that comes with it, more practical.

 

[jn_fsu]

Re: Which to build SPR or SDMR...? Is either worth it?

I'm in Maryland local range is out to 300 yards. But I travel with my rifles and have axcess to 300 acres of private land on a regular basis.

 

[mstennes]

Re: Which to build SPR or SDMR...? Is either worth it?

I actually have both, I never shoot the DMR anymore, on my chronograph there is less than 10fps between the two, but I have heard it is greater if your SPR is a mid action. The better handling of the SPR and lighter weight make it my varmit, target, do all rifle, but that said I do use my 16" middy even more, so between the two SPR hands down, now I just need to bring myself to sell the DMR, just something about owning a 20".

 

[wrhunter]

Re: Which to build SPR or SDMR...? Is either worth it?

Is 6.8 the only alternative? How about a 6.5 or 6mm build?

 

[rrflyer]

Re: Which to build SPR or SDMR...? Is either worth it?

what does 16" not do that you want it to?

I'm looking to build an AR this fall and it will be 16" with the intent of shooting out to 700+

 

[BCP]

Re: Which to build SPR or SDMR...? Is either worth it?

RRflyer go 18" minimum. 16" with 77 noslers got me maybe 2550, 18" WOA barrel is getting me 2650 same load. One barrel was holding maybe 2 feet at 600 with lots of flyers, other load was holding under a foot according to the guy spotting me. Big difference.

 

[grouse]

Re: Which to build SPR or SDMR...? Is either worth it?

Always been a fan of the SPR. Probably will cost you more, but there is just something special about the those guns.

 

[The Gump]

Re: Which to build SPR or SDMR...? Is either worth it?

I prefer the look of the SPR. That being said, have you thought about buying a scope an quick mount for longer ranges. I feel there is not much more performance in 18" or 20" to be had when compared 16" in .223. Sure you will have to hold over more but how much poop does a .223 have at distance.? I don't feel that it has enough to ethically hunt deer size game at long distances but that's just my opinion

I own a .223 16" middy and was in the process of building a .223 20" when I decided to do a 180 and go SBR. Now I am in the process of building an 8" AR in 300 blackout. I made this decision after mounting the 3-9ss I had planned to use on the 20" in a Larue mount to my 16". I was able to achieve the performance level at distance I desired (500yards) and felt that a 20" in .223 would be redundant so I decided to build a short to shorter range AR. Don't get me wrong, a 20" is cool enough but I have only so much money. Unfortunately. If I were going to build a longer range AR I would chamber it in 6.5 Grendel over 6.8 SPC.

Either way you go you can't go wrong if you like what you have.