Question that the guns dealer could not answer

[USMCDevil0311]

Greetings from a new member and owner of the Ruger SR 556/6.8mm REM SPC. I recently bought this rifle and on the inside of the box, there sat the instruction manual. On the front it states: Ruger SR-556 autoloading rifle caliber 5.56mm NATO .223 Remington. But on the rifle itself and the mags that came with it, it reads: 6.8mm REM SPC. Without actually looking at the barrel and the mags, this box nor it's instruction manual states that it is indeed chambered for 6.8mm. Also without knowing this, I bought some 5.56 ammo, and was ready to fire when I noticed the 6.8mm. My question is this: Did Ruger screw up this particular box when they shipped it and put a 6.8 upper receiver, or did I buy the wrong rifle? If it was the first one, what are the chances that the dealer will honor the mistake, and overlook the no-return policy. My other question is this: I know for a fact that a 5.56 rifle will NOT fire a 6.8 cartridge, but will my 6.8mm rifle shoot a 5.56mm cartridge without blowing up in my face or ruining the rifle. (The reason for this question is if the arms dealer basically tells me I'm SOL, then I'm left with buying the far less common and more expensive 6.8mm ammunition, compared to the surplus and plentifully cheap 5.56 or .223 ammo out there)

Or am I even reading the book and the barrel correctly...maybe I'm goin nuts here....any theories?

Thanks in advance for all your answers.

Semper Fi

0311 Infantry OIF/OEF Veteran

 

[tvknight415]

I'm quite sure that under no circumstances should you fire 5.56 ammo in a 6.8 chamber. As to your store I would hope they would honor that return.

 

[USMCDevil0311]

I know, I'm with you on both of the things you said, I just can't find definitive answers on the web about it. Surprised no one else has hit this issue when they bought it.

 

[TBear77]

Ruger doesn't have a 6.8 SPC version of the SR556 listed. But they do have a 6.8 SPC listed as an upper that you can buy seperately.

3 options:
1) return the rifle to the dealer.
2) If he doesn't honor the mistake, contact Ruger. If the box is mismarked as a .223 then they will usually make it right.
3) Last option, if the box is labeled 6.8 SPC then this is a new configuration, you should get your money back by selling it on this forum.

Ted

 

[USMCDevil0311]

Thanks for all the answers so far, gents.

What's yalls opinion on the 6.8mm? Is it true from what I've read that the market is dying for the demand? And that Ruger has pulled the plug on them due to slow sales?

5.56 or 6.8 Ruger SR? If I keep what I got, will I be screwed for ammunition in the near future? Supposedly, the military was to adopt this round in lieu of the 5.56. What happened with that?

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Hello,

The lower is a standard lower and can accept just about all AR223 uppers. Just drop in a new upper and you are shooting 223/556.

A new upper does not need to be a Ruger Product. Lots of options.

The 6.8 SPC is alive and well and ammunition is out there.

The round is very impressive and allows you the ability to hunt deer size game.

You can shoot 115 grain bullets compared to 55 to 62 grain 223 options.

I have a single AR lower and two uppers. One in 223 and the other in 6.8 SPC.

It is your call on what to do and I do not know how much money is an issue in your decision.

If you can bust out another $600 or less, you can purchase a 223 upper and have a very nice combination.

Spend some time and read as much as you can about the AR platform to become as smart as possible on it's versatility.

May I suggest you visit:

http://68forums.com/forums/forum.php

http://www.SSArmory.com

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=323017867

Bill

 

[wolfee]

Ruger previously cataloged complete 6.8 rifles. IMHO you have a scarce rifle that may be worth some premium above retail. Do the serial numbers on gun/box match?

I have observed some discussion between Ruger senior management and some technical types that suggests Ruger is working on changing the chamber specs for these guns to the so called "spec II" chamber dimensions and slower twists. It may be that they reintroduce the 77 and 556 models in 6.8 some time in the future with slightly revised specs.

 

[USMCDevil0311]

Thanks Bill and Wolf for the answers. I have no issues with the 68, just heard ammo was hard to come by. How can I tell if my upper has a spec 2 chamber or not?


I think I'll stick with the 6.8. For this rifle I paid $1577. (overpaid, underpaid?...your thoughts there)

Also heard the .270 is good to use in lieu of the 6.8, is this true? And if so, is ammo cheaper?

Appreciate all the answers, I've been used to Uncle Sam supplying me with all my war-fighting needs for the past 6 years.

 

[chet15]

Before shooting any firearm, you should always pay attention to what caliber it is chambered for "ON THE GUN!". Ruger's instruction manuals say 5.56 on them because that is the standard caliber on the SR556, but inside the manual you should find parts for the 6.8 listed. Just a faux pas on Ruger's part because they should also have 6.8 listed on the front of the manual, but could also have been a transition of sorts for the paperwork.
Still, I'm not going to put 20 gauge shells in a 12 gauge shotgun just because I can.
Chet15

 

[KurtC]

If the serial number on the gun matches the box, then send Ruger an email explaining your situation. If something is amiss, they will make it right.

It might take a few days to get a response, due to the holiday.

 

[wunbe]

Just a word on ammo availability.... Many of the major ammo makers-- Rem, Hornady etc..-- offer 6.8 SPC II rounds. The ammo can be hard to find in the local Mom and Pop outlets but the major catalogues are usually well stocked. In addition, some of the less known makers are also getting active in the game. Silver state Armory even specializes in the caliber and you can order direct from them with confidence in the quality. You can now find loaded ammo with almost any specialized bullets you would want if you look hard enough. Reloading options are staggering in their complecity. You must be careful not to use specially markled tactical rounds in any AR that is not Spec II.

For those who live in states with minimum deer load limits -- usually .243 -- like we have in VA, a 6.8 upper gives a very useful and lethal -- not wounding -- deer AR out to 250-300 yards.

Don't hold your breath waiting for Ruger to adopt a 6.8 SPC II. The original Rem version is still the SAAMI standard spec and Ruger is not about to go wildcat. Ruger was exploring the spec II ground several years ago but now seems to be stepping away from the round across the board. They once had three models -- a mod 77 compact, mini 14 ranch rifle, and the AR on offer -- now none. (I also had a custom Ruger #1 made in a total camo package.)

You realy should look at the 6.8 forum for some insights on the fervor of its devotees and the refined store of experience-based knowledge available through them. It beats anything the gun mags or the industry itself has to offer.

Good luck,
wunbe

 

[Buckeye Bill]

6.8 SPC is the caliber of your rifle. The projectile (bullet) that travels down range is the same diameter as the projectile (bullet) of a 270 Winchester. So, no your rifle will not fire 270 Winchester but the bullets are the same diameter.

When it comes time to buy ammunition, you should find a nice selection of offerings from (Remington, Hornady, Sellier & Bellot, and Silver State Armory) Silver State is the only manufacturer that I am aware of the sells the hotter S 6.8 SPC II. Stay away from SPC II and stuff labled (Tactical load).

I bought a case of Hornady 110 gr. BTHP/WC and have never opened that case. That is my stash supply. I buy a box or two at the local Cabelas from time to time for shooting.

I bought dies and will start reloading as time permits.

Pick up all of your Brass! Even if you do not reload for now, it has value.

For now, you have got to start reading everything that you can about your rifle and caliber.

Based on you forum name, I bet you have spent some time with AR's and understand how they function.

Now your need to read up on the 6.8 SPC.

It is a very capable round that turns an AR into a very versatile Tool.

Bill

 

[wolfee]

Your price sounds competitive to me. If you haven't tried buying ammo online yet, you might consider this (assuming your state allows it, most do). I buy stuff from midwayusa.com and sgammo.com and natchezss.com with good results. Cheaper than retailers, no sales tax and UPS charges are reasonable.

I have no experience with the 6.8 but want one in a bolt action. I have tried to talk to anyone who shoots one (usually a tactical auto) and they all seem to like Remington and Hornady. Be careful of the boutique ammo companies. Some of them are supplying ammo they specifically designate for spec II chambers. I would be quite sure you have the original standard chamber with 1/10 twist.

 

[Jbrown75]

A quick check would be to remove the bolt carrier group and compare a 5.56/.223 case to the boltface. 6.8 has a larger base dimension, so the bolt is correspondingly larger. FWIW I love both of my 6.8's. And DO NOT fire SPC2 spec ammunition in a standard SPC chamber, there is a reason for the difference in naming.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

I'd say you did well on you purchase. Look at the Gun Broker link that I placed on the rifle that is similar to yours. Sold for over $2800. :twisted:

Your barrel is clearly labeled on the bottom a few inches back from the flash suppressor.

 

[wunbe]

The only commercial bolt guns in 6.8 Rem SPC that I know of are Remington 700s (now discontinued) and the Ruger 77 Hawkeye Compact ( ditto) so anyone interested is either is limited to the second hand or custom build options.

You can eqsily and cheaply have any 6.8 Rem SPC rechambered to SPC II but the twist remains 1 in 10 not the more desirable 1 in 11 used in most new SPC IIs. I had my Hawkeye so rechambered mainly so that I will not have to keep rounds separate for my bolt gun, single shot and AR which now are all SPC II.

wunbe

 

[dfletcher]

I'd keep the 6.8 rifle and later get a 5.56 type to attach. I'm not a big fan of the 6.8 but instead go for the 7.62X39 in an AR upper. I don't reload for my semi rifles because I don't like chasing brass, since 6.8 ammo isn't cheap I suppose that's a big reason I don't use it. I will admit the 6.8 is a good round, definitely more punch than the 5.56.

When reloading be aware that some 6.8 brass used small rifle primers and some used large rifle primers.

 

[mattsbox99]

Here is a good source for 6.8 SPC ammunition.

http://www.ssarmory.com/6.8ammunitionsales.aspx

 

[piratedude]

Right now I would not return an AR.....

Either keep it or sell it. You could sell it for 2 times what you paid for it.

 

[pcrc11]

Good luck on getting any kind of service on your AR for a while. You need to just be thankful for the time being you have gotten one. As a side note it is kind of scary seeing that your username starts USMC and you would ask the question if you can fire 5.56 ammo in a rifle chambered in 6.8, no offense.

 

[SteelShooter]

Contact Ruger with he serial number and they will tell you what they think the gun should be. If it is a 6.8, check the box to see it the model number matches what they tell you.

If you thought you bought a 5.56, take it back to the gun dealer and see what they sold it to you as. They may make it good.

If not you could sell the 6.8 Ruger upper, and buy a 5.56 upper from Ruger directly, especially if you explain the problem to them. They may even help you out maybe....

 

[Bob G]

Semper Fi, Devil dog. I hope you get it all worked out, from an old O331.