What is the Difference?

[zcam630]

I'm a newb when it comes to black rifles. What is the difference in the 5.56 and the 6.8 receivers? Are upgrades or parts easier to find for one or the other? Is ammo easier to find for one or the other as well? Thanks and sorry for what I'm sure is a very basic question.

Zach

 

[esrice]

5.56 and 6.8 refer to what type of ammo that particular gun shoots.

5.56 (.223) will be much more plentiful, and cheaper to shoot.

I'm sure the EBR guys will be by shortly to give you a much more detailed answer than that.

 

[243rem700]

From what I understand, both cartridges can be used from the same receiver. So it may just be the way the receiver is marked. But I have basically no knowledge of ARs so hopefully someone can confirm or correct this.

 

[NateIU10]

Just receiver markings. Internals are all the same in the lower.

 

[panman]

Dont know much about them,but,i know that the 223s are224" DIA.bullet and the 6.8 is 277" DIA.bullet.pan.

 

[BloodEclipse]

It requires a different bolt. The 6.8 case is larger and will not work with a 5.56\.223 bolt.
Bolt, Magazine,and Barrel are the only differences.
6.8SPC ammo is harder to come by and more expensive.

 

[slcorson]

heard alot good things about the 6.8 calibur, but haven't seen much on ammo so that is going to make it pricey to shoot compared the 5.56

 

[BloodEclipse]

When I find it, I'm paying about $17 for a box of 20.
Compare that to $8 for a box of 20 .223 and you will see that the 6.8 doesn't always go to the range with me.

 

[evansvillethompsongunner]

I don't care if Grendel has much improved ballistics over 5.56/.223... if it's almost a dollar per round, you can count me out until the price ratio improves.

It might be the greatest caliber in the world for its intended purpose(s), but until and unless it becomes more affordable, who would know it?

I'll give it a try if someone's willing to let me pay in advance for a few rounds, but having one myself I just don't see, at least not for the near future... or unless I win the lottery, in which case, I'll buy a half-dozen Grendel uppers.

 

[evansvillethompsongunner]

Also, to Mr. Corson - you're being painfully obvious, sir.

Slow down, add some words, and wait in-between posts so that the mods don't IMMEDIATELY firebomb you. (And if you want to know what being 'firebombed' is, just keep doing what you're doing and they'll be happy to show you. And you will find out who 'they' are, as well.)