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AR-15Bolt face: 6.8 SPC

6.8 SPC Ballistics

Developed by US Army Marksmanship Unit and Remington for improved close to mid-range performance over 5.56. Heavier bullet, more energy, good hunting cartridge. Requires dedicated bolt and magazines.

Cartridge Specifications

SAAMI Max Pressure
55,000 psi
Bullet Diameter
0.277 in
Case Length
1.687 in
Overall Length
2.26 in
Parent Case
.30 Remington
Bolt Face
6.8 SPC
Min Barrel
16 in
Platform
AR-15

Common Bullet Weights and Types

Hornady 110 gr BTHPSilver State Armory 115 gr

Muzzle Velocity by Barrel Length

Muzzle Energy by Barrel Length

Bullet Drop Table

Values in inches. 16-inch barrel reference data. Positive values rise above line of sight, negative values fall below.

LoadZero100 yd200 yd300 yd400 yd500 yd
85 gr TSX200 yd1.50-7.2-21-43
110 gr BTHP200 yd1.80-7.8-22.5-45
115 gr OTM200 yd1.90-8.2-23.5-47.5

Wind Drift at 10 mph Crosswind

Drift in inches at a 90 degree full value wind. Estimated from muzzle velocity and G1 ballistic coefficient.

Load100 yd200 yd300 yd400 yd500 yd
85 gr TSX6121824.130.1
110 gr BTHP5.611.316.922.528.1
115 gr OTM5.611.216.822.528.1

Effective Range by Application

Self-defense0 to 300 yd
Hunting medium game0 to 400 yd
Competition0 to 500 yd

Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations

85 to 115 gr1:11
115 gr and heavier1:10

Published Load Data

WeightTypeBarrelMV (fps)ME (ft-lb)BC (G1)Source
85 grTSX16 in2,8501,5330.31Barnes 6.8 SPC 85gr TSX published load data
85 grTSX18 in2,9101,5980.31Barnes 6.8 SPC 85gr TSX published load data
110 grBTHP16 in2,5701,6130.37Hornady 6.8 SPC 110gr BTHP published load data
110 grBTHP18 in2,6301,6890.37Hornady 6.8 SPC 110gr BTHP published load data
115 grOTM16 in2,5001,5960.38Silver State Armory 6.8 SPC 115gr OTM published specs
115 grOTM18 in2,5601,6730.38Silver State Armory 6.8 SPC 115gr OTM published specs

Data Disclaimer

Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from Barnes 6.8 SPC 85gr TSX published load data; Hornady 6.8 SPC 110gr BTHP published load data; Silver State Armory 6.8 SPC 115gr OTM published specs. Always confirm zero and trajectory with your specific firearm.

Pick the right barrel

Twist rate should match the bullet weights you plan to shoot. See barrel steel grades, profiles, chamber types, and twist rate guidance on the barrel specs page, then jump into the builder to filter barrels chambered in 6.8 SPC.