Would You Trust A 6.8 *Significantly* More Than 223 On Deer?

[BowVista]

I've never shot a deer with anything smaller than a 6mm, so I just don't have experienced confidence in the .223 caliber yet. I know LOTS of guys do it, and I'm planning to this year, but I thought I'd let you guys weigh in on this.

I'm going to be using 62-64 grain (TSX or solid copper) ammo when I hunt with my 223, but have been debating building a 6.8 upper to hunt with instead, just to step up the size a bit. If there's a HUGE benefit of stepping up to 6.8, I'm going to hurry up and get an upper built in time to get comfortable with before rifle season. If there's not a tremendous benefit over the 223, I'll take my time.

So what do you guys think? Rush to build the 6.8, or take it easy and throw some 223 at deer this year?

[SC-Texas]

Yes

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[cuttingedge]

There is a huge difference. It's simply bullet diameter. Id go with the 6.8 every time over the 223 for deer sized game if I had the choice

[Walker]

I wasn't impressed with Barnes TSX. Punched a tiny hole straight thru. Exit hole wasn't any bigger than entrance. One doe took 3 shots. No blood trails.

[Drycreek3189]

Personally, I would not hunt deer with a .22. The 6.8 is another matter. I've killed hogs with mine, and would not hesitate to shoot a deer with it, but it's just not my first choice. Not because of the caliber, I just have better choices to use on deer, or at least other rifles that I would rather use.

[SC-Texas]

Use the right projectiles shoot it in the right place.

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[TxNurse]

If you stay with the .223, get some 65 gr Sierra GameKings. One of the best small caliber bullets for deer. I don't have a 6.8 upper, but did build a 6.8 bolt gun for a fun moderate range deer/hog rifle. Will give it a try this year.

[DaveC]

I would say yes, upgrade to the 6.8. I have 2 - 6.8 rifles and one 6.8 pistol upper.

BUT, since you are buying it to deerhunt with- have you considered buying one of the new dangfangled cheap yet accurate bolt guns they are selling nowadays ?

The Ruger American, Savage Axis and Mossberg patriot all come to mind.

The price would be about the same (or cheaper depending on how high end your build would be) and it would open your caliber options up to regular short or long action ammo in whatever caliber you feel most comfortable chasing deer with.

[BowVista]

Guess I should have made this part clear, I have PLENTY of bolt guns in strong calibers I can go to at any time (.280, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300, 6mm).

I'm just wanting to use my AR obsession for some deer hunting. This will by no means be my only gun to take deer with, but rather an additional fun option.

[Ryan C]

If you reload, you could also consider building a 6x45 upper. I just swapped a barrel on one of my uppers for my daughter to use. Use the same bolt and magazines. Barrel is the only change.

[cajuntec]

Guess I should have made this part clear, I have PLENTY of bolt guns in strong calibers I can go to at any time (.280, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300, 6mm).

I'm just wanting to use my AR obsession for some deer hunting. This will by no means be my only gun to take deer with, but rather an additional fun option.

In that case, no, I wouldn't build a 6.8 SPC upper. I'd build a .300 AAC Blackout upper. That way, you don't have to buy new magazines as well, and the build will likely be slightly less expensive because you don't have to buy a special 6.8 bolt.

The .300 AAC will use the same mags as your .223; 6.8 SPC wont. The .300 AAC uses a standard .223 / 5.56 bolt too, although I recommend having a dedicated BCG for each upper, vice swapping a BCG between uppers.

If it wasn't just a "I want to try an AR for deer hunting, although I have plenty of bolt actions already" scenario, then yes, I'd consider building a dedicated deer hunting 6.8 SPC upper over only using a .223 for deer. But if you have other deer hunting options, and just have an itch to use an AR for deer, I'd go .300 AAC before the 6.8 SPC build.

All the best,
Glenn

[DaveC]

Guess I should have made this part clear, I have PLENTY of bolt guns in strong calibers I can go to at any time (.280, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300, 6mm).

I'm just wanting to use my AR obsession for some deer hunting. This will by no means be my only gun to take deer with, but rather an additional fun option.

OOOHHHH, that . BRD I see. I completely understand that.

I use the 6.8's as dual purpose guns on my ET lease while deer hunting- If a sounder comes out I can get follow up shots on the runners- otherwise I have full confidence it can kill deer as my son has done a few times with them already.

I recently picked up a lightweight AR-10 in .308 and the kick/ muzzle rise with the A2 birdcage was surprisingly severe compared to my 6.8's. So much so that follow-up shots would be less timely with the 10 than the 15's.
FWIW- the muzzle devices on the 6.8's are a can and a linear comp- so that probably helps.

[Laner7]

We have killed whitetail and mule deer with .223 without a problem.

[RMW]

Shot a 165 inch buck with my 6.8 loaded with 95 grain ttsx. Broke both shoulders and passed through opposite side, dropped him in his tracks.

[Roman AB]

I went to 68 because I made a good shot on a doe with my 556 and it still ran forever even after a busted shoulder. So far everything I have shot with my 68 has dropped in its tracks or less than 10 yards. It is the first gun I grab when going out now.