6 Things To Know About 6.8 X 51 Ammo

The world of firearms and ammunition can be complex and overwhelming, especially for those new to the hobby. With so many different calibers and types of ammunition available, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we'll take a closer look at 6.8 x 51 ammo, a popular and versatile cartridge used for a variety of applications.

What is 6.8 x 51 Ammo?

The 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge is a high-performance rifle cartridge that was developed in the early 2000s. It was designed to offer improved performance over the traditional 5.56 x 45 mm NATO cartridge, which is widely used in military and civilian applications. The 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge is known for its high velocity, flat trajectory, and impressive stopping power.

History of 6.8 x 51 Ammo

The 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge was developed by a team of engineers at Remington Arms Company, in collaboration with the US military. The goal was to create a cartridge that would offer improved performance in combat situations, particularly in terms of penetration and stopping power. The cartridge was designed to be used in a variety of rifles, including the M4 carbine and the M16 rifle.

Key Characteristics of 6.8 x 51 Ammo

Here are some key characteristics of 6.8 x 51 ammo:

Caliber: 6.8 mm (.270 in)
Case length: 51 mm (2 in)
Overall length: 69 mm (2.72 in)
Bullet weight: 115-130 grains
Muzzle velocity: 2,800-3,000 ft/s (853-914 m/s)
Muzzle energy: 1,800-2,000 ft-lbf (2,440-2,712 J)

Advantages of 6.8 x 51 Ammo

So why choose 6.8 x 51 ammo? Here are some advantages of this cartridge:

Improved performance: The 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge offers improved performance over the traditional 5.56 x 45 mm NATO cartridge, particularly in terms of penetration and stopping power.
Flat trajectory: The 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge has a flat trajectory, making it easier to hit targets at longer ranges.
Versatility: The 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge can be used in a variety of rifles, including the M4 carbine and the M16 rifle.

Disadvantages of 6.8 x 51 Ammo

While the 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider:

Limited availability: The 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge is not as widely available as some other cartridges, which can make it harder to find in local gun shops or online.
Higher cost: The 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge is generally more expensive than some other cartridges, which can be a disadvantage for those on a budget.
Recoil: The 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge has a slightly higher recoil than some other cartridges, which can make it more difficult to control for some shooters.

Best Uses for 6.8 x 51 Ammo

So what are the best uses for 6.8 x 51 ammo? Here are some applications where this cartridge excels:

Hunting: The 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge is well-suited for hunting medium-sized game, such as deer and hogs.
Tactical shooting: The 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge is popular among tactical shooters due to its high performance and versatility.
Competition shooting: The 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge is also popular among competition shooters due to its flat trajectory and high accuracy.

Comparison to Other Cartridges

So how does the 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge compare to other cartridges? Here are a few comparisons:

5.56 x 45 mm NATO: The 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge offers improved performance over the traditional 5.56 x 45 mm NATO cartridge, particularly in terms of penetration and stopping power.
7.62 x 51 mm NATO: The 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge has a slightly lower muzzle energy than the 7.62 x 51 mm NATO cartridge, but it has a flatter trajectory and is more versatile.
.308 Winchester: The 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge has a slightly lower muzzle energy than the.308 Winchester cartridge, but it has a flatter trajectory and is more versatile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge is a high-performance rifle cartridge that offers improved performance over traditional cartridges. Its flat trajectory, high accuracy, and impressive stopping power make it a popular choice among hunters, tactical shooters, and competition shooters. While it has some disadvantages, such as limited availability and higher cost, the 6.8 x 51 mm cartridge is a versatile and effective cartridge that is well-suited for a variety of applications.