The 6.8mm Remington SPC is a centerfire rifle cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 55,000 psi. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 6.8mm Remington SPC with the 300 AAC BLACKOUT on the same basis.
6.8 SPC ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 100 gr | 2,540 fps | 1,432 ft-lb |
| 115 gr | 2,610–2,760 fps | 1,739–1,945 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists two reference bullet weights for the 6.8mm Remington SPC, 100 and 115 grains. The lighter, 100 grains, is listed at 2,540 fps, which computes to 1,432 ft-lb. The heavier, 115 grains, is listed at 2,610–2,760 fps, which computes to 1,739–1,945 ft-lb.
SAAMI lists more than one reference velocity for 115 grains. Its own note says this is because a weight can carry several introductions meeting different market needs, such as reduced-recoil loads, or because propellant and loading advances allowed higher velocities after the original load appeared.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 6.8 SPC ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
The maximum average pressure is 55,000 psi. Fire 6.8mm Remington SPC ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
6.8 SPC vs 300 Blackout: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 6.8mm Remington SPC | 300 AAC BLACKOUT |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 55,000 psi | 55,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | Not read from the drawing | 16.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | Not read from the drawing | 1 turn in 8.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | Not read from the drawing | .308 in |
| Lightest reference load | 100 gr — 2,540 fps / 1,432 ft-lb | 90 gr — 2,500 fps / 1,249 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 115 gr — 2,610–2,760 fps / 1,739–1,945 ft-lb | 115 gr — 2,270 fps / 1,316 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 115 gr — 2,610–2,760 fps / 1,739–1,945 ft-lb | 220 gr — 1,020 fps / 508 ft-lb |
The 6.8mm Remington SPC and the 300 AAC BLACKOUT share the same maximum average pressure, 55,000 psi. At 115 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 6.8mm Remington SPC reference velocity is up to 2,760 fps (1,945 ft-lb computed), against 2,270 fps (1,316 ft-lb) for the 300 AAC BLACKOUT. On that row the 6.8mm Remington SPC carries the more energy.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 300 Blackout ammo.
6.8 SPC ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 6.8mm Remington SPC?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 6.8mm Remington SPC at 55,000 psi.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 6.8mm Remington SPC?
SAAMI lists 2 reference weights, from 100 to 115 grains: 100 and 115.
Is the 6.8mm Remington SPC more powerful than the 300 AAC BLACKOUT?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 115 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 6.8mm Remington SPC reference velocity is up to 2,760 fps (1,945 ft-lb computed), against 2,270 fps (1,316 ft-lb) for the 300 AAC BLACKOUT.
What is the effective range of the 6.8mm Remington SPC?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 6.8mm Remington SPC drop at 300 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 6.8 SPC ammunition from Federal, Hornady and CorBon. Browse the full 6.8 SPC ammo range.
