Got the LMT 308MWSE coming hopefully later this week, it will have the same extras as the 5.56 did.

Will post pics when completed. Still pondering the thought on the 6.8 Congratulations on your build!

The build is now 100% done, hopefully at least for a while. After a bunch of research, I ended up selecting a lower parts kit from G&R Tactical. I chose the option with the Magpul trigger guard an no trigger, hammer, and disconnector. The kit went in with no issues, and I ended up putting a Bill Springfield modded trigger group into it.

The Mega lower has a polymer tipped screw that presses against the upper to eliminate all movement between the two. It took a few minutes to get the pressure correct....too much and the rear pin won't move without a bullet or punch, and too little and there's noticeable wobble. I've got it set for zero play and moving the rear pin only requires a little extra pressure.

I've put 75 rounds through it so far, with the remaining 25 break in rounds to go down the tube tomorrow.

I loaded up 25 rounds with 115 grain SMKs over Reloder 10x tonight, which I'll try out in two or three weeks.

I bought a couple PRI 15 round magazines to try out for load evaluation sessions from the bench. I've never used a PRI mag before, but these will likely not be the last ones I buy. Not only are they significantly shorter than the C-Products 25 round mags (imagine that) they are obviously built to a higher standard.

The PRIs were a little over twice as expensive as the C-Products, so the higher quality wasn't a gimme. I just grabbed a C-Products 308 mag out of my closet, and it is welded in a completely different manner than the 6.8s. The 6.8s are spot welded, and the .308s seams are butt welded together and done with adequate precision. Unfortunately, the 15 round PRIs seem to be the cheapest option, with all others running about $10 more. I may end up getting a few of those if I find them on sale, since they look and feel different from my other aluminum AR mags. This isn't a big deal, since I primarily use P-Mags for the 223 and 308.

Since pretty much the only visual difference is the lower's roll mark, I didn't take any more photos.

I'll probably post the results of the first accuracy tests, and maybe a short comparison to my 308, which is likely a better competitor to it than my cheap(ish) 223. It really needs to cool off some. I don't like working up my handloads in 90 plus degree heat, and the increased pressure and lack of barrel cooling (and sweat) the heat causes.

Grizz

The PRI mags are my favorite for the 6.8. They also allow the longest cartridge OAL for reloading.

Thanks for reminding me to mention the increased overall length. The maximum length in the C-Products mags is approxfimately 2.280". The PRIs should allow for 2.300", and that's another reason to only use one mag type.....don't want ammo that I can't use in half my magazines.


It really needs to cool off some. I don't like working up my handloads in 90 plus degree heat, and the increased pressure and lack of barrel cooling (and sweat) the heat causes.

I received a couple 25 round PRI magazines a couple days ago. They're built to the same standard as the 15 round magazines and are the exact same length as the C-Products 25 rounders (and also USGI 30 round 5.56 magazines).

Last night I went to put some ammo I loaded with Remington 115 grain FMJs to 2.300" OAL into one of the PRI 25 round magazines. They went in, but there was heavy bullet tip drag along the front face of the magazine. It took conscience effort to keep the top couple rounds pressed all the way back against the rear of the magazine, and the 2nd or 3rd round in needed to be forcibly snapped down past the front face of the mag. They might function in this manner, but it's not worth the extra care needed to load them. I shortened them to 2.290", and at that length, they loaded in more easliy and should function 100%.

Grizz

Hey Grizz
 

Just thought I would give you a quick update on what I have done with my M4. Well I traded my Stag Arms Model 2 for a New Daniel Defense DDM4 V4.
Love it. I have already put the MagPul MOE pistol grip, Stubby front vertical grip, BAD lever - Magpuls Battery assist lever (just got it, need to practice), Magpuls front and rear Gen 2 flip up Back up sights (I will eventually get Troy).
The rifle came with a Magpul MOE Buttstock, Magpul Edvanced trigger guard. Free floated DD Omega X 9.0 quad rail. DD low profile Gas Block...etc

Here is some pics. I do have some things I will do to it but this is excellent for now especially for a 5.56 M4.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/72ab1ead.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/bde40c9a.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/c37fb9d1.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/98c9ec33.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/b14e7609.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/87baf590.jpg

I will tell you more details on it soon but I got to run off to work.
Better pics to come. I am now trying to decide if I want to build or get a 6.8 SPC upper or get a .308 in an AR platform still now sure.

-Ryan S

Thats very nice looking!!! Congrats on the build!

Grizz, this is a great thread youve put together here. I havent had time to read the whole thing and I will correct that tonight. But Ive scanned thru it and the information is really helpful!

Thanks for the time and effort in this!:chopper:


TDS

Grizz, I'm glad you got your rifle finished. I can't believe you don't want to go outside and shoot in 90% humidity :D

Nice rifle Ryan.

Nice trade!! I was seriously considering using DD receivers, but couldn't find both and didn't want to wait for what could take months to track them down.

I've got other plans this weekend, but will be at Parma Woods the following weekend for a 6.8 vs .308 comparo. If anyone's interested in trying them out, let me know. I should be pretty easy to find.....I'll be the one wearing the COTEP shirt with a big stupid grin on my face from quality AR time. :)

Grizz

Thanks Hoss. I have some more plans for it but it is a nice very nice setup IMO.

Well I might have to show up and check you out doing the comparison. Might help me make up my mind and I'm sure I will learn a lot.

I still might try and go out this weekend and put some more ammo down range and mess with my EoTech & Magnifer. I still have some zeroing in to do with the magnifier...

Would love to see the finished 6.8.

Thanks,

-Ryan S

range trip
 

My previous Sunday plans aren't gonna be happening so that means.......range session!!

It's almost certain to happen at Parma Woods in Parkville. It's gonna be hot, so I plan to be there are 10 AM when they open.....with a range report to follow.

I'll take the chrono along, so I can get velocities. If anyone wants to shoot through it, you can.

Grizz

I am going to plan on being there :rock: just along as I don't get a trouble call from work. But I don't see work being an issue this weekend. I need to zero my new Daniel Defense M4 with my EoTech setup.

Sounds good, Thanks,

-Ryan S.

Anymore Local Kansas city based COTEP members??

Today I finally shot some handloads through the Mega I made up with 115 grain Sierra Match Kings driven by Alliant Reloder 10x.

The first four 5 shot groups were pretty poor, averaging 2" or so. The last group fired (using 28.8 grains) went into 3/4" and showed absolutely no signs of over pressure. They were moving along at a little over 2600 fps average.

I'll make up some more right around this level, likely at 29.0 and 29.2 to try to beat the 28.8 result.

Grizz

sounds awesome..

your 6.8 is really something. I am thinking of building a 6.8 upper for my Daniel Defense or I might go with what we were talking about and start work on a Bolt gun, Ive been thinking of a long range Bolt action laity :confused:

With the exception of a sling, the 6.8 is now done. I installed the Surefire M951 weaponlight a couple days ago and the Magpul UBR earlier this evening.

I'll take some photos tomorrow......or not. I just remembered that I've got some Magpul XTM rail covers ordered. They should work out best on the 6.8 so it's not finished yet, and likely never will be. That's no surprise to me.

Grizz

I put the latest photos in the original post, and changed it to the current specs.

I do like the Magpul XTM rail covers better than the Tango Down panels I'd been using. The TD covers slide off the front of the rail, so if something was mounted in front of them, it needed to be removed first. Their shorter length makes them more flexible.

I've attached the Surefire M951 weapon light. I installed a Malkoff Devices M61 LED module into it. It now puts out 260 lumens in a nice wide pattern with lots of spill. It's activated by a tape switch located at the support hand thumb position.

Grizz

Man that Surefire sure does look good, Great looking build:)

I'm ready to finish mine,but doesn't seem like the end is near anytime soon.

Ed

Thanks.

The cool thing about builds is that if you want to, they can stretch out for years.

Sometime when I'm bored (doesn't happen very often), I may actually try to photograph the light pattern it puts out. I'll compare it to my primary house gun that uses a Surefire 6P LED.

After I get a freefloat rail for my Palmetto State build I just finished, I'll probably put the M951 on there and put the Surefire E2D Defender on the 6.8. It's got a considerably tighter throw, perfect for outdoor use. It lights up the dual garage doors of my neighbor's house (40 yards distant), while the M951 illuminates the entire end of the house plus a fair bit more.