6.8mm Remington SPC soon to be available

Remington is now listing the 6.8 Remington SPC ammo in its on-line catalog, and says this about it:

Developed in conjunction with the U.S. Military, the 6.8mm Remington SPC provides greater downrange effectiveness and ballistics than the 5.56x45mm. It’s unique design is based on the 30 Remington case, which has been necked down to 6.8mm(.277).

It's available in Match and Express Core-Lokt (BTHP and metal case):

Midway USA is listing three 6.8mm Remington SPC cartridges, at these prices for a box of 20:

$14.45 Remington Express Ammo 6.8mm Remington SPC 115 Grain Boat Tail Hollow Point
$12.90 Remington Express Ammo 6.8mm Remington SPC 115 Grain Metal Case
$17.45 Remington Premier Match Ammo 6.8mm Remington SPC 115 Grain MatchKing Boat Tail Hollow Point

The status is listed as "coming soon."

Now, let's see if all the major manufacturers offer a firearm for it. SSK Industries already is. We've all seen the photo of the Barrett 6.8 upper, but Barrett doesn't appear to be selling it yet:

Several other companies may be showing 6.8mm uppers at the Shot Show in Las Vegas 12-15 Feb 04.

Whether or not this cartridge becomes a standard military round, it appears it will have at least a temporary popularity run with hunters and plinkers, judging from the strong pre-introductory interest.

UPDATE: For a review of a 110gr Hornady round fired from a custom bolt action by a RifleShooter editor, see this 29 MAR 04 ACE post.

You'll find other posts on the 6.8mm by clicking on WEAPONS & FIREARMS in the right sidebar, as ACE is following this development.