6.8 Western beats 7mm PRC?

In this video I explore the idea that you can get more bang for your buck with the 6.8 Western over the 7mm PRC. The 6.8 has almost identical performance while burning less powder, ammo is cheaper and you have less recoil. Do you agree with my take? Let me know!

[@raywarner4704]

I agree with your take on the 6.8 Western. Hornady is effectively trying to kill it because Winchester beat them to the punch on this one. It's a shame there aren't more manufacturers supporting the caliber.

[@jamessobolik3727]

Hornady is also trying to kill it because it more or less beats the 6.5 prc

[@raywarner4704]

@@jamessobolik3727 absolutely

[@marcmoore4115]

​@@jamessobolik3727 well it's competition for both the 6.5 and the 7 PRC. I could imagine Hornady won't release many .27 cal bullets for the next while for that reason.

[@johnkaraphillis754]

Concur!

[@Stewart7516]

It's awful telling when you hear that Hornady has no plans of ever supporting the 6.8 western and they have been on record saying they hope the cartridge fizzles out and dies. With the new military cartridge coming out it won't be long until there is an laundry list of ullet choices. Correction.. they said they just want it to go away.

[@jacksonthomas9311]

6.8 is the best design out there! The perfect big game hunting cartridge in my opinion. It is in fact very effective on game. Needs to be supported!

[@Stewart7516]

Subscribed, not many people realize what you are saying. It's about time the 6.8 western starts to get more attention. It's a phenomenal cartridge imho.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching! Next week there will be range results of the 6.8 Western

[@Stewart7516]

@ReloadingWeatherby have you tried the Barnes 155 LRX yet? I had a contact at Barnes tell me that they are considering putting this into production in the not so distant future. Also Choice ammunition ceo John Whemple told me he has a large order in to Barnes for the LRX to start developing their own load. I know it's all small steps but I feel like the 6.8 is starting to catch on slowly but surely.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

@@Stewart7516 I haven't tried the LRX yet. I'll be testing the 165 gr ABLR

[@foubert45]

Finally someone comes out and says it!

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching

[@insiditious6203]

I hope this cartridge doesn’t go away. I’m not too happy about hornady straight up lying, and would like to see more support for the 6.8 western

[@randalljeffs7272]

6.8 western is a great cartridge. Hopping there will be more market support

[@melodyy0129]

The fact that 6.8 Western is also a short action which is a huge plus for folks who brush hunt.

[@jimedick9496]

It’s lighter in weight as well. Even if it’s only a few ounces, it all adds up for those looking for mountain rifles

[@Molly8247]

6.8 Western is an excellent round. Superb ballistics for mild recoil. Much like the 6.5 creedmoor a real sweet spot in performance. Whether it goes big or not who knows. Fortunately Since Win/Browning make their own rifles (both top 5 long gun sellers) fate of the cartridge is not in the hands of others. Hornady has to do a lot more make sure others will chamber their rounds.

[@biggs8729]

6.8 Western is Definitely a better hunting cartridge than the 6.5 PRC. for obvious reasons, Hornady will never admit that. I agree that the 7 PRC can outperform the 6.8 western. But it Seems like the 6.8 can do 95 percent of what the 7 PRC can do with 85% of the effort. How much is that 5% worth to you? The real issue is industry support. If the 6.8 had the same ammo and reloading support, it would definitely be in the running.

[@biggs8729]

My challenge to the 7PRC. You get 1 lb of power to load for your rifle. Then you have a shoot off with the 6.8 Western at 1000 yards. He with the most impacts wins.

[@feuerland81]

6.8 Western is a great cartridge! Being beaten by the 7mm Rem Mag and the 7mm PRC does not really matter if the 6.8 Western already does the job. Actually, I might prefer the 6.8 Western specifically because it has less recoil and uses less powder with still much more power than a 6.5 PRC... But of course none of that does matter if I can't find it anywhere. Sadly!

[@wattsballer]

Its crazy. I was at Bass Pro in my area and they had 6.8 western for $40 a box the 175 grain browning long range stuff. Literally no one wanted it. I bought 2 boxes, went back the next day and got 2 more. Went back 2 weeks later and it was all gone. I guess the word had gotten out or something or I was just lucky.

[@Freezer003]

If hornady had released this as the 6.8 PRC, with a new 168 grain eldx, it would have been the next 6.5 creedmoor, the top selling rifle for the next decade. Winchester killed Goldilocks damn shame...

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

If the 6.8 Western was the 6.8 PRC it would be the greatest cartridge ever made.

[@biggs8729]

You nailed it. If Hornady brought this to market, it would be crushing it. Even though it's better than anything Hornady has put out recently, it will never be as successful as the PRC cartridges. If only Hornady did the 7 in a short magnum, I'ld climb on that wagon.

[@matthewkyle6939]

If it was a prc the weatherby fan boy would hate it on principle alone.

[@highplainsdrifter9631]

​@@matthewkyle6939 Not our fault that Weatherby cartridges have been around for ages! I still love my 7mm Weatherby Magnum, and it still outdoes the 7 PRC. I've been reading on various outlets that guys are struggling to get the 7 PRC to hit 3,000 FPS with 175 grain bullets. The 7mm Bee has never has that problem, 3,000 is a guarantee 💯

[@matthewkyle6939]

@@highplainsdrifter9631 weatherby makes some screamers. Nothing wrong with them. 7prc was not designed to out perform other 7mm cartridges. It’s a happy medium. A nice balance of power, accuracy, and availability for those that don’t reload. If I was going to get something to compete with the a weatherby it would be a nosler. But I like the idea of a balanced cartridge. Plenty of speed and power. Efficiency is more important to some.

[@toddmartin3962]

100% agree. another elk down this year with my 6.8W, 170 Berger EOL got the job done. my load with sub quarter MOA accuracy is rolling out at 2925 FPS behind Staball HD.

[@marcmoore4115]

Great video as always! I would argue that it would be better suited to compare them by using the 180gr ELD-M in the 7 PRC. About the same velocity, but .796 BC. With my environmentals, comparing the fastest loads that arent significantly more powder than the rest (both loads are from Hodgon - for instance not using that 7 PRC load at 3083 fps cause it's like 10gr more) also all 10mph wind: 6.8 Wes, 170gr Berger, 2881fps, 3133ft-lbs. 1000yds: 1713fps, 1109ft-lbs. 24.8 MOA Elev, 5.2 MOA Wind 7 PRC, 180 ELD-M, 2989fps, 3571ft-lbs. 1000yds: 1925fps, 1482ft-lbs, 21.5 MOA Elev, 4.1 MOA Wind. 6.5 PRC, 153.5 Berger, 2822fps, 2714ft-lbs. 1000yds: 1705fps, 991ft-lbs, 25.5 MOA Elev, 5.1 MOA Wind. The 6.8 western hits hard and honestly, for normal hunting ranges it'll be awesome - even for extended ranges, it'll be awesome. I would prefer to call it a beefier 6.5 PRC than comparenit only to 7 PRC, but it sits snugly in the middle with string arguments against both. Ultimately, I think if Hornady had to make an ELD-M in .27 cal and work on it as hard to perfect it as with the 180gr 7mm ELD-M, the Western would probably have much more equal ballistics. I would guess somewhere around .72-.75 G1 BC would be achievable in .27 cal... I'm no expert, but just my guess. If you use the 6.5 PRC 150gr Nosler ABLR, 6.8 Western 165 ABLR and 7 PRC 175 ABLR, at 1000 they are all very similar. This comes from their BC being very similar. In G7, .319, .311 and .326. I sincerely hope Hornady fails at killing off the 6.8 Western, with both the Western and the PRCs gaining traction... not leaving the 6.8 behind!

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching

[@foubert45]

*Interesting fact about 7PRC “heavy for caliber bullets.” The Hornady ELX load in 7mm rem mag is 162gr. The 7mm PRC elx is 175gr. Only a 8% increase. Compared to 270 WSM typically loaded with ~145 gr replaced by the new 6.8 western using heavy for caliber bullets at 165gr. Featuring a 14% increase in bullet weight. Point being 6.8 western was released with more bullet manufactures making custom long, heavy bullets. Currently the justification from moving to 7PRC to 7RemMeg for only a 8% heavier bullet isn’t worth it. 6.8 is a Short action, less powder/recoil and similar performance.

[@Basin.hunter]

I want more 6.8 western love

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I reviewed a Fierce rifle in 6.8 Western not long ago in the channel

[@darrylpacholko5495]

They are both great rounds and you couldn't go wrong with either of them. If I was going to choose I would give a slight edge to the 7. No one can tell me that a case with greater capacity and higher BC bullets won't outperform the smaller one. The recoil is close and no game animal will be able to tell the difference.Shot placement above all else.

[@Stewart7516]

You will be able to tell the difference on the reloading bench.. the 6.8 takes significantly less powder and give about 90% of the results.

[@Stewart7516]

I'm on the other side of the fence here. The 7prc does outperform the 6.8 but at the cost of much more powder charge. Which is why I'm in the 6.8 camp. For us reloaders precious powder is a thing to be scrutinized. I would bet the 6.8 could easily surpass the 7prc in the hands of a competent reloader.

[@Rogers632]

I agree with 6.8western love it

[@cjberan]

6.8 western is a great hunting round. A better 270 or even a 7 mm it is. We should be talking about it and the 7mm prc like we debate 270 vs 3006. Great video on this

[@drdes9609]

They are very comparable but not many manufacturers are making guns in 6.8 western. Then brass just isn’t available so it is a great cartridge but it doesn’t matter because it seems to have lost support.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Sadly true

[@chipsterb4946]

I just looked for 6.8 Western brass. No one has it in stock, and Brownells lists it as discontinued. Winchester appears to be the only manufacturer of brass so if they’re not supporting the cartridge for hand loaders…

[@Hudge76]

Sadly the issue for brass is correct. There are more firearms manufacturers now chambering 6.8 Western. How long will, that remains to be seen. I have resorted to taking 7 SAUM brass and will resize it to 6.8 Western. Hopefully ADG, or another manufacturer will start producing 6.8 Western brass.

[@shanejarratt9800]

Seems that you can relatively easily resize 7suam brass and it's pretty available

[@drdes9609]

@@shanejarratt9800 probably easier to just buy a 270 with a 1/8 twist.

[@tacticalmattfoley]

Great video. 20 years ago, I recall thinking 300WSM would supplant 300Win mag...that didn't happen and I ended up selling my 300WSM rifle a couple of years later.

[@ericwendlandt7808]

Backfire came to the same conclusion. 7prc vel is overstated and the 6.8 vel was understated on factory ammo boxes

[@blindboyjonny]

I own two of the Winchester model 70s and one of the exalt speed suppressor ready. Winchester/browning make five different loads for this caliber. It will take anything in north America bar nothing. Hornady inflated and continues to inflate their seven PRC along with several other Calibers on their boxes. Hornady has the top marketing, but they’re like politicians they lie. Just to get a vote. They will not even carry reloading data in their brand new reloading book for the 6.8 western. Chickenshit.

[@jessiejane6259]

Marketing, money, hype, Hornady is much more savvy in this business than Winchester.

[@andycronin6170]

Now go look at the new backfire video on the comparison of velocities on the box. Hornady is 200 ft per second slower than advertised velocity. That makes all the difference in the world and makes the 6.8 Western the outright winner

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I saw it! I have my own 7mm PRC and have been testing it on the channel. I'm getting the same results as Backfire

[@denisleblanc4506]

Where I think these modern cartridges have a big advantage over classic calibers is in shooting monolithic bullets. You can shoot one class lower weight bullets at higher velocities for a longer effective range because of their higher headspace. Like you, I find it unfortunate that other ammunition companies didn't pick this caliber up. It's obvious why Hornady didn't. The 6.8 Western destroys the 6.5 PRC. The 7mm PRC has to shoot heavier bullets to get an advantage over the 6.8 Western and all that does is increase the recoil level even more. I also believe the 6.8 Western is probably the best balanced most efficient modern caliber.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching!

[@JonRangel87]

A video on the 8mm rem Mag would be cool

[@michaelnelson1911]

I think this is one of the top big games cartridges ever designed. However, Winchester/Browning aren’t doing themselves any favors. They need to hire someone to market this cartridge. It would greatly benefit them in the long run. I really wanted a gun in this caliber, so I started looking for ammo. There just isn’t any at either of my local sporting goods stores. It is really hard to buy the gun if you can’t get any ammo. It looks like a reloaders dream, but a mistake for the rest of us. That could easily be turned around if it was marketed correctly. It would certainly bring a huge return on the original investment. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@ReloadingQuest]

Only problem i heard about the 6.8 ammo is not been accurate . But this a vary cool round. But I would i probably stick with the 7PRC the 24” barrel I have got with the 175gr was average was 2910 . Good video .

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for commenting and sharing

[@Mr.Run-n-Gun]

Both are great rounds. Support is king. How many people have bought a carry gun due to support of that firearm (almost everyone with a Glock-myself included). Nothing wrong with that. Shoot what you like, and hey go crazy and try something new every now and again. There's always room in the safe for "just one more gun".

[@n8diesel168]

Lots of 6.8 western haters on the internet. Everyone keeps comparing it to the old 270win/wsm saying the 6.8 western is obsolete because it’s so similar to the older versions. And saying 7mm prc killed it. But u can literally say the same thing about the 7mm prc to the old 7mm rem mag they’re pretty much the same with very similar ballistics, one just shoots a heavier bullet because of faster twist rates and has no belt on the bottom. 6.8 and 7prc are just modernized versions of the older cartridges with tighter throat tolerances. If I were to have a 7mm rem mag or a 270wsm I wouldn’t trade it in for a any of these. But since I don’t, I went with the 6.8 over the 7 prc because I wanted a short action since I already have a long action in 300 win. I’m building an ultimate backcountry rifle with a titanium action with a 18” carbon barrel chambered in 6.8w. Literally took me a whole year just to get the parts. Absolutely ridiculous how long everything takes now.

[@joshjamesguitar]

The whole point of the 7mm PRC though is to launch the 180gr plus out of it, if you load the 190gr A tip if the BC's quoted are accurate of .838 (G1) .422 (G7). There's not much around to compete apart from the 300PRC, .300 Norma etc

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

There are actually a good amount of cartridges that can compete and beat the 7mm PRC. 28 Nosler, 7mm RUM, 300 WBY, 300 PRC, 300 RUM, 30-378 WBY, 300 Norma. Not to mention the 338 cartridges...

[@AussieInCA11]

7mm PRC is taking off like a rocket and 6.8 seems to be dying. I'm going to be building a 7mm PRC and crossing my fingers it picks up more support for factory ammo/brass. At the moment it's still a pain to find anywhere, but it's slowly improving.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Have you thought about reloading?

[@AussieInCA11]

@@ReloadingWeatherby I do, but even getting brass for 7mm PRC is a challenge. Only Hornady is making it and it's sold out everywhere! My plans got postponed due to a layoff and having to move West to East coast, but once I'm settled in again I'll be re-barreling my 7mm rem mag to 7mm PRC and trying to work up some loads for it.

[@WafflosityX]

​@@AussieInCA11able to order online or no?

[@AussieInCA11]

@@WafflosityX last time I looked it was sold out everywhere online, I was able to find one or two places that seemed to have some when I looked this morning so it is getting better.

[@user-TJ365]

@@AussieInCA11check out blue collar reloading. I just ordered some Peterson 7 PRC brass from them. At around $3/rd for factory ammo, reloading good brass seems to be worth the effort.

[@wattsballer]

I think a bergara hmr in 6.8 western would be sick not gonna hold my breath though

[@hotramen5952]

the 6.8 is imo the better of the two. when your in the 23-26# range of recoil, 2# matters. i can purchase factory ammo that will do the job on anything at 600 yards. that same ammo isn't going so fast from the muzzle it wastes meat and bullets fail at 25 yards. i think ballistically the .280 AI and the 6.5 prc are the closest comparisons, and the 6.8 gets my pick with as the best of the bunch.

[@derickbabb3824]

I had this 7PRC bug and ended up going 7SAUM it’s just more efficient with less powder burned and recoil. Shooting a 180g Berger Hybrid I’m at 2830 out of a 22in proof research carbon barrel. To be fair it’s throated long to fit more powder.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Nice

[@patrioticguy1791]

My Bergara HMR with a 24-in barrel got 2865 FPS. I wouldn't say slight miscalculation on their part, I would say misinformation and false advertisement sell the cartridge. I believe the 6.8 Western is an excellent cartridge and Hornady wanted to overshadow it.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I agree

[@albertjabberin739]

Interesting. I would probably take the 6.8 western over the 7mm prc.

[@ronnieskata9002]

Thanks for good info! Im gathering components to build a 6.8 western as we speak and let me tell you that is not the easiest thing over here in Finland. Dies and barrel blank is the easy part, bullets are there if you are lucky but 6.8 brass is not excisting in europe. Reforming wsm or saum brass is the only option for the moment....

[@bustabass9025]

I've been preaching the gospel according to 270 WSM these days. I was all hot for the 6.8 Western, until I took a closer look at my own situation, not what the KZbin jocks were saying. The short magnum (the operative word here of course being magnum, not short😂) in .27 caliber fills a niche for 130 to 150 grain laser beams, with that super velocity. I've got the heavier bullet bases (160-175 grains) covered with my 28 Nosler; which was the reasoning for going with the 6.8. If I need to go 180 to 220 grains, it's my selection of magnum 30 cals that I choose from. Above 220, and I go 340 Wby. Now a word about handloading. I've been doing it for thirty years now. I know a lot of guys don't do it, and that's fine; to each their own. Having said that, when I look at all that I have invested in my shooting and hunting activities over the last fifty-plus years, to then have to depend on the ammo companies to provide me with the most critical component to that purpose, knowing the many uncertainties that come with that dependence...no thanks, I'll help myself!

[@robertmajors1737]

I've come to the same conclusion. I've got a long action magnum Remington that needs a new barrel. It's going to be chambered in 270 WSM and throated for either the 175 Sierra or 165 Accubond LR. 1 in 7" twist Bartlein at 24 or 26" and call it a day. I was looking at the 6.8 Western as well, but then I figured why not have the extra powder of the WSM and the twist rate of the Western since I have a long action anyway?

[@bustabass9025]

@@robertmajors1737 👍🏿

[@phild9813]

The theory of the 6.8 is spot on perfect, but the execution of its ammo and rifles has been a bit of a letdown. I’m passing on the 7 PRC due to just a bit too much recoil, with 30-06 level recoil being where I like to stay. I’m passing on the 6.5 PRC because it’s just a 270 Winchester at hunting ranges. There’s a sweet spot in the 6.8 western that I’m not sure anything else hits with its bullet weights and recoil.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Very true

[@hafeez003]

good review. just recently purchased a 65 prc and here is Berger factory load for 156EOL - 800YDS 1978FPS 1355FTLB -140.02 DROP. appears they are all similar. i think the availability of prc ammo and manufactures adopting/offering PRC options is what setting the western back.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Absolutely

[@shanejarratt9800]

Confirmed stats on my 6.8w at 800 yards, 1980fps, 1436 energy remaining, 128.4" of drop.

[@jasonharmon4314]

I run 170 Berger at 2985 no pressure signs extremely accurate, out of a 24” barrel. I use Ramshot magnum and I’m not over a book load. Temps in my area doesn’t get cold enough to affect it or it’s more temp stable than it’s advertised.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for sharing

[@amym828]

It doesn't really matter to me if 6.8 Western is "better" than 7 PRC. Bullet selection is poor in 6.8mm as opposed to 7mm, as is factory target rounds. I don't much care for hunting.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Do you not reload for target shooting?

[@Mr.Constitutionalist427]

When I pick a new cartridge I often look at data out to 2k and once you start lookong at these two past 1,200 the 6.8 start truly walking away from the 7. Then there is the fact that no one seems to ever get the 3k at the muzzle for the u prc and then the 6.8 western keeps ending up going 3050 to 3200 at the muzzle... funny so most book numbers for the 7 prc are false already. Great video!

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching

[@shanejarratt9800]

I see around 3003 fps muzzle velocity with my 6.8w with factory ammo. The 165 ablr shoots lights out for me. Like a laser beam at 500 yards, 35" of drop at 500 and that's with a 50 yard zero

[@michaelnelson1911]

What rifle were you shooting the 6.8 in? I have similar scratch marks on a 6.5 Prc and I can’t get rid of them. Look at 9:08 in video. Great video. I have very similar thoughts on the 6.8 being better than the 7 PRC. I just wish there was a bigger selection of factor ammo. Thanks for sharing.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Fierce

[@michaelnelson1911]

I have a Christensen and it scapes up the cases as it cycles through the magazine. I have sent it back and I am waiting for it’s return.

[@tandtoutdoors5154]

I am currently using staball HD with a 65gr charge and the 165gr nosler accubond. This is pushing close to 2900 fps and is ridiculously accurate. This is my go to powder and pill for optimal results

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Nice!

[@MontanaWillie44]

I’ve had a few people on the 6.8 Facebook group tell me StaBall HD is junk. I’m getting similar results to you with 170 gr EOLs. Hits like a freight train. Just put in an order for an OMR upgrade on my Weatherby, turning it into a 2nd 6.8 for my wife.

[@tandtoutdoors5154]

@MontanaWillie44 I am using a 20 inch barrel with a can on it and the powder has been the best for me so far. I have used h4350, staball regular, and magpro with much lessor results. I cab pull easily moa to at least 300 yards with this setup. I have yet to go max load as this is getting results with zero pressure signs.

[@MontanaWillie44]

@@tandtoutdoors5154 have you done anything with Retumbo? I have that as well just haven’t used any yet. I’ve been waiting to see if the 155gr Terminal Ascent for .277 is reality. You can find info on it but nothing directly from Federal and that Retumbo would make those a laser beam.

[@krisshepherd740]

Both are great rounds, but i chose 7mmprc. I think the round will be better supported and will increase in performance more in the future. I think it'll be inheritanntly more accurate too.

[@sick7six1]

Interesting analysis but I'm seeing different data, after 200 rounds my 7mm prc is around 2915fps with 175 eldx and 2850FPS with 180 ELDM factory ammo from a 24" barrel. 🤷‍♂

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Not sure how that changes anything. I'm getting 2850 FPS with my 24 inch 7mm PRC and factory ammo. Very disappointing

[@dansiegel2221]

All info within the video is spot on and it is a great round. However, its never going to make it out of the starter blocks. Browning and Winchester are your only options for ammo on the 6.8 and its limited. Hornady's marketing team is crushing it with the PRC line.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Sadly true

[@Bullets4Bucks]

Interesting

[@ThemantleofElijah]

I think they are both good perhaps I’d go with 6.8 myself

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I thought you had one

[@ThemantleofElijah]

No not a 6.8 western not yet at least I have a 6.5-300 tho I did have a 7 prc but I traded it which maybe I should have kept it

[@ThemantleofElijah]

I bought the prc then after having it kinda thought it wasn’t doing much more than my 7 mag and I felt like I wasted the money on it so I traded it for another gun I wanted but I have rethought it over and it would be neat to have but it’s very close to a Remington mag and the ranges I hunt no deer or elk would notice. The 6.8 western to me would be more my preference as I like 277 more. 270 win is one of my favorites

[@terryhenry8243]

Decent cartridge but with very little factory support. It's a dead duck because of that. A few handloaders may hang on if they can cobble up some components.

[@OC_Lofton]

7PRC necked down to 6.8 seems like a winning wildcat🥇 (277PRC; 270PRC; 6.8 Western-XL). 1:8 Twist Rate or faster. Even longer projectiles than 175gr is possible but not necessary.

[@nikos6220]

Is there a Howa 1500 barreled action in 6.8 Western? That would be the only way to get me interested in the cartridge. In a MDT Oryx with a 3-18x44 Strike Eagle that would be a awesome mid-price hunting rig

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Not sure

[@MontanaWillie44]

No. But you can get a magnum bolt face 1500 action, send it to Oregon Mountain Rifles in MT and they’ll upgrade the 1500/Vanguard to 6.8.

[@nikos6220]

@@MontanaWillie44 interesting. Thx

[@kain4645]

I love my 6.8 western it really pisses me off manufacturing companies aren’t supporting it. Better brass is needed for starters and then custom gun makers using it would be nice

[@samwindisch5596]

Do you also have an inside source that velocity tests factory rifles with factory 6.8 western ammo? I'd hate to think that Hornady is the only ammo manufacturer that puts "wishful" velocities on their packaging. Ive also seen velocity tests if 7 PRC ammo, same line of ammo but three different lot numbers and three very different velocites. One was almost spot on with stated velocity and the others where lower. All three different lots had different powder inside as well. This is just the reality of factory ammo, they have to fight for powder as well at times and may have to use different powders.... But Winchester/Browning is immune to that.... Right?

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

From what I've tested and seen, rarely does factory ammo actually have the stated box velocity. For some reason Hornady's numbers are usually way lower. From the little velocity tests on KZbin for 6.8 Western... they have actually been just as fast or faster than the box velocity. But again... not a lot of sample sizes on KZbin for 6.8 Western.

[@Marcus-jg4jb]

Man no wonder hornady didn't give any support to the 6.8 western. It's a darn shame that winchester/browning's marketing and market coordination seems to be so lacklustre comparatively. Maybe they're stuck in an old mindset where winchester cartridges are for selling winchester rifles?

[@WesternReloader]

How bout necking the 7prc down to 277?

[@rustyshackleford2723]

I thought Weatherby would offer custom order barrel twist rates, I was wrong for now. It was the barrel maker vids talking about allowing you to order different twist rates....

[@NHBackcountryGuide]

I'm a huge fan of 7 PRC, but you're right and I do like the 6.8 Western. I love 270 Win and if the 6.8 Western gets more support, I probably add a 6.8 Western to my collection. The 7 PRC in a Proof Research Elevation MTR is very fun to shoot and the recoil is manageable however, I bet a 6.8 Western in that same gun would be even more pleasant while outperforming the 6.5 PRC (which I also like). Hopefully Berger, Barnes, et. al. fill the void and popularize the 6.8 Western.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching

[@Foxxy11256]

With browning making fast-twist .270 rifles I’m wondering if that isn’t the way forward for me over either of these cartridges.

[@nmhvactech5474]

Well, as far as crappy brass, hard to load / close the bolt, and inconsistent, the 7 PRC in my Savage Ultra-Lite. My buddy has also had the brass issues the newest lot of 6.5 PRC he just bought in his Savage. My rifle has a 22” carbon fiber Proof barrel. I chrono’d it with a few different Hornady factory loads, and I’m averaging 2790fps. It kicks like a mule without a brake, the barrel heats up quickly and shots spread, and the long action Savage fluted bolt feels like a cheese grater. 2) boxes of ammo through this gun and I’m done with it. The 7 PRC does not live up to Hornady’s hype. To much powder being burnt for the roi vs other factory loaded cartridges. Also, the Savage is not the nicest of Guns either. My friend talked me into the 7 PRC and the Savage. Now, I’m selling it, loosening money, and going with what I originally wanted, a Browning Xbolt Pro in 6.8 Western.

[@andrewyoung9760]

I'm wondering with winchester currently running lake city ammo and the military picking 6.8 as their new rifle caliber, will winchester begin to provide more support for the 6.8 western. And will other ammo companies begin to produce more bullets in .277 caliber. Which hopefully will lead to more factory ammo options in 6.8 western. Just my thought process.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Hope so

[@REDNECKROOTS]

7prc will and is dominating. It's goldilocks in my opinion. Great close great long. 👍

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

It's a good one

[@kjc9293]

Really is a shame...shot a 270 WSM for years and it was a lightning rod!!! 6.8 just seemed to modernize the WSM yet both are struggling!!

[@wheelchairhillbilly]

Although I have a 6.5prc, I'm getting a bit tired of Hornady constantly putting out new cartridges and marketing them as the best thing ever. So, I tend to agree with you. It's amazing how companies continue to claim a short fat case makes the same velocity with a much shorter barrel. As the data shows, they use the same power as traditional cartridges, but somehow magic happens. The only reason I can think of to get either one over a 7rem, 7wby or 270wby is for shooting long range, and im not a big fan of that for hunting. For fun and target shooting they're great, but the heavy bullets don't shoot as flat at typical hunting ranges. I'd actually be happy with a 7mmwby rpm to play with. Obviously it would be slower but I have always thought the rebated rim cartridges are a cool design, and it's all for fun anyway and you'd really have to burn less powder. Probably about the same as a 280improved but I wouldn't care. If not that, id just go all in and get a 28nosler barrell with a tighter twist. By the way, my 257wby ultralight weight is shooting the 95gr hammers in under half moa with h1000 with the first load tried. I don't know the velocity but I'm sure it's fast. On one other note, my 6.5x300 with swift scirocco bullets has taken 3 antelope and 3 deer so far this year, and I've never seen something so deadly and destructive. Definitely not a meat saver with a shoulder hit. But few people would believe me if I explained further. All exits as well. Much more destructive than an accubond, but I'm sure they wouldn't penitrate as far. Sorry for the long message.

[@chipsterb4946]

I understand the arguments in favor of 6.8 Western. It is a neat short magnum cartridge. Unfortunately I also think it is moribund. Winchester was the only manufacturer of brass but there’s none to be found. Brownells lists it as “discontinued”. There’s nothing on the Starline website. Of my “go to” reloading data sources, only Hodgdon and Barnes bullets list this cartridge. Vihta Vuori, Sierra and Hornady do not. I am not saying there isn’t good data - just that these 3 would list it if there were sufficient demand. Then there’s the short action magnum issue (at least for me). The rifle must have a bigger bolt face for a magnum diameter case head. Not all receivers are/were designed for magnum size bolt faces. Plus you need large rifle *magnum* primers according to the data I have found. I have enough trouble finding regular large rifle primers. Yes, this last complaint applies to 7mm PRC as well. In fact it’s a significant part of why I haven’t tried the 7mm PRC yet.

[@michaelatkin9649]

The 6.8 western does get the love it should and the 6.5 gets more love than it should

[@glennmiller4607]

6.8 western is a great round but it seems others are trying to kill it to stop it competing.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Hornady is trying to kill it. And Winchester seems to not care

[@csmbright4858]

I can't wait to see what's in the video.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Hope you like it

[@csmbright4858]

I absolutely did. I'm really starting to appreciate videos like this. 🫵👍

[@TheNutzandBoltz]

Help me out here. The entire issue is that Hornady is not supporting it? Why can no one else do it? For some reason Hornady has survived while, Winchester out in 2004is? Remington out in 2018ish and bought by some huge conglomerate. is this half not politics allowing gun manufactures to be sued when their gun is used in a crime. Let's change the politics and see someone else put 90? of the dies, brass and bullet on the shelf. As of now Hornady is the only one supporting 80% of the reloading market and a lot of the rounds on the shelf.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

We are blaming Hornady for the 6.8 Western not doing well? I think it's part of it, but not the main reason. 6.8 Western came out at the wrong time and Winchester and Browning have given up on marketing it.

[@bigracer3867]

Oh and I want these new “super cartridges “ in semi auto some how!!👌🏻🤘🏻🤓

[@fono15200]

Gotta go with the 7 PRC. Size matters, and if the minimum amount of recoil difference is that important..take up fishing.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Why settle on a 7mm PRC than? Get a 28 Nosler

[@fono15200]

@ReloadingWeatherby why have a 28 nobler, get a 300 WM. Have all 3. Nosler is the safe queen.

[@Adam_Bileckyj]

Try rerunning the test with a 190 a-tip or comparable 195 EOL and I think you'll be surprised how much of a difference that makes.

[@GeneralObeseus]

8mm Rem Mag vs 300 Weatherby!

[@forward1165]

8 mm Remington magnum versus 340 Weatherby magnum!

[@RhettWest-j8q]

I really want to build a 6.8western, but refuse to make that investment over a cartridge I can only get Winchester brass for. Instead I’ve been looking into a 6.8-6.5prc improved. 6.5prc necked up to .277. With the shoulder bumped forward and blow out to 40degrees.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Lapua now makes 300 WSM brass. Could use that!

[@Miguelneyney]

Took down an elk at 500 yards this season with the 6.8 western and performed excellent!! Complete pass through and elk didnt go far.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Nice! What bullet did you use?

[@Miguelneyney]

@@ReloadingWeatherby i used the Winchester 165 grain accubond LR

[@1999fxdx]

Barrell life seems much better with the low 6.8 powder loads.

[@steverutkowski8141]

I have been looking forward to this video and going with your 6.8 journey @reloading Weatherby!!! Now for the $100 Millionzzzz questions??? Will you get a 6.8 or hopefully a set of does for the next chapter???

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I want to

[@steverutkowski8141]

@@ReloadingWeatherby - I will soon

[@cpreit8862]

Takes a little more powder it's a heavier bullet, so compared 167 gr to 170, then prc using less powder prc better

[@ScottGostick]

Very interesting points. Your assessments on efficiency are flawed though. The conclusions on which is more efficient may be correct coincidentally but your approach to it is off. In order to make the assessment accurately the calculations need to take place at equal velocities as every additional ft/s will require more energy than all those before it making it an apples to oranges comparison. Not really sure I would personally disagree with your overall assessments though. Maybe cherry-picking data a bit, but I don't think there's much question that Hornady is trying to manipulate the data here.

[@jasonlopez4855]

6.8 western and the 6.5 PRC is the two I picked for my new rounds for hunting. And at the range the 6.5 PRC is my go to and deer 🦌 6.8 western this is just me. Is smaller better ⁉️ this are not going to take out the 270 win or 6.5 creedmore price point of ammunition for me. I don't want to work all week to get ammunition for a day of fun at the range.

[@keithprinn720]

based on availability of rifles, ammo and components to hand load? no chance and the hey day for the rifles from these companies well behind them, need rifles from tikka and bergara to push either calibre in my view,

[@linkchen8245]

There arent extreme high bc bullets for 6.8 i think compare to those of 7mm like the 7mm 190gr a tip , .838 G1 LOL, or 197gr smk .780 G1, 190berger LR hybrid. maybe 7mm is more versatile

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Yeah 7mm is more versatile

[@ru2yaz33]

These are the two newer rifle calibers I'm interested in.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrKaiRamo]

How about 6.8 Western against 6.5 PRC?

[@georgerucker9263]

What good is being better to anything when its almost impossible to find the ammo. I wanted that rifle really bad until i couldn't find ammo

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Sadly you're correct

[@nikos6220]

Not a rhetorical question, I am really interested. Does anyone of you fellow reloaders care about the cost of 9 grains of powder in a low round count hunting load? We are talking less than a Nickel per round. I don’t. Range ammo or something like 9x19 of course is a completely different story.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

It gets you about 20 more reloads for a pound of powder. With that being said I hunt with Weatherby cartridges... so I obviously don't care that much.

[@nikos6220]

@@ReloadingWeatherby 😂 yep, that goes without saying. Nowadays that’s like driving one of those old Jaguars with the two fuel tanks. At least you are reloading and not buying

[@archeryhunter86-]

Its not just about cost. It is also extra recoil with minimal returns. Neither thing is a huge deal but add them together and it does make a difference to some people.

[@nikos6220]

@@archeryhunter86- that is interesting. I never connected powder charge to recoil in an all other things being equal scenario, so same pressure same bullet weight, … . But hey, I am really bad at physics

[@nikos6220]

@@archeryhunter86- I recently modeled just for fun an 18‘ in 300 PRC, 300 Win Mag and 300 WSM. The 300 PRC took way more powder to be 20 ft/s faster.

[@mryang3644]

Can we say the 7mm Saum beats both?

[@judahlion5826]

Look, if you want to say that 6.8 is more efficient, fine, but that doesn’t make it better and if money isn’t a big consideration, then efficiency isnt the determining factor. 7PRC had higher BC bullets period, so in that regard the 7PRC is better

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

That's your opinion

[@toddparsons2980]

While I think the 6.8W is a fine cartridge but there just is not much factory support.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Yeah

[@jeffwilliams3436]

Is there a wildcat that combines both of the pros of these cartridges? Like a 7prc case necked down for a heavy for caliber 270 bullet? Essentially a 6.8 PRC

[@dukefanshawe6815]

im thinking about getting a 6.8 western and a 6.5 creedmoor

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Nice

[@jaredhone3814]

I would like to get the Western. However, everything I look at has the Wester with 3lbs higher recoil than the PRC. As in everywhere I have looked. Wondering where you are getting info, that it has lower recoil?

[@biggs8729]

6.8 Western compared to which of the PRC's? Slightly more recoil than the 6.5 PRC, slightly less recoil than the 7 PRC, a lot less recoil than the 300 PRC.

[@thomasdaniel6495]

Save the 6.8#

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Yep!

[@TyB.-to3ek]

All the numbers ive seen on the 7 PRC are VERY inflated!!!

[@42N8_1]

Great cartridge. However, this cartridge was dead on arrival due to the manufacturer being winchester. Most new calibers manufactured by rifle makers do not survive the ammunition market minus a few exceptions.

[@thomasdaum1927]

Please test the 270 WBY with the 165 accubond , you will find it out preforms ( both ) of them !…….

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

It would

[@CEdmondson-p5t]

Did you do your own testing on these two rounds? I don't trust what manufactures state either but I'll tell you that I have gotten both higher and lower velocities that what the manufactures state. I want to know your specific results. Why not shoot them yourself and get your own results?

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I've done the testing with the 6.8 Western. Shortly will be doing the testing on a 7mm PRC.

[@stevenwalker9013]

I have been able to find more rifles for sale in 7mm prc over the 6.8.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Not surprised, as I said the 7mm PRC has a lot more support

[@accur81]

First, Hornady is easily the best brand for rolling out new rounds - 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 300 PRC have done well and the 7 PRC will as well. The 7 runs higher BC bullets with more power. The 7mm PRC is already an extremely popular elk round and it's brand new. I wouldn't bet on the 6.8 being more popular than the 7 as I write this, and definitely not in several years from now.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

1. Hornady is doing well right now. But they have put out some real duds not too long ago. Ever heard of the 30 TC? 300 RCM and 338 RCM? All failed Hornady cartridges. 2. 6.8 Western is almost on its death bed.

[@accur81]

That's fair - the 30 TC is doing about as well as the .357 Sig - but the PRC line is one of the most successful roll outs in recent history. @@ReloadingWeatherby