6.8 WESTERN: my thoughts

A discussion of the 6.8 Western cartridge and it's relevance to the hunter.

[@backfire]

Excellent, in-depth, we’ll-researched video. Thank you.

[@falba1492]

Congrats on Ruger’s hunting skills. I was planning a trip to Africa with my son as well, but the Sino plague ruined our plans last year.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Thank you for the compliment. By the way, your channel is one of the few that I enjoy and watch on a regular basis.

[@mr.mr.3301]

@@desertdogoutdoors1113 have you tried out simplemindedfella channel. He test hunting bullets and different velocities. I found it interesting.

[@timhalloran7910]

This is my favorite all things guns and hunting channel. Thank you for what you do, and what you share with us.

[@bradh8391]

26:30 This is the entire point of the 6.8 Western, it can handle, from factory, heavier bullets with higher BCs. It's not a gimmick, and it does have some advantages over the 270 WSM. I think the biggest problem is the marketing claiming that it beats the 7mm remmag, that was a bad idea for them to go in that direction. They should've framed it as an improved 270 WSM.

[@ulysses8859]

Thank you DD for your time, money and knowledge on this cartridge. Gettin a little tired of the advertisements.

[@YellowHammer26]

Really good information 👍👍. As far as hunting out west, I've been mule deer hunting 3 times since 2014 and had no problem taking mule deer with my 30 06 and 308. In the part of New Mexico I was hunting you could see a whole lot farther than anyone could shoot. My longest shot out of 3 was 315 yds. That's a long shot for a whitetail deer hunter from Alabama who hunts heavily wooded areas.

[@lyf45mo]

I love the statement "Fluff Reviews" I am tired of reviews that Cherry Pick data!

[@rickfletcher8422]

I had my 270 built with a 1:9 to easily handle the heavier end bullets(150-160) before finding sweet loads with the 130gr speer hot cor and 140gr sst…. The only mistake I made was not building it on a left handed action!!

[@RA-ze4tq]

ppppppp I'll k I'll k0 I'm 7ip0 I

[@jw3946]

Thank you for producing this video, lots of great data and information. But I have a slightly different view of the 6.8 Western Cartridge. I have both the 270 WSM (No change in SAAMI Spec) in a 7½ Twist Barrel and a 6.8 Western. They both shoot all high BC bullets (175 Sierra TGK, 170 Berger Elite and the Nosler 165 ABLR) accurate up 1000 yards. Both of my rifles like the Nosler 165 the best, less than one-inch groups at 200 yards with a muzzle velocity of just over 3000 fps and 1650 at target. The others groups are just over an inch. My barrels are both SS Brux Rem Varmint, so they are to a higher standard than a factory barrel. I shoot 600 and 1000 yards weekly, so I have experience with both. There is very little difference between the two with the same hand loads for all bullets. I do agree, why come out with a new cartridge, the 6.8 Western. Simply, Winchester and Browning could have just come out with the “270 WSM Western”, a 270 WSM with a 7½ barrel twist. Just think of the money us shooters would have saved, no need to purchase new rifles. With that said, I will say (which will distress some), the 270 with a 7½ twist or the 6.8 Western will clearly out shoot the 270 Winchester or 270 WSM at yardages 500 yards and over. Even shooting the 145 ELDs from both at 600 yards the higher twist barrels delivers a better group. So, I have totally bought in to the high twist barrels and high BC Bullets no mater what yardages I am shooting. I think the 270 Winchester is a great gun, so much history. But, if I were to rebarrel, it would be one with a 7½ to take advantage of the high BC Bullets. My barrel lengths are both 26”, I exceed by 50 fps all of the published velocity data by Winchester and Browning. It is obvious a 24” barrel will have a lower velocity. This was an error in this video. My view. The “6.8 Western” is a better cartridge than the standard barreled 270 Winchester and 270 WSM as it shoots the heavier higher BC bullets, as well as shoots amazing at 1000 yards. Don’t discount this this cartridge, it has more positive attributes than this video portrays. For an average hunter, just shooting up to 300 yards, our 270s are more than needed, but if one is pushing 500 yards the higher twist barrels are superior. I think the 6.8 Western will be with us for a long time. Should add, I have 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor. These are my favorite two cartridges.

[@hantus77]

Any thoughts on the 6.5PRC, 300 WSM and 280 Ackley Improved for hunting?

[@johnpolk1555]

>ⁿ

[@padna7946]

My 6.8 western is just waiting to stretch its legs. Stuck working right now, but later this spring I will be running it out to 1,000 and beyond. I’m really looking forward to working on load development with it and really seeing what it’ll do. One thing that wasn’t mentioned, but kinda goes without saying, about the comparison data between the 270wsm and the 6.8 was the wsm data was a perfected hand load, and the western is factory box ammo. Not exactly apple to apples there. I’m really looking forward to seeing what we’ll get out of the 6.8 with hand loads, and multiple bullet options. (Attention Berger) I think it’s going to be a great performer.

[@jw3946]

@@padna7946 You will enjoy the 6.8 Western. I am shooting 1000 yards tomorrow, 175 Sierra and 150 Nosler bullets. I cannot get the 170 Elites to group, don’t know why. Best is about 3” at 200 yards. All the others are an 1” groups or under. My best bullet is the Nosler 165 ABLR. Give those a try, but currently they are very hard to find.

[@foubert45]

Well said , I just posted a similar comment then read this.

[@OTG414]

It’s crazy that people are so sucked in by “newness”. The 6.8 Western is only getting 2900 fps, and it’s impossible to find. My hunting load is a 7mm-08 pushing a 140gr accubond using Sta-ball 6.5, and I get 2850 fps with no pressure signs. Why do hunters feel like the things that have been working for decades suddenly become inferior as soon as something new comes out? My uncle shot some of the biggest bucks I’ve ever seen in my life using 00 buckshot out of an old 16 gauge single shot while smoking a pipe and wearing a red flannel jacket and work pants!

[@MrCatD8T]

My 6.8 shoots 165 ablrs at 3050 fps all day and bullets are easy to find

[@NuclearSandwich7]

I hope anyone looking into this cartridge doesn’t stop at this video for all the information they get.. there is plenty of truth in here but there is a lot of information that doesn’t jive with what I’ve seen. For instance, throughout the entire pandemic I have seen dozens of boxes of the ammo at any of the retailers around me. Less popular means more ammo when people panic buy. I get the marketing is annoying but this truly is a modernized 270 and it is a solid option for anyone that doesn’t already own one.

[@richardstone5241]

I'm 69 years old and have been shooting since I was 8 years old and taught by my grandfather. Over the years hunting, bench shooting, military action and police I discovered that all of the myriad of calibers was all just marketing hype to sell more guns and new type caliber ammunition. So, you might be wondering what I like. My choices are: 22lr, 12 gauge shotgun, 22-250 w/60 grain bullet, 25-06 w/ 100 gr, 270 w/140 and 30-06 w/180 grain bullet. That's it! What next you might ask. LEARN TO SHOOT because it is not the gun, it's not the caliber, IT IS, THE NUT BEHIND THE BUTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JefF-rv7gp]

Thank you for a no bullshit review ! 👍 🦌 And I LOVE the 30.06 also !

[@ranchodeluxe1]

Fifth generation Harding County South Dakota hunter here.I think there is such a thing as Western cartridges. I mean, you ever see what a 130 grain .270 does to a deer at 30 yards? But it's money on deer at 300 yards. You would take your 30-30 all day long for the Eastern woods, and I'd use mine here on the prairie if it's all I had. But, it sure wouldn't be my first choice. If I need to slow the .270 down for closer range shooting, I can simply buy a box of 150 grains off the shelf. I can shoot groups like that with my pre 64 Model 70. Ya. It has iron sights. This gun is a one trick pony. What do you get over the .270 Win for all your money? You get to buy $100 boxes off Gunbroker. Meanwhile, the .270 Win, which is a true Western cartridge,(300 plus yard PBR) is just putting deer in the truck. As you mentioned, ethical Western hunters seldom shoot at game over about 350 yards, so why reinvent the wheel?

[@jjjjns]

This was very helpful and interesting I especially liked that you broke down the ammo and gave us some education on bulk ball powder. Thank you.

[@joetataryn2475]

Thank you! You seem to be the only one that talks about the pros & cons. That I am impressed by.. Not just the good stuff.

[@davidderr2662]

Thanks. Great truthful presentation. I strive for shots 300 yards or less.For me it's 30-06 for Deer, Antelope and .338 Win mag for Elk and bigger. Both in Winchester model 70s. I live in Oregon. Premium bullets on all.

[@warrengreen3217]

30 06 is all u need for elk

[@warrengreen3217]

@@58harwood same to you sissy

[@warrengreen3217]

@@58harwood you make no sense go down the comments everyone said a opinion even you but your is stupid and what grown man uses a emoji

[@davidvanartsdalenii9794]

Excellent video, lots of useful information. I've been killing deer and deer sized game for over 30 years with my poor old obsolete .270 Winchester and I've yet to see any 130 to 150 grain bullet bounce off any animals hide. I don't believe that I will be making the switch to a 6.8 Western any time soon.

[@miketyson8933]

Lol you're going to be eating your words because the 6.8 Western is hitting harder then the 7mm rem mag at long range IN A SHORT ACTION!! Its a beast of a round, updated 270 WSM

[@peterhrkal8165]

@Mike Tyson 1. No one cares about short action 2. Only outshines other calibers st like 4-500 yards. 3. Ammo costs 100$ here in Canada for 6.8W Only benefit is reduced recoil

[@luvtahandload7692]

It seems as if Hornady's team of genius marketers are moonlighting over at Winchester. Great vid, DD!

[@mikemelina7395]

ironically though, Hornady refuses to manufacture 6.8W ammo, or even components for the cartridge. It may be because they see it as competition for the 7PRC, who knows.

[@luvtahandload7692]

@@mikemelina7395 could be. 🤷‍♂️

[@Dimitrius001]

Great content as always. I too always take the claims made by the bullet/ammo manufactures with several grains of salt. I’ve always believed that if you want a more accurate apples to apples comparison when comparing bullets of different calibers, you should be comparing bullets of similar sectional densities or ballistic coefficients. I laugh when they just arbitrarily compare one caliber to the other with no specific metric. The result means little or nothing.

[@brianlee6849]

Excellent no BS assessment with facts and ballistics to back it up. I was one of those people that asked you about this one about a week ago. It's a real insult to our intelligence how stupid marketing people think that we are. I really enjoy your approach to your videos you really cover a wide range on whatever subject you're approaching. After watching your previous videos it's my conclusion that if I wanted to hunt anything in North America with two rifles the 25-06 and the 30-06 would be the perfect Duo . Thank you greatly appreciated 👍

[@ASimao71]

I know that two years passed on... But yesterday was the first time I shot this calibre... Bought an XPR for my youngest son and both spent the afternoon shooting (zeroing the scope to the rifle and moderator) using the only ammo we could find here in Portugal... Browning BXS ammo @ outrageous high price... Tested the rifle and ammo combo and ... Accurate, pleasant even but... Uninpressed! Let's see how it performs on game when season comes... 👍👍

[@brandonkiesser8271]

thank you sir for your work. it does not go unnoticed. thank you for clearing up the smoke to show the playing field. continue to cut through the hype especially for those of us who can't afford to be taken advantage of financially

[@repairfreak]

I agree with you wholeheartedly. Why would want to spend the extra money if you can even find the 6.8 Western. Just doesn’t make sense when we have the 30-06 and .270 Win to do the job just fine at ethical shooting distances. The gain the 6.8 shows is pretty much insignificant at out to 300 yards Thanks for the video.

[@texassportsman5880]

The entire idea is to sell products. To create a need that may not exist. Like the series 80 firing pin block. Its a solution looking for a problem. When you look at the history of hunting. Those who hunt out west have been taking game with what was available at the time, before 2000, and have successfully taken game. The manufacturers will continue to introduce products to satisfy the perceived needs of today's hunter. I hunt with a .30-06 for years and I rarely take a shot longer than 300 yards. If the shot is further then I'll stalk my game until I am close enough to take a shot under 300 yards, preferably 200 yards or less. That's hunting. Stalking your game until you are close enough to take a humane and ethical shot. When you think about all of the available calibers on the market there is so much overlap in performance; .308/.30-06 is there much of a difference to make a difference. Only in the mind of hunters who swear that if you're not shooting a .308 you're not a real hunter. The same goes for the 6.5 CM. Hunters swear by it but how many of them have taken the time to become proficient with the equipment they currently had before they upgraded? Damn few.

[@danwhite5550]

Thank you for finally someone coming up with straight talk and straight truth about a bunch of BS that's fed to us by all these gun rags

[@mattmills5145]

Two years later and reloading components are still unattainable. A few factory loads available online . Winchester rifles chambered for 6.8 are plentiful while other Model 70 chambered rifles are out of stock. Don’t know why Winchester would overhype a rifle that customers can’t find ammo for .

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

I was the only guy on KZbin speaking the truth about this cartridge. Once again, history proved me correct.

[@wyattl.1693]

Go to bass pro they have ammo there you can find them.

[@viktormogilin307]

Hi from Aus, love the honesty, we can all can the corporate BS, keep the vids commin' 👍🍻😊♥

[@viktormogilin307]

The classics are only getting better with time & perform just as well with modern components 👍🍻😊♥

[@pantherpaw9]

I never go with all these designer cartridges, I stick to the classics which always have readily purchasable ammunition like .30-06 and 7mm REM Mag and .308 Win. Just my opinion

[@TheWarriorsMind]

When you compare Winchester's 7mm mag 168 grain load to their 6.8 Western 165 gr. load, the 6.8 actually has a higher muzzle velocity, a greater ballistic coefficiency, and a higher sectional density. So it does outperform the 7mm mag comparatively.via Winchester box stats. For me, I'll stay with my 270 Winchester for most game. I am thinking about upgrading my barrel to a 1 in 8 twist.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but the 7mm RM pushes those bullets faster. Since BC doesn't matter at ethical hunting distances (MPBR), the 7mm shoots flatter. Sectional density means nothing these days; almost any mid-weight monolithic or bonded bullet will get complete pass-throughs.

[@rpk5250]

Another awesome video as usual. Thank you DD

[@shawnstockton6143]

270 wsm owner,,,,great cartridge, better results! Wife took her moose with it,,,can't give a better review than that!

[@edsmercina7157]

Thanks for your review and breakdown!

[@tonycanniffe2360]

Love your videos and I’ve learned so much. You are such a perfectionist.

[@ParadiseInHawaii0com]

😱WoW, thanks for your “thoughts” of this caliber. You really went out of your way to please your viewers to put to together this 30+ minutes video review. I’ve been watching to see if this would fit my need for a setup to take up north to Alaska, and judging by your thoughtful analysis I also do not see that this will fill the slot between my go to 270Win and my backup 375 H&H that both shoots really well. I’ll be focusing on getting a really well fit and finished used custom FN or Swedish Mauser in 30-06 or 338-06 (I will be reloading this round) since I want to stay away from magnum cartridges other than what I already have. 🙏🏼

[@leeadams5941]

Take a look at .35 Whelen, Ive shot plenty of very large bear with it. Its a hell of a round.

[@Paughco]

Dog of the Desert: Here's where it's at: .30-06 via my M-1 Garand. Or, the .375 H&H from my M-70. I really enjoy your postings. You are the real deal.

[@NordicRifleman]

Great video - thank you. Sound, sincere and sober review 👍🏻

[@williamfeldner9356]

Where is the 270 Weatherby Magnum in this debate, review?.? My favorite rifle caliber right behind my 308 Winchester and 3006 Springfield………..

[@awsomedude12345678]

I have one too , the second flattests shooting cartridge available

[@ronbeckybeasley3566]

Maybe because Weatherby guns are overrated

[@awsomedude12345678]

@ronbeckybeasley3566 overated sure but still quite high quality. I dont have any of the American weatherby guns but i have a vanguard and its very nice

[@ronbeckybeasley3566]

@@awsomedude12345678 so you own a pos Howa.

[@awsomedude12345678]

@@ronbeckybeasley3566 clearly you know nothing about guns

[@propertypreparedness6846]

Well the point of the 6.8 western is that it can take the high bc bullets and correct twist rate. Rem mags have a hard time loading high bc bullets and have them fit in traditional chamber dimensions. Case is slightly different than 270 wsm, similar to 300tc and 6.5cm.

[@propertypreparedness6846]

Meant to say 6.5cm and 300 relationship.

[@jimedick9496]

This is exactly the point of the 6.8 Western. You can fire a heavy for caliber projectile than the previous .277 caliber

[@archstanton9703]

6.8 Western was only ammo on the shelf not too long ago. I’m not interested in the 6.8 but learn something new every time I watch one of your videos.

[@borkwoof696]

Does that mean that supply is high or demand is low?🤔

[@archstanton9703]

@@borkwoof696 Could be. Didn’t notice if there was any 6.8 on the shelf last time at SW, but there was no 7mm-08 or 30-06.

[@govolsfightvolsfight2908]

Let's give it some time, hell the valkyrie had a rough start, and now is a reliable Lazer that will slay yoties and put together groups around..5 moa!

[@natehayes82]

My 6.8 Western will be here on Tuesday. Hopefully I'll get it zeroed in and able to take it muley hunting next weekend. Also a late cow elk tag could be nice

[@texpatriot8462]

Did you get one?

[@texpatriot8462]

Great video. I considered this cartridge and went with a 280 AI instead. I reload and didn't want to deal with the belt on the 7mm Rem Mag. In the 270 bullet size, I think the 277 Fury will kill it off - demand and supply as military cartridge.

[@darrylpacholko5495]

I have a 7rem mag, why on earth would I need a 6.8 western? A traditional calibre like the 30 06 is easier find everything for at a cheaper price.

[@youngin881]

“Stupid Hype” ... yep, that’s my vote. Thank you for this.

[@cacinaz8802]

DD Thanks for another great video. I was initially intrigued by the 6.8 Western but then reality hit and I realized much of what you point out - no real stats, reloading data, ammo availability, rifle availability. Then I realized it is just another collaboration by Browning and Winchester just like the WSM of years ago. Of course these companies are now owned by the same larger corporation. Too much marketing and unreliable data. I'm sticking with the 7mm Rem Mag. And to me the most important stat you point out is the MPBR - all had about 300 yards with 3 inch target.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

MPBR is something lost on this new generation. They all want to spin turrets and consult calculators and charts. If you have time to do all that, you're either too far away or you're going to miss your shot opportunity.

[@phild9813]

MPBR is certainly becoming a lost technique. I just can’t make sense of a hundred yard zero for hunting. I do wonder how many opportunities are lost due to spinning knobs. Many, I suspect, both to wasting time instead of shooting and spinning to the wrong setting. I see it all the time on the KZbin hunting channels.

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

@@phild9813 What’s the ideal zero range?

[@jessdurfee3817]

Great video. I have a .270WSM and I love it. I have a 130 grain E-Tip load that shoots 1 hole groups at 100 yards and runs 3402FPS. Also have a 150 grain Partition load for it at 3102FPS. Shoots half MOA at 100 yards. Both have mild recoil and keep velocity and energy very well for hunting yardage. Never really saw the need for the 6.8 Western. I also have 2 308's, one is a 1957 Model 88 and the other is a Howa Carbon fiber 24 inch barrel in a Hogue stock. Just working up loads for the latter and have 2 loads for the 88 that are right around 3000FPS with 150 grain monolithic.

[@NCWoodlandRoamer]

Right on, this thing doesn't do anything for real hunters that the old standards like 30-06 and 270 Win won't do.

[@DDay336]

Thanks for seeking and sharing the truth. I do, however, dispute your claim that you can always get a shot opportunity within 300 yards. As an elk hunter in Colorado for 5 years now, I've encountered numerous situations that required a 400 ish yard shot.

[@borkwoof696]

I‘m going to state an unpopular opinion: the .25 cal and .27cal are technically superfluous. They only exist because of parallel development in America and Europe at the end of the 19th century/early 20th century and have lost to their metric counterparts. While they may work just fine and we can argue all day about which is better, there is no denying that the difference in performance is marginal but there will never be as many .25 and .27 cal bullets available as there are 6.5 and 7mm options.

[@falba1492]

While it’s true there are less bullets offered in .277” than there are in 6.5mm, every single great hunting bullet is available in .277”. The variety was more limited do to twist rate, than caliber. I’d also like to add that no one using the French metric system has ever made it to the moon 😀 I do love a good 7x64 Brennecke.

[@johnmollet2637]

Yeah, you may get some sand kicked in your face, but I think your point is absolutely correct.

[@blackshirtsrule4ever]

I don’t know about it being unpopular, but it’s 100% correct. Anyone with any understanding of ballistics could see that if they look at any real data. The first thing I thought of when I saw the Western is-why bother with a .277? Why not just reregister a new chamber design using the 7saum case and an 8 twist at longer oal? You can literally buy prefits and assemble one yourself instead of buying a fad cartridge. ADG brass has you covered.

[@bruceallen6016]

You've made some good points and comparisons. Thumb up for the info.

[@stevenkimber4735]

No one has answered my question yet. What does it do the 7 mm Remington Magnum does not do? Less recoil, less muzzle flash? This video answered all my questions about this cartridge. Thank you

[@jimmybare3026]

Thanks for shinning the spotlight on Winchester for their deception and trickery.

[@kirkhiggins3044]

I'll stick with my .270 thanks.

[@josephstephens1252]

Was curious about the round. Thanks for info!

[@Dalesarty]

“Like it or hate, that’s the truth about the 6.8 Western”. 😂😂 that’s great call them out. They hyped up the 350 Legend as well. Marketing Magic these days, new bullet means new rifle 😂😂. One of the best reviews yet and it killed me when you put the 06 on the table. 😂😂😂. Love it and my 06 here on the prairies.

[@ruge48]

many of this "new calibers" do not add anything to the 30'06, 270, 9,3x62, 7x57 and other traditional calibers. In many countries, Argentina in particular,. though some of us have traditional long range calibers like 300 Wby, 300 Win, or 45/70 or _European 8x57 and many others we, almost 100% have a .308 because it is our Armed Forces standard caliber and we can obtain officially sold ammo at affordable prices. Bullets, gunpowder, brass are scarce and under importations rulings . So our policy is "stick to traditional calibers and buy the best available bullet.

[@markgalyen38]

The first time I heard about this rifle. Some people were bragging about taking it whitetail hunting. The longest shot they made was under 200 yards..... They claimed they couldn't have gotten their deer without it ... Any decent shot could have done the same thing with a 30-30

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Your story is a common theme with most 6.8W, 28 Nosler, and 6.5 PRC shooters.

[@adamshaw8214]

@@desertdogoutdoors1113 when the ammo is 40 to 50 a box and it's in stock, while 300winmag ammo is out of stock and priced at 90 to 100 a box yeah I'd say the 6.8 western is a good choice. It may not be better but it's at least equal to a 270win.

[@54Rocketeer]

I think it’s a good cartridge but all newer calibre rifles are grossly overhyped that’s the norm! Like the 7mm PRC and the Hornady data BS

[@jassonco]

Skeptical indeed, when they introduced this cartridge and it's external ballistics!

[@jeffnelson9052]

Good information to separate out some of the hype. I’ve been hunting successfully for 50 years, mainly with a 270, while I own many different calibers I really enjoy shooting that old Remington 700! I look forward to actually seeing if the 6.8 will take hold, only time will tell but I’m certainly intrigued with the potential of the new combination of bullet weight and factory twist rate. I don’t own a short mag so it’s logical to lean toward the next generation engineering even if it basically does almost the same thing as the short mag. My thinking is that because of the military’s decision to utilize the 6.8 it very possibly could end up being produced by many manufacturers creating the competition to benefit the everyday hunter. I guess I’m Still on the wait and see fence.

[@rossilake3430]

The 30.06 is the ( Old Timers) Soldiers round. Ammo was cheap after the War and We love the round. I wouldn’t change my M1G. The 7mm round is the sweet spot, whether it’s a STD .284 or the magnum loadings. All shooters know this, well maybe they don’t. Love your channel.

[@chrisdenem2542]

"Western" is just a trademark of winchester used for decades. Growing up in the 60s and 70's in Pennsylvania, I always liked the winchester western thing. It was just a slogan for promotion no more than that. Never had a problem with it. They used it on shotgun ammo as well. Looks to me the 6.8 western is a good addition to this class of cartridges. As far as factory ammo goes in all brands, it is not what it used to be.

[@poorfatman5317]

Thank you it's about time somebody's honest when Ron's Spoomer showed how it didn't performance as well as the 270 short magnum people discounted that

[@paulsimmons5726]

The Winchester 6.8 Westerner is an answer for a question that was never asked... This round was doomed from the release because the pandemic has crippled the firearms supply chain. If we'd seen the 6.8 Westerner released in "normal" times, I'd suspect it would have followed the 20 year old 270 WSM's limited success. However, the pandemic, plus questionable claims, may have killed this round before it even got any amount of sales success to speak of. If I wanted to buy a 270, I think I'd stick with the venerable 270Win, with close to a century of proven performance. I remember when Winchester released the various WSM calibers and now only the 270WSM and 300WSM are still around. Gotta wonder if the 6.8 Westerner will even be here in a few decades???

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Great assessment of the situation.

[@paulsimmons5726]

@@desertdogoutdoors1113 Thanks! I nodded my head as you spoke. The M70 is my favorite rifle design and Winchester has developed a number of great rounds for it over the years. But, every now and then, their R&D ammo guys try to scam the system with smoke-and-mirrors stats and innovative number manipulations. Enjoyed your video! Take care and be well!

[@davhuf3496]

Personally I like the idea of a high to very high SD bullet at a relatively moderate velocity. Larger calibers will high SD's tend to recoil much harder. Be well!

[@matthewjenkins9432]

I think it’s great that Winchester was trying to design something new, but I think they need to do a better job, why would anyone buy a 6.8 if they already own a .270 wsm, I think the only thing new about the 6.8 western is it’s name.

[@Kmecha84]

Higher twist rate and designed to run heavy for caliber bullets. Something the 270 wsm can't do

[@robertpetersson1390]

@@Kmecha84 The gun not the caliber

[@JamesM-l5g]

🎯, again!

[@aubreyroche5080]

All good things to consider..... Thanks

[@jegr3398]

A cartridge has already been invented in the past that can accomplish anything you'd ever need to do with a rifle. But these ammo companies need to let great older designs die so they can market new designs. It's all a sham. The grandaddy of all modern cartridges, the 7X57 Mauser, was a perfect cartridge and will accomplish anything that 99.9% of what rifle hunters need to do.

[@blindboyjonny]

I am pretty sure that the barrel twist alone was the reason for bringing this cartridge to market. With everybody wanting to shoot long distance, the one in 10 twist specified by SAAMI would not allow it. A 270 WSM with a faster twist would serve the same purpose. But factory rifles can only be produced within Sammy specs. Great job.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Not necessarily. Manufactures can do whatever they want. In fact, many chamber/throats/mags in factory rifles are out of SAAMI specs. Ruger is now making commercial 7mm-08 rifles with 1:8 twists and longer throats to shoot heavier bullets. Straight from the SAAMI website: "SAAMI's standards are voluntary compliance standards".

[@samwindisch5596]

Winchester brought the 6.8 Western to market because they got sued over the 270 WSM. They ended up settling the law suit with having to pay royalty to the guy for every rifle chambered in 270 WSM and for every cartridge made. The simple solution was to shorten the cartridge and "creedmoor" the chamber design to optimize it for heavy for caliber bullets. Voila, 6.8 Western. Amazing that no mention of the law suit was mentioned, which is the entire reason this cartridge was developed.

[@billdutra498]

Nice review. I myself purchased a new X bolt chambered in 6.8 western. Hard to find a rifle lately in 270wsm, I've been looking for years. I figured this would get me pretty close to what I was looking for, sounds like I was right. Great stuff, thanks for your intel.

[@johnt34aus]

Its like the 6.5 Creedmoor v 260Rem all over again. The advantages only come in the tighter chamber spec, fast twist and the headheight in SAAMI spec and the availability of factory ammo with high BC bullets! With the price & scarcity of reloading components there is a conspiracy against us reloaders!😁

[@elikruger2763]

AWESOME VIDEO MAN! Can you please do a video on the. 220 swift or the 22-250

[@heerkrupp64]

Glad you did this video, I was curious with the Western myself, but it appears it's more trouble than it's worth, with all the data and component issues. And the main one for me,it doesn't offer anything, that is not already on the market.

[@joshlower1]

it offers a short action cartridge in 270 capable of matching the 7mm mag with high bc bullets at a reasonable price. times are changing boomer.

[@heerkrupp64]

@@joshlower1 Hasn't changed that much for me to want and buy one.

[@tomlarue654]

Great video

[@jamescampbell9533]

Very expensive 270 win.

[@RMC2021]

You put out good content - no doubt about it. In this particular video as it pertains to accuracy and speed, I don't feel that using a cheap rifle such as the XPR to obtain data is fair. Granted, there isn't a whole lot of availability right now to be picky with rifle selection, but there is plenty of data out there to support better accuracy and speeds for the 6.8 western. I do not feel like this cartridge is a game changer by any means but for someone that wants to get into the .277 caliber and wants to shoot factory ammo, this is the best option there is.

[@johngeddes7894]

The Winchester push feed actions can be used with greater repeatable accuracy than the Remington Model 700. Facory side by side, the edge should go to the Win push feed. The owner and founder of MacMillan Stocks said as much about it. No shame in that action as a starting point for a highly accurate sub-MOA rifle. I didn’t necessarily believe it at first, but the echoes from fairly non biased sources, like here, confirm Mac’s claim. Not to argue with you; just another opinion, from some that really compare what matters; not a bunch of hype.

[@RMC2021]

@@johngeddes7894 I’ve heard that claim as well and can see the logic but I disagree. Military snipers, PRS shooters, Wimbledon cup shooters, and precision shooting in general is completely dominated by actions either built on or based entirely on the Remington 700 action. 99% of custom actions out there are completely based on a the Remington 700 action which would lend itself to disprove the claim of a push feed action. My point is you can’t test or judge the accuracy of a cartridge based on a $400 rifle with cheap parts and sloppy specs. For example, my custom 6.8W that I built with quality parts (Defiance action/Bart barrel/Manners stock) will shoot 1/4-1/2MOA all day on factory ammo. This video does not provide a good test to measure the accuracy of the cartridge.

[@yooper7753]

The 6.8 Western cartridge will fail. Also Winchester and Browning are the same company. Heavy weight high BC bullets are the worst choice for taking big game. You cannot find Reloading equipment or load data, because no one want to support a failed idea. My Ruger M77 MKII in 270 Winchester with a 1 in10” rifling 22” barrel will absolutely crush elk at ethical (300 yards) distances. Nosler’s 160 grain Partition bullets gets the job done.

[@OldSchoolParatrooper]

Absolutely the best, most complete, and most honest 6.8 western review and analysis I've seen

[@phild9813]

Velocities for factory loads in 270wsm and 7 mag are very similar. 270wsm is most certainly faster in the lighter bullets but in my experience loses the advantage when you move to 150s.

[@phild9813]

I agree that their comparison chart, just like most companies pushing their pet cartridges, is a load of BS. The 6.8 is what it is. It’s relatively average recoiling(30-06 realm), heavier bullet shooting, big game round. If you want a heavy for caliber 270 cartridge, it’s the only factory option. I like 270s, but I doubt I ever buy the western as I have a 30-06 already for shooting heavier bullets.

[@HobbiesHobo]

6.8 Western was dead the moment they named it. Mike.

[@EatingWild]

I'll stick with both of my 7 mag and 7mm-08

[@bobparvin9773]

These newfangled supermags have no place in my deer and hog hunting inventory because the plain, ordinary, slow, old 308 Winchester firing the dreaded 165 gr. Hornady SST bullets at non Magnum velocities is an absolute Hammer of Thor on the Largest, Meanest inhabitants of any forest. God help any Giant Hogs over 300 lbs and this is the gospel according to the Man that invented the 300 Hammer, he was duplicating the killing efficiency of the 308 win. Firing the dreaded 165 gr. SST at 2650. Bill Wilson of Wilson Combat Co. hunts hogs more than anyone I have ever heard of and this is the best advice I have ever put to use myself. Even if I don't get to cross paths with a Bigfoot, I ain't undergunned if I do.

[@coyotiess]

nICE THAT YOU HELPED YOUR FRIEND OUT ON THE LOAD DATA!

[@michaelrihel9584]

Ethical hunting distances, Amen brother!

[@josephchavez8280]

That’s funny about the ammo the only think on shelves here in Albuquerque is 6.8 western. Thought about buying one just because I could find ammo for it.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Where I live, nobody is stocking 6.8W ammo or rifles. I think they don't want to purchase items they feel will not sell. Strange thing though, is that these same stores are fully stocked with 28&30 Nosler ammo and brass that looks like it has been sitting for years.

[@josephchavez8280]

@@desertdogoutdoors1113 not sure where you are from but Ammo of all sorts is starting to slowly trickle in. 308 270 30-06 is pretty common to find on Walmart shelves but we don’t have any nosler calibers or weatherby for that matter that I have noticed in the local sporting goods stores. I hunt with and reload my 300 wsm. I have plenty for hunting pre pandemic but I’m not going out wasting it for fun. I also scored a pile of 30-30 the other day which I’m not opposed to use for hunting deer and elk with.

[@robertboyd3863]

@@josephchavez8280 I can't recall the last time I have seen ammo at a Walmart store

[@XD1908]

I don't get all these "new" calibers. My good old 30/06, 270, 308 and 6mm remington serve every purpose I will ever need hunting in colorado.

[@andygyger8267]

Been waiting for a new video. Interesting topic. Your review was pretty much exactly what I thought it would be and I agree with you. It’s fine but nothin special. I don’t understand why if the rifle manufactures are pushing it. Especially Winchester, why arnt they flooding the market with quality ammo? Ammo availability is one of my top 3 questions when selecting a new rifle. This is off topic I think the 350 legend is a joke but I did see ball ammo for it at Walmart for $15 today. I still would never buy one. I have no use for “rifle” with that ballistic performance

[@pierrethompson3074]

Hey desert dog, greetings from your fellow california lifelong hunter. Love your content, you give a lot of good solid unbiased information grounded in experience rather than sponsors and group think. This is kind of off topic, but I could not help but notice the zebra painting on the wall in your background. My grandfather is an artist and has painted and sold many zebra pieces all over the state. Being that we are both california residents i could not help but wonder if that is one of my grandfathers pieces. Who is the artist of that piece if you don't mind me asking ?

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Painting was done by Ben Lee. The eyes drew me to this painting. If you've ever seen a zebra's eyes in the wild; in the right light, they are not black soulless eyes, but a golden color with piercing pupils. I had to buy it because of the eyes.

[@pierrethompson3074]

@@desertdogoutdoors1113 wow that is amazing. It is not one of my grandfathers piece's, but it is beautiful. I have been hunting for a little over 10 years, though i am still fairly young in my hunting experience. One of my biggest goals in life is to make it to africa at some point and get a chance to hunt exotics. Thank you for the content and the knowledge, god bless

[@michaelholder6905]

I own a browning x-bolt max long range and use the browning 175gr ammo. And shoot 3 round groups in less then an inch. From what I’ve seen is the xpr doesn’t shoot very good in 6.8

[@mr.mr.3301]

Soooooo. I’m going to say it. We don’t need any more new calibers. We would be better off as well if there were less mfg has to manufacture. With the exception of the 350 legend in straight wall states.

[@vpsaline]

The 300 win is a western cartridge. Why fix what ain't broke

[@lumberdog198]

what is the new cartridge with a 80000 saami spec?

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

.277 Sig Fury.

[@hantus77]

next up 7PRC Hornady

[@ZeroCarbDaddy]

Its all about the $$$ they are trying to make noise to get the hype.

[@GreenKnight1979]

Why didn't you compare the 6.8 Western to the 270 Winchester on your comparison chart??

[@dgambrel9241]

Just have a fast twist 270 bee built.

[@vincentdimick7012]

These new cartridges are a scam. If rifle manufactures would make a 1:8 twist 270 we would have no need for the 6.8 western. Heavy high BC bullets and rifles that can stabilize those rounds is the answer. That being said, if they had named this cartridge the 6.8 Creedmore or 270 PRC this thang would be selling like hot cakes.

[@scottbeets4318]

Great video and channel! How do I get ahold of you to build a custom rifle for me?

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Thank you for the compliment. I no longer do rifle work (only personal projects).

[@hillbillyscholar8126]

Sadly I think it all comes down to the way people receive their information. I have not seen a .277" bore cartridge that offers a real improvement over the .270 Winchester and .270 Weatherby.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

I would even argue that the old 270Win is more well-rounded than the 270WB.