6.8 Western vs 6.5 PRC

[@lz3572]

I have been hunting with a 7rem mag for over 40 years. It’s awesome. But now a 67 year old cancer survivor. The recoil is starting to affect my shooting ability. So after looking at something with less recoil. But with decent ballistics. For Deer out to 500 and moose and Elk out to 350 . I chose the 6.5 PRC. I picked up a Antler Arms Carbon Mountain. With a 24 in barrel. With the 140 AB at just over 2900 fps. I get sub .500 inch groups. With very manageable recoil. It’s a pleasure to shoot I am not disappointed with my choice. Yes the 6.8 western Will give you more energy but a lot more recoil. And limited rifles and factory ammunition available. So for me the 6.5 PRC is perfect . Cheers.

[@montanamusings]

The 165 ablr's vs the 143 bondstrikes. Both are great but 6.8 Western is the winner!

[@dhooter]

As far as I know unfortunately the booger 156g is the heaviest bullet available. Otherwise this comparison would get interesting

[@soupie31547]

Every time you make a video involving the 6.8 western it makes me want one more. I really hope it builds some momentum and brass becomes more available. Then I will definitely get one.

[@biggs8729]

You should get one and try this. Brass is a non issue with 7SAUM brass being available. I've heard 300 WSM also works, but 7mm is closer to 6.8, so I go this route. 7SAUM brass from Lapua, ADG, Starline or whoever, is available and so easy to resize to 6.8 Western. You literally run it thru the sizing die, which shrinks down the neck, then trim about .020 and you are done. I'm using 7SAUM brass with my usual 6.8 Western load data with identical velocities, smaller SD's and .5 MOA groups and that is before it is fireformed. I assume it only gets better after fireforming the brass. Wish I would have tried this sooner. Could have saved a ton of money on factory ammo just to get the crappy Winchester/Browning brass.

[@soupie31547]

@ I really appreciate the info!

[@AP-ow5vu]

The opposite is true for me, I want one less and less.

[@jamessobolik3727]

If everyone waited until a cartridge became popular, they would all die. It's up to you to make them popular

[@davidsignor7931]

Is there something wrong with the 270 win I have reloaded that for years with higher fps. You just can't fix what's not broken. Plus reloading brass is much cheaper. If I was to go with the 6.5 it would be a 264 mag or a 300 6.5

[@bustabass9025]

6.8 western, R.Dubb. It does the job without fail. As a handloader it will always be a favorite in my collection.

[@feuerland81]

The 6.8 Western is a great cartridge indeed.... But It lacks so much support from the industry. Not only rifle offering, factory ammo and quality brass but more importantly it lacks support from target shooters. It's a hunting caliber only with very little to no choice at all for target/match bullets. Maybe the problem with the 270 caliber in general isn't what it can't do for hunters. It is what it cannot do for everyone. And lets be real, the 270 cal. is in a rough spot in between two hugely popular calibers, the 6.5mm and 7mm. Both very popular with both hunters AND target shooters.

[@SLOWELK307]

@ reloadingweatherby, I would like to see a cartridge comparison on the 6.8 western vs the 7prc both with 24 inch barrels using factory ammo. I know you made a video on these two already but a new revised comparison with the true 7prc velocities. Your cartridge comparison videos are addicting thanks for your time.

[@xengyang6552]

Do a comparison between the 7saum and 6.8western. I was going back and forth between these two cartridges.

[@GUMONPS]

6.8 has at least some factory ammo out there. I’ve got a SAUM and while it is great, I do feel a little vulnerable to having a hunt derailed because I can’t get ammo, re-zero, and get back out there.

[@ReapTheHeat]

277 is the black sheep of bullets. I debated a 6.8 W for a while now. Stuck between light, high BC 264 bullets and heavy, high BC 284 bullets. You have an extremely limited selection on the 150+ grain side of things (155 LRX, 165 ABLR, 170 EOL, and a couple others from niche brands). And the heavy for caliber bullets are bested by their 284 twins for only a few more grains of bullet (155 LRX vs 160, 165 ABLR vs 168). And a 20% recoil reduction is significant in a light hunting rifle, which is the reason people are probably looking at these two cartridges in the first place. Only good thing is 6.8 is easy to find and cheap, because no one is buying it!

[@Looscannon94]

I have been super impressed with my 6.5 PRC. Howa 1500 24" heavy barrel in a Hogue stock. Shoots MOA or less (usually less) in everything I have thrown through it so far. I just can't justify getting a 6.8 when the support for it is so limited. 300 WSM is much better option if you want to stick to a short action.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching

[@AikensLake701]

Not even close. 6.8 everyday especially now ADG is making brass for 6.8

[@danielprice4933]

Agreed! It’s like fairy dust right now, so hard to find in stock 😢

[@jimedick9496]

@@danielprice4933 The reasoning is that the first batch was a limited run for those who agreed to reload and send ADG back their findings. Something I’m doing myself… I believe they will go into more production early 2025.

[@danielprice4933]

@ awesome! Thanks for the insight

[@jonah988]

I would like a 6.8 Western but cant get it here in Germany. 7PRC and 6.5PRC getting very popular, Maybe because hornady‘s marketing is better

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

True

[@janbastein7355]

Bleib bei 308 Win in Deutschland! Glaub mir!

[@jonah988]

@ das einzige Kaliber das ich mir niemals kaufen würde. Kann zwar alles aber nichts gut

[@cameronjohnson6838]

I came really close to getting a 6.8 but the reloading components kept me from going with it right now and ended up going with 280AI

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Can't go wrong with a 280 AI

[@BigTimberLodge]

Fun video, but we all knew 6.8 was the winner before we watched.

[@tyrelsimpson152]

6.8>6.5 there, argument is over 😁😁

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Don't spoil it!

[@jeremystyron9721]

Great vedio, my friend. It's always interesting to see what you have to in-store for us . I really enjoy shooting my 6.8 western. I have a 26in stainless straight fluted medium heavy berral with 1:9 twist . The 2 main reasons the 6.8 western didn't get more traction was because ( Covid ) hit and screwed everything up and Horndy was pushing their 7mm-PRC . Horndy shut down the push and support for the 6.8 western big time . The 6.8 western has fanomanal ballistics and exceptional long-range hunting capabilities. Realistically, how many hunters are shooting beyond 500yrds ? I would say maybe 30% hunt beyond 500yrds and maybe 10% shoot beyond 800yrds . You have to shoot really tight groups when shooting beyond 500yrds, like under 1-inch groups minimal consistently . Preferably under 1/2 groups realistically. Anything over that, and you will be crippling animals . Shot placement. I can't say it enough. Know the anatomy of the animal you're hunting. Where you put that bullet can be the success or failure of your next hunt. SHOT PLACEMENT is very important whether you're using a 22-LR or a 50-BMG shot placement is the key . Hope Y'all had a Merry Christmas. God bless you and your family, God-bless America 🇺🇸 🇨🇱🇺🇲🇨🇱🇺🇲🇨🇱🇺🇲🇨🇱.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for your comment!

[@sgtpickles1319]

Not a fan on 6.5 for elk, this seemed like the better choice but very little rifle/ammo options and I don't handload. Hope it changes, seems like a great all-rounder.

[@biggs8729]

7SAUM brass from Lapua, ADG, Starline or whoever, is available and so easy to resize to 6.8 Western. You literally run it thru the sizing die, which shrinks down the neck, then trim about .020 and you are done. I'm using 7SAUM brass with my usual 6.8 Western load data with identical velocities, smaller SD's and .5 MOA groups and that is before it is fireformed. I assume it only gets better after fireforming the brass. Wish I would have tried this sooner. Could have saved a ton of money on factory ammo just to get the crappy Winchester/Browning brass.

[@LRRPFco52]

170gr EOL BCs are .662/.339, so I can see how that might make one lean to the .277” high BC vs 7mm 168-175gr. My initial question was why would you not just shoot the 7 SAUM as it is?

[@Jtmorrison2000]

@@LRRPFco52 lack of factory rifle is my guess.

[@benschildgen4994]

I love your channel but I’m afraid my comments may seem negative. These are good cartridges but I find them unnecessary. The .264 Winchester will do anything the PRC will do. As for the 6.8… the 270 Weatherby does it and the 6.5- 300 blows it away. Let’s add more and different cartridges when ammo manufacturers can’t keep up anyway

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

You're not being offensive. Everyone has their right to an opinion

[@89JDmac]

6.8 rocks! I'm dreaming of the day it gets some more industry support. Maybe a Terminal Ascent loading? That would help it take off for the everyman. It's funny that Hornady makes a 270 WSM load but not 6.8

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Hornady wants the 6.8 Western to die

[@michaeldolomont4424]

Ya 6.8 all the way, a good hand load in the 270 win out to 500 yards which is my opinion is max for hunting you wouldn't know the difference !!!

[@rosswitte]

Thanks for the video.

[@Westerner_]

One has industry support, one is barely even supported by the company that produced it.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

haha sad... but true

[@RepublicofTX]

Yep, that’s why I’m not touching a 6.8. It’ll be dead before too long.

[@mikevan3680]

Thanks for sharing. You always have interesting videos.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks

[@cjberan]

6.8 Western is great. 6.5 prc is a fast twist 270. 6.8 may never be very popular but it will always be around as its just to good to not be. Better then the 7prc that people have been buying left and right

[@jfess1911]

Does the 6.8 Western feed reliably in most actions? I ask that because I know that George Gardner of GA Precision has stated that the fairly similar 6.5 SAUM that he had previously championed had feed issues with many rifles. Part of the reason that he threw his support behind the 6.5 PRC was its better feeding. I seem to recall numerous complaints in the early 2000's about WSMs and feeding (the WSSMs were much worse, of course). Thanks

[@orr89rocz]

Both are great with the edge to the larger bullet 6.8 for bigger game. Bullet choice is lacking for the 6.8, plenty of good lightweight bullets for it tho but defeats the purpose of the round. Might as well use the 270 wsm or regular win at that point. The king of short mags is the 300 wsm, right about that

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching

[@CurtHolder]

I'm confused is if the 6.5 creedmoor is the man bun, the 6.5 prc must be the full bun is that correct😮

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Maybe...

[@AussieInCA11]

Manbun magnum

[@dnnyshdy5189]

Only to the ignorant

[@danorcutt-oc6ns]

6.5’s are all over the shelves because no one buys them up when they come in… I really don’t hate on the 7 or 300 prc but the 6.5 makes people believe they can when they really shouldn’t

[@quarterminutemagnums]

Happy New Year................

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Happy New Year!

[@kenthall6584]

western is rsaum with 35 deg shoulder and a prc is a little smaller with 30 deg shoulder.....about 72 gr water vs 67

[@Longtrailside]

I'd buy a 6.8 if I had to choose. Made this comment before watching.

[@montanamusings]

Good Morning!

[@LRRPFco52]

At 9:37, does that really show 2704.5fps MIN, 2966fps AVG, and 3144.8fps MAX? Was that a ladder or composite string from different rifles? 444fps ES would be insane.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

We shot 4 different rifles without resetting the chronograph.

[@LRRPFco52]

@@ReloadingWeatherby Whew! That’s a relief. Someone needs to do high-speed photography showing how many different rifle cartridges spit out a lot of unburnt powder. All the tall/long propellant column designs seem to do it, which is killing ES.

[@frankspataro9714]

300 wsm has to be king of factory shorties

[@thomasdaum1927]

For the target shooter the 6.5 PRC is a better choice mainly because of bullet choice . For the hunter the 6.8 is better because it hits harder with basically the same trajectory ! ……..

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I agree with that

[@thomasdaum1927]

The Numbers tell the story , the hype is just that ( HYPE ) !……

[@BeaterJeep]

6.5 PRC and a 300 WSM in the collection is probably all one would ever need. Winchester has really failed to market what could be a very popular cartridge … they seem content with what they have in the cycle already and this is just another chambering that’ll grow organically or not……

[@jameswilson5562]

Good video

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks

[@jonbaniak9097]

Hornady should’ve adopted the 6.5 saum instead of the PRC. Basically the same case with about 8-10 gr more power capacity.

[@LRRPFco52]

They had already done all the developmental and tooling work for the Ruger Compact Magnum, with its .532” case head diameter. 6.5 PRC is a RCM necked down. They picked up from George Gardner's 6.5 SAUM GAP-4S development though. Isn’t it more like 5gr of water difference between the 2? That’s what I’m seeing.

[@jonbaniak9097]

@ you are probably right sir but it does seem to give a pretty good edge over the current PRC. I’d say 100-150 fps.

[@LRRPFco52]

@@jonbaniak9097 Yeah, bore ratio will favor the larger diameter, but will also require heavier projectiles to reach equivalent BCs/sectional density.

[@akathecanadian]

Would a 6.8 compete well against a 7 SAUM or is that a 7 prc competitor?

[@jfess1911]

I don't consider the 6.5 PRC to be a true magnum, but I know there is no definitive cutoff. It is closer in powder capacity to a 6.5-06 than to a 7 Rem Mag, for example. I consider cartridges based on the 6.5 PRC (or 338 RCM) case to be modernized versions of the 30-06 family. The 6.8 Western has a case just big enough to count as a short magnum in my book. Then again, if someone wants to go by lineage, the 6.5 PRC is based on the 338 Ruger Compact Magnum case, so it should count. Cartridge geeks like me know, howver, that the only reason that the 338 RCM got into magnum territory was the special powders developed by Hornady (now used in the Superformance line of ammo). Otherwise it was pretty much the same as the .338 A-Square (338-06), which is generally considered to be a "standard cartridge".

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for your comment

[@rubenvasquez021]

So question trying to get a good all around rifle for the wife been debating 6.8 western or the 6.5 PRC what are you guys input? Right now she’s using my 300wsm

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I don't think you can go wrong with either one. 6.8 Western is a better do it all cartridge, but it has more recoil than the 6.5 PRC.

[@rubenvasquez021]

@ ok thanks my guy

[@Accuracy1st]

As mentioned in another comment, one has industry support (6.5PRC) where the other "barely even supported by the company that produced it." (6.8 Western). Despite my love for most everything 0.277, I'd recommend the 6.5PRC between the 2 unless you handload and might consider getting a rifle built for her. Then it doesn't matter. As the old saying goes though, if you are ever out traveling on a hunt and get into an ammo pinch for whatever reason, you'll likely find the PRC ammo somewhere but likely won't find any 6.8 Western. I've been to a LOT of stores the last 6 months and have only seen 2 boxes of it at one store. They actually had 4 different 270 WSM ammo on the shelf.

[@Lucas-tk2yh]

Well I love my 6.8 western but who knows if it’s here to stay we know what happened the first time they released all the wsm cartridges the most common out of those is the 300wsm. As much as I hate to admit I’d say the 6.5 prc will be around for a long time. I bought a 7prc over 6.5 prc but it’s slower than half the other .284 magnums

[@rubenvasquez021]

Thanks guys got your comments think we are gonna go with the 6.5 buddy of mine has one might ask him we can try it out before we spend any money on one

[@MrCatD8T]

What’s your load data for the 170 rol and fps

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

N570 and it's going around 3122 FPS

[@stevepoetzl986]

What is GRT that you are referring to?

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Gordon's Reloading Tool, it's a free software program you can use to help with your reloading process.

[@stevepoetzl986]

Sad it does not work with a Mac or iPhone. I am a Mac only guy!

[@dansherwood9851]

How do these compare to my tried n true 270 wsm?

[@AP-ow5vu]

6.8W will never replace the 270win, even if it is the californian flavour of the month.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Never said it would

[@jimedick9496]

It’s replace my 270 Win. I can do things with my Western that I can’t with my 270 Win. I love my 270 though. No one touches that rifle since it was given to me from my grandad when I was young. I’ve taken a lot of deer and elk with that rifle.

[@AP-ow5vu]

@@jimedick9496 Nah, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

[@jimedick9496]

@@AP-ow5vu For most, you’re correct. Where I hunt, the 270 doesn’t have the energy or bullet weight to make the required shots. For you, and most other hunters, the 270 is perfect. For example, my last three bulls have been taken with my 6.8 Western at 574, 588, and 656 yards. The smallest was a 5X5, and all three were one shot kills. One dropped in his tracks, and the other two ran maybe 25 yards before collapsing. Point is, I could never pull off those shots with my 270 Win. I wouldn’t even attempt it. I don’t hesitate making those shots with my 6.8 Western. If you drive a car, and you live in an area that dumps several feet of snow, are you going to start driving something else, even though your car is not broke? Absolutely, I’m getting a large SUV or Truck for clearance…… The 270 isn’t broke, but there are better options for certain jobs. See my point?

[@AP-ow5vu]

@@jimedick9496 Sure I get your premise, I just disagree with you that the 6.8 western can be trusted at a distance 270 can't. More power to you making those shots but I don't think those kind of long shots should be recommended to anybody even if you leveled it up and used a 270 weatherby.

[@idahohntr6423]

7saum is the king of short actions

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Can it be king... if it's a dead cartridge?

[@janbastein7355]

They want up to 200 CAD here in BC for a box of 6.5 PRC! A box of 7mm REM Mag is 65. ! 6.8 is imho useless due to a lack of bullets.

[@MrMan5014]

300wsm…most people don’t need to shoot 5 mile shots…🤷🏻‍♂️…but the 6.8 and 6.5 are a super good round!..

[@albertjabberin739]

The 6.5rpm actually matches 264 win and 270 wsm and exceeds 270 win, all in a long action, non magnum case. I’ve always thought the .270 caliber has the most potential for a non magnum that can do the 6.5 thing yet get close to 7mm mags in weight and velocity, in lighter guns and 24” barrels. Weatherby needs to make a 270 rpm of some kind. Otherwise, why isn’t 27 nosler more popular? I’ve never been a fan of short magnums.

[@leehunt384]

I like the sound of a 270 rpm

[@LRRPFco52]

Long propellant columns are terrible for SD and ES because a lot of the powder is just filler that never gets burned.

[@Eric--zs6um]

How about for kicks and giggles, 6.5-8mm Mag or 6.5-300 Weatherby? Kings of the 6.5s or the Lazzeroni cartridges.

[@glennllewellyn7369]

Interesting.

[@dhooter]

Watch it with the redhead innuendos buddy. Watch it. 😂😂

[@jflanagan5075]

Can you make 6.8 western out of 6.5 prc brass?

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

No

[@patrioticguy1791]

I think the 6.8 clearly outperforms the 6.5 unless it's factory ammo. I think you could have went with a 150 grain in the 6.8 and gotten higher speeds and possibly better drop

[@dhooter]

I’ll put my 280AI against that 6.8 Western. I got some velocities that’ll blow yer hair back. Literally lol. But I do love that 6.8 Western. Bad ass cartridge

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I'm guessing your loads are overpressure lol

[@cameronjohnson6838]

@@ReloadingWeatherbyover pressure is over rated lol

[@texpatriot8462]

I have guns with both cartridges. The 6.5 PRC is for sale. 6.8W can handle heavy bullets. The 6.5 PRC cannot hit the promised velocities. The 6.8W velocities are what I was promised. It isn't even close.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for sharing

[@texpatriot8462]

@@ReloadingWeatherbyI think, but cannot prove it yet, my 6.8W will blow the 6.5 PRC away out to 400 yards once my 136g Terminal Ascent bullets arrive.

[@ronbeckybeasley3566]

The 6.5 PRC can’t top the 270 win.

[@hoffi9327]

I think the 6.8 Western is closer to the 7mm PRC.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

With a 26 inch barrel... yep

[@hoffi9327]

​@ReloadingWeatherby do you have a comparison of 6.8 western vs 7mm prc? 24 " barrel

[@RON-m8c]

🤔 I Would Have Liked To See You The 150 grain Nosler ABLR in The 6.5 prc For This Comparison! 🤷‍♂️

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I thought about it...

[@RON-m8c]

@ReloadingWeatherby It's Not To Late! 😜

[@RON-m8c]

@ReloadingWeatherby But, When You Are Talking About "Bigger Critters", Bullet Diameter Matters! That is Where The 0.277 Caliber Bullet Has a Big Advantage! Thus, It is Also Really Hard To Argue Against The 300 wsm, Provided That You Can Handle The Recoil! 🤕

[@albertlemont5471]

​@RON-m8c .277 is not a huge difference from .264. The bullet weight is the advantage the 6.8 has over the 6.5.

[@RON-m8c]

@@albertlemont5471 The 10% More Frontal Bullet Area Matters on Bigger Critters Like Elk! 😁

[@joelclark2130]

No need, I live in ohio long live the 300wsm

[@federicocabarle9317]

How about 6.8 western vs 270 wsm winchester on winchester crime 😂😂😂

[@89JDmac]

@@federicocabarle9317 I snagged a hells canyon speed in 270 wsm for like 50% off msrp…so now I have both. No complaints besides factory ammo being about 2x the cost of 270 win.

[@cdavison9491]

Reloading, the 150 grain accubond long range in the 270 wsm is right there with them or better with hot loads.

[@thefink1990]

6.8 over the 6.5prc 7prc over the 6.8

[@GinoDistefano-jf7eh]

7 Mag. Ammo everywhere. 180 grain Burger. It dead

[@toddparsons2980]

Too bad not much support for the 6.8 Western.

[@danorcutt-oc6ns]

6.8 kills the 6.5 all day every day

[@ronbeckybeasley3566]

The 6.8 western out preforms the 7prc. Prc and need more rounds are overrated junk

[@GuitarBuilderatbluemoonguitars]

Skip 6.8 western. It's and gone. 6.5 is cheap and is great.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Technically... 6.5 PRC ammo is more expensive than 6.8 Western ammo.

[@GuitarBuilderatbluemoonguitars]

@ReloadingWeatherby guess it can be. Midway 39 bucks for cheap stuff

[@tbone-ml4ex]

I'm running a Tikka t3, norma brass 56.5 rl26, and the norma 143 bondstrike. That is getting me 3040 fps. And flat primers. The biggest plus I see is brass. Lapua, norma, apg, peterson, just to name a few, make brass. The 150-foot lbs doesn't mean anything. At 500 yards, I had full pass through double lung. The buck took 3 steps and dropped dead.