6.8 Western vs 6.5 PRC

[@bustabass9025]

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

[@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

[@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

[@sevohaire6891]

I love my 6.8 browning max lr. I have less than 1" group at 600. 1.5"@800. Using Winchester 170 gr ballistic silver tip. Tack driver.

[@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.

[@keithprinn720]

if can afford to shell out for a custom SAUM .

[@xengyang6552]

If y’all want trash factory ammo, stick with 270win or 3006. Modern cartridges are less likely to have much on the shelf. Plus, they’re like $3-$4/pop.

[@BigTimberLodge]

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

[@IR8GRANDSRT8]

Facts! 😂

[@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

[@phild9813]

Yeah, and I think Barnes might jump in with a brass source emerging.

[@jimedick9496]

@@phild9813 Barnes produces a 155 grain LRX .277 bullet. Choice Ammunition loads them in the 6.8 Western. They’re hand loads, so they’re not cheap, but they are terrific loads. Matter of fact, Choice Ammunition and Pendleton Ammunition both load for the 6.8 Western. Pendleton has four different loads using Nosler, Hornady, and Sierra Game Kings…. Choice has 7 loads using Nosler, Berger, and Barnes bullets. I’ve purchased from both companies, and both are high quality ammunition. Only down fall is the Olin brass since that’s what’s available, for now.

[@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.

[@craigleibbrand7761]

270 Weatherby Magnum king of the 270s.

[@IR8GRANDSRT8]

Good video, I honestly thought the 6.8 was going to slap the hell out of the PRC. Still makes me want a lightweight 24” 6.8.

[@cutwingsmatt]

Think hard about 5 more lbs of recoil. My 6.5 PRC comes in right under 8 lbs with scope and completely tolerable recoil. There is a sweet spot under 20 lbs of recoil that really - start pushing beyond that and you start either needing to compensate (brake) or it will eventually effect your accuracy (longer shooting session). I’m a 200lbs triathlete who’s been shooting high powered riffles for 40+ years and a Reloader. Just saying recoil is real in light rigs even if us tough guys don’t want to admit it.

[@jimedick9496]

I own both, but I grab my 6.8 Western over my PRC for hunting every time. If I want to go out and just sling lead at paper, then my 6.5 PRC is going. It’s really accurate and ammo it’s relatively affordable. Still, my Western is delivering just under 20% more energy. For elk hunting, I definitely prefer the Western. The velocity runs about the same between the two, but the Western shoots heavier bullets, so it’s the energy is where it shines. Both are terrific carriages, and both have pros and cons.

[@cutwingsmatt]

@@jimedick9496 if you’re out west and Elk are regularly on the menu I agree, have 300WSM for Elk so covers that. For a purely deer rifle I don’t think you need more than the 6.5. Also it would be pretty easy to cut recoil with the 6.8 to be fair, drop down to 145gr or even 130gr and run them around 3000 and they wouldn’t hit you any harder than the 6.5. Fun that we have these choices these days. And the quality of factory rifles are pretty darn good too. The New good old days!

[@jimedick9496]

@@cutwingsmatt I couldn’t agree more. The 6.5 PRC is a terrific elk cartridge in its own right. I’ve taken a bull and a few deer with mine. I love the accuracy! It’s my most accurate cartridge and rifle. My 6.5 PRC is in a CVA Cascade, and honestly, I can’t say enough about that rifle. I picked it up because it was on sale, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity of trying out the 6.5 PRC. For $600, that’s the nicest damn rifle I own for under a grand. Terrific trigger, cerekote finish, three lug bolt, 70 degree bolt lift, rigid and soft touch stock, threaded barrel, two forearm swivel studs, and two piece picatinny rail. Then to top it off, it’s crazy accurate. Since you’ve already got the 300 WSM and the 6.5 PRC, then you really don’t need anything else. Need and want are two different things 😁. According to my wife, I need all my rifles!!

[@cutwingsmatt]

@@jimedick9496 good to know on the CVA! It’s flyrods for me- god bless my wife for all the rods I “need” 😂. Cheers Jim

[@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

[@accur81]

Great vid! The 6.8 is a really nice round - just didn't have the marketing that the Creedmoor and PRC series had. I don't have an elk tag, so I'm probably doing my 24" Win 70 .30-06 with the Winchester 190 ABLR running about 2940 FPS. Thanks for looking into the many choices available.

[@thatguyfishingben4794]

6.8 is the better performer. But 6.5 prc is still great and low recoiling. Bout the perfect muley round.

[@tyrelsimpson152]

6.8>6.5 there, argument is over 😁😁

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Don't spoil it!

[@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.

[@craigleibbrand7761]

270 Weatherby Magnum King of the 270s.

[@Deedeedee214]

@lz3572 do you hand load, factory, or bought specialty ammo for hunting?

[@lz3572]

@@Deedeedee214 I bought Nosler trophy grade 140 AB Due to I received my rifle 1/2 through the hunting season. I am going to work on hand loads in the spring. Going to try the 140 AB and the 150 ABLR And the 125 Hammer Hunter. I’d really like to try the 140 Swift scirocco. But haven’t found any yet.

[@lz3572]

Yes the 270 Weatherby is a great cartridge no doubt! I did however take a good look at the 257 Weatherby. If Weatherby updates there twist rates to 1-8 so a guy could run the heavier bullets. I’d certainly take a strong look at both the 257 and 270 weatherbys. Cheers

[@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!

[@hoffi9327]

​@@janbastein73558.5x55 Blaser

[@jonah988]

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

[@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

[@Eye_Guard]

(industry support) has to grow with the 6.8 Western as its popularity grows (supply & demand)

[@frankspataro9714]

300 wsm has to be king of factory shorties

[@reloadnorth7722]

It seems that Hornady is acting butthurt because the PRC line doesn't perform as well as they expected, so they won't make 6.8 Western ammo

[@IR8GRANDSRT8]

@@reloadnorth7722 why doesn’t Federal, Remington? Why doesn’t Winchester themselves plug the shelves with it? Why is it on Hornady?

[@Josh-uf1rv]

The entire PRC line is outselling every other cartridge on the market… not counting the creed line.

[@IR8GRANDSRT8]

@@Josh-uf1rv absolutely. In three years 7PRC has been introduced there are now 13 loads by 7 manufacturers by my count made. Good luck finding more than 6-7 in stock at any one time though at any place. I find buds gun shop online to have the best stock available.

[@Josh-uf1rv]

@@IR8GRANDSRT8 not to mention go ask any gun smith what cartridges they’re cutting more of. You’ll more than likely find a 10-1 PRC/creed cut barrel vs classic cartridges let alone the 6.8 western.

[@IR8GRANDSRT8]

@@Josh-uf1rv for me if I’m buying a new rifle it’s not going to be .308, .06, 7RM, .338, etc. I already have those, I want to try the new buzz and man that sure seems to piss the you don’t need anything more than (insert 100 year old cartridge) folks off! 🤣

[@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!

[@Scamc1974]

100%. Excellent cartridge with awful release timing between Covid and Hornady basically trying to kill it.

[@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. Good thing is 6.8 is easy to find and cheap, because no one is buying it!

[@Eye_Guard]

...also, the 6.8 Western with the 175gr Sierra Tipped Gameking is a very fine big game round, IMO

[@ReapTheHeat]

@@Eye_Guard I haven't looked much into Sierras, will have to check it out

[@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.

[@bobbymabe2313]

6.5 prc is an excellent deer cartridge.

[@lz3572]

@@bobbymabe2313 so far I’m impressed with it. Can’t wait for spring to do some load development. It’s cold up here in Northern Alberta Canada.🇨🇦 Cheers

[@phillipmaurer4350]

The 6.5 prc is a ballistic twin to the .270 win. If you compare the Hornady precision hunter loads muzzle velocity is 2960 for 6.5 prc 143 gr eldx and 2970 for 270 win 145 eldx.

[@cutwingsmatt]

Problem is classic 270 is in 1/10 twist and will not stabilize that bullet. I have tried, you just can’t push them fast enough. Rebate to a 1/8.5 twist and you are in the game - no one making a factory riffle like that currently though so you’d have to buy a new riffle and pull the barrel!! PRCs are built for that longer projectile - right twist and inherently accurate. I was so excited to get those ELD-x high ballistic bullets for 270, then realized they will not group out of standard barrel. If you want to prove to yourself, try to shoot groups with them at 200 😞.

[@Eye_Guard]

Thank you for another quality video with great info!

[@OhGawdHesGotAGun]

Ammo price is unfortunately what's gonna decide the cartridge I get for my first hunting rifle. I'm spending a lot (for me anyway) on a rifle, the same or close to the same amount on a scope. I'm 54yrs old, I've been around guns for much of my life, but just recently got my gun license (Canada). I want a rifle/scope combo that will get me into some long range (though likely < 1km - or 1100 yds, so not ELR), but also as a hunting/stalking rifle to hunt deer, most likely < 250m for that. But here's the thing - I've got to get good. And to get good, I have to shoot a lot. I'm looking at a SAKO S20 Hunter, a SAKO 90 Hunter, or a Benelli LUPO BEST. These are high end for me, but I want a long term rifle here. Hopefully it will have at least a 22" barrel & I want the SAKO 90 Hunter most since it has the two things I want most - stainless steel barrel & a wooden frame. I of course am considering American made rifles - I stiill consider that 'local' - and the X-Bolt looks like a good value. But if I'm gonna have to pay a tariff on accessories or parts, forget it. The Finnish & Italians make great rifles. So, if I've got to put "a few hundred" rounds downrange & get used to the rifle, find out what it likes best - it's gonna cost. Hunting & long range shooting will involve two different rounds, but a few calibers do it well. 6.5PRC After studying the ballistics - the velocity, ft-lbs throughout the effective range, the drop, the wind compensation, the recoil - 6.5PRC made the most sense. I'm aware of the PRC rounds not being ideal for hunting, but I also know it doesn't have to be ideal - just accurate & humane. 6.5CM First thing I heard when I started researching hunting rifles is that 6.5CM is the 'hipster' round. But I'm not coming into this world with any disrespect to that round - it's got 308 capabilities, faster rounds, less recoil. That alone is totally respectable & is a viable choice - but I'm pretty strong, I can handle recoil, and I tend to err on the side of power. I'll want 'more'. 6.8 Western Yep, that's a round that makes even more sense than the 6.5PRC, at least for my needs. It performs almost in 6.5PRC's pocket, but carries a heavier projectile & has more energy downrange. It's a better hunting round than the 6.5PRC, but the PRC round is better with windage & recoil is significantly higher in the Western. The 6.8 Western is to the 6.5 PRC, as 30-06 is to the .270. (Please correct me if I'm wrong here). I'd get a 7mm rem mag before I got the 6.8 Western - but again, recoil isn't "worth it" in the way I need it to do. 30-06 Cheapest, most versatile round in pocket for my needs. Adjusting for bullet drop aside, what a great round for hunting, obviously, but it doesn't really fade under the 6.5PRC until after ~800yds. Recoil is frankly too high for the performance, but for the dirt-cheap price of the rounds, I'll live with the bruises. It's a very, very close contest for the 30-06 & the 7mmRm - but for most of my goals, the 7 is very much in pocket with the 30-06. Cost aside, the 6.5PRC is my first choice, 7mmRm second, 6.8 Western third. But 30-06 is very much capable for what I want to do & everything between 147gr and 220gr is available & cheap.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Sounds like you have thought it out. 6.5 PRC is a good choice

[@cutwingsmatt]

You are not going to be disappointed on deer sized game. There is PLENTY of energy within the 250m range you are holding to for hunting and somewhat better wind drift for you long range fun.

[@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

[@Eye_Guard]

@@ReloadingWeatherby Hornady knows that the 6.8 Western is better then their 6.5 PRC (for big game hunting).

[@Eye_Guard]

industry support grows with popularity, the more who buy 6.8 Western (like myself & you, who dream of it getting more support) the bigger it becomes

[@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.

[@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

[@EricChmelarsky]

6.5 PRC is what 6.5 CM wished it could be. Got 2 XPR rifles, 6.8 western,one with Grayboe stock and a standard model. Neither group well. Factory ammo? The rifle itself? 6.8 needs more support, ammo choices and rifles! An affordable option, Ruger/Savage.

[@Eye_Guard]

would guess rifle, multiple vids of 6.8 Western & factory ammo shooting w/o accuracy probs

[@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

[@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

[@seetownwv]

You gonna do another 300 WSM video since they Barnes has the new 212 Bore Rider bullet? Your elevation you might pull it off with 1 in 10 twist idk. I'm jumping off the 7 PRC train an swapping barrels lol.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Mono bullets aren't as forgiving with the slower twist rate. I tried the 155 LRX in my 270 and it key holed in the paper.

[@Eye_Guard]

@@ReloadingWeatherby thanks for that info

[@seetownwv]

@@ReloadingWeatherby well thats a bummer

[@MrMan5014]

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

[@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

[@Longtrailside]

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

[@markblankenship8565]

The video where you were shooting the 6.8 and you said you dropped the charge for accuracy what powder and what was the charge of powder

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

N570

[@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 ) !……

[@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 !!!

[@reloadingfun]

27 caliber cartridges are in a dead zone kinda. for the size of some of them, they dont produce much velocity relative to other cartridges. looking at the regular 270 vs. the 308, the muzzle velocities are basically the same when you compare the same bullet weights. the 270wsm isn't much faster, either. i always thought the 270win and 270wsm would he farther ahead.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I would recommend watching Hopeful Ballistics recent video on 270 WSM. Might change your mind about it. 270 Weatherby and 27 Nosler really push those bullets at very fast velocities.

[@reloadingfun]

@ReloadingWeatherby the 27 nosler and the 270 Weatherby are fast, but are slow for what they are. especially compared to 30 cal cartridges. my point was that i was surprised with the velocities of a 270win and 270wsm is compared to a 308.

[@keithprinn720]

Without watching the whole video I will say so much more about rifles, ammunition availability and reloading components with the western. Great option requiring support from industry massively. The loads with the heavier 6.5s is adding a lot. Great option for so many along with a 280AI 7 PRC or 7mm08. If you get one with a 6mm for smaller varmints makes a great start to a hunting collection. Few need a 30 let alone bigger calibres.

[@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!

[@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.

[@mikevan3680]

Thanks for sharing. You always have interesting videos.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks

[@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

[@Eye_Guard]

With the faster twist of a 6.8 Western it handles bigger, heavier bullets than the 270 Weatherby. So for big game hunting I would choose the 6.8 Western (factory rifles/ammo).

[@Eye_Guard]

...also, I've seen videos of (@ReloadingWeatherby) the 270 Win (1/10" twist) handling the 165ABLR without any problem. I would guess that a 270 Wby (also with the 1/10" barrel twist) doing the same. That would make the 270 Wby a fantastic choice for handloader's big game hunting. For me, I like the choice of buying factory ammo that is good for big game, 6.8 Western 165gr ABLR & 175gr Sierra Tipped Gameking, and even with the limited choices of ammo from Winchester/Browning 6.8 Western, I would choose it today. I like the 270 Win w/150gr factory ammo hunting bullets, or 136gr Terminal Ascent, and Barnes VOR-TX 130gr TTSX BT for big game hunting. I'd like to see more 270 Win ammo manufacturing with heavier big game projectiles. I do love a controlled round feeding action like Ruger M77 Hawkey & M77 Mk II, and the current Browning made Win M70 action. I do the majority of my hunting in the Northwest and like the added security of those actions for feeding when sharing hunting grounds with dangerous game. Fortunately in 45+ years of hunting in grizzly bear habitat my encounters have yet to involve me shooting one. I cannot say the same for a few of my hunting partners.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@akathecanadian]

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

[@petebowman7532]

Telling you from experience you have to go with whats more popular..i made the mistake of buying the 300saum over the 300wsm now ammo is not impossible to find but almost

[@Eye_Guard]

the more who buy/shoot 6.8 Western the more popular it becomes

[@petebowman7532]

​@Eye_Guard i agree im just saying if they dont then your stuck with a rifle you cant get ammo for unless you stock up now save the brass and reload

[@dansherwood9851]

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

[@keithprinn720]

in the PRC so many more options and availability compared to your much rarer option.

[@dansherwood9851]

@ I’ve killed a 1000lb 407” elk at 500 yards, a 202” mule deer at 360 yards a week later and several coues deer 500-650 yards and none went very far. Can’t say I need more🤷‍♀️

[@Eye_Guard]

@@dansherwood9851 handloads? projectiles?

[@dansherwood9851]

@ I use the nosler 140gr trophy grade. Would shoot 7/8”@100 yards and shot 12” groups at 1300 yards. I said I never wanted more…but I actually wanted less. After tearing both rotator cuffs and 3 operations on the right one with it still being torn I needed to go to something with a little less jab right there on that spot, hence the 6.5cm. Age and injuries has slowed me down on the serious hunts, but I do enjoy ringing steel out at distance and the 6.5 has a little more accuracy for that as well as ammo being much easier to find and more affordable, but knockdown power at longer distance the 270wsm gets the nod there.

[@cutwingsmatt]

25 lbs of recoil for ~200 flbs at 600 yards? Thanks, I’ll keep my PRC. Might be an unpopular opinion here but I have the 6.5 PRC when I know I am hunting game smaller than Elk, then take my 300 WSM for Elk/deer hunts out west. You can probably get away with the 6.8 to do both but you could also just carry the 300 wsm to do both. Recoil on my light build 300wsm is wicked though so have to shoot a break

[@jflanagan5075]

Can you make 6.8 western out of 6.5 prc brass?

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

No

[@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

[@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.

[@adamwiech4874]

For the very small gains in ballistics, with the prc id still take the 6.8 with the heavier bullet for a wider array of game , the 6.8 would smoke the 6.5 if shoiting same bullet weights ,

[@MrCatD8T]

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

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

N570 and it's going around 3122 FPS

[@quarterminutemagnums]

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

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Happy New Year!

[@rosswitte]

Thanks for the video.

[@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.

[@Eye_Guard]

...agreed, 270 RPM, though I am happy with a 270 Win (I like its case taper) the 27 Nosler & 270 Weatherby mag are barrel burners, and factory ammo is very expensive

[@mcinnis79]

Not a comparison. How about the 6.8 vs the 270 wsm ?

[@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.

[@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! 😁

[@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

[@montanamusings]

Good Morning!

[@montaego]

pickup a 270wsm Tikka. Rebarrel with a 1:8 twist and change the action to a long action bolt stop and mag. You can then seat the heavies out and have access to a good rifle and components. Should be pretty on par with the 6.8western.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I bet it is

[@montaego]

@@ReloadingWeatherby Do you have an idea of the ballistic advantage, if any, over the 280ai?

[@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……

[@anthonymurphy2540]

You made a similar video one or two years ago, and the firearm industry still says no!!!

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Umm.. okay

[@anthonymurphy2540]

@ love your videos but 6.8 western is dead and so is the 7mm wsm

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

@@anthonymurphy2540 6.8 Western is not dead. 7 WSM is dead as it gets. I was given this 7 WSM because the owner had no desire to keep it. He had never shot it.

[@anthonymurphy2540]

@@ReloadingWeatherby I had 7 wsm but I would wait and wait on brass and ammo and so I converted it 6.5 prc and very happy with it. Now I have 400 pieces of prc brass and I randomly buy brass you never know when the gun industry will turn their attention to the next latest and greatest.

[@jameswilson5562]

Good video

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks

[@makcc11]

I shoot whitetail from 25yd to 200. 6.5 prc nor my old 270win let me down. I'm probably the only guy that will say say it, but im good with the 6.5 prc🤷🏾‍♂️

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

6.5 PRC is a good cartridge

[@Eye_Guard]

many are "good" with the 6.5 prc and hornady is good with that If I wanted to upgrade my 270 Win using factory rifles/ammo, I'd buy 6.8 Western (& might very well do so). Though I'm happy with the 270 Win and 300 Win mag.

[@cutwingsmatt]

If you want to upgrade 270, get the 6.5 PRC. I hunted with 270 for 25 year no complaints. PRC will send a high ballistic round down wind at similar velocity and is built to do it. There is a sweet spot in recoil and that extra 5 lbs is not worth it.

[@makcc11]

@cutwingsmatt i have both. Plan to buy a 7prc in a few months

[@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

[@Scamc1974]

Sure that's why hornady is trying to kill it. The 7mm is pretty husky. Put my 6.5 cartriges next to my buddy's 7mm and I had projectile envy. haha

[@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

[@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.

[@IR8GRANDSRT8]

@@Westerner_ that’s the crazy part to me, so many bitch about Hornady not supporting the 6.8, if I’m not mistaken Winchester is a bigger company and fails to support their own offering. Why is it Hornady’s job solely? Nobody blames Federal, or Remington…. Just a curious insight.

[@Westerner_]

@ I’m not a “Hornady” guy, although I own rifles chambered in Hornady cartridges I’m just not a complete fan boy. I don’t understand the hate they get for fully supporting their cartridges. Winchester has been doing this for 60 something years now going back to the 264 win mag, they give up on something almost as fast as they release it.

[@IR8GRANDSRT8]

⁠@@Westerner_ I hear you, it is silly that they pump out something awesome and then expect industry others to run with it. And by your comments I never thought you were a Hornady guy, just more stating the obvious. Cheers, buddy!

[@toddparsons2980]

Too bad not much support for the 6.8 Western.

[@ronbeckybeasley3566]

The 6.5 PRC can’t top the 270 win.

[@dhooter]

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

[@idahohntr6423]

7saum is the king of short actions

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

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

[@idahohntr6423]

@ReloadingWeatherby dead for the factory people but it's a popular cartridge in western hunting.

[@thefink1990]

6.8 over the 6.5prc 7prc over the 6.8

[@thepiedpiper-i7x]

Again: the 6.8 Western is derived from the 7 RSAUM: do your measurements and find it has nothing similar in size to the WSM! Throw the 7 RSAUM in the mix and guess who comes out on top?

[@glennllewellyn7369]

Interesting.

[@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.

[@danorcutt-oc6ns]

6.8 kills the 6.5 all day every day

[@shanehebert396]

If I were to get something in that level of cartridge, I'd get a 7PRC over the 6.8 Western.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching

[@IR8GRANDSRT8]

Que paso??? You must not know what channel this is??? 😂❤

[@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

[@Eye_Guard]

@@ReloadingWeatherby agreed, overpressure and barrel burners

[@Eye_Guard]

@@cameronjohnson6838 only if one chooses to fit that into their budget

[@GinoDistefano-jf7eh]

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

[@lorcan2316]

We all prefer and love the 6.8 so why tf isn’t it more popular!? Ffs

[@IR8GRANDSRT8]

@@lorcan2316 because Hornady. 😜🤣

[@Eye_Guard]

@@IR8GRANDSRT8 hornady knows that the 6.8 Western is better than their 6.5 prc for big game

[@IR8GRANDSRT8]

@@Eye_Guard why is it Hornady’s fault?

[@Eye_Guard]

It is not a fault of Hornady that the 6.8 Western is better than their 6.5 PRC, it is just a fact. Hornady is better at promoting than Browning/Winchester. And part of their promoting their 6.5 PRC is refusing to manufacture 6.8 Western ammo. My belief is that if their 6.5 PRC was better for big game hunting then they would have no problem manufacturing ammo for the 6.8 Western. It is only that the Western is better that they don't produce ammo for it. It's not a matter of fault, though Hornady is acting butthurt.

[@IR8GRANDSRT8]

@@Eye_Guard so again why is that Hornady’s fault? Why doesn’t Federal, Fiochi, Remington, Nosler, Sierra, Sig, Weatherby, CCI, Aguila, Black Hills, Wolf, ETC, take some blame? I find it very amusing seeing Hornady being blamed when they aren’t even near the biggest player in the ammo game. Not even a top 5, actually. Who gives two shits if the 6.8 is better than the 6.5PRC? The 26 Nosler smokes the 6.5PRC, and barely made it three years of minimal production. As a side note the 6.5WBY RPM smokes it too. And the 6.5/300WBY Mag smokes them all including the 6.8 Western. Keep whining and bitching or develop an ammo company and fix it. Me, I’ll buy the rifle, the dies, and reload for it. 🤷‍♂️😝

[@joelclark2130]

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

[@ronbeckybeasley3566]

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

[@MatthewKyle-sg5uo]

Not even a fair fight.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@Scamc1974]

@@GuitarBuilderatbluemoonguitars yep. with all my rifles I have range ammo and hunting ammo. Not going to rip through a box of $80 trophy grade at the range.

[@GuitarBuilderatbluemoonguitars]

@Scamc1974 that is for dam sure. First box of 7prc I bought was 78 bucks. Bit cheaper now, but that hurt.

[@Scamc1974]

@@GuitarBuilderatbluemoonguitars haha yep. I still buy $80 for hunting, but best believe I have a lot of $40 ammo. I picked up another .308 because it's so cheap.

[@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.

[@BcFuTw9jt]

Lol waiting for 4 years and just now maybe, maybe has support from a second company for brass. Slow flop of a dying catfish