Will the 6.8 Western Take Off? - Season 2: Episode 74

Welcome to the Ron Spomer Outdoors Podcast! In this episode, I share some of my favorite hunting book recommendations and answer more interesting questions from you guys.
Buy the books mentioned in this video below!
- The African Adventures by Peter Capstick: amzn.to/3gPbqHS
- Horn of the Hunter by Robert Ruark: amzn.to/3NeB98I
- White Hunters by Brian Herne: amzn.to/3SN1sUF
- Green Hills of Africa by Ernest Hemingway: amzn.to/3zmqzac
- Ranch Life & the Hunting Trail by Theodore Roosevelt: amzn.to/3TUSRAE
- The Hunting Rifle by Jack O'Connor: amzn.to/3NevcZr
- A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and Thereby by Aldo Leopold: amzn.to/3TLAa2s
- African Twilight by Robert Jones: amzn.to/3Dg9BeQ
Check out RSO TV: bit.ly/3wluVNc
Shop the RSO store: bit.ly/3TjCzBM
00:00 - Corrections
9:21 - Book Recommendations
17:22 - What’s your opinion on the 7mm WSM compared to a 270 Weatherby Mag?
21:15 - I am wondering about the 6.8 Western? The ballistics seem to be ideal for most hunters, and I'm wondering why it seems like there is complete radio silence on the cartridge. Do you think it is ever going to take off?
23:48 - Ron, why didn't the 338 Federal ever take off? It’s a great round without huge recoil!
26:50 - As a gun collector, I’d love to know the answer to this one! How many rifles do you own?
28:52 - What are hunting regulations and licensing like around North America? Regulations are extremely strict here in the U.K., so I’d love to know what it’s like where you hunt.
34:51 - I was recently looking at some ammo in my collection and came across a few rounds of 30 Remington. I don't know where these came from and I own no rifles chambered for this round. However, I am totally unfamiliar with this one. Can you shed some light on this cartridge?
36:46 - I'm curious to know your thoughts on using the "Flat Spot" method during load development. Loading 10 or more shots with incrementally increasing charge weights, and the spot where the velocity doesn't increase over about 3 shots is the "flat spot" and your accuracy charge is found therein.
Links:
Website: ronspomeroutdoors.com/
Facebook: / ronspomeroutdoors
Instagram: / ronspomer
Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion - the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me - from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.
Produced by: Red 11 Media - www.red11media.com/
Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@bobkat1663]

338 Federal , I think with the largest bullets have the same recoil as a 30-06, but in a short action, non-mag., larger blood channel., a reloaders dream. a true unsung hero. Great show Ron.

[@galenhisler396]

They need more ammo companies making 6.8 ammo , but I'll stick to my 270 win.

[@miketyson8933]

The 6.8 Western is the updated .270 WSM!! Its really a rifle thats going to catch fire, a short action rifle and its doing close to 280 FPS more then the .270, but it's also hitting harder, right with the 7mm & 7 PRC IN A SHORT ACTION! The 6.8 Western is the .270 wm on steroids and short action cannot beat it!

[@mothman-jz8ug]

@@miketyson8933 What is the big deal made over short actions? Seriously, I never saw that it matters in the real world but it has become fascinating to the hordes. I look at it like the shortened barrels manufacturers told us we wanted. It simply reduces the amount of steel used, and they have to buy the stuff by the pound.

[@miketyson8933]

@@mothman-jz8ug Because we all have long actions and magnums why else!!?? Just use your brain a little!!!

[@kikbuttowski]

The 6.8 is fire, for sure. BUT…. In the name of practicality, if you have a tried and true 270 win., there is no reason on you have to switch.

[@miketyson8933]

The 6.8 Western is the hardest hitting short action round that is right there with the 7mm rem mag!! Everyone has magnum rifles or most people do! Winchester literally updated the .270 WSM and they came up with the 6.8 Western! I think when more and more hunters and shooters realize the 6.8 Western is the updated .270 WSM one of the best rounds I've ever shot especially for deer!

[@Gunfighter5]

I think the next big boost we will see isn this size is gonna be like the .277 Fury and that is based off the army’s new weapon system!

[@jasonstinson1767]

Thank you Ron for the response to my appeal/versatility of the shotgun question.

[@foubert45]

Rifle sales are doing well. Can’t keep them on the selves. Ammunition is rebounding now. 6.8 will continue to take off as people continue to buy rifles. It was just released in 2021 and ammunition is almost easier to find than 6.5 PRC released in 2018.

[@phild9813]

I hope you’re correct. It fills a niche.

[@tatsuhirosatou5513]

It's way easier to find I've never seen a box of 6.5 prc in person but 6.8 western was available 6 months before the rifles where here and the ammo is still everywhere never got hard to find

[@miketyson8933]

Most of us laughed at the 6.8 Western when it was released until we seen it was the updated .270 WSM and hitting 17% harder then 6.5 PRC at 500 yards! Its really a do all rifle in a short action!!!

[@miketyson8933]

@@phild9813 The 6.8 Western is the updated. 270 WSM its a beast short action rifle right with the 7mm mag not far behind the 7 PRC and 17% harder hitting then the 6.5 PRC

[@nozrep]

plus also if I shall opine randomly, I opine that, the specific word - “western” still has a lasting psychological impression on most Americans with any sort of any faint knowledge about American history, the whole cowboy American west legends and such… Therefore in my opinion whichever company originally chose the ‘western’ moniker for the cartridge, performed a supremely brilliant marketing and sales move for advertisement purposes. i.e, A regular JoeSchmoe looking to buy a new hunting rifle and happens upon the phrases, ‘6.5 prc’ and ‘6.8 western’? Does not really care about nerding out on ballistics and performance with our friend Ron Spomer😅? Just sees some numbers and words and makes a purchase? That type of person, in my opinion, is more likely to purchase something with the word “western” in it than something with abbreviation “prc” in its title. I mean heck I’ve watched a lot of Ron Spomer and am a novice, mediocre ballistics nerd, but I still have zero clue what prc stands for.

[@garyhocker7876]

Thanks Ron, that was the best explanation of the ladder test that I've heard and I've heard plenty of others. Now I'm anxious to actually give it a try.

[@dr.froghopper6711]

I really enjoy these because of the knowledge base, both of Mr. Spomer AND his audience! The questions are intelligent and interesting. And Ron’s answers to those questions are excellent for exactly the same reasons. I’m disabled and unable to hunt. Wheelchairs and the desert are a bad mix, much to my dismay. But I still love the subject matter! Maybe I can’t participate as I would like but it still tickles my interest very much!

[@ralphyoung9296]

Dr. Frog....... I too am not in the same physical condition as I was 5 years ago. A few strokes took some abilities away. I'm not in a wheelchair, but have a hard time getting around.. My sons know my passion to be in the woods and they would piggyback me to my stand if they had to. Yeah I still carry one of my rifles but I don't have to use it to enjoy my surroundings. If I don't get a whitetail, I depend on one of my 4 sons to get one. I know, and you probably know, it nice to get a deer. But being in the woods, enjoying what God has given us and the memories and stories that go along with it is what it is all about. God Bless.!!

[@actionjksn]

Just looking at the ballistics on that 6.8 Western I think it looks like a really awesome round. A real powerhouse that's not too bad to shoot.

[@jaydunbar7538]

filled my whitetail tag yesterday with a nice 8point (Saturday). Always used my old 270win but took out a new member of my collection and she worked fantastic, 110 year old Winchester model 94 in 30WCF shooting Hornady leverevolution.

[@FriedPotatoFarmer]

Isn't 30WCF the same as 30-30? I have a model 94 in 30WCF and was thinking of taking it out

[@mattevans-koch9353]

That was a great episode Ron. I never knew about the ladder test when I was reloading many years ago but I followed a similar process and used a lot more components to get the same results. But boy was it fun to do and for me that was really the point, a day out shooting was the best. Take care and have a good week.

[@richardstone5241]

I have used my .270 with 140 grain bullets for years but it is extremely limited in bullet weights. I think eventually the next great cartridges are going to zero in on smaller diameter (.25 range) and higher B.C. Look for a HOT 6mm with high BC bullet and a 06 case.

[@Just_Samson]

23:00 💪🏼 marketing + solid product = success

[@joshuadocter2277]

Been using 6.8 for a little over a year now. Been able to take multiple deer and coyote and it's been lights out awesome.

[@phild9813]

I agree with your assessment of the 6.8 western. I’d personally probably choose it over the 6.5prc or 7prc. The 6.5 is a warmed over 270win, and the 7 starts into the realm of too much recoil for my liking. And not much heavier bullets to boot.

[@miketyson8933]

6.8 Western is an updated .270 WSM its going to catch fire it really just started a few months ago. Its right there with the 7mm and 7 PRC but short action. It will be my next build 100%

[@mr.caceres305]

@@miketyson8933 thats my hardest decision right now. i have a 6.5 creed and looking for my next rifle to cover my upper end. have a .22, .223, 6.5 and I'm undecided on the 6.8 W or the 7prc

[@hadleyscott1160]

My suggestion for an Elk cartridge was the 6.8 western. As it grows I’ll probably get one for Elk or bear. I’ll stick to my 6.5 creed for whitetail coyotes and things on the lesser side.

[@phild9813]

I like a good pronghorn steak grilled medium rare with Lawrys seasoned salt. I think it’s better than an elk steak, outside of a calf elk perhaps.

[@joshuahernandez2867]

So many people say it tastes like goat. That has never been my experience. Although the pronghorn on my place eat nothing but grama grass. No sage in the area. I have been told that makes a difference. I really like pronghorn meat.

[@bubbadoc]

harmonics is how I came to understand the barrel motion described in your comments on accuracy node. PRC shooters now put tuners on the end of their rifles sort of like browning used to use on their rifles. That way you can tune to the ammo instead of ammo to the gun. I reload, but not everybody does.

[@tracyfry6464]

Christian Arms is offering the 6.8 western as well as he 7PRC

[@lancebernal9982]

I saw the 6.8 western do well on a cow elk today. The hunter was using the 175 gr bullet. 240 yards. Small entrance hole, but the exit side had some damage.

[@blakenoble9468]

(Not a book) idk if you have ever seen it but Steve Rinella ''stars in the sky'' documentary hits home for me on how hunting makes me feel, he has a great way with words much like yourself, it's a great watch especially for new hunters or non-hunters looking into why we do what we do.

[@kylejohnson4340]

You should look into the 9.3x62mm it’s a great round that can be loaded doin to mid power 30.06 and up to hot loads that can be used for Africa (in some provinces)

[@charlesmckown2213]

Ron is right about recoil as well as most subjects

[@wasachevyguy]

338 Federal is a great round. But I went with the .358 Winchester in my Stainless BLR. It's a short range hammer! The problem is, only Hornady loads for it and it's almost impossible to find up here in Canada. I wish we could get the Buffalo Bore loadings.

[@miketyson8933]

.300 Norma Mag and the 6.8 Western are my next builds! Ill be selling my Christensen MPR .300 WM maybe...the Norma will replace it, haven't fully decided but probably will get replaced

[@andrewhurstcars]

U.K. deer laws are actually easier than the USA as it’s down to the landowner how many deer you can shoot, no system of tags. The caliber laws for larger deer are minimum .243, with min. 100gr in Scotland.

[@elgato9534]

Whats in favor of the PRC line up? Hornady 😊 good characteristics. Case dimensions capacity bullets brass and headspacing.

[@scottsozmtns7534]

Roger Capstik is amazing!

[@JP-fn5xt]

Cartridge designed for the military to shoot in battle rifles, from what I gather. Those tolerances bring out a good platform, just an attempt to replace a .270 with a shorter casing.

[@tomfouche6995]

6.8Western. Yes it will certainly take off, because it makes a lot of sense.

[@huntergray8180]

Weather or not it takes off im very impressed with my 6.8 western. I bought the Browning long range max. I’m shooting under 1/2 moa groups out to 400 yards with hand loads using the 175 grain Sierra Gamechanger. It also has the most consistent velocity out of any cartridge I’ve tested. Shot 10 rounds through my chronograph and had an extreme spread of only 5 fps. I was lucky enough to use that rifle to bag a mature buck in Minnesota this season. Made a 300 yard shot and he only went 15 yards. I’m very confident after investing the damage to the vitals that it will make a great elk cartridge as well. But I agree with you Ron that Winchester and browning have not done a great job with their marketing. And have done a terrible job fulfilling orders. My father ordered his in a model 70 over a year and a half ago and still has not received it. We have yet to see any model 70s chambered in 6.8 western in stores or on Gunbroker. I’m a Winchester fan through and through but I’m extremely disappointed in them for not producing the rifles for a new cartridge that everyone has been extremely excited for since it’s announcement almost 2 years ago. A cartridge can’t take off if people can’t get they’re hands on the rifles. Winchester and browning had a really good thing going but in my opinion if the marketing and production of the new 7prc rifles goes better than the 6.8 the 7PRC could very well kill what the 6.8 was supposed to be

[@michaelhull63]

Check gunbroker now I just got a Model 70 super grade 6.8 western and I saw at least 3 others

[@louisgiokas2206]

When I lived in the UK I had a neighbor who was a Major in the Artillery in both WWII and Korea. In Korea they would hunt pheasants. The British officers had nice double barrel shotguns. The American officers used their Thompsons.

[@tomkehoe6392]

Great vid Ron. Like many, I have a 6.5 CM and looking to step up to the next level. On paper, the 6.8 W looks like a great balance of ballistics with reasonable recoil. Don't think I need to go to 7mm RM or the 7 PRC power. Appreciate your show!

[@jjgriffin3275]

Ron did a video comparing the 270 to 6.5 to western, watch his video

[@ringofasho7721]

The 6.8 western fills the needs I have for a deer/elk rifle. A 7prc would fill the role too, but I think the 6.8 has slightly heavier loads for caliber. I just wish there were more ammo manufacturers developing 6.8 loads

[@markdavidson8424]

In 70 years of living any hunting I've realized that the older cartridges are all you need and work fine. I wu😅say this mainly because of better bullets and powders. You can buy 308 ammo with 150 gr.bullet that will travel a 3000 fps.over the counter. I do have a 338,06 that throws a 200 gr bullet at 2800 fps. That's equivalent to a 338 Winchester magnum with less powder and recoil. The deal is,all of this hunting is is under 400 yards.

[@justinjones9042]

I would like to try it in a AR10 platform . Also a bolt gun . Looks promising

[@phild9813]

270wsm is still readily available, ammo wise, while the 7wsm isn’t nearly as common. I’d choose the 270 as a result.

[@phild9813]

I did choose the 270wsm, btw. I have one in a Tikka and have killed a number of elk, deer, and pronghorn with it.

[@edwinzackoski3414]

I have one I'm trying out in 2 weeks.

[@ChargerusPrime]

In talking about .30 calibers, I truly believe that .300 HAM'R has the potential to REALLY take off. You keep that 30 round capacity for the military, more power than 7.62x39, 6.8 spc, .300 blackout as well as many others. I also think it's ease of implementation in all of our current service rifles. You use the same bolt face and you utilize .300 blackout magazines. I'd love to see you do a comparison video on .300 HAM'R with all these other rifles. Love your videos, nothing but respect for you. All the best wishes from Texas.

[@MrJtin69]

Id love to see ya using the 28 nosler on a hunt

[@robinsok]

I was in the market for a new rifle and was really close to deciding on the 6.8 Western. But what ended up pushing me into a 6.5PRC is ammo availability. 6.8 just isn't loaded by many ammo manufactures currently. Whereas the 6.5PRC, I've seen ammo from Hornady, Nosler, Winchester and actually Norma seems to be flooding the market with PRC ammo. In addition, recent history shows that Hornady swings a big stick now days. When they put out a new offering, they seem to be able to get it to stick, and ammo availability and price is a huge consideration.

[@shauncraig2872]

Grew up taking antelope and mule deer sandwiches to school when I was a kid and my kids grew up taking everything from perch to moose in their lunches...organic.

[@hadleyscott1160]

In Pennsylvania there are right now two areas with different Points regulations generally East 3 pts one side. I the west 4 pts. There are Separate antlered and antlerless seasons. All firearms centerfire, any caliber. Bear is the same. Centerfire. No Sunday hunting. Muzzleloader is a separate season as well as archery. Separate tags required for sexes. Buck comes with your original license. ALL Firearms must be manually operated for hunting big game. No semis for big game. Elk is a lottery draw. Bear is a separate license. Pennsylvania has some of the largest Black bears out there. Record is over 830 pounds and many over 500 are culled yearly. With 2/3 over 600 every year.

[@geoffkeahey2651]

I have a problem with the "latest and greatest" when I have a couple of safes full of calibers that get the job done.

[@jerrymbrinkman1173]

Ron: The.30 Remington was the rimless version of the 30-30; chambered in both the model 8 and 14 Remington rifle.

[@andycronin6170]

Yep, my buddy has one. It has a neat yet brief history. One of the novelties of it was a tubular magazine that supposedly twisted the cartridges so they wouldn't line up tip to primer.

[@kylejohnson4340]

You should look into the 9.3x62mm it’s a great round that can be loaded down to mid power 30.06 and up to hot loads that can be used for Africa (in some provinces)

[@russellkeeling4387]

If you want its twin then use the .35 Whelen.

[@2abuck401]

I think hornady offerings are more successful because they are available in so many different rifles and the ammo will be both available and well made. I like the 6.8 western and was looking into it. Backfire was having inconsistent brass sizing with the factory ammo. Doesn't help its case.

[@jaydunbar7538]

MN you can hunt with rifles in the north part of the state, southern is shotgun and muzzleloader only. How many deer you can take and if a lottery is in place is up to the local population, on the north border we can take 3 deer per person with the basic tag being buck or doe and the 2 intensive harvest permits being doe only. They have made some of the refs more streamlined and simple over the last decade but at the same time they over complicated other parts so no surprises there lol

[@duck-n-cover477]

Re 6.8 Western 1) Why didn't Browning/Win just start building .270 Win in 1:9 or 1:8 twist. 2) If hyped it as 6.8 Western "Creedmoor", maybe it could do voodoo magic

[@diggernash1]

Gonna be a tough slug against the 7mm PRC and the Hornady marketing machine.

[@miketyson8933]

Not even, everyone has a magnum rifle. Short action rifles are in and the 6.8 Western is right there with the 7 PRC and hitting 17% harder then the 6.5 PRC! The 6.8 is going to be the new hunting rifle you'll see!! The next year its going to really show!

[@diggernash1]

Perhaps. Small groups sell new guns.

[@dj-ft1zr]

Try "death in the long grass" by Peter Chapwick for some good reading

[@keithsargent6963]

More new and improved fantastic cartridges that basically do the same thing that the old cartridge do.

[@Hollywood41642]

The 270 wby mag is king 👑

[@stuffnsuch631]

Really hope weatherby puts the 6.8 in their vanguard

[@montelott8570]

If you can find any books by Alexander Lake they are great "African" reading early fifties outdoor life book club stuff.

[@elgato9534]

Too many cartridges? Not if you handload but I settled on three rifle and one handgun. Good poll question.

[@russelljackson7034]

Right on

[@markgalyen38]

Frank used the 35 Remington

[@northerntier87]

I did some research on this caliber it looks like some caliber im interested in purchasing.

[@jaydunbar7538]

Accuracy nodes are about the velocity consistency, if you want to shoot at a few thousand yards keeping your velocity as consistent as possible is a must. Finding such a node gives you some leeway in loading so minute differences in charge don’t show up as drastic spreads in velocity. At 100 yards it’s not a real big deal to have a 50fps swing, add a zero and it can mean you miss the target completely from one round to the next with no other changes. The ballistics charts regularly shared on this channel show this beautifully. Should note this is much easier to do with a chronograph then using a target at range and hoping that you don’t mess up a few of the shots. You will notice the same nodes in chrono results, then you can tighten up groups later with other things like seating depth or adjustable tuner breaks.

[@jfess1911]

You are right that consistent velocity is important, but finding an accuracy node where a few fps difference has a minimal effect certainly helps. Some target shooters (largely rimfire) claim that there is such a thing as a "self-correcting load" that is just as the barrel begins an upswing. A slightly slower velocity will leave the barrel when it is pointing slightly higher, compensating for its lower velocity. This generates a high reading on my BS meter, but some swear it is true.

[@kevinreichert3254]

30 Remington is at least a bit more known to the older generation in Pennsylvania due to it being chambered in the Remington pumps. We can’t use semi autos for bigger game. It should also be known to the current generation as the parent cartridge to the 6.8 SPC.

[@scotteisenbraun1581]

Thank you. Ron knows very little about AR cartridge history. I built a 6.8 SPC shortly after it was developed. Took several deer with it. Terminal wounds were impressive with 110 grain Hornady bullets. My Grandson has used that same rifle the last three seasons. Three deer harvested.

[@elgato9534]

Ammo availability is critical to any success. Handloaders arent effected as much. But realistically how many rounds of high powered rifle do you need?

[@geraldbatts575]

Seems to be a newer copy of a 7mm rem mag basically.

[@AlanRoehrich9651]

If the economy was better, you'd see a truer look at what it could do. I personally love a 0.277" bullet. I'm going to build a 270-300 Winchester Magnum now that the bullets and barrels are available to take advantage.

[@StevenMMan]

Well I'm getting a chance to sit down and address this one subject. This is one those that I have to agree on a portion of your answer and slightly disagree with the other side of the story. As a longtime resident of Wyoming I have ate my share pronghorn. Your spot on when it comes to the care of the circumstances surrounding the harvesting and care from field to table, and even more important with the prairie speed goat. Where I slightly disagree is of all the big game that the west has to offer the goat isn't a fave for me. However there is one place it truly shines. For me it is the best candidate for jerky. Can't explain it but the combo of the natural meat flavor, and a good mesquite smoked with a salt, peper, and red wine marinade. Makes the best jerky in the west. Mountain man

[@ronspomer4366]

Now you're not just jerking us around with that recipe, are you Steven?

[@kikbuttowski]

I (skeptically) bought a 6.8 Western. I have been a 7 Rem Mag guy my whole life. I fell in love with the 6.8. It shoots excellent groups with 170gr Berger EOLs, on target damage matches my old 7mm, but it doesn’t recoil like that old 7 Rem. It truly is a winner!

[@57HEMIviken]

What rifle did you go with? This round interests me alot but the rifle selection seems minimal at best.

[@scottsozmtns7534]

How many rifles? My answer to friends, family & neighbors-“I don’t really know?” That’s the truth too!

[@JJ_MTB_15]

If I can't readily get reloading components for these new cartridges, I can't be interested even if I love it.

[@markgillaspy7004]

I not for sure but you can only straight wall on public land or slug and private land you can use up to a pacific caliber

[@earlchesnut9017]

What will it do the 270 won't with a twist rate the same as the 7x57 it's twist rate was to stabilize the 175 grain bullet

[@MD-mm1zv]

Would love to read some of these works , but, haven't been able to find them. As popular as the O 'Conner book is, one would think it stays in print. Yet, cannot find a copy ...even in PDF form. Any suggestions?

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

Ron must have taken the hunters' Hippocratic oath, "Do no harm". Always thoughtful and positive, and accepts legitimate criticism. bought a new 270 this year, but 6.8western was really shouting at me.

[@earlchesnut9017]

I messed with the 404 case years ago the problem was the brass was tempered for 40 000 psi had full length wildcat developed but could not reach 338 win velocity without stuck cases now that that's fixed we are in a completely different ball game had hon brockman call Hornady about our experience with the brass they fixed it the next batch of brass did all the development at Camplin firearns with Bill there this also allows the 404 to be loaded to equal the 416 rigby

[@scottsozmtns7534]

Cannot give you accurate #’s on whitetail’s I’ve taken with my .22 Hornet. In MO., ANY center fire is legal down to .17 Hornet. My son took a doe w/a 9mm pistol & I’ve taken deer w/.357 Mag wheel guns. Bows? 40#’s of draw is minimum in MO.

[@scottsozmtns7534]

The .30 Rem., or .30 Rimless has been used in the creation of modern day new caliber creations & has had more success being used in cartridge development.

[@Perry2186]

Yeah you're 100% right I believe the 6.8 SPC and the 10 mm auto Are using the 30 REM case And just a side note I think Hamer's rifle was in 35REM

[@bryanfox2735]

6.8 western ammo is easier to find then 7-08 ammo in Montana!!

[@richarddaigle7101]

How would you compare 6.8 western vs 277 fury?

[@wesleyturner1979]

The best thing that browning and Winchester can do to make this exceptional cartridge take off is have/let other major manufacturers chamber for it. This is why Hornady is successful in the marketing. Lots of different manufacturers use the chamber.

[@jaydunbar7538]

Anyone can it’s a saami registered cartridge, most just don’t want to help a competitors project succeed unless it’s got to a point that it’s to lucrative to stay out of. Hornady does not make rifles so they are not a competitor in that regard unlike most.

[@wesleyturner1979]

@@jaydunbar7538 that’s interesting. So if Sako wanted to, they could produce 6.8 western Tikkas and Sakos? I’m going to start writing letters 😂

[@jfess1911]

This time, Winchester has left their name out of the title of the cartridge and hope this will make it more attractive for other manufacturers. Once a cartridge has been SAAMI certified (and it is), anyone can use it. The 6.8 Western had a good head start on the 7mm PRC, but unfortunately, it was introduced just as the ammo shortage set in. It is important to remember that the most popular recent cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC were designed as long range target rounds as well as hunting ones. This helped with sales. A lot more ammo is shot at targets than at animals. So far, the 6.8 Western is seen as a hunting-only cartridge.

[@toddmartin3962]

Christensen Arms is now making them, too.

[@jasonpaiva4793]

Like it or not Ruger & Hornaday know how to Release a new Cartridge/ Caliber & Market ir properly 😀

[@kurtbogle2973]

I'm sure someone will want one. I never did like the 270. Not a big enough bullet selection to suit me. It looks to me like we have reached redundancy.

[@jjgriffin3275]

looking for a new barrel for the OLE 270 win, what would be a good match grade barrel to go with?????

[@ronspomer4366]

Too many to pick just one, JJ. The fact that target shooters can't agree on one brand/style suggests plenty work.

[@TheGDizzo]

I believe the naming of that cartridge will thwart its potential for success. Sounds silly, but people liking the name has a big impact on anything.

[@texastomsshavingtips6359]

Good video Ron, how about a head to head comparison between the 6.8 Western and the .277 Fury!! With the 80,000 psi maximum average pressure of the .277 Fury, I would like to know how much difference there is between the two cartridges for hunting purposes!! On a side note, I would like to know your thoughts about a wildcat of the .277 Fury using .284 bullets at or near the same M.A.P.(think of it as a magnum version of the short action .284 Winchester using the hybrid cases of the .277 Fury necked up(out) to .284!! I think that would have a lot of potential for Big Game Hunting using bullets from 130 grains up to about 185 grains or more in a short action rifle with a 20" to 24" barrel!!

[@jfess1911]

The .277 Fury is limited to bullets with a shorter ogive, the same as the 270 Win and closer to the 270 WSM. The 6.8 Western can use bullets with a longer, sleeker ogive, giving it the edge at longer distance. The biggest advantage of the Fury's high chamber pressure is that its powder is burned quickly and is therefore able to produce good velocities from shorter barrels. This is good news for hunters who want a shorter barrel for convenience or when using a suppressor. You will still gain some velocity from a longer barrel, though. The SIG has posted two sets of data for its full pressure 150 grain ammo. One for a 16" barrel, where the performance matches traditional 270 Win rifles (with 24 inch barrels). The other for 24" barrels, where it matches the 270 WSM. Sig has also recently added a 130 grain hunting load at lower pressure (all-brass case) which is close to 7mm-08 performance.

[@chuckfinley3152]

The 277 fur(r)y needs special ammo in s special action that uses special powder that's not available for reloading, it's not worth it.

[@jfess1911]

@@chuckfinley3152 The 277 Fury actually has less bolt backthrust than the 6.8 Western, so actions will not be a big deal. Bolt thrust = case dia * pressure. We don't really know about powders or reloading the hybrid case, though. Many hunters don't reload anyway, though.

[@anthonyhandspiker2084]

I live in Nova Scotia and all the ranges here are controlled by the provincial firearms officer so all our ranges require bench shooting only , yes it sucks

[@markmccloskey23]

yeah

[@nuckyduk15]

In order for 6.8 Western to take off you need Savage and Ruger to chamber it in their Apex/American line of rifles respectfully. Hornady ALREADY has Savage rifles in 7 PRC which is crazy.

[@FastRat24]

Both Savage and Christiansen are making rifles chambered in 6.8!

[@tommalone4310]

It’s Hornady’s marketing strategy. They refuse to make ammo or dies or brass for 6.8 because it competes with the needless 7mm PRC. I will not by any Hornady products because of their greed.

[@nuckyduk15]

@@FastRat24 My point is that you need Savage and Ruger to make a 6.8 Western in one of their Sub $600 rifles in order for 6.8 to take off.

[@nuckyduk15]

@@tommalone4310 Do you blame them? It's not Hornadys fault that the 6.8 Western isn't taking off. There are DOZENS of other ammunition manufacturers that are either producing a small amount, or none at all. I don't blame the company that has a better PR team.

[@ronlowney4700]

🤠 Fact Checking Ron Spomer: According to the Nosler Online Reloading Manual, the 270 Weatherby Magnum will push out that 150 grain Nosler ABLR bullet only 13 ft/s faster than the 270 wsm, not the 100 ft/s faster than Ron said (though he didn't specify which bullet weight)! However, the 270 WBY is using a 2" longer barrel to do so, so it is actually slower than the 270 wsm when both have the same barrel length! 🤑

[@10-4CodyWade]

Nosler has been known to emasculate the Weatherby cartridges with their loading data. For example I'm getting 250 FPS above what the Nosler data shows for my 338-378 Weatherby using 300 grain bullets and RL33. I'm not saying your data is wrong, just that Nosler cannot always be trusted to lead you to maximum performance in your Weatherby. That said, the 270 and 7mm are 2 of the more neutered Wby cartridges in existence. Hornady data shows the WSM and Wby having identical velocities.

[@miketyson8933]

Hornady just pushes and publishes those numbers! Like their ammo some os just loaded so hot it hurts the accuracy big time!!!

[@fiestastboost5788]

I love it how they call a 277 calibre or 7.04mm a 6.8...for us in the know we know the reality but all these manufacturers confuse everyone. 7mm is 7.2mm, 6.5mm is 6.7mm

[@joshuaschmidt5552]

I really hope that the 6.8 western really takes off, it’s tough finding ammo, bullets, and cases right now

[@earlchesnut9017]

The money has always been made in selling ammo not the rifles

[@louisgiokas2206]

In Illinois you need to use a shotgun for deer. You can also use a handgun, but no rifles, except for black powder. In fact, you can carry a handgun in addition to the shotgun, which is what I do.

[@JoeAroner-SIWAYTV]

I have seen single shot break action pistols in .243 for hunting. Would that be legal in Illinois?

[@louisgiokas2206]

@@JoeAroner-SIWAYTV Not for deer. I have hunted a lot of deer with handguns and hunted with lots of guys. Only once did I see a break action single shot. It was in .300 Whisper. The guy also carried a single action revolver in .454 Casull (quite a handful) as a backup.

[@charlesperry1051]

Every outdoorsman should read Aldo Leopold. Period.

[@charlesmckown2213]

Ammo is not doing well in 25234 Arnoldsburg WV

[@ralphyoung9296]

Ron, I think.. *I think* the 30 calibers may be losing ground with newish hunters. My reasoning for buying a 30-30 or 30-06 was magazine articles, old guys opinions (Dad and Granddad and Uncles). *I think* during the Vietnam War days and after the 308 started to replace the 06 in sales. Now with so many choices in calibers, hunters are starting to educate themselves on ballistics ect... Myself, I'm 67 yrs old and I'm a serious 270 caliber man.. I'd bump up to 7mm as my second choice and taking 3rd place is 30 cal. I have a few of each of these caliber but I didn't go below the 6.5 Creedmoor.. I certainly hope and pray the 6.8 Western takes off.. I have 2 ordered for almost 8 to 9 months that my shop is having a hard time getting.

[@jfess1911]

Winchester and Browning certainly did not have enough rifles available for the 6.8 Western. Whether it was poor planning or just bad luck (supply chain issues), a lot of hunters wanted to use the new cartridge and could not find rifles.

[@ralphyoung9296]

@@jfess1911 .. Thank you.. the 6.8 Westerns are already paid for. I borrowed a buddy of mine 270 for a whitetail season here in PA a few years ago, shot an 8 point, it dropped where it stood.. every deer I shot with my .06 ran. Didn't matter if I shot the heart or/and lungs, they always ran.. I didn't have that problem when I went to my 270 or my 284.. the deer never took another step.

[@jfess1911]

@@ralphyoung9296 From what I read, one thing that helped the popularity of the 270 Win was the very same "bang---flop" results that you saw. It is now thought that the higher velocity created a big enough temporary cavity inside the animal to stun them. It did not necessarily instantly kill them, but prevented them from moving long enough that they died before regaining the ability to run. I hope you enjoy your new rifles!

[@ronspomer4366]

@@ralphyoung9296 I've shot plenty of deer with 270 Win, WSM and Wby. Mag. that took chest hits and ran as if untouched, one as far as 200 yards. I've found no cartridge/bullet combination that always drops game in its tracks, not even coyotes or jackrabbits! I once put two 357 magnums through a jackrabbit's chest. It ran a good 50 yards before expiring. And this applies to bullets that stay inside as well as those passing through. Regardless, most hunters are discovering that controlled expansion bullets of sub-.308 diameter that reach the vitals are plenty effective enough, so the 30-cal. romance is wearing thin. 6.5 and 7mm and to lesser degree 270 are becoming the new 30s.

[@keithprinn720]

will it get support previously absent from gun makers and ammunition makers and rebuilding requirements currently absent. cant buy gear to reload without custom dies sought and ammo supply issues. re marketing of the 6.8 other manufacturers trying to make it fail. winchester and browning the same thing really and no support for reloading as I said before.

[@markkaff13]

Ron, why do you think there's such a fascination with getting a custom rifle but that fascination doesn't seem to translate over into shotguns? I come from a background in target shotgun shooting and the benefits of a well fitted shotgun are pretty impressive. The custom fit shotgun actually shoots where you are looking and equally important you can direct where and how the recoil impacts your body.

[@ronspomer4366]

Single projectile precision. That's the dif. One can tweak and fine tune dozens of rifle and ammo parts to achieve ever finer levels of accuracy, but once you have the stock lines and shotshell/choke combination selected for a consistent pattern at XX yards, your shotgunning comes down to consistent shooter performance. That said, there are probably more ornate, beautifully constructed and embellished shotguns extant than rifles.

[@markkaff13]

@@ronspomer4366 I thank you for the response! You do not get nearly enough credit for the effort you put into patrolling the comment section and answering questions!

[@ronspomer4366]

@@markkaff13 Thanks. I can't always keep up, but try.

[@magnumcipher4971]

Hornady doesn’t sell rifles, so they don’t have to worry about pushing a line of commercially available rifles. Some rifle manufacturers want to force a buyer to purchase their rifle in order to get into their newest cartridges. The more rifles available in a given cartridge, the higher the chances that cartridge will become a commercial success.

[@dg20120]

Hornady regularly partners with Ruger but it’s tough to compete with Winchester-Browning and Vista (Remington ammo, CCI-Speer, Federal).

[@magnumcipher4971]

@@dg20120 that’s not to say that Hornady doesn’t need a vessel to promote their new cartridges, of course they do, however. The obvious examples are the 6.5 CM and the 6.5 PRC. These chamberings can be found in nearly every commercially available bolt-action rifle on Earth, usually in multiple configurations.

[@trx20shooterlikky86]

I'd choose the 270 win over the 6.8 Anyday. I can tell you, it be a helluva lot easier to add a little extra throat length to a reamer and a decent twist rate on a barrel, than an entire freaking new line to produce a new cartridge.Ive been Machining stuff for 20 plus years, I know what it takes to set up a job. Is it sales, Sammi, or what that keeps this from happening? Hopefully the Rem Alpha 1 will remedy this if not, with a 26 inch barrel with RL 26, I can do anything that the "new" 7 PRC can do in my 280 AI

[@ronlowney4700]

🙏 Amen! 😁👍

[@ronlowney4700]

🤯 Finally some one with some good sense! 🤑 My feelings exactly! 🎯 The 270 Winchester and 280 AI are much better choices! 😜 You also get less recoil and 1 more round in the magazine than the 6.8 Western and 7mm prc too! 😏

[@ronspomer4366]

Likky, perhaps it comes down to convenience. While machinists can make all these custom improvements, the average shooter just wants to buy rifle and ammo and go shooting. I believe rifle makers can chamber the old standards in any twist rate with as much leade/free bore as they want. But I also suspect they don't want confusion and complaints like they got with the 280 Rem/7mm Express/7mm Rem Mag mess in 1979. But there is also the very real need for them to create the "new and improved soap" to gin up sales. Why we whine and complain about this I don't know because keeping gun and ammo makers solvent is in our self interests. No one can make a product as durable as a hunting rifle, sell it in a declining market while simultaneously fighting off lawsuits, govt. red tape and regulations and flourish. I would think we'd all welcome and celebrate new guns and ammo that keep our manufacturers in business! Spread the word to our fellow curmudgeons! Quit complaining about new cartridges and rifles and celebrate the survival of our gun and ammo manufacturers! Amen, Ron Lowney, Amen. (P.S., I did most of my hunting this fall with one of those sexy, sleek, fully modern 300 H&H Magnums!)

[@ronlowney4700]

😁

[@ronlowney4700]

🤠 Ron, I want to make sure that you saw my comments on the 6.8 Western vs. 270 Winchester comparison? I also hope that you saw my comments on the next video that you did, regarding the 6.5 prc vs. 270 Winchester as well? So, here you go (A little "different prospective"/conclusion)! 😜:

[@camigrationconsultancy9134]

looking to add one more rifle on my 223, 6.5 cm , 270, 30-06, 300 WM and 9.3x62 . Now i want to buy Weatherby mark V or x bolt or Custom on Savage 110 action with nice scope as my last and best hunting rifle : My options as in Canada are ; 9 twist- 24 inch 280 AI - W Mark V 7.5 Twist 24 inch 6.8 Western X bolt 7 Twist 24 inch 6.5 PRC X bolt 11 twist Sako Finlight 30-06 22 inch Or 8 twist 22 inch 270 on Savage 110 7.5 or 8 twist 22 inch 280 AI on savage 110 (Is 9 twist on 280AI enough as can not find it in 8 twist unless I go custom , also if I get 8 twist 270 win then I can use 165 grain bullets but can not find ballastics info about that also no info that will it work well on 130 grain ) Will Never hunt over 500 yard (longest hunting shot i ever done over 300 yard was 380 & 331 yard ) .

[@jessiejane6259]

Too many new cartridges 6.5 PRC, 6.8 Western, 300 PRC, 7mm PRC. I am fine with my 30-06.