The 6.8 Western ~ Don't buy one until you watch this!

Thinking of getting a 6.8 Western for your long range rifle? It's a great round, but unless you know a few things about it, you may be sorry.

[@joeblow4566]

I'm 61 years old my dad was a Korean war combat Marine you remind me of some of his friends as a boy I used to love to listen to these guys I'm sure you're a bit older than I am I like your KZbin channel and I am subscribed you're a wealth of knowledge this old army veteran appreciates it be safe and be well thank you sir

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you for your service. God bless.

[@joeblow4566]

@@GunBlue490 I appreciate that sir again thanks for your channel I really enjoy it immensely God bless you and yours good evening from the West Coast

[@rickeycooley9139]

@@Sako75.7mm08 what are you thinking or what are you saying. I just don’t understand! I don’t want to sound like and a ass hole but l don’t get it.

[@buddrinkerdrinks]

@@Sako75.7mm08 with a suppressor...5 deer? meh...shooting fish in a barrel. considering..you only get two tags, an then one doe if the county says its ok.

[@hankhill3417]

He’s what a man is supposed to be.

[@bryangrote8781]

Honest, thorough, common sense discussion from a man whose not trying to sell us something. Not nearly enough guys like Gun Blue around! 👍

[@Jeff_Seely]

Not nearly enough, indeed. He has spent a life of service to the community and all he wants this channel to be is a portal for his gifts to further help the community. I call it selfless integrity. You don't find it much anymore.

[@Bushlore1]

In time memorium no less. I sit in awe and learn, and check my ego. This is the teacher Dad/Grandpa we all need. I would had Hickok 45 to that list.

[@REDNECKROOTS]

I agree

[@ralphyoung9296]

Not trying to sell anything.. he is trying to say that his opinion is the only one we should be listening to.. he' thinks he's a gun God.. Not saying he's not knowledgeable, but it only an opinion.. and that is my opinion.

[@allannantes8583]

@@ralphyoung9296I couldn’t disagree with you more. I’ll just leave it at that.

[@oldArmyVet]

These videos are better than anything on TV. Great wealth of knowledge.

[@b.z.7618]

Been shooting the .270 with 140 grain Hornady Interlock's for 15 years. Love it and have never lost a deer out to 400 yards on numerous occasions. Great round.

[@NCWoodlandRoamer]

The .270 Win and those 140 grain bullets are a fantastic combination! I reload and shoot that same bullet in my .270.

[@fjb4932]

B. Z., Those 140 grain bullets are the cat's meow in the .270 Win.

[@NCWoodlandRoamer]

@@fjb4932 They sure are a fantastic combination.

[@MrBarramundi]

G'day from Australia. I agree with you. People get too caught up in hype about effectiveness of calibres on game and forget that the shooter is the main factor. Thank you sir, for your insight.

[@forgottenman749]

After this last review I’ve watched about the 6.8 Western, I’ve finally made up my mind. I will be ordering my new rifle in 6.8 Western. If even these most experienced, veteran skilled and cartridge knowledgeable experts like Blue can say that the 6.8 Western is an excellent cartridge with very high potential then that’s all I need to make my decision. If I already owned a .270 Winchester then maybe I wouldn’t but because I’m in the market for purchasing a .277 caliber why not choose the 6.8 Western because of its range of options all throughout the bullet weight and range of BC. Thank you Blue for giving me all the information I needed to make my decision. I always respect your point of view on these issues.

[@Master...deBater]

I'd buy a reloading kit and a bunch of brass...because that cartridge might not be around for very long!

[@austinreddick1875]

The rifles are sorta hard to find what model are you gonna get?

[@cbsbass4142]

@@Master...deBater Pretty much. It will likely go the way of the .270 WSM...just a has been.

[@zachcragoe]

@@austinreddick1875 picked up a browning xbolt a couple days ago

[@MilkMan608]

@@cbsbass4142 Has been? I love mine. She's a keeper.

[@TMar129]

I'll stick with my 270 wsm. Once the barrel shoots out, or sooner if I get impatient, I'll swap a faster twist barrel on and load these now available heavier bullets for the .277

[@JohnDavidHays]

My thoughts exactly

[@montanamusings]

I just ordered a 6.8 Western. I really like the short action. Thank you for your common sense analysis.

[@Dennisthemenace40]

One thing not mentioned as an advantage for the 6.8 Western is wind drift. It’s higher BC allows it to shoot straighter in the wind. It’s not hard to range a target and find the drop (gravity works equally from the muzzle to impact) but knowing what effect the wind will have over the entire distance is something that even well practiced shooters sometimes struggle with. But as the range decreases, there will be less of a difference. That in itself is a good reason to keep your shots on live game inside of 400 yards.

[@timk4502]

Maybe so but Not All Hunters have equivalent Skills. Some can make those shots, some can't.

[@WillyK51]

@@timk4502 The biggest problem is to find a place to shoot 500 yds. Very few ranges have 500 yds. If You want to go hunting somewere were it's hard to get within range. Practice helps. Forget dial in for range. Often there is no time. Experience sights you on the target at distance( A range finder helps, if you got time). Before BDC, Kentucky windage(Experience) got the game👍

[@warrengreen3217]

Wind drift dont happen until you get out pass 500yards so these new high BC bullets are really useless at hunting range so stick with the old cals 243win 6.5swed 260rem 7mm08 270win 280rem 25-06 30-30 308 30-06 7rem mag 300win mag and so on

[@Dennisthemenace40]

@@warrengreen3217 I hear what you’re saying and generally agree. At any ethical range, the wind isn’t going to be too much of an issue. But there are times when the wind isn’t just 10 MPH or so. If it’s blowing 20 MPH or more, that can make an otherwise routine shot much more challenging. I wouldn’t trade good terminal performance for a better BC but with bullets that perform similarly on game, I would prefer a better BC. And I wouldn’t trade away a trusted old school caliber just because of a potential upgrade in BC. But if I could add one to the stable, that could be interesting.

[@warrengreen3217]

@@Dennisthemenace40 your missing the hole point at under 500 yards like 300 or 400 yards even a 40 mph wind dont have enough to blow that bullet off, 500 yards and under that bullets there in under a second its been proven wind is not a factor at them ranges

[@Jeff_Seely]

I do see the merits of the 6.8 Western bullet weight that is available and agree completely. But I still think that I will stick with my dear 270 Winchester. One of the most commercially available, flattest shooting, and most accurate cartridges in my gun safe. I love the 270 as you do Captain and and the hunting situations that would cause the Westerner to excel would only cause me to step over to my 30-06 which is also very commercially available. I enjoy listening to your pragmatic perspectives on issues like these as I always do!

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

I believe I'll stick to the 270 also. I may try to build a custom 270 with a faster twist barrel and hand load the heavier bullets. Thinking 1 in 8 twist 24 to 26 inch barrel.

[@Jeff_Seely]

I would favor that idea above the 6.8 Western, if I needed the bullet length/weight if for no other reason than cost. Those western rounds. By the time you buy the rifle, dies (and other reloading items), and any high-priced factory ammo you'd probably be happier with your decision. Plus, the recoil is more manageable, as the captain pointed out. And I like to build too. But here in Texas Hill Country our deer are smaller than many of the other hunting zones. Rounds between 243 and 270 are plenty for these animals.

[@borkwoof696]

@@travissmith-wz5nc not trying to discourage you but at that point why not go with the Western?

[@Master...deBater]

@@borkwoof696 Because it's questionable whether it will even be around in ten years. As a 300 Win Mag shooter...I remember when all the writers said the 300 WSM and RUM would dethrone the WM! 20+ years later the WM is still the king. I bet in another 20 years all these new fangled cartridges will be gone...and the old tried and true cartridges will still be going strong. It's all hype and marketing by the manufacturers to sell more rifles.

[@mfallen6894]

@@Master...deBater Exactly. So many cartridges come and go, some of them for good reason, others because for whatever reason no one ever took notice. I currently own a .338 Federal, absolutely love the cartridge, but it's on its death bed, and even if we ever see normal ammo supply again, I doubt the .338 Fed will even be supported by then. Not going to make that mistake again by replacing the .270 with a 6.8W, or .243 with one of the many 6mm's that have come out lately. Especially when a custom barrel with faster twist revitalizes these old cartridges anyway.

[@jerryziegner]

I love your honesty and knowledge. It’s crazy how many people love “the latest and greatest”.

[@thehopperhopes6365]

In the words of the late Jeff Cooper , ' Why do company's keeping bringing out new products, why to sell it to you. '

[@waynecastleman1363]

It's not always that the latest is a bad thing but the manufacturers can throw a lot of dope on the box that means very little in the real world and I'm not buying the hype. I love the tried and true proformance of cartridges that work at 200 yards and for hunting 300 absolutely tops. For long range target the 6.5 can definitely ring the bell at one mile.

[@thehopperhopes6365]

@@waynecastleman1363 Well it's like 6.5 creedmore , does it do anything 260 Remington or 6.5 Swede can't do ? Sure it's has a few small inherent design feature that may benefit accuracy but overall it doesn't add much for the average shooter. The best thing most people could do is a decent bedding job , tune some handloads and get more trigger time. Accuracy issues are mostly the individual behind the trigger 90% of the time.

[@waynecastleman1363]

@@thehopperhopes6365 I agree 👍

[@stevemahrer7097]

I have a Browning 1885 in 270 win. The 28” barrel takes the 270 to new heights. I have chronographed Hornady 143 gr. ELDX at 3050fps, with no pressure issues. That is enough for me, and likely anything I will ever shoot here in MT. Thanks for the reality check, and rationale behind this video. Good job!

[@rudydsouza8262]

You are a Great Guru to me and I greatly appreciate the knowledge you share. God bless you and your family.

[@donnysanner342]

Love this guy , he has absolutely no bullshit with him. Not trying to sell us something we don't need.

[@beefcakes27]

The Real Gunsmith said essentially the same thing as you in his own way after this video. It's nice to hear a concensus from educators I trust. Thank you.

[@Bashe1965]

I purchased a Browning a-bolt in .270 WSM many years ago and at that time I didn't know much about that particular cartridge. The main reason I purchased it was that it was on the rack as a used but never fired rifle and the price was right. A local doctor had purchased the rifle to take on a African safari trip then returned the next day to trade it for the .300 WSM. To my surprise when I came to pick up the rifle after my 10 day waiting period (California) they also gave me two boxes of Failsafe ammo and leupold bases and rings still in the package! As a hand loader I've really enjoyed the .270 WSM it's all the rifle I will ever need. I currently shoot the Barnes 129gr lrx because of the NON-LEAD bs that Cali makes you shoot. But that bullet performs very well and is very accurate too.

[@sparky_-mf2cs]

270 win still my favorite. I also love the 308

[@skymaster9484]

The only time I ever felt undergunned with my 270 was my first trip to Idaho in the early 80's. Every shot was consistently well over 500 yds it was like shooting a 81mm mortar high angle hell. When I got back home a friend got me hooked on the 300wm for long range outta state work, but to me the 270 is still my favorite rifle for anything that will be 300yd shooting maybe even 400yds. Anyway I've had alot of calibers in over 50 yrs hunting but my favorite ones are the 270 and 300wm.

[@silvermediastudio]

6.5 PRC has also shown good results at range against elk, given the proper bullet, such as a Nosler Partition or the Norma version. Less recoil and I believe less wind deflection than the 300WM but shorter barrel life. Always trade-offs.

[@fermentillc]

Of your commentaries cartridge lore is my favorite content. Thank you for this rationale comparison of pros, cons, and marketing mythology.

[@andyd2960]

I can also say that the 6.8 western probably does a lot better in the wind. I'd put wind deflection above drop at ranges. I have never needed more than a .308 myself, so I don't have a horse in this race.

[@spookytkid]

bc is always changing as a bullet moves through the atmosphere. its a fools errand chasing BC. but ppl like to be parted with their money. So tbe industry will always market something different.

[@4570levergun]

Very good info. The 270 is a great all around cartridge.

[@lordligma2529]

You are incredibly knowledgeable and the way you carry yourself is something missing from this generation

[@cuttheknot4781]

I hope you are well my friend. We are worried about you. Please give a shout as soon as possible. God Bless you and your family...Happy Spring!!!

[@wasachevyguy]

Another great review. All I need is my 7mm-08 shooting a 120 grain Barnes TTSX. Moose, black bear, mule deer. Bang, flop.

[@alphajam1]

I have been listening to you for a few years silently. Really enjoy your videos. I appreciate your wisdom and knowledge and learned a lot from you. Your one of the best out there, at least on youtube.

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you, God bless.

[@alphajam1]

And also with you!

[@CARLPHILLY]

I've hunted with the 270 Winchester for many years, and have taken many animals, before I started loading my own rounds I used the Winchester silver tip ammo. I load my own rounds now and I really like Nosler, the partition, ballistic tip, and ballistic silver tips all work well for me.

[@denisleblanc4506]

As you mentioned, faster twist rates are required to stabilize longer bullets. Where I see another advantage with the 6.8 Western would be when loading copper alloy bullets. It will probably push a 150 grain one at the same velocity as a 130 grainer in a 270 Win. You would probably have the same penetration as the 175 factory load. I think that's the next load they should offer in the 6.8 Western. As you know, lead free bullets are significantly longer than cup and core and will probably eventually be required. This is where the 6.8 Western will have an advantage. That's if it hangs on long enough for them to support it better.

[@terrybritton1355]

I love all copper in my muzzleloader as they are devestating without risk of blowing up on impact causing lost injured game. The petals turn razor sharp hemorrhage creators just like a broadhead creating a quick ethical harvest. I am not sure how they act in high powered rifles but penetration will be there.

[@freedomforourfallen3755]

For the last 3 years. I’ve been building my own rifles. I love listening to the older generation. I abuse my rifles. Push them hard. Fire back to back. Targets. I use the same rifle to hunt. I find that you. And the real gunsmith are way more accurate to what I see then these newer guys. Thanks for the info.

[@Ariel-x1x]

Good discussion. Agree with your comments on realistic range. I've tried 6.5x55 140 grains, liked it a lot. Loved .270s but never bought one. Always thought 264 and 270 were too close to declare one better than the other. I've realized barrel length and speed don't matter much. Precision, projectile type and grain size matters much more to me. Nor does a flatter trajectory matter now, as with an LRF, anyone can dial a precision correction, plus many scopes now have a ballistic calculator and memories for rifles + rounds. Plus recoil and muzzle-jump are so much easier to manage now. As a result I settled on using a short and light .308 rifle. Short barrel with a still fast 110 grain, 168 to 175 grain for larger, or 190 grain subsonic (but no suppressor). This covers it all. I prefer 130 grain monolithic coppers and use a barrel tuner--excellent precision and more than enough killing power. It's that range of projectile grain sizes and projectile types, plus a wide velocity range that means far more to me than the caliber does. Why would I walk away from that easy to obtain flexibility? So I have no attraction to other calibres. I far more appreciate having all that, within a light carbine-sized rifle.

[@vincef5832]

Covered a lot of ground . The general information less specific to the .270 is excellent. That’s what makes your videos so exceptional. The input you offer is particularly helpful to newer shooters and helps to give depth; even for experienced shooters. To be able to make good evaluations and maintain proper perspective is conducive to preventing nonsense and waste. When I started taking an in depth interest to learn more about firearms,ballistics,reloading,etc., your videos answered many questions. Good stuff as usual GUNBLUE-Thanks

[@auggiedog5]

Great info!!! As a long time hunter and shooter ,You are right on the Mark !!

[@rbeck820]

I'll stay with my 270. Love it and always have.

[@proteus371]

I have learned so much from you, I'm going to call you Dad. Thanks, and God Bless.

[@arniegrammon6255]

Speaking of the Hodgdon 2022 reloading manual, they also don't have the parent cartridge of the 6.8 Western - the 270 WSM. In this part of the West., the 270 WSM is far from obsolete. There's a whole list of missing cartridges in addition to the .257 Roberts, including the .44 special. ??? They're coming out with new temp-sensitive, non-fouling powders, but leave handloaders hanging. ??? Someone was asleep at the wheel when Hodgdon printed this latest offering. Thanks GB, for yet another solid review.

[@scottsozmtns7534]

Well, Sir GunBlue490…..you’ve done it yet again! You’ve given me personally a wonderful historical & factual based on the .270 & the 6.8mm Western. Very informative & eye opening. Thank you! Also, you mentioned the 6.5 Creedmoor vs. the .260 Remington, of which I have to admit I’m a very big fan of the latter, the .260 Rem. A couple years ago (maximum), just receiving my latest issue of “Shooting Times”, I began to read the cover page & the stories & overviews of rifles & pistols. As I began to read I noticed that this particular issue contained 5-FIVE, yes 5 different stories/reviews of the 6.5 Creedmoor in the same magazine. I was perplexed to say the least but thinking of columns past, I recalled the enormous amount of articles covering the 6.5 Creedmoor. It seemed as EVERY firearm writer out there was proclaiming the Creedmoor the “End-All/Be-All”, cartridge & all others should cease production now that the Creedmoor had arrived. I do not deny it’s good points but as a fan of the .260 Rem., I couldn’t help but feel as the .260 Rem, 6.5x55mm Swede, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Remington Magnum, 6.5x47mm Lapua & the .264 Win Mag (& the wildcat 6.5x06’), were being deliberately overlooked by these so called writers. As I dug into the relationship between Hornady & the majority of magazines for firearms & the writers therein, I found it would be nice to have either the money $$ or the “FREE”, hunting trips to closed game ranches & Africa for dangerous game, that Hornady has spent to push their baby, the 6.5 Creedmoor as the 1 & ONLY 6.5/.264 you ever will need, end of story. Of course I’ve never read a gun writer that ever found or tested/reviewed ANY firearm they didn’t like. I did however think my irritation based on Hornady’s swooning over the gun writers & the free firearms & hunting trips was more than warranted as NONE of the current Magazines & the writers that review firearms within, NEVER compared (as you say), Apples-to-Apples comparisons against the 6.5 Creedmoor. I’ve found that out of the 3 rifles I own chambered in .260 Rem, in a Savage Model 10-Predator Max 1 w/AR-10 magazine from AICS & bedded stocks, a Remington Model 7 “Mountain Rifle”, w/Thumbhole stock & my Tikka T3 .260 “Forrest”, model will all shoot very accurately w/various different factory loads & even better with hand loads, but none of the 3 shoot the exact same primer, powder & bullet combo the exact same. I’ve heard you speak different times about the .260 Rem., and you’ve always refused to condemn it or the many other 6.5/.264’s out there. In my humble opinion Hornady only came forward with the 6.5 Creedmoor as they stood upon the shoulders of the many GIANTS that have came before them. They were one of the last or later to introduce their own 6.5mm offering & to me they actually hamstrung the cartridge by what could be used to reload for it my shortening it’s case. I think it’s personally one of the few 6.5mm’s that are extremely “limited”, in terms of loading it for performance. That’s not to say it can’t be done, but one must be good @ reloading & have more skills than the average home hand loader. As always thank you for your straightforward reviews & wish you well and all the luck for this upcoming hunting season. Thank you!

[@brianlee6849]

I think the 270 is iconic and still totally relevant for a reason. If 270 wasn't enough and I needed more horsepower I go with it 3006. The biggest problem I see with the 6.8 Western is Hornady and nosler are not choosing to adopt it. I think currently the only ammunition for it is Winchester. I think there's many other choices in the same ballistic range as the 6.8 Western with much more aftermarket support. Like 6.5 PRC 280 Remington 280 Remington AI 7 mm Magnum 3006 + + there's many other great options. Thank you 👍

[@ValcoBayrunner]

All these new cartridges have done is double the cost. And make it harder to find ammo in their new offerings. I wonder if the marketing team finds out, rifle sales plummet due to no ammo available. Legacy hunting rifles are now marked up 400% on GunBroker now. 25/06 been on the shelf for a long time up here in AK. New shooters stick with the old school cartridges, don't get sucked into the hype.

[@brianlee6849]

@@ValcoBayrunner Definitely agree 👍. I think a classic 3006 can do just about anything you want in North America including Alaska where you're at. I lived in Alaska for 7 and 1/2 years and I thought I needed the biggest baddest thing and I bought a 300 weatherby Magnum. Big mistake it's a great cartridge but it's really more than I needed and I couldn't shoot it accurately to be honest. I ended up buying a 3006 H& R and I could shoot it super accurate I can hold three to five inch groups all day with it at 300 yards. And I used it for moose caribou sheep everything I mainly shot factory Nosler 165 grain partitions and it did the trick no matter what. Thank you 👍

[@georgewhitworth9742]

Yep! .30-06 is practically the ideal round for Alaska for the average sourdough. That don't mean that the collection HAS to stop there though! Haha

[@brianlee6849]

@@georgewhitworth9742 Yes definitely 👍

[@brianlee6849]

@@r3tr0sp3ct3r I can't disagree the 3006 is very versatile and flat if you drop down to 150s. I always used 165 grain partition nosler when I lived in Alaska It was a great compromise. Probably not as good as 180s for moose but every moose I ever shot with 165 dropped in its tracks. Thank you 👍

[@zygotepeyote]

Once again the voice of reason is also full of wisdom. Thank You Sir!

[@GunBlue490]

You're quite welcome.

[@w.travisbeason6372]

I'm a 270 "nut", as it was my first rifle and my favorite cartridge. However, I bought a 6.8 Westen and personally feel it is what the 270 WSM was always meant to be. I love the heavy for caliber bullets and my factory Browning rifle is lights out accurate with the factory 175 gr. Sierra Tipped Game kings. I have 165 Accubonds, 160 gr. Partitions and all the 130 gr. Bullets I have loaded for years in my 270 Win to experiment with. I have lots of brass and components that I will be working up loads with in the 6.8 and cany wait to get it out in the field o. Elk and big mulies and long range whitetails.

[@jimedick9496]

Reading your post was exactly how I felt. I love all .277 calibers! So the 6.8 Western was intriguing to me. I hunt in canyon areas out west, so it had a lot of appeal. Well, I couldn’t be happier with my 6.8 Western. I purchased a Christiansen And Ridgline FFT that only weighs 5.3 pounds. Once I got it broken in, the accuracy has been outstanding. I have ordered my ammunition from Pendleton Ammunition and from Choice Ammunition. Both have quality ammo for the 6.8 Western with the 165 grain Nosler Accubond as my favorite. Happy hunting

[@randycarpenter2914]

Your knowledge is valuable and enjoy watching your videos. I have a 300 win mag it's all I have ever owned since a young man. I enjoy it and would shoot more but prices are over the top now. My wife has a youth model 243 and to me the recoil is felt more than my rifle. I have never shot a deer further than 300 yards. It has always amazed me to see my impact before recoil moves the sight picture. It's just my choice of rifle and I am not degrading anyone for what you use as long as it's ethical for the game. Thank you again and keep up the good work. God bless

[@darwinswarey5076]

300 win mag has been my favorite for a long time. I have a 270 win, and I always thought the recoil was worse than my 300 win mag. I can shoot the 300 far more accurately.

[@stephenhair5501]

Well researched and stated. You presented some honest facts and practical things to consider. It makes perfect sense. Thanks for sharing and God Bless.

[@07blackdog]

Well, that was comprehensive. Very good assessment; and I learned a few new sayings!

[@MrMrmetro]

You are a treasure, sir. So glad you have made your wealth of information available to us! I have been on the fence with the 6.8 and your comment about the cost of powder & recoil vs performance should be the main consideration. Your approach makes so much sense. That makes it simple.

[@dansaver8247]

Terrific, detailed commentary. 270 Win for me.

[@thanielsommers4500]

Love your videos, fun to watch very informative. One of these days I would like to find a 270 possibly with iron sights to put see through scope mounts on for close quick shots in the woods, last season I was sneaking through the woods in the rain to sit in my spot and had 5 deer run right to me all within 50 yds 4 does and a buck I had my scoped 300 win mag. Looked at them but wasn’t able to take a shot at any of them, lil too much gun for the thick cover I was hunting+ it’s public so you never know where other hunters are. 3030 and 35 Remington would be better in those areas occasionally I have 200 to 250 yd shots where a 270 would be nice. Also looking at the 360 Buckhammer and 400 legend since I do hunt straight walled only areas too. So many options out there fun to know there capabilities strengths and weaknesses hard to make one cartridge do everything, Videos like yours definitely help deciding

[@johndeboyace7943]

I remember when all you needed was a .22, 12ga., and a 30-06 to ready for anything.

[@michaelmills7006]

I figure we still are😂

[@brentgarbett5306]

You are correct

[@isellcatlitter]

i say just buy a .308, you can get ammo for it. even 30-06 and .270 is hard to find...

[@petrusbosman3055]

Love your content! It is the best honest channel on YT! I am rebarreling my .270win right now(the barrel is done) in a 1:8 twist. I would like to state with the worn out barrel and chamber I could safely shoot 130gr SGK with IMR4350 @ 3400fps! So maybe I will give those heavy bullets a go. Only shooting the plains here in sunny South Africa. 250-500yard shots but taken from very stable platforms. Thanks again for the great advice.

[@dbcooper7359]

Enjoyed the discussion. Was able to follow the various wgts and velocities. Suggest you consider a visual table. So the figures are up for a few moments. Perhaps an erasable white board, off to one side. Would allow time for pondering the variables. Listening and seeing the info reinforces understanding and learning. Thanks for the review. 🤔

[@robertbrandywine]

My memory of the .270 Win factory velocities is somewhat different from what you stated. Yes, it started out as a 130 grain at 3130, or 3150, or 3160 fps (sources disagree) and Jack O'Connor's loads may even have exceed this. But manufacturers realized that they were overdoing things a bit and the velocity was eventually dropped to 2990 fps and stayed that way for many decades. In the 1990s, Federal's Superformance line lead a new endeavor into higher velocities and boutique manufacturers followed. Eventually the big manufacturers raised the velocity to 3060 fps and that's where it sits now. With new powders it is possible to exceed 3200 fps, at least in my rifle.

[@michaelgrimes83]

And I just picked up a Remington 700 257 Roberts 1970 collectors edition from a buddy of mine. It’s only ever been fired at the factory, he got it off a friend and I offered him a little more then he paid, it’s a beautiful fire arm!! I like normal cartridges but but I also like the odd balls as well.

[@JJGuccione]

Fantastic VDO - I admire the no bashing or waving of pennants. I like you brought about the fact the 6.5 Creedmoor fits in an AR-10 magazine. That was the impetus for me purchasing an AR-10 in 6.5 CR and a Mauser chambered in 6.5 CR. Barnes VOR-TX 127 GR will be tested in short order.

[@joshuabrown4030]

You raise a lot of good points. I think the current industry focus on long sectional density bullets is shooters turned off to the hot magnums that were such a focus of the mid-late twentieth century, both for expense of ammo and heavy recoil, and expense of the firearm itself, and sometimes destruction of meat with those high velocity rounds at close ranges. But what has kept me on the fence is the limited range of chamberings, and particularly bullet weights. I'd actually begun to wonder if the fast twist rates just made it nonviable for accuracy with the light bullets or pushing light bullets with the full powder load on those necked down cartridges burned out the fast twist rifling too fast, but you raise an interesting point about manufacturers not wanting to compete with their other loads. Unfortunately, that also reduces the attractiveness of these new "do everything" high sectional density cartridges, at least to me as a consumer. Always appreciate the content and your eye to history, and particularly your insights as a reloader, an area I'm not particularly knowledgeable myself.

[@j.t.patton7820]

Yes Sir! Your Pet Peeve is VALID! I have Loved .260 Remington since it gained SAAMI approval. I have watched it succumb to Big Money Marketing after Hornady launched the 6.5 Creedmore. First it was Hornady that scaled back production on any .260 offerings, then I noticed published loading data from "Reputable" companies actually started to change...in favor of the Creedmore. We're all suckers for MARKETING on some level. In recent Rifle cartridge History, Nosler was the first to try to re-create the wheel by offering a full line of Calibers that are all just a bit better than the average for every bullet weight. It was Weatherby who originally Capitalized on this marketing scheme. Now most recently, Hornady has offered calibers that do nothing better than anything on the market...but supposedly have a "better, more efficient" case design. All these schemes are simply companies trying to get a piece of the market share.

[@TerranceGoldstein1970]

Keep up what you do it's real unlike so much stuff out there now

[@sideshowbilly3755]

It's your videos like this that make me subscribe to and love this channel so much. They are so incredibly insightful and useful.

[@patmcgaffey3930]

The only thing I see missing in your discussion ( which for hunters is arguably the most important part ) is down range energy. Just a quick search on Winchesters app, shows @ 500 yards the 270 has 1550 ftlbs of energy, the 6.8 has 1890 ftlbs. That is the true benefit of the heavier high bc bullets.

[@davidharris8327]

That’s what I was looking for in the comments down range energy wasn’t mentioned the 6.8 is a hammer. He slows the conversation down at 300yds I would pick 6.8 all day. There is no such thing as too dead.

[@TheLifeOutdoorz]

Exactly, the old guys only look at trajectories.

[@judodavid1]

Thank you for the knowledge.

[@AntiPattern328]

The 270 is probably the best 'All Around' cartridge ever produced. Outside of the modern 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5 PRC, possibly the 27 Nosler or 6.8 Western, I don't see anything better.

[@farmninja6653]

30-06 is more versatile if you load your own.

[@saigon7665]

Agree, that is what I invested my hard earned money into .270win

[@OldSchoolParatrooper]

@@farmninja6653 I own both. I can load 270 for everything from Coyote to elk. My 06 has become a safe queen I can't let go.

[@georgewhitworth9742]

@@farmninja6653 They're about equal, honestly. Both can be loaded for anything from groundhogs to Grizzlies.

[@ironDsteele]

One thing to consider is the available magazine length for reliable feeding. The .270 Winchester and .270 WSM can't seat those long heavy bullets and maintain adequate COAL for most commercially available rifles without seating the bullet back into the powder column. Even with a faster twist barrel this is still a limitation unless single loading. I've run into this with my Remington 700 CDLSF in 270 WSM. I have a load for 150gr Berger VLD and it's at it's limit. Much like the 6.5 Creedmoor's design I think this is a similar feature of the 6.8 Western's design with it's bumped back shoulder and longer neck that the 270 WSM doesn't offer.. same situation with the long action rifles commercially available in the 270 Winchester. I've had great satisfaction with this caliber loaded to a conservative 3000 fps but I can also verify as you say; "it's not a plinker." Thanks for this video.

[@cbsbass4142]

For some reason, my Mossberg 4X4 has such a deep throat I could load any bullet length they make. I'll have to check the magazine.

[@ironDsteele]

@@cbsbass4142 Throat is rarely the limitation with bullet selection. It's almost always the magazine length in a factory rifle that's limited to the COAL (Cartridge Overall Length) set out by SAAMI it's designed around. Historically rifle manufacturers design their rifles and magazines around this universal blueprint for the most reliable feeding of factory ammunition and bullet weight selections that are typical for that cartridge; rarely do they consider hand loaders. On a separate note, while it's good to find JAM or where the bullet's ogive engages the rifling as a starting point, if you can't, don't worry about it. Start with the farthest out you can seat and run your bullet seating tests to find your accuracy nodes; all things being equal your pressures will only drop as the bullet backs out of the throat. I have a Weatherby MKV deluxe in 257 Wby mag for example, and the bullet is almost falling out of the case mouth before it engages the rifling and yet, with the proper loads will shoot sub MOA @ 100yds any day of the week.

[@cbsbass4142]

@@ironDsteele That's what I figure too so I'll check my mag length (fit) with my dummy rounds even before backing off the lands which seem way out there, based on my OAL gauge. If they wont fit the mag, and I like the 5 round mag, I'm not going to load them. I mean its these Hornady 150 gr SSTs, that are plenty long so they're seated well down in the case all the way to the shoulder. They do fit the mag I see, just barely-- but I'll be seating them a wee but deeper, just for reliable feeding. Got a couple boxes: Hot Cor speer (both BTSP and Hot core flat base) in 130 gr, Hornady SST in 150, so, being without a chrono, we have ourselves a project. :)

[@mattyv7499]

Im not gonna lie, I load up 150gr Woodleigh Weldcore .270 Win to 3000+ fps with ADI 2213SC (H4831) and use them on Samba Deer, Red Deer, and Fallow deer. I actually like the sheer damage that a load like that does out to 200 yards. Its like a lightning bolt comes down from the sky and stops the critter right there. It does do some damage and some times to much but I never loose the deer. It almost guarantees that the deer is where I shot it so I can actually find it in all the black berry's and thick bush.

[@robertvasquez240]

I like that ammo and rifle manufacturers like Western and Browning are interested in bringing out a new caliber that might be highly specialized in terms of the type of game one wants to hunt. But, in all honesty, any rifle chambered in .308 WIN will take down nearly all North American game animals with the right ammo and excellent shot placement. Yes, .270 WIN and .30-06 Springfield will also work for most hunters, but I just like the fact that we do get new caliber hunting and/or target rounds just to spice up life. I hope the 6.8 Western does catch on if only to add some variety for those buying hunting and/or target rifles. Yes, you're right: The advantage for using the 6.8 Western is the heavier bullets that would have greater BC numbers and obviously create somewhat larger wounds than a standard .270 WIN hunting round. Thanks for the videos!

[@jeffshay3415]

Love your wisdom and videos almost as much as my 270 Win.

[@cruzingpapa]

I was subscribed to a gun writer"s channel on KZbin till he put out a video on this very cartridge and shooting a deer at 777 yards with it. He lost a subscriber that day. Very informative video as always thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@beargillium2369]

Sounds pretty unethical to me

[@lavanice]

6.8 western, i.do.not have it as I.reload my 280 AI. Also got 30-06, 270, 233 and 6.5 cm But 6.8 western looks better then all but 280 AI

[@josephr2766]

I know exactly which video you are speaking about. I found it very contradictory because he usually advocates ethical hunting ranges.

[@kylecarpenter40]

It was clearly a paid promotional piece by Winchester. Earlier that week on Instagram he was show boating the rifle in typical marketing fashion. I’d expect that kind of shot from a young dumb hot shot but was really disappointed when Ron was touting the distance. I think this cartridge has been out for a couple years now and hasn’t got any legs under it at all and Winchester is now hitting the panic button to sell the cartridge at all costs. It amazes me how new cartridges overwhelmingly cannot upset the original cartridges of the day.

[@sturisa]

I saw that as well, but I still subscribe to Ron's channel. I think a lot of the information he conveys is very interesting and informative. He's been an outdoor writer and hunter for over 45 years and I respect his knowledge. He's got a pretty good podcast too.

[@linemen71]

I’ve been waiting for you to do this video!!! Just looked it’s an hour long… awesome! But I’m going to have to watch it tomorrow when I get time on my drive to work.

[@durrellharn2058]

It's refreshing to hear someone speak out about people downgrading other people's choice of cartridges. Wisdom is a precious thing and sadly it is becoming more rare.

[@efrencarrasquillo1077]

Been waiting on your take on this caliber for a while now, glad I waited. Thanks

[@the1joesmith]

I tend to think the popularity of laser rangefinders, ballistic calculators, high-power target-style scopes, 10 lb rifles, and generally the “long range hunting” craze was the impetus for this cartridge, not the need for a heavier bullet to kill elk. Everyone thinks they need a bullet with a BC above 0.6 to kill *anything* these days. But maybe I missed the point.

[@ronlowney4700]

😁 Ronbo (Montana Mountain Man) - Mr. Gunblue490 - Thank You once again for your "Common Sense" Evaluations! 🏆 Your smarter than all of these "U-Tube Experts" combined with your hands on experience and you are also unbiased - because you have no "conflicts of interest"! 🥇 My Dear Grandfather was alot like you! 👨‍🏫 He used his 270 Winchester to kill over 500 Elk (Many Huge Bulls) on the firing lines near Yellowstone Park with his 270 Winchester! 🙂 His gun also killed 3 Boone and Crockett Record Book Moose (one was #3 in the World), 2 Record Book Mountain Goats, 1 Record Book Bison (Ranked in the Top 5 in the World), 1 Record Book Bighorn Sheep (190" Class), 180"mule deer, and a few Grizzly Bears, etc...All with his 270 Winchester! 😎 His favorite load, once it came out in the early 1950's, was a 150 grain Nosler Partition! 😉 Mine is a 150 grain Swift A-Frame with H4831SC powder! 🧐 Jack Atchison, a recently deceased World Famous Hunting Guide from my area (He has written many books regarding his adventures) also used a 270 Winchester on many of his hunts! 🤔 He took and Guided the Taking of 5 of the Top 10 Alaskan Moose Ever Taken (Some as Big as 3,500 lb/s on the hoof and are the Biggest Animals in North America)! 😯So, Anyone that says that the 270 is "inadequate" to take any Moose, Bison, or Elk doesn't know what they are talking about! 🤪 That's a "Proven" Fact! 🤗 These are also the same people trying to shoot them from a 1/2 mile away, so what does that tell you? 😱 They are not good hunters either! 🤣 I never take advice from anyone who hasn't been there and done that! 🙄 Keep up the good work! 😏

[@brentgarbett5306]

You again ?

[@davewinter2688]

70 year old long time 270 Winchester shooter. 150 grain common Hornady cup and core bullet at around 2850 fps always did the job on deer out to 300 yards with no problems. No need to shoot any farther. Shot a few at about 50 yard with no major meat damage loss. Now Feb 2023, 11 months after this video was posted I checked three of my usual sources for reloading components and factory ammo when I'm desperate. All three had at least 17 different factory load 270 to in varying quality, bullet style, weight etc in prices from $1.25 per round to over $3.50 per round. All three had a good selection of 0.277 diameter bullets in various weights, styles and prices. Unfortunately only one had any 270 Winchester brass available. Nosler at over $150 for a box of 100. There was only one 6.8 Western factory ammo available. Winchester Copper Impact, polymer tip, lead free 162 grain bullet at 2875 fps, $59.99 per box of 20 plus tax and shipping. No one had any brass for 6.8 Western. That cartridge may not be DOA but it's in critical condition. For 270 Winchester reloaders who want to use it for elk, Nosler has a 160 grain Partition semi-spitzer that can be pushed to a little over 2800 fps out of a 24" barrel. BC of 0.434 and SD of 0.298. Should be plenty good for elk at any ethical shooting distance. Happy hunting boys and girls!😄

[@kvonzwild8979]

Appreciate your comments particularly range of shots. Makes one wonder how these fellows taking 500+ shots at game measured it. Good common sense, no hype.

[@amajorleagueinfidel1]

I've had my 6.8 western for going on a year. No complaints. Took a nice cow at 300 with the 175gr Sierra TGK. Looking forward to my handloads. This round is perfect.

[@cchcch-jw9dw]

So will be the next round in about 2 or 3 years. All of the best cartridges to fill in any gap were done almost a century ago. These things are all replicating ballistics found in older cartridges.

[@emanennis8992]

@@cchcch-jw9dw the 6.8 western replicates not past calibers other than a parent case the closest thing to it is a 280 AI and it slightly out does it

[@brentgarbett5306]

I took a cow too with a sledge hammer

[@jimedick9496]

@@cchcch-jw9dw I disagree. My 6.8 Western can outshoot my 270. It has greater energy down range due to the heavier bullets. It deflects wind better. It penetrates better, especially at longer ranges. My 270 Winchester drops below 1,800 ft lbs of energy at 350 yards. My 6.8 Western doesn’t drop below that till it passes 550 yards, almost 600. Yes, I can duplicate those energy levels with an older cartridge, but they are using more powder to accomplish those numbers. The Western uses bullet design instead of using the largest casing it can stuff into a long action chamber. The 6.8 does it in a short action and with less felt recoil. Those two things alone help improves accuracy. Point is, the 6.8 Western can do the exact same thing a 7mm REM Mag can do, and it does it better at longer ranges. Technically, you’re still correct, but for real life applications, I’ll take the 6.8 Western. I own both, and I prefer shooting and hunting with the 6.8 Western over all my other cartridges. I’ve been hunting for over 40 years, and I love my classics. A 40 year old car that’s been well maintained will still get you from places to place. A newer car can do it as well, but with more comfort, and better fuel economy. Are you still driving your grandpa’s truck? Didn’t think so

[@marksnow348]

Thank you for your well thought out and knowledgable videos. I am 67 years old and am totally new to rifle shooting and rifle care. Last summer (2021) while visiting my uncle out in Montana, he decided to give me his dad's (my granddad's) deer rifle. It was interesting, but had this weird side loading magazine. I was traveling around the country for the summer and went from Montana all the way to New England. (I live in Alabama.) I was touristing and while in MA I decided to visit the Springfield Armory NP. Lo and behold as I'm walking around looking at exhibits, I see an exhibit that had my granddads rifle in it! Turns out my uncle gave me my granddad's 30-40 Krag Jorgensen rifle (actually it is the carbine type). When I took another look at my granddad's rifle, I saw it had a stamp on it for JSA 1902. Needless to say I was kind of excited. But I also wanted to see if I could use the carbine (a couple of videos showed me it is a carbine), so I started YouTubing for videos on how to care for rifles. I have watched your videos on how to clean and care for rifles and have followed very carefully how to do it since I'm brand new to caring for guns. I managed to find a manufacturer that is still making 30-40 Krag ammo and I was able to get some. I took the Krag out to the range last week and put 20 rounds down range. As a newbie I was able to get a grouping of about 5" at 25 yds for all 20 rds. Someone (my granddad or

[@dalewech8120]

PS

[@dalewech8120]

Loop

[@burkecunningham7137]

I was also very disappointed with the Hodgdon 2022 annual manual. Maybe us old guys aren't their target audience anymore. Lots of good info on their powders but no loads listed for the 7x57,8x57, 7.5x54 MAS, 7.5 Swiss or my 35 Whelen. I know it's all available on line but this was the first manual I have purchased in years and I was expecting the basic cartridges to be covered. Thank you for another great video. Wish you and your family the best. Off topic, my son recently moved to Weare, NH and I think of you every time I drive down that way.

[@waynehajek6346]

In lieu of coming out with new, "exciting" cartridges, how about the ammunition manufacturers just step up to and keep up with the overwhelming demand of the already well established calibers of ammunition. Putting out another caliber to show up short on delivery just doesn't make sense to me. BTW, I really enjoy your channel. I just subscribed 2 weeks ago. I'm a 72 year old VN veteran, who gave up hunting for several years after returning. Started up again in 1973 with a Remington 700 in 270 caliber, my serious, go to, hunting calber. Has been for 49 years now.

[@GunBlue490]

Welcome home, Brother.

[@waynehajek6346]

@@GunBlue490 Thank you sir, and welcome home to you also, my brother.

[@bobbyboothe8964]

AMEN. I'm a big believer in sticking to something that's been around and proven and put to the test for YEARS..... Why change.... 243...3030...308...270...3006....300........these guys have been here for years and Proven... Why change to a odd ball high dollar ammo caliber..... GREAT Video... Thank You. And GOD Bless

[@whiskerbiscuit99]

Im a firm believer in tried and true cartridges, but... with your logic, why did we ever stop using horse and buggy, or steam engines? The black and white tv's did the job? Technology advances, and room for improvement shows, knowledge gets deeper and deeper. Why sit on 60 year old tech just because it works? Thats where new cartridges have their place, they fill gaps traditional carts didnt. People like less recoil, flatter shots, paper punching, less deflection etc. And the market serves thaf up to the consumer. I used to dismiss the latest and greatest cartridges, whats wrong with .243 right? Well if a person actually shoots something beyond that lone 243 they own theyd see there is room for impovement. Whether it be for hunting, or for target. Staying hung up on traditional cartridges and dismissing higher bc, lower recoil, flatter shooting rounds because "my .308's been killin deer every year since 1974" is just insane. Support improvement in the firearms industry!! But go ahead and kerp your traditionals, they are tried and true, no doubt!! But are they the best? Not after 40 years of technology advancement. Its just what it is.

[@alanhigh8125]

@@whiskerbiscuit99 Do you always call people who have a different opinion "insane"? Why don't you stop trying to brow beat people who are perfectly happy shooting what they like? That's their right.

[@whiskerbiscuit99]

@@alanhigh8125 i called nobody insane. Im not into name calling. Name calling is childish. I stated that i thought passing off new tech because old tech worked is insane. And just as anyone making comments here, its pure opinion. Open for dialogue. And to double down on your statement again. I never said someone cant shoot what they prefer... hell i used to be traditional. If i cant call out someone ragging on other methods, practices, products, then how is it you give someone a pass for hacking in the first place? Hmm double standard much? Nobodys gonna take your .308 away, nobody wants it, and if they do have it, its collecting dust, waiting to be needed. Chill.

[@chickimac1]

I just acquired a Swiss K31. I recently put an old 3x9 redfield accuview scope on the rifle. Can’t wait to get it out and sighted in for whitetail hunting

[@paulsimmons5726]

Another great video, thank you! Hope Benny is doing well.

[@tacman2893]

I don’t need a new 6.8Western, what I do need is someone to start producing and getting ammo for the guns I have. Ammo companies please start putting out some cartridges like the 32 Win Special, 7mm Rem Mag, 308 Win, and 357 Mag etc. (this may be a local issue here in Saskatchewan maybe everyone else can find it) Once I have that ammo, maybe I would look at a new rifle and cartridge. Great video!

[@66smithra]

You should look at a reloading setup!

[@markcarraway879]

Thank you for your time, research and great information. God bless you and yours!

[@unbalancedredneck5778]

I enjoy the way you do simple factual comparisons. The way I see it, if I already own a Lamborghini I’m not buying a new model for 10 more Hp and slightly better aerodynamics. If I didn’t already own one why not at least consider the shinny new one. Great video.

[@BigT27295]

Amen brother...Arm chair snipers are everywhere ..

[@jamesR1990]

Thank you Sir as always for your shared wisdom. I've been researching my first hunting rifle for about a year now. And I am considering 6.8 Western as I live in southern New Mexico (from Dallas Texas) and it seems like a good round for the game locally. The only bolt action I own is an old Mosin Nagant and I haven't had any issues with recoil so I think this would be doable if I end up going that route

[@NCWoodlandRoamer]

Great video as usual. The .270 Winchester is still an incredible cartridge as it approaches 100 years old. Anyone who is a reloader needs to look into the 140 grain bullets. Look at the Hornady interlock 140 grain btsp. Run the ballistics on that bullet at 3,000 fps which is pretty easy to get and it’s just an incredible load for the old .270.

[@Mattclay29]

I run 140gr accubond handloads in mine at 2980 fps. Groups great!

[@NCWoodlandRoamer]

@@Mattclay29 That's a killer load. The 140s are often overlooked but I think they are superb in the old .270!

[@Marcus2750-u1t]

I dont buy into the flavor of the month, all they are doing is cramming this bullet in that case and giving it a new name, so basically throw shit on wall and see what sticks. Its all been done and a very long time ago and we know what works and doesn’t…… stick to the oldies and get er done! 30 06 is still my go to for hunting or my 270 and never had a issue especially with my handloaded rounds. .

[@Simon-talks]

Let's go Brandon!

[@beargillium2369]

Without military backing most bullet research just isn't going to have the funding to catch on.

[@othnielbendavid9777]

Good video. I wish the 6.8 Western would be successful, but you give very good advice. I wish they would put it in an AR-10 and make it a DMR. Thank you.

[@rappmasterdugg6825]

Thank you for you consistently excellent information and presentation. Peace to you.

[@scubasteve3032]

I love what you said in one of your past videos about what’s the best cartridge: It depends on what application you need it for.

[@rhugh02]

Love the wealth of knowledge I get from this channel. Thanks! Subscribed.

[@baobo67]

Wise advise and nice chat. I am of the veiw that one is better off shooting the rifle I have and shoot very accuratly and "comfortably" than upcalibreing to occassionly get a bit more distance. There is an old saying. " A fish stops growing when the fisherman who caught it dies." Same aplies to shooters regarding their distances. Cheers from Australia.

[@jacobperryman2879]

One major issue was overlooked wind drift. Even at 400 yards a 130 will have almost double the wind drift of a 165 out of the 6.8 (13.1” vs 6.6”) Lets face it people interested in the 6.8 western aren't those hunting in the woods and they want long range capability. High winds and ranges at 400 yards and out is where the 6.8 and high BC bullets gain the advantage. What he said is true if you only shoot under 400 yards and on a calm day.

[@williamvigil2951]

Can we get a video on 8mm mauzer? Surprisingly little information out there on it. Love the cartridge videos thank you sir!

[@williamvigil2951]

@@outdooropaholger9998 wow that's alot of good information man thanks. I just brought a yugo m24/47 and mistakenly assumed bc of how popular the old mauzers are that 8mm would be pretty easy to learn about and find. I was mistaken but I love these full size high powered calibers and learning the history and ballistics

[@joshwilson7008]

For those of us who live in Utah or Idaho, the 6.8 western is actually a great cartridge. Could you make other things work? Sure! But it is a really nice cartridge with a super high bc. Short action for weight, heavy bullet for power at distance… for us mountain men, this is, in my opinion, the best middle ground. And in a 20 inch barrel, you still get awesome velocities. What’s not to like? If you don’t already own a 270 win, I think it makes more sense to go with 6.8 than 270. Especially for handloaders!

[@jamesmooney5348]

I saw 165 gr partions factory loads at sportsman a few yrs bac.

[@philippiscatella7816]

I will stick with my Remington 760 in 30-06 and my custom Mauser 98 in 7x57. They will do anything I need it to do. I hunt nothing but whitetails in the north east and at 73 years old I have no use for anything else.

[@jimquackenbush2568]

Proper bullet selection, proper bullet placement, trigger time.

[@davidkirksey8521]

I inherited a model 70 pre 64 30-06, great gun with a cult following but the stock is designed for iron sights so with a 40mm scope ithe cheek weld is not the best. Bought a new Super Grade with better ergo wood stock. Went back and forth on cartridge and did not want to limit my potential to hunt alaska and stuck with 30-06. For my whitetail hunting where I am in and out of trucks and small blinds and tree stands, I bought a lighter 22inch featherweight, went with .308 for shorter action.

[@cristianespinal9917]

Your fair analysis and sound advice are why I keep tuning in. I like the concept of the 6.8 Western and think it's a good modernization of the .277 caliber. I hope it does well, but I won't be waiting in line to trade in my Remington 700 in .270 Winchester. Most of my hunting happens in the woods. Up until last year, I used the Federal Non-Typical 150 grain Soft Point, which I've chronographed out of my 22" barrel at 2700 fps. It's never failed to drop a deer quickly with very little bloodshot meat. I couldn't find any of that ammo before this last season, so I decided to buy the dies and handload. I worked up a very easy-shooting load pushing a 140 grain Hornady Interlock at 2700 fps. The bullet did a good job on the one buck I took, and I'll likely stick with it. It's nice to know that if I ever do go hunt antelope or mulies out west, I could always revert to a 130 grain load I worked up to over 3000 fps. If I want to hunt heavy-bodied game, I would look into 150 grain round-nosed bullets.

[@nathanlambshead4778]

Technically, 6.8 mm is actually .267 not .277. Not that it makes a huge difference.

[@cristianespinal9917]

@@nathanlambshead4778 Yup. It's all about the bore versus groove/bullet diameter. So this family of cartridges uses 0.277" bullets and has a 0.277" groove diameter. The bore (lands-to-lands) measures 0.270" which is 6.86mm and is rounded down for whatever reason to 6.8mm instead of rounded up to 6.9mm. Then you have the .308 Winchester by contrast which uses a 0.308" bullet/grooves, but the bore measures 0.300" (7.62mm). Weird and inconsistent. Then you have absolute abominations like the .44 Magnum/Special/Russian, which use ~0.429-0.431" bullets, a 0.429 groove diameter and 0.417" bore diameter. This is a historical quirk because the .44 American, which these cartridges were based on was a heeled bullet that actually was around 0.434-0.438". Basically, cartridge nomenclature is inconsistent, somewhat arbitrary and a nightmare for anyone with OCD or sticklers for standardization. But investigating such inconsistencies is interesting reading if you're into the history of firearms.

[@nathanlambshead4778]

@@cristianespinal9917 Thank you. I knew it had to be something about either the bore or the bullet itself, lands, grooves, etc. But 6.8 mm is .267, not .277. All in how they name it I guess. The nomenclature of ballistics can be very confusing. Yes, I am interested, and have read a lot about the history. This one, about the 6.8/.277 I had not heard. Where I grew up, the .303 British is the most popular rifle caliber. It is about the same as a .308 I believe, but measured to the grooves instead of the lands? Not sure about that. Maybe it is a bit bigger.

[@cristianespinal9917]

@@nathanlambshead4778 no problem. Yea, the .303 British is slightly bigger than the .308/7.62 with a 0.303" (7.70mm) bore diameter and a 0.314" (7.98mm) groove diameter. I used the SAAMI and CIP cartridge and chamber drawings for reference. Lots of good info in those two organizations' publications.

[@GunBlue490]

@@nathanlambshead4778 A .270 bullet measures exactly .277, but the bore diameter, lands to lands, is very close to .270". Cartridge naming follows no conventions, and none should ever be thought of that way. Of all the .22 centerfire cartridges, name the only commercial round that is named for its actual .224" bullet diameter. All others are intentionally misnamed, just because. I devoted a video to this subject, that you may find in my listings.

[@josephland8876]

I love your content. Thanks for doing it. I'm new to hand loading and your channel is a wealth of information. What I find most valuable is the manner in which you give instruction. For lack of a better way of putting it it's like being an apprentice. Every step is explained in detail. While other channels kind of gloss over details as if it's common knowledge. For someone new to things like me it's very reassuring to get very clear and concise instruction on the terminology, processes, and order of operations. Once more you're greatly appreciated. God bless and thank you.

[@disgracebook5708]

Key is what the shooter wants to accomplish, this was addressed in the video.

[@raymondpetracca6208]

So when all said and done, get Your self a Remington Mod. 700 in 30-06 and go hunt? But I REALLY ENJOY, listening to Your Wisdom. Love going to school with a GOOD TEACHER. THANK YOU SIR!

[@GunBlue490]

A .270 Winchester will also do just fine. Thank you! God bless.

[@raymondpetracca6208]

@@GunBlue490 Thank You Sir! I watch You on Tour Cleaning Weapons, break down and reassemble after cleaning, less or NO oil is better 🤗 Thank You!!!!