The Truth About 6.8 Western Velocities

To learn more about popular calibers like the 6.8 Western visit: thebiggamehuntingblog.com/ebook
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HUNTING AND SHOOTING GEAR I LIKE AND USE
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6.8 Western Profile: thebiggamehuntingblog.com/6-8...
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My favorite scopes (blog article): thebiggamehuntingblog.com/bes...
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In this video, I conduct a detailed investigation into what sort of muzzle velocities the 6.8 Western is actually delivering afield with 4 popular factory loads: Winchester's Expedition Big Game Long Range load with a 165gr AccuBond Long Range, Browning's Long Range Pro load with a 175gr Sierra Tipped Game King, Winchester's Ballistic Silvertip load with a 170gr Ballistic Silvertip, and Winchester's Copper Impact load with a 162gr Copper Impact bullet.
I used a Browning X-Bolt Long Range Hunter rifle with a 26" barrel for this test.
As you'll learn, I discovered a couple of pleasant surprises about 6.8 Western ammo muzzle velocities.
To read a more detailed comparison of how the 6.8 Western compares to other popular cartridges, visit these articles:
thebiggamehuntingblog.com/6-8...
thebiggamehuntingblog.com/6-8...
thebiggamehuntingblog.com/6-8...
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6.8 Western Velocity
6.8 Western ammo test,
6.8 Western chronograph
chronograph 6.8 Western

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Learn more about 6.8 Western hunting ammo options (including both those tested in this video and some others) here: thebiggamehuntingblog.com/best-6-8-western-ammo-for-hunting/

[@8MM.PRC.HUNTER]

The 6.8 Western has given me stellar results on Whitetail deer and feral hogs - they have literally dropped where they stood in every instance (about a half dozen animals), and also giving complete pass throughs with impressive exit wounds, especially with the ABLR's. This was done with a combination of the factory 165 ABLR load and my handloads with the Nosler 160 grain partition. The rifle I used was also a Browning XBolt with a 26" barrel and the 165 ABLR load did 2920 fps out of it. But it was ammo from three years ago and my rifle was new at the time, so not broken in at all. What was so nice about the rifle/caliber was that it was a pleasure to shoot without the muzzle brake and those short fat cartridges fed flawlessly in it. It's been a win, win in every way except for the availability of brass - which is now going to be offered by ADG in addition to the Winchester.

[@m444ss]

I appreciate your (and a few others) putting out podcasts, videos & articles highlighting the benefits/value of the 6.8 Western. It's great cartridge and deserves better support from factory ammo, bullet & brass makers* *(I saw/heard/read somewhere else that another manufacturer is ready to load ammo but for brass availability)

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you enjoyed it! And yes, I've heard Barnes wants to load ammo for the 6.8 , but can't source enough brass right now...

[@biggs8729]

I’m running a custom 6.8 with a 24” carbon Proof in 1:8.4 twist. 8.4 was the fastest twist they had at the time. It’s been fantastic. The factory 165 ABLR loads are just a bit over 3000. Factory 175 TGK are right at the factory numbers, 2835. I haven’t chronographed the other factory offerings. Getting consistent 1/2 to 3/4 MOA results with everything except the copper impact. I might revisit them later by hand loading them. This is my hunt everything rifle. Super happy with it.

[@denisleblanc4506]

Have you heard that copper bullet seem to shoot better from a clean barrel. If you shoot them from a barrel that was fouled with cup and core bullets they may not shoot as accurately. So if you revisit the copper impact try doing it from a very clean barrel and you may be pleasantly surprised.

[@biggs8729]

@@denisleblanc4506 yes I have heard that. And seen the testing done at backfire and on Ron Spomer. Never would have suspected that as a possible problem. That's one of the things I intend to do. I have about 120 of those copper impact pills that I've pulled. Would be nice if I can make use of them.

[@m444ss]

for grins & giggles, I calculated energy based on the data provided: 162gr --> 3209 ft-lb | 165gr --> 3237 ft-lb | 170gr --> 3348 ft-lb | 175gr --> 3117 ft-lb

[@Tyanmax99]

This was great, thanks John! I've got a Browning XBolt Speed SR with a 20" barrel, along with a Fierce Carbon Rival with a 22" barrel. I reload, but looking through my notes, when I ran the 175 gr Sierra's I was hitting ~2750-fps out of the 20" and ~2830-fps out of the 22". The Winchester Big Game with the 165 ABLR was hitting on average ~2845-fps with the 20" and ~2900-fps with the 22" barrel. But reloading with the Nosler 165 ABLR's and the Hammer HHT 160 Copper monos (better accuracy), I'm averaging closer to 3,050-fps out of the 22" barrel. Finding a powder that works for your gun is key...

[@dhooter]

Been waiting on the price to come down on those garman radar chronos. Think I'll be waiting a long while lol. 600 bucks is a hard pill to swallow

[@texpatriot8462]

After reading about the issues with the 7 PRC velocity issues, I tried 4 different factory loads (82 degrees) with a 24" barrel. The average velocity difference vs the box velocity was only 10 for.

[@jasonharmon4314]

I have two 6.8s one with a 26” and a hellscanyon speed with a 24” barrel. Short action cartridge giving long action performance.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

100%!

[@MisterEdd79]

I got an avg velocity of 2,944 with the ABLR factory load out of my M70 with a 24” barrel.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Very interesting. Pretty close to what I would have guessed!

[@bekkerbosbeer3453]

Thanks John great video, always great information,much appreciated 👍🏻

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ZAKish-cy9xu]

Really enjoy your podcast and your videos! Always have great content and information!

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Thanks so much!

[@adamshaw8214]

My velocity readings were 2875 for copper impact 2722 for Browning 175 and 2800 on the accubond lr. 24 inch xpr on a hot day

[@jameseroh6544]

Excellent video! I was accumulating a collection of rifles to teach my grandkids shooting. But I wanted a top gun for me, that would be a strong long range shooter. I had bought a 6.5 CM for one of the training rifles. One of my nephews has a 6.5 PRC, that is a nice shooting rifle. I had figured that with the new high BC bullets, that a .277 or .284 bullet would be what I was looking for. But I do like how this video demonstrates the advantages of the 24 and 26 inch barrels.

[@TheTonygong]

Interesting video! I get about ~30 fps lower than box on the copper impacts with a 20" barrel and suppressor. I do shoot at around 4000' elevation 🤷 I can't remember the others off the top of my head. Regardless, its nice to see honest listings on a box.

[@seanwillis1822]

I thought I recognized Evans Bros. Range in the intro, but they only fo out to 300 yards and you mentioned the aAR guys shooting out farther after he corrected his dope.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

I did indeed film this video at Evans brothers. The AR guy I referenced was at a different range a long time ago.

[@ronlowney4700]

🕵️‍♂️ The "Truth" (If You Can Handle It John?) Is That The 270 Winchester - When Vortex Tested It and the 7mm prc and 7mm Remington Magnum For "Penetration" Into Ballistic Gel With Those Winchester Copper Bullets - Outperformed the 7mm's, While Using Less Powder and Having Less Recoil! 😱

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Like I said in the video, that Copper Impact bullet is highly underrated! What specific bullet were the 7mm PRC and 7mm Rem Mag using in that particular test?

[@biggs8729]

Not surprising that the 270 would penetrate deeper. It has a smaller frontal diameter. If it is moving slower, that would also benefit the 270 in that it would not expand as much and maintain a high sectional density. Nothing wrong with the 270 winchester. That's put a lot of meat in our freezer over the years.

[@patrick6087]

My Browning Xbolt in 300 WM with a 26” barrel is slower with hand loads than the nosler load data listed by about 40ft/s. The data is based on 24”. Nice review, thanks for doing it.

[@piercer2]

Just bought a browning x bolt max long range fde 26” barrel. I’m looking forward to beginning my reloading journey. Going to start out with Berger 150 vld, with Hogdon 4831SC, Retumbo, and accurate Magpro. Until I can acquire the Berger 170 EOL s

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Awesome! Good luck!

[@Stewart7516]

N570 and Berger EOL is a great combo. It's slightly faster than H1000 and still quite temperature stable for what it is.

[@marcdecoste9127]

If you had access to the 277 furry in both cartridges. It would be very interesting to have your opinions on it. Love the channel,keep up the good work

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Great suggestion! Thanks!

[@jfess1911]

In many respects, the 277 Fury in a 22-24" barrel is closer to the 270 WSM when max power Fury ammo is used. That is largely because the head height (amount of bullet projecting in front of the case) of the 277 Fury is much less than for the 6.8 Western. In other words, the 6.8 Western can use longer, higher BC bullets with longer ogives. It will be hard to beat the 6.8 Western for long range hunting. The 277 Fury has two different potential niches: 1) The high chamber pressure/smaller case combination get better performance from shorter barrels. This makes a more compact setup and would be especially useful with a sound suppressor. The SIG data shows normal 270 Win performance, but out of a 16" barrel, for instance. 2) Taking the place of two rifles. Hunting ammo is available at two pressure levels, so the less expensive, lower-pressure stuff can be used when the more expensive, higher pressure ammo is not needed. The expensive ammo can be used for hunting larger game and/or longer distances. This might be useful for people who are normally taking shots at under 300 yards in more wooded areas, but occasionally takes a trip out West. Of course, the same thing is possible with other magnum cartridges and reduced-recoil ammo, but I don't think it is all that common.

[@logancaunt1031]

With an xpr 24” barrel I get about the exact advertised velocity for the 165 ablrs. I do think I have a fast barrel though

[@fit4outside]

In my 24” X Bolt I’m getting 3000 fps on average with the factory 165 ABLR. With hand loads I’m at 3050 with Reloader 26.

[@jasonharmon4314]

That about spot on to the performance I’m getting with 24” speed

[@keithprinn720]

biggest issue lack of support by rifle manufacturers and ammunition options or range of reloading components and gear. for that reason looking at alternatives from PRC options , even 7mm08 and 280 AI sorry.

[@m444ss]

i'm wondering if the 165gr &or 175gr ammo is optimized for a 24" or shorter barrel

[@westonbeck8004]

My 26 inch barrel custom 6.8 western is shooting 3060 fps with the factory 165 ABLRs so yours could speed up a lot when broken in. I thought maybe my garmin was defective but mine also has trouble with the factory 175s. Idk if the powder isn’t burning and pellets are coming out the barrel like a shotgun messing with the reading? Or we need to study its construction for future stealth fighter jets. Out of 20+ shots, it picked it up once at slightly above 2900 fps.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Wow, glad it wasn't just me having trouble with those 175s!

[@jasonbarnett8029]

By way of comparison, I am shooting 7PRC factory federal 170gr terminal ascent at 2980fps w/22” barrel. Just starting hand load development but so far 160gr CX max H1000 @ 2850fps but getting bug hole accuracy with that hand load. Wonder how the 6.8 western would compare with same barrel length???

[@jasonharmon4314]

I’m getting 3000 with 170 Bergers and Ramshot magnum, but I have a 24” barrel. No pressure or case head expansion. I use 155 and 172 grain absolute hammers in my 28 the accuracy and performance is crazy , down side hammer bullets are expensive but worth it

[@loyriddle6993]

Your box of ammo is bouncing on the table at the shot,next to the garmens may have cause the miscount

[@tammyfuller8827]

Try without muzzle break, Will it change Velocity.

[@alexandercluster3003]

Well we know now why Hornady lies about their 7 PRC velocity.

[@rustyking2728]

Everyone shitting on the 7prc have likely only used hornady stuff. That stuff is garbage. Dont buy it. It's slow. All the federal loads ive bought have been exceeding the posted FPS with my 24". And still pretty damn close to posted with my 22" bergara with supressor. Cant wait for S&B to come out with one. Always the best velocities, with superb groups. Somtimes at half the cost. Only downside can be is there bullets themselves dont have the best construction.

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

That's been my experience with the 7mm PRC as well. More details on velocities with Hornady and Federal ammo here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnfcnmV8YtVpocU

[@clayp520]

What do you think of Berger bullets? Which Berger is best for short range deer hunting?

[@Thebiggamehuntingblog]

Berger bullets are known for being very accurate, having a pretty high BC, and for still performing well on game at low impact velocities. This makes them ideally suited to longer range shots. I personally wouldn't mess with a Berger for hunting deer inside 200 yards when a whole pile of other stuff (that's cheaper and easier to find) will also work really well.

[@BigTimberLodge]

It is better than the 7mm PRC

[@ronlowney4700]

🕵️‍♂️ But, the 80 Year Old 7mm Weatherby Magnum is Faster Than Either the 7mm prc or 6.8 Western, While Using The Heaviest (175 Grain Nosler ABLR - See Nosler Reloading Manual) "Hunting Bullet"! 😜

[@biggs8729]

Not necessarily better, but certainly not any worse. I think the 7 PRC has a higher energy potential, even though it has not been living up to expectations of late. When loaded properly, it will have just a touch more energy and maybe a little bit more lethal hunting range, but at the cost of running a long action , burning more powder and more recoil. The 6.8 Western does about 95% of what the 7 PRC can do, but does it in a short action, with les recoil and less powder. Just my 2 cents. You’re not wrong either way.

[@Stewart7516]

Haha it sure is, what's up BigTimber 😂 #save6.8western

[@440capnhook]

Better how?

[@Hudge76]

@@440capnhook it’s a short action and actually they are not lying about its velocities.

[@brandonjett16]

6.5 creedmoor long barrel vs 6.5 prc. 6.5 creedmoor 120 grain and up 6.5 prc 120 and up if u can reload them too for comparisons even better.