6.8 Western Ammo Archives

6.8 Western is a relatively new rifle cartridge introduced in 2021 by Winchester and Browning. Designed to meet the demands of long-range hunting and shooting, it offers a blend of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil. Here’s an overview of the key aspects:

Design and Specifications:

Bullet Diameter: .277 inches (7.04 mm)
Case Length: 2.02 inches
Overall Length: 2.955 inches
Parent Case: Based on the .270 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM), but with a modified case to allow for longer, high-ballistic-coefficient (BC) bullets.
Typical Bullet Weights: 160 to 175 grains

Ballistics:

Velocity: Around 2,850 feet per second (fps) with a 165-grain bullet.
Energy: Produces over 2,900 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle.
Effective Range: Effective for hunting at 500+ yards with flat trajectories, retaining energy for ethical big-game hunting at extended distances.

Purpose:

The 6.8 Western is designed for long-range hunting, particularly for large game such as elk, deer, and moose. It’s also suitable for long-range target shooting, offering performance similar to .300 Winchester Magnum or 6.5 PRC with a lower recoil.

Advantages:

High Ballistic Coefficient (BC): The 6.8 Western allows the use of long, sleek bullets with excellent BC, making them more efficient in resisting wind drift and maintaining velocity over long distances.
Reduced Recoil: Compared to similar big-game cartridges like the .300 Win Mag, the 6.8 Western produces noticeably less recoil, making it easier for shooters to stay accurate, especially in follow-up shots.
Versatility: Excellent for both big-game hunting and long-range target shooting.

Ammunition Availability:

As a relatively new cartridge, 6.8 Western ammo might not be as readily available as other established cartridges like .270 Winchester or .30-06, but manufacturers like Winchester and Browning offer premium hunting loads.