6.8 Western Powder Choices

[aklaunch]

Howdy All,

I found myself a beautiful M70 French Walnut rife chambered in 6.8 Western for an absolute steal of a deal. However I have had a lot of interest in the cartridge for several years. ( I also own a 6.5 PRC)

I purchased the rifle after looking around at bullet and ammo availability. I was really pleased to see that Barnes is making the 155gr LRX. Between that and Sierra's 175gr TGK, those are the only two i have interest in to get started.

After 2 weeks of scouring the internet I found enough Winchester brand brass to easily last the entire life of the barrel, and then perhaps get started on another barrel. LUCK!!!!!

Now I am wondering what powders Y'all are using for which bullet?

Any info would be much appreciated. I have H4831 and H1000 on hand.

I would like to buy another 8lb jug of something here before the elections.

I have researched the books, case capacities of similar cartridges etc, and everything i can. At this point I am thinking N560

H1000 is out of stock in 8lb jugs everywhere ,or I would get more of that.

Does anybody on here have actual experience with N560 or N565 with THIS cartridge?

 

[alpinewanderer]

Watching this thread. Just got a nice 6.8 Western long range rifle and am keen to get started loading for it.

 

[aklaunch]

Watching this thread. Just got a nice 6.8 Western long range rifle and am keen to get started loading for it.

Did you find the online load data from Hodgon, Barnes and Berger yet?

I understand that Lyman's latest manual has load data in it as well.

I will start the load development process over the late fall and winter and get this all sorted out.

 

[yak]

I reload my western with H4831sc behind the 175gr Sierra TGK. Tried several other powders and bullets and found this combo to be the best for me. Available components and accurate.

 

[aklaunch]

I reload my western with H4831sc behind the 175gr Sierra TGK. Tried several other powders and bullets and found this combo to be the best for me. Available components and accurate.

Did you find that combo was picky about seating depth?

 

[yak]

Did you find that combo was picky about seating depth?

No sir. I only tried one depth for seating. Mine are 0.020" off the land with 58gr H4831Sc. Work your way up in charge.

 

[alpinewanderer]

I reload my western with H4831sc behind the 175gr Sierra TGK. Tried several other powders and bullets and found this combo to be the best for me. Available components and accurate.

What other bullets and powders had you tried before settling on this combo?

 

[kevingm1987]

No sir. I only tried one depth for seating. Mine are 0.020" off the land with 58gr H4831Sc. Work your way up in charge.

I used this same combo basically, including the charge weight. It was accurate but slow, like 2750 slow. Thats coming out of a 24" barrel. Should mention that was with the 165ablr

I'm working up some 7828ssc and debating getting some 565 or 570. Another member had good results with both.

 

[yak]

I used this same combo basically, including the charge weight. It was accurate but slow, like 2750 slow. Thats coming out of a 24" barrel. Should mention that was with the 165ablr

I'm working up some 7828ssc and debating getting some 565 or 570. Another member had good results with both.

My velocity is 2835fps with 24" barrel.

 

[yak]

What other bullets and powders had you tried before settling on this combo?

Bullets: Berger 170's, Nosler 165's (expensive), Sierra 175's
Powder: Retumbo, H4350, H4831sc

 

[kevingm1987]

My velocity is 2835fps with 24" barrel.

Getting closer to what one would expect from a 6.8. Maybe the heavier 175 likes 4831sc a bit better than the ABLR.

 

[yak]

Getting closer to what one would expect from a 6.8. Maybe the heavier 175 likes 4831sc a bit better than the ABLR.

I'm using LR Magnum primers and crimping as well.

 

[Lou270]

Not tried it but Ramshot Grand looks like fabulous powder for 6.8W is temp stable and readlily available. I have used mostly rl26 to date in my loads but that is moot at leadst until Alliant makes it again.

Lou

 

[PorterM]

Not tried it but Ramshot Grand looks like fabulous powder for 6.8W is temp stable and readlily available.

I agree, the Hodgdon data for ramshot grand goes over 3000fps at max load for the 165ablr with ramshot grand. I’m also keen to give that a try as I embark on load development for my 24” 6.8w. Post results if you give it a try! I hear that Hodgdon data can be a bit conservative too which is promising.

 

[Raghornklr]

So far I've tried retumbo, N565 and H1000. H1000 gave me the best result with 175 TGK .

 

[Leaf Litter]

I have used the following powders, sorted by bullets used:

141 Hammer Hunter Tipped- Retumbo 3275 fps

145gr ELDX- Magpro 3150 FPS

165 ABLR- N570 3065 fps

170 Elite Hunter- Ramshot Magnum 3000fps, Retumbo 2975 fps, N570 3050fps

I never really pushed the 170 loads for Magnum or Retumbo to pressure, but they were fairly close from what I can tell. All data based on Winchester brass shot from an X-bolt 26" barrel.

 

[Lou270]

I have used the following powders, sorted by bullets used:

141 Hammer Hunter Tipped- Retumbo 3275 fps

145gr ELDX- Magpro 3150 FPS

165 ABLR- N570 3065 fps

170 Elite Hunter- Ramshot Magnum 3000fps, Retumbo 2975 fps, N570 3050fps

I never really pushed the 170 loads for Magnum or Retumbo to pressure, but they were fairly close from what I can tell. All data based on Winchester brass shot from an X-bolt 26" barrel.

Interesting in the n570 with good velocity. I have a couple pounds of it and was wondering if ok for 6.8 or too slow

Lou

 

[fuzzymarindave]

I started with Ramshot Magnum in the 6.8 Western a couple years ago because that was the first slower burning powder I could source during a time when supplies were limited. I've since added H1000 to my stock and use it in a 300 PRC. I've tried it in 6.8 Western but circled back to Ramshot Grand in the 6.8 Western with a 151 HHT hammer at 3220 fps.

 

[Leaf Litter]

Interesting in the n570 with good velocity. I have a couple pounds of it and was wondering if ok for 6.8 or too slow

Lou

I, personally, think it's a touch too slow, despite the good velocity I'm seeing. My understanding is that N565 is the same formula and grain width as N570, but cut about half as long. I haven't tried it, so I can't be sure on its performance, but it the direction I'm considering moving.

My charge on N570 is 69 grains, so it burns a bunch of powder, but man does it move bullets fast.

 

[alpinewanderer]

Anyone have a sense which primers give the most consistent velocities? I've got a ton of WLRM and a few CCI 250 but am wondering if going to a standard large rifle primer could be a good thing? I've got a 26" 7.5 twist 6.8 Western.

Powders I have to work with are Retumbo and Magnum for now. Want to push the 160s and 170s.