Any way you look at it the paradigm shift is to short action cartridges that hold enough powder and are designed to shoot low drag, heavy for caliber bullets. Long action cartridges are becoming obsolete. I don’t see the competitive sports giving up the 7 SAUM or the 284 Win (and it’s derivatives) any time soon. The 6.8 Western was designed to be chambered in a lightweight hunting rifle that can reach out and touch ’em. Anyone can shoot the 6.8 Western comfortably, young or old. Hunters are understanding just how good the 6.8 Western and the 284 Win can perform in the field. The 284 Win remains in hand loader territory for now. The 6.8 Western has some very good factory ammunition offerings. Demand for the 6.8 Western is increasing faster than the market can keep up with.