Anything new for 6.8 western ?

[wabash503]

I created this thread a bit ago. But since there is more talk about 6.8 brass please take a look and email the manufactures. As Todd m said they seem to at least be giving it thought.

6.8 Western brass by Lapua

I have emailed all the major top brass manufacturers asking if they have plans to start making 6.8 brass. I have gotten a hard no from everyone except Lapua. They said if there is enough interest that they would possibly start manufacturing it. If this interests you would you mind sending them...

rokslide.com

Can you provide some links on how to contact them? Thanks!

 

[wartak]

Does anyone have a complete list of all the manufacturers currently chambering for 6.8 western?
Obviously there is
Winchester & Browning
But otherwise
Fierce
Christensen
Is this it? I'm nearing decision time and would like to know all my options..
I'd really like a Tikka 6.8 western but I don't see them offering it yet.

 

[gerry35]

Seekins is another.

Tikka would be a game changer for it if they did.

 

[Gila]

Something to think about when you are looking for a rifle is twist rate. Some are 1:8” which is the minimum for the heavies. Some barrels are 1:7.5”. I know Browning sells rifles with the fast twist rate but I don’t know about the others.

 

[wartak]

Something to think about when you are looking for a rifle is twist rate. Some are 1:8” which is the minimum for the heavies. Some barrels are 1:7.5”. I know Browning sells rifles with the fast twist rate but I don’t know about the others.

Yeah there is nothing wrong with browning, my buddy has one that shoots lights out with factory ammo, and I may go that route. A 1-7.5 future proofs your purchase s little bit.. especially if someone comes out with a 180 or 185 grain projectile for 6.8

 

[Gila]

Just a few years ago I wouldn’t of even thought about shooting a 175 gr bullet out of a 270. With these new powders, who knows what is possible.

 

[fuzzymarindave]

From listening to the Shoot2hunt podcast, If I understand correctly, ADG has already done an experimental run. As most of you know UM is “intertwined” with RS and they are offering a notification list. RRP does not list 6.8 Western brass at all that I could find. J&A does list 6.8 Western ADG brass for sale when it arrives.

I reached out to ADG and Kevin from ADG Sales indicated.... "It will most likely be Q1 of 2025 (schedules are subject to change)." I was hoping for sooner so that I could get once-fired through my new barrel and break it in at the same time.

 

[wartak]

Just a few years ago I wouldn’t of even thought about shooting a 175 gr bullet out of a 270. With these new powders, who knows what is possible.

Amen to that,

Powders like N570 have some folks pushing 170 grain burger EOL over 3000fps in 6.8 western.

 

[gerry35]

I picked up some N 565 but won't get to try it till the summer. Probably will also try N 568 since it appears it has better load density than N 570. All three look to be winners from the data Berger sent me and even N560 looks very good too. Looking forward to trying them out.

 

[z987k]

Seekins is another.

Tikka would be a game changer for it if they did.

There's close to 0% chance tikka will do this.

I've seen some pre-fit tikka barrels in 6.8W on gunbroker though.

 

[wartak]

I picked up some N 565 but won't get to try it till the summer. Probably will also try N 568 since it appears it has better load density than N 570. All three look to be winners from the data Berger sent me and even N560 looks very good too. Looking forward to trying them out.

If you extrapolate data a little bit it looks like I should be able to eventually build a load with 175 grain pills and still get 2950 fps.
I would definitely feel safe with that load here in Alaska. Not that would hunt Grizz with it (have my 300wm for that) but with that high of a sectional density and that heavy of a bullet I would not be afraid to use it against a bear if the need arose.

 

[Gila]

RS Grand might work well. I have quite a bit of RS magnum to use up. The double based powders have the pizazz to kick out the heavies. I am still tweaking some loads…need to get to the range and work them up.

 

[wartak]

There's close to 0% chance tikka will do this.

I've seen some pre-fit tikka barrels in 6.8W on gunbroker though.

Why do you say 0%?

 

[Gila]

There's close to 0% chance tikka will do this.

I've seen some pre-fit tikka barrels in 6.8W on gunbroker though.

Pre-fits are available off the shelf if you look around. I have rebarreled all of my Tikkas anyway. But never say never….

 

[gerry35]

If you extrapolate data a little bit it looks like I should be able to eventually build a load with 175 grain pills and still get 2950 fps.
I would definitely feel safe with that load here in Alaska. Not that would hunt Grizz with it (have my 300wm for that) but with that high of a sectional density and that heavy of a bullet I would not be afraid to use it against a bear if the need arose.

I would feel confident with the heavy 6.8 W bullets on grizzly. Whenever we get our grizzly season back I would totally hunt for them with it. In the creeks in the fall I would use my 35 Whelen where the shots can be very close but in honestly the 6.8 W would do the job just fine even there.

 

[wartak]

I would feel confident with the heavy 6.8 W bullets on grizzly. Whenever we get our grizzly season back I would totally hunt for them with it. In the creeks in the fall I would use my 35 Whelen where the shots can be very close but in honestly the 6.8 W would do the job just fine even there.

A friend of mine uses a standard issue 270 he shot a just under 9' bear with it. He said it ate the lead like it was nothing. Think it took 5 shots in total, but with that said I've seen them eat 5 shots of 338. The key I think though is penetration I'm pretty sure he was using a cup and core bullet as he was out moose hunting when he shot that bear as a target of opportunity. I think a 175 monolithic bullet would be loads better in terminal performance on a bear.

 

[gerry35]

@wartak anything can happen especially if the initial shot isn't good. An older friend of mine used a 270 with 130 gr bullets, think they were Remington, shot one grizzly that died quick and a bunch of moose one of which made the record book for Canadian moose. Another guy I know shot a giant grizzly that was over 9' with a single shot 308 and 150 gr SST's and it died quick too. I know things can go the other way too sometimes.

 

[gerry35]

Some data from Berger for you all to look at.

 

[wartak]

Some data from Berger for you all to look at.

View attachment 700089

Those numbers look extremely acurate from my observation. Maybe slightly on the conservative side. At least of the handful of powders I have tried from this list.

 

[Arcus Venator]

This is a great thread. As a long time 270 WCF fan, this is the first "new" cartridge to get my attention in 0.277 cal.

I have a 1:8 270 WCF that I used last fall to shoot antelope/deer/elk using the 155gr Barnes LRX. Typical Barnes performance. Also have a load with the 150gr Badlands bullet but no game taken. I have not been able to find any Berger 170gr bullets.

I am going to purchase a 6.8 Western rifle. Leaning towards a Christensen Ridgeline right now. Mind is not totally made up.

Plan on getting some brass and dies first,. Do not have to be in any hurry as I have my fast twist 270 WCF already.