Winchester and Browning Arms designed the 6.8 Western. They introduced the cartridge to us in 2021, but it’s still relatively new for most shooters and hunters. Only recently did I finally get a rifle chambered in 6.8 Western in my hands. This cartridge, like many today, capitalizes on modern cartridge design of better ballistic coefficient, higher velocities, and greater downrange energy.
The cartridge is a short-action .277-caliber ideal for hunting and long-distance targets offering heavy, high ballistic coefficient bullets (165–175+ grains), excellent accuracy, optimal downrange energy, along with mild recoil as compared to many magnum calibers.
Basically the 6.8 Western is a .270 Winchester Short Magnum (parent case) that is a slightly shorter case with the same 35-degree shoulder angle. Powder capacity is slightly reduced as compared to the .270 WSM but with less felt recoil. The 6.8 needs a barrel with a 1:8 twist to effectively stabilize 165 to 175 grain bullets. The higher ballistic coefficient provides in a flatter trajectory at distances beyond 600 yards.
If there is a bottom line to the 6.8 Western is that it utilizes heavier bullets with higher BC to deliver an increased level of energy in a short action package as compared to many short-action cartridges.
Rifle
The Savage 110 Ultralite Pro is a backcountry-focused bolt-action hunting rifle that weighs just over six pounds. It is parts of Savage Arms next generation line up of Model 110 rifles and is offered in 10 calibers.
Key Features and Specs:
- Savage Woodland or Savage Western Camo Stock
- AccuFit V2 (toolless comb and length of pull adjustment)
- Interchangeable Grip Modules
- M-Lok® Panels
- Exclusive LimbSaver® Recoil Pad With 50% Recoil Reduction
- Diamond Fluted, Blackout Cerakoted Bolt w/ Threaded Bolt Handle
- Blackout Cerakoted, Skeletonized Receiver
- User-adjustable AccuTrigger, 1.5-4 lbs
- 18-24” Carbon Fiber Barrels (Caliber Dependent)
- Suppressor Ready/Threaded Barrel (5/8 x 24) w/ Omniport Muzzlebrake
- One-piece 20 MOA Rail
- AICS Magazine
- Magazine Capacity – 3
- Length – 41.78”
- Weight – 6.78 lbs
One thing that I really enjoy about this rifle is the AccuFit V2 feature on the butt stock. This is an integrated, toolless system that allows shooters to fine-tune both length of pull and comb height in the field. A Quick Set Dial (QSD) controls those changes, allowing for up to 0.8 inches/turn of adjustment to comb height and 1 inch of adjustability in 1/8-inch increments for length of pull.
Optic
With a hunting venture or two always in the back of my mind, I mounted the a Leupold VX-6 HD, 3-18×44 scope. This scope is second focal plane with an illuminated FireDot duplex reticle. There can be little discussion, Leupold produces some of the finest hunting scopes on the market today.
With a slightly smaller objective lens, the VX®-6HD 3-18x44mm offers a more streamlined profile which I appreciate while providing a lighter weight package. With the low setting of 3x magnification you still have enough field of view to deal with thicker timber or brush or adjust all the way up to 18x to deal with longer cross canyon shots.
Ammo Tested
Several companies produce 6.8 Western to include Winchester, Browning, Berger, Choice, and Hornady coming out with the 6.8 Western in the Hunter Precision line soon.
My testing included the following ammo:
- Winchester Copper Impact, 162 gr
- Winchester Ballistic Silver Tip, 170 gr
- Browning Long Range Pro Hunter, 175 gr (Sierra “Tipped GameKing” boat- tail bullet)
All three of these loads provided sub-MOA results off the bench. Additionally, I easily made hits on steel out to 550 yards (the extent of our long-distance range) will all three varieties of ammo.
6.8 Western Ballistics
Load | Group @ 100 yds | Metric | Muzzle | 100 yds | 200 yds | 300 yds | 400 yds | 500 yds |
Winchester Ballistic Silver Tip 170 gr | .990 “ | Velocity (fps) | 2920 | 2754 | 2593 | 2439 | 2289 | 2145 |
Energy (ft-lb) | 3218 | 2862 | 2538 | 2244 | 1978 | 1735 | ||
Bullet Drop (in) | -- | 1.5 | -6.7 | -6.7 | -19.3 | -38.5 | ||
Browning Long Range Pro Hunter 175 gr | .586” | Velocity (fps) | 2835 | 2686 | 2541 | 2402 | 2266 | 2135 |
Energy (ft-lb) | 3123 | 2803 | 2509 | 2241 | 1995 | 1771 | ||
Bullet Drop (in) | -- | 1.7 | -7 | -20.1 | -40 | |||
Winchester Copper Impact 162 gr | .574” | Velocity (fps) | 2875 | 2711 | 2552 | 2399 | 2251 | 2108 |
Energy (ft-lb) | 2973 | 2642 | 2342 | 2070 | 1823 | 1599 | ||
Bullet Drop (in) | -- | 1.6 | -7 | -20 | -39.8 |
6.8 Western Compared to Other Options
The following table provided by Browning gives a basic overview of the 6.8 Western to comparable cartridges. The energy and recoil comparisons are of special interest.
Cartridge | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight (gr) | Energy @ 500 yds (ft-lbs) | Drop @ 500 yds (in) | Recoil (ft-lbs) |
7mm Rem Mag | Accubond CT | 160 | 1566 | 39 | 24.1 |
300 Win Mag | Accubond CT | 180 | 1754 | 39 | 29.2 |
300 WSM | Accubond CT | 180 | 1837 | 37 | 28.4 |
6.8 Western | Sierra TGK | 175 | 1771 | 40 | 23.9 |
6.8 Western | Accubond LR | 165 | 1856 | 36 | 24.5 |
Future Hunt
Although I have yet to hunt with the Savage Ultralite Pro in 6.8 Western, my plan is for a mule deer or aoudad hunt in the next few months. This rifle design is focused on being easy to carry in the roughest of back country hunts and provide excellent accuracy at extended distances if need be. Be on the lookout for a future writeup from the hunting field on this rifle and cartridge.
Parting Thoughts
Do I think the 6.8 Western cartridge is a fix to every hunter’s accuracy and woes in the field? No. I believe it is one of many new modern day cartridge designs that may fit a perfect niche for some.
Will I replace my old .270 Winchester or 30-06 Remington with this cartridge? No.
For most hunters, shots beyond 200-300 yards are the exception, not the norm. I do however appreciate the new technology and design of today’s modern rifles and cartridges. I also like to be confident in taking a shot out to 400-600 yards or beyond if conditions are right and I know my rifle/cartridge and its capabilities. I enjoy hunting with new cartridges and giving some hard-earned feedback to hunters of today and tomorrow.
Perhaps you are looking to flex your wings and try something a bit different. The 6.8 Western and the Savage 110 Ultralite Pro can certainly provide that.