Why choose the 6.8 Western? The 6.8 Western offers "impressive long-range accuracy, low recoil and staggering knockdown power when you need it for both long-range shooting and hunting." That's a lot to promise from any caliber, but with bullets approaching 30 caliber weights of 165 gr and up with higher ballistic coefficients (BC) being offered, the 6.8 Western is engineered to deliver magnum performance with milder recoil than their long-action counterparts.

The foundation of the 6.8 Western is a modified 270 Winchester Short Magnum case that is shortened to make room for new longer, heavier, high BC bullets. With .277 caliber bullets historically in the 130-150 grain range, Winchester worked with Sierra® and Nosler® to develop heavier bullet offerings for the 6.8 Western (up to 175 gr.) that offer shooters increased penetration compared to existing .277 caliber and 6.5mm bullets.

The Winchester® 6.8 Western cartridge is now available for Model 70 and XPR rifles. If you're a big game hunter, long-range shooting enthusiast or both, now you have a new, exciting chambering to select for your next bolt-action rifle — 6.8 Western. A collaborative effort between Winchester® and Browning®, two storied outdoor brands, has successfully resulted in this new offering that is currently chambered in nine Model 70 and 14 XPR models. Both rifles are well known for their reliability and inherent accuracy and will bring out the full potential of the new 6.8 Western cartridges.

The 6.8 Western and the short-action rifle. With a maximum cartridge length of only 2.995", the 6.8 Western falls into the short-action rifle realm. Short-action rifles offer the advantages of being faster cycling and lighter overall than their long-action brethren. With comparable performance to many long-action magnums, there's little need to bring along the extra burden of a long-action magnum rifle.

Short-action Winchester rifles are perfect for the 6.8 Western. The revered Model 70 is a legendary performer that features the reliable controlled round feed action with claw extractor, M.O.A Trigger and a precision barrel that is hammer forged. The XPR also features the M.O.A. Trigger, a through-hardened steel receiver and chromoly steel barrel that is button rifled and thermally stress relieved to optimize accuracy.

How does the 6.8 Western stack up to the competition? Designed to provide magnum power and accuracy in a short-action, non-belted cartridge, the 6.8 Western is tailored for big game hunting and long-range shooting. When compared to popular magnums, the 6.8 Western is among the best. (See comparison chart below.)  

• Maximum cartridge overall length is 2.955" to utilize newly developed long, high BC bullets.
• 1 in 8" twist rate to stabilize modern long, heavy bullets.*
• Heavier bullet weights than 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC and 270 WSM
  
• More energy than 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC and 7mm Rem Mag
• Less recoil than 300 WSM, 300 Win Mag and 300 PRC
• Long, heavy bullets ideal for big game hunting and long-range precision shooting
• Chambered in short-action rifles for fast cycling, high accuracy and reduced rifle weight
• Refer to the Winchester Ammunition website for current specifications.

* At the time of introduction, Winchester bolt-action rifle barrels will feature a 1 in 8" twist. Check the twist rate inscription on every rifle you purchase to confirm it has the rate best for what you intend to shoot. 

6.8 Western 165gr Product Offerings

• Accubond Long Range: 165 Grain Accubond LR
• XPR and Model 70 Rifles: 1:8 Twist
• Estimated Retail: $39.99 per box

6.8 Western 170gr Product Offerings

• Ballistic Silvertip: 170gr BST
• Estimated Retail: $37.99 per box