Warning: Bullet selections are specific, and loads are not valid with substitutions of different bullets of the same weight. Variations in bullet length will alter net case capacity, pressure and velocity. Primer selection is specific and primer types are not interchangeable. These are maximum loads in my firearms and may be excessive in others. All loads should be reduced by 5% as a starting point for development where cartridges have greater than 40 grains in capacity and 10% for cartridges with less than 40 grain capacity following safe handloading practices as represented in established mainstream reloading manuals. Presentation of these loads does not constitute a solicitation for their use, nor a recommendation.
| Cartridge |
6.8 Western |
| Firearm | Winchester Model 70 |
| Barrel Length | 24″ |
| Min – Max Case Length | 2.020″ +0.0″/-0.020″ |
| Min – Max Cartridge Overall Length | 2.755″ – 2.955″ |
| Primer | CCI 250 Large Rifle Magnum |
| Bullet Diameter | 0.2780″ +0.0″/-0.003″ |
| Reloading Dies | Lee Precision FL |
| Bullet Type | Bullet Weight Grains |
Net H2O Grains Capacity |
COL” | Powder Type | Powder Charge Grains |
Muzzle Velocity fps |
Muzzle Energy ft/lbs |
| Hornady HP | 110 | 69.6 | 2.760 | Alliant Reloder 17 | 64.0 | 3511 | 3012 |
| Hornady HP | 110 | 69.6 | 2.760 | Hodgdon Superformance | 66.5 | 3566 | 3107 |
| Hornady HP | 110 | 69.6 | 2.760 | IMR 4831 | 64.5 | 3453 | 2913 |
| Barnes TSX | 130 | 65.2 | 2.755 | AA MagPro | 68.0 | 3286 | 3118 |
| Barnes TSX | 130 | 65.2 | 2.755 | Hodgdon Superformance | 61.0 | 3213 | 2981 |
| Barnes TSX | 130 | 65.2 | 2.755 | Hodgdon Hybrid 100V | 59.0 | 3180 | 2920 |
| Hornady SP | 130 | 66.4 | 2.655 | AA MagPro | 69.0 | 3303 | 3150 |
| Hornady SP | 130 | 66.4 | 2.655 | Alliant Reloder 23 | 64.0 | 3226 | 3005 |
| Hornady SP | 130 | 66.4 | 2.655 | Hodgdon Hybrid 100V | 60.0 | 3198 | 2953 |
| Sierra GameKing | 140 | 68.1 | 2.900 | AA MagPro | 69.0 | 3237 | 3258 |
| Sierra GameKing | 140 | 68.1 | 2.900 | Hodgdon H4831 | 64.5 | 3155 | 3095 |
| Sierra GameKing | 140 | 68.1 | 2.900 | RS Magnum | 70.5 | 3200 | 3184 |
| Nosler Partition | 150 | 68.0 | 2.900 | AA MagPro | 68.0 | 3155 | 3316 |
| Nosler Partition | 150 | 68.0 | 2.900 | IMR 7828 SSC | 64.0 | 3113 | 3229 |
| Nosler Partition | 150 | 68.0 | 2.900 | RS Magnum | 70.0 | 3140 | 3285 |
| Nosler AccuBond ABLR |
165 |
62.2 |
2.950 |
AA MagPro |
64.0 |
2962 |
3214 |
| Nosler AccuBond ABLR |
165 |
62.2 |
2.900 |
Hodgdon H1000 |
62.0 |
2875 |
3029 |
| Nosler AccuBond ABLR |
165 |
62.2 |
2.900 |
RS Magnum |
65.0 |
2978 |
3249 |
| Sierra TGK |
175 |
61.1 |
2.940 |
AA MagPro |
61.0 |
2888 |
3242 |
| Sierra TGK |
175 |
61.1 |
2.940 |
IMR 7828 SSC |
58.0 |
2876 |
3215 |
| Sierra TGK |
175 |
61.1 |
2.940 |
RS Magnum |
63.0 |
2831 |
3115 |
Joe, believe it or not, Graf’s actually has 6.8 Western WW brass for sale as of 7/10/24. It probably won’t last long. Your article probably convinced WW to bag up some. Bob!
Thanks, Bob. Much appreciated.