6.8 Western Load Data

Bob Dylan was right: “… the times they are a-changin’.” Major advances in cartridge, case, and bullet designs have dramatically altered the shooting landscape, and for the better. This triumvirate of features has produced such outstanding cartridges as the 224 Valkyrie, 6mm ARC, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and numerous wildcats. To this list we must add the recent and highly efficient 6.8 Western.

Design Criteria

The case of the modern-day accuracy cartridge has to fit into a short action and have a sharp shoulder, usually around 30 degrees. The neck is at least one caliber long so that the bullet can be seated with full contact, with...

Continue Reading