Did some barrel break in today with a Tikka T3x rebarreled with a CarbonSix prefit chambered in 6.8 Western. Sub 0.5 MOA grouping exceeded my expectations with Browning factory ammo — 175 gr Sierra. Can’t wait to see what it’ll do with handloads. Did some pressure testing using QL data with Berger 170 EOL/Retumbo and had mv of 3050 before I hit pressure signs and Hammer Hunter 126 gr/RL-16 was screaming at 3350+.

That is a sexy cartridge! It’s been on my radar for a possible future project. Please keep us updated.

I’ve been thinking about trying a carbon six, that probably pushed me over the edge.

You left out the most important piece of data…how long is your barrel? Awe hell, you should probably just post a picture for us

Ha! It’s a 24” 1:8 twist with one of Weichel’s Delta brakes, which really tames it quite well.

But, Judd, since you asked…

Rifle started its life as a Tikka CTR 308 that TT rebarrelled to 6.5 CM before tikka started making 6.5CM. That barrel is just about shot out so I’m converting this to a switch barrel/switch bolt set up.

* Action: Tikka T3x CTR
* Bolt: Long Range Inc aftermarket magnum bolt with M16 extractor
* Bolt Knob: Glades Armory
* Stock: McMillan carbon fiber Game Scout with Edge Fill and multicam arid cerakote
* Barrel: CarbonSix 6.8 Western featherweight 1:8 prefit finished at 24”
* Muzzlebrake: Live Oak Accuracy 0.875” Delta brake with 5/8x24 threads
* Bottom Metal: RedSnake Tactical LA AICS DBM (OAL of Berger 170 is 2.990”)
* Magazine: AccurateMag 3 rd AICS 300 WM
* Rings: Hawkins Precision 6061T Ultralight Tactical 30mm (medium)
* Scope: March Compact 2.5-25 x 52
* Bipod: Spartan Javelin bipod with flush mount

Good looking rifle. How does the 6.8 Western differ from the .277 Fury?

That’s a badass rig, RS! Thanks for posting.

The cerokote stock really sticks out, I like it…it’s purdy and it shoots.

awe he77

killin me now. SWEEEEET

kind of a resurrected 7mmWSM, which I loved

Very nice. I put a 1-8 hs precision on a m70 wsm I had and it also shoots sub half moa with both browning 175 and Win 165 ablr. Very accurate cartridge. Not killed any big game yet but the 175 sierras turned a few coyotes inside out. Have not handloaded for it yet

Lou

I might be another to give the new 6.8 Westerner a try. The Browning looks pretty accurate for an off the shelf gun. but is approaching custom build cost

nice!

Finalized my loads for the 6.8 Western for my NM muley/elk hunt next week.

126 Hammer Hunter at 3325 fps — .38 MOA — 1500 ft•lbs at 500 yds

170 Berger EOL at 3011 fps — .28 MOA — 1500 ft•lbs at 900 yds.

Barrel is a carbon6 prefit. Top node for the 170 was at a crazy 3150 fps (at book max charge and confirmed with QL) but had stiff bolt lift so I opted for the lower node. Very convenient that after zeroing for the 170, both the 126 and 170 loads share the same zero.

170 Berger Group



170 Berger after zeroing



126 Hammer Hunter

That's awesome, congrats on your rifle...also, good luck in NM.

Love Hammer Hunter bullets. The 123 grain is super accurate in my .264 Win Mag and they're brutal on game.

Ohhhhhhh… that will do!


Good luck snake I hope you kill two studs!!!

Very nice Spencer! Have you seen the Hammer bullet "vapor trail" yet? Not 100% sure of why, but about 20-30 yards out from the muzzle, the Hammer bullets create a smoke trail. Supposedly they use some kind of oil that is remaining in the hollow point, and it vaporizes in flight for the first 100-200 yards or so. I shot some in a 300 WM and 25-06 recently and you could see the smoke trail.

any brass available for this new round? Think this would be a better choice than the 6.5 PRC without going to .300PRC

Is that a magnum bolt face or 6.5 Creedmoor Bolt face?

Chad I haven’t personally seen the “vapor” trail yet but I haven’t shot at distance with it. Apparently the trail is from residual machining oil in the hollow point that burns and smokes. I’ll be sure to watch for it over the coming week.

Here’s a vid of the interweb showing what it looks like. Pretty cool

Winchester makes brass but it’s not very good. I’ve heard you can form from 6.5 SAUM.

Magnum bolt face

Yes, that's it!

BEAUTIFUL trace BAYYYYYBEEEEEE....Chad is going to buy stock in Hammer just because the trace gives him a chubby

LOL! Tru dat!

ya'll quit !!!