6.8 Western

[elkhunter11]

Today I helped a young friend sight in a new Browning X-Bolt Speed in 6.8Western. He bought the rifle as as a 300-400 yard maximum deer rifle, knowing next to nothing about ballistics. I hadn't really looked at the ballistics myself, but seeing that they are using a 175gr bullet at only 2800fps or so, it certainly wasn't a great choice for my friends intended usage. With the factory load, it shot right around 1-1/2moa, adequate for my friends application, but not what I would want for a long range rifle, which was what that rifle/cartridge is intended for. Perhaps when he builds up some brass, we can develop a 130-140gr load, that is more accurate, and a better choice for a medium range deer rifle.

[raised by wolves]

175grains is a very heavy bullet for a 6.8. Twist rates and barrel lengths aside, you have the right idea in moving to the lighter bullets as the 6.5, 6.8, and 270s are amazing with bullets in the 130 to 150 grain range. The 130 grain is more than adequate for killing a deer at 400 metres.