In this video I take a deep dive into most of the new big game hunting cartridges. I rate each one of them and crown one as the best new hunting cartridge. Hope you enjoy the video!
I’m with you, at least conceptually. I need to see some more ammo manufacturers get on board! I have a 270wsm and absolutely love it. The 6.8 adds some versatility with its heavy bullets!
I kinda feel Iike if. The 6.8 Western caught on then it would be more widely supported. Sadly it was released in the worst possible time and that sort of spelled the fate for it to likely remain a niche/cult classic of a cartridge. Perhaps things will change in the future but time will tell.
I am a 60+ year hunter reloader and rifle collector and having owned hundreds of guns over the years and almost every cartridge made and can hunt with any cartridge made and I pick the 300 wsm because it’s just a great cartridge and works for big game and the best trade off in recoil and performance. 280AI would be my second choice and they both just fill all the boxes for big game hunting.
Wow, what a coincidence. When I first saw this video loaded to premier I thought of those 2 exact cartridges also. I was with my rifle builder on May 11th dropping more stuff off and asked him if he was to choose only one do it all hunting cartridge he also said 300WSM but slightly modified with a longer throat so bullets can be seated out longer, which is what I did with mine. I've had excellent luck with both of my 280AIs so far. Both of these cartridges are new to me. 270 Win probably will always be my favorite but I like a variety.
@@derekmcmurryI totally agree I love the 300wsm and the 280AI but I just picked up a Mauser in 280AI but am still have 3 of my 8 guns in the shop into 270’s because it is just a great cartridge!
@@edwardabrams4972 I JUST ordered 9 barrels to convert several of my older Tikka long actions to 280AIs. I have a ton of 270 Wins, 30-06s, 6.5CMs but now I'm really really loving the 280AI so I'll have a few more of those to even out the variety. Oh and I just picked up 2 new Tikkas yesterday and 2 a couple weeks ago, all are 270 Win, 30-06, and one 270WSM which will be converted to a 270-7PRC
Based on your criteria, I think it’s hard to beat the 300 WSM. If the 6.8 Western had the support that the PRC cartridges are getting, I think it would’ve taken the win.
Whole heartedly agree..277 is the real 7mm😜 it's actually closer to actual 7mm in size than the 7mm or 280 cartridges. Not that it makes a difference but it's worth noting.
As a guy who hunts Moose/Elk with 300WSM and deer with 270WIN… Here’s my biased opinion for the bests of this bunch you listed: For a 2-gun fudd: Moose/Elk/Bear: 300WSM Deer/Pronghorn: 6.5PRC For a one-gun fudd: All Species versatility: 280AI 280AI is sort of in a league of its own in that it is modern whilst also retaining a legit old school nostalgia. Efficient, and balanced and versatile. Cheers!
If You Pick The Right Bullet and Powder Combinations, The 270 Winchester Will "Outperform" the 6.5 prc! Other Than That, I Totally Agree With Your Assessments! 😜
@@ronlowney4700Agreed, my deer rifle is 270WIN. I chose it over 6.5PRC because it slightly outperforms the PRC with copper bullets and brass is cheaper and more available. Cheers!
@@ronlowney4700 Actually you would have to reload it and then you would be close. The 270 doesn't outperform the 6.5 prc in any capacity. No matter what, when you push the same weight bullet in a smaller caliber at the same to higher velocity, how then does the 270 do it better? It doesn't. Here's what factory loads do in my 24 inch Bergara. Hornady Nosler 142/143 grain 2930 fps. Federal 130 grain 3100 fps.
I still think 7mm PRC is the best all around cartridge. The only downside: Hornady is not very honest to the consumers and didn't tell us that the new batch of 7PRC ammo were using substitute powder and hence the velocity/performance is much lower. To avoid this disadvantage, using Federal Premium 7PRC ELDX 175gr is the best alternative option.
For me, the recoil penalty is real, and I top out at about 30-06 or 25 ftlbs. I have a 270wsm and love it but like the concept of the 6.8 western best perhaps. If I had to step up in recoil I have always said I’d get a 300wsm.
Same. Big time. 30-06 class recoil really is the limit for me. I shoot a saum with HOT 140s and mild 180's. Bull barrel, 2 pound scope. I still get lightheaded from it sometimes, it's just that way for me. I need a can. Oddly, the sheer sharpness of the 140 at 3200+ is just as bad or worse.
Who would have thought....300WSM???? Just kidding. The 300WSM is a seriously slept on (by some people) cartridge. If I wasn't a .30-06 fanboy (mostly because of nostalgia) I'd probably shoot the .300WSM if I was going after a .308 cal big game rifle. It really hits a sweet spot with velocity and recoil. Its fast enough for reasonable shot ranges but doesn't have the recoil of the truly fast big magnums. Plus you don't have to chamber it in a magnum length action and ammo is relatively easy to come by. It has had success but not has fallen by the way side in recent years. You just don't see many factory rifles chambered in it anymore..... mostly the budget rifles that are chambered in 2 dozen different calibers. As soon as I saw the lineup, I guessed you were going to determine it the winner. I feel its even a better choice than the .300WM because of the action length
Pretty fair review. I like the performance edge of the 300 prc over the winchester short mag, and I reload, so that seems to strike the sweet spot of heavy punch, flat shooting, but not completely overbore. I'll also add a 28 nosler down the road, but the 300 prc will be my next rig. 👍
I think it would be cool to do videos like this in various times going all the way back in 25ish year sections then an overall with the winners of each time. Might be fun. Great video as always keep up the great work 👍
I bought a Browning 6.8W over the weekend to cast my vote. If it is possible to form 270 or 300 WSM axes into 6.8W cases, I am going to figure it out. I am selling my 6.5PRC because the velocity isn't great and the bullet weights are lows.
Look at unknow munitions as well. You can get some adg 6.8 western brass on preorder. I have used once fired 7 saum gunwerks brass with great success in my 6.8 Western too.
Great video. I love a good spreadsheet analysis. What I do when I'm deciding on bullets fora given cartridge is average the yardage at which you get 1) 2000 fps 2) 1500 ftlbs 3) 25" drift at 10mph 4) 1 inch drop per linear yard. Then I take the result and multiply by 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 based on the combination of the subjectives like, diameter, availability and ease of buying the best powders for that combo. I'm recoil sensitive so efficiency/recoil is going to be mitigated enough already.
@@BudgeG80 I have a Mark V in 270 wby, I have 2 sons so I need 2 Weatherbys to pass down, after having shoulder surgery I think a 280 AI is probably all the recoil I’ll be able to handle.
Loved the video. Even though i love my 6.8 western i have to admit the 300 wsm is more versatile for now. Looking at you ammo and bullet manufacturers. It would be cool to compare your results here to the older belted stuff. People may be really surprised how little they differ.
280 AI is severely under rated, it is everything good about a 7rem mag but in a smaller package with less recoil! I love everything about the RPM cartridge line but it is crippled by only being produced in the Mark V and with only weatherby producing ammo. I went so far as to email weatherby about adding the RPMs to their vanguard lineup to increase their exposure and they brushed me off saying they saw no reason to do so. It wouldn't even be hard to do is the sad part.
The 28 nos is definitely a handloader cartridge. Good brass is available so that helps make it worthwile. It does eat powder and throats though. It’s probably the best if you only shoot very long range. The 300 wsm is my fav, good brass available, easy to load for and tune, very accurate for me.
I would've liked to have seen the 338 Rpm included in the discussion. I'm considering getting one in a Mark V Accumark. I get it though, it's not as popular of a bore diameter as the 6.5's, 28's and 30's. My bias has always been with Winchester cartridges so I'm picking the 6.8 Western and 300 Wsm from the ones you featured with 280 Ai not far behind.
Intriguing point system. Dynamics seem to lean it towards larger caliber which I'm sure will bother some, but I agree that 30 cal is the most versatile caliber for medium to large game. 6.5-300 may be a newer cartridge but isn't really a modern one. May have been a good spot to squeeze the 338 RPM.
I currently own a Winchester in 300WSM, a CA Ridgeline in 28 Nosler, and most recently a Mark V 6.5-300 and have to flip a coin during hunting seasons. These calibers are all great, but they aren't cheap. The 300WSM isn't as easy to find anymore, especially 200 gr Terminal Ascent that my gun loves. Suppressed these all shoot great and WSM 22 inch barrel vs 26 in the other 2 definitely helps.
Great episode. The modern part is an interesting premise. It’s almost as if the OLD designs were in between, like the dark ages 😂. From a cartridge design perspective, the 9.3x62 could have made list
I have to agree. I wanted to tell you a wrong , but you rated my cartridge number one. It's just so versatile.It's hard to beat. And it is a Is hand loaders dream.
I love my .300 win mag and will always have one…I’ll freely admit the .300 PRC is a smarter and more up to date cartridge design. If I were starting from the ground up I’d probably go .300 PRC or .300 RUM, but as is I have a pile of .300 win mag brass, over a decade of loading and shooting experience with the .300 Winnie, and I just like it and it does what I need it to do. Good video as always, I’m one of the boring old cartridge guys haha, not even by choice but by default. The old stuff I have isn’t deficient to my need and I’ll just keep using it, but certainly appreciate the newer designs and have no beef with them. At present my centerfire line up is .243 win, .257 weatherby, 270 win, .300 win mag, .358 Norma mag, and 450 ackley mag. Not a single modern gun in the lineup haha.
@@Bullets4Bucksdid ya not hear the first minute of intro? He’s evaluating MODERN cartridges introduced from 2000 and onward. I love the .300 win mag as well, if God forbid I only could have one rifle to do everything I need a hunting rifle to do it would be my .300 win mag for that matter. It’s just not what we’re discussing here.
I agree with you on the 300 wsm.My brother has a 300 wsm and I a 300 win mag using reloads both shooting 220 berger bullets at around 2900 fps.The 300 wsm use way less powerder than the 300 win mag that gave the 300 wsm way better barrel live.At a1000yards accuracy is the same but it is easier to tune the 300 wsm both rifles is custom build and cambers cut to use the longer 220 bergers.The barrels on both rifles is 28 in krieger heavy palma and single shot target RSA actions.I think if you reload the 300 Wsm kan duplicate 300 Prc velocities or at least can be close.
Run that same test and points system with the 300win, 7Rem Mag, and 338win. I bet they hang in there pretty well, and if you already have a gun that shoots well you are not loosing enough to go out and buy more rifles and components to get back to the accuracy you have now. But then again what do I know I'm still hanging on to my 300 H&H.
After watching videos on cartridge talks/comparisons and comparing load data and ballistics charts, I wholeheartedly agree with 30 caliber being almost impossible to beat for hunting situations because the distances that game are taken in/out to. You just get more efficient use of powder. Whether you’re talking 308 up to 300 wby mag. 150-190+gr copper bullets will let you take about anything you want to especially when velocities are 3000+ fps
Purely for hunting, the 6.5x300. By far my favorite modern cartridge design would be the wby rpm cartridges. I trust the feeding of the longer not too fat designs more. 28 nosler has a great argument for the best overall hunting. The 280ai is great, but honestly it holds very little more powder than the 280rem, so reloaders could pretty much match it. I have a great soft spot for the 6.8 western. For 30 cal it would have to be 300 norma. It's really complicated, because out east the 6.5s are ideal. For out west the bigger calibers are better if you only have 1 rifle, but 2 or 3 are the best. If in Alaska, the 338rpm is the no-brainer. Obviously, I'm biased, but the nosler cartridges are similar cost to the wbys. One thing people don't think of about price, is the weatherby's have Peterson brass from all the people in with insider information I've talked to, which is one of the top 3 you can get in quality. So, a box of ammo for my 6.5prc at around $60 has probably $40 more value in brass compared to my wby's at about $100, and if you don't reload, 1 shot high quality brass is worth a lot. And of course with some searching online, I can get the cheaper wby loading for about $60 and my crazy 6.5rpm shoots half inch groups with it for some dumb reason. All that bs said, for the lower 48 where i live the 28 nosler would have to be number 1 for me of the options presented. For hunting, cost and overbore don't matter to me. I'm not going to plug for a different channel, but there's a Custom rifle maker with a ton of experience, comparing the 3 plus the 7mm rem cartridges out to long range, and while I don't agree on everything, the information is invaluable. Thanks for the video, and sorry for my long reply.
The 7prc 68gr powder same as the wsm and you gave it a lower score. You also said you were using reloading max data. You shorted the 7 prc in velocity. I know your having velocity issues, but with the right powder it shines.
68 gr in a 300 WSM gets me well over 3000 FPS with a 180 gr bullet. 68 gr in a 7mm PRC with a 180 gr got me 2800 FPS. I was actually being very favorable to the 7mm PRC. I've never hit 2950 FPS with a 175 gr bullet without going over the book max and having a lot of pressure.
@@ReloadingWeatherby the federal premium 175gr eld-x will hit the 3000 mark in a 24in barrel. Hornady ran out of the first loading powder that gave them the 3000fps . They are now using a ball powder with poor fps.
Hype & hatred aside - the 6.5 Creedmoor has to be on the list. Not because it will knock an elk off its feet at 800 yards, but because it works great for 95% of our hunting (and more). Ammo is available, highly effective and highly accurate, and relatively inexpensive. Lightweight, easy-to-carry rifles chambered for it are still very shootable and help get the youngest and smallest hunters in the field (and it works just as well for us big guys too). What’s not to love? At our house, we have already taken a few antelope with it (in a lightweight mountain rifle with a slender barrel), along with an old muley buck and a big Rocky Mountain Bighorn ram (and a couple of coyotes too, including one at 300 yards). And it’s not done hunting for us!
No support here in Canada for the 6.8 Western. I don't have any of these cartridges on the list. If you were talking about 1 gun for everything I would stay above the 27. Price and availability for me would be the 300 WSM or the 7mm PRC.
Cheapest long range for me to shoot 6.5 creedmoor is my first for deer hunting too out to 300ish yards second choice 28 nosler yes barrel burner but the best is ok for my choice. Last its a split decision on my 300 prc or my 7prc. Big game is my 416 rigby or my 375 ruger I don't take my weatherbys out much to say so for the price big time power and penitration goes to the 416
In the wider world, 6.8 Western is a very underrated cartridge. In the Reloading Weatherby comment section, it is overrated lmao. It looks like a 6.8 cult in here! Anyways, all hail the 300wsm. I'll be getting one by the end of the year!
Are you talking about price on ammo or price on gun? Cause I got my 6.5 x 300 Weatherby in a vanguard for 750.00 the ammo I can find for 40.00 a box. Which I feel is pretty darn good for a Weatherby.
Heck yeah my current choice (and choice over the last 10 years) of 30 cal magnums WON 🥇 by 3 points. Sadly for me though, it is hard to find a threaded left handed rifle in that cartridge and I can’t find ammo for it locally anymore anywhere. Thankfully 😅 I can reload. I might sell my right hand Savage M110 Long Range Hunter in 300 WSM and eventually buy a threaded left handed rifle in either another 30 cal since I do have some 308 size bullets or go to a 7mm cartridge of sorts. Not 100% sure which one and which rifle.
Hi, I have a old model Mark five weatherby by Sauer, I would like changing the barrel, for à Lothar walter barrel , in the same caliber, the 7 Weatherby magnum, but I think in 1/9 or 1/10 twist, for médium to heavy bullets . What do you think ?😊
Anyone that owns a belted magnum already, could ignore all the contestants in your competition. Unless you got the 'I wants', then buy a few of these, and good on ya 😊
338 RCM or 338 RPM would be my choice if I was forced to shoot any modern cartridge. 300 WSM is the only one from your list I’d pick. 360 Buckhammer is the only modern cartridge I’m currently interested in getting into.
I'm not a fan of you just to be honest but I agree on this one I own a 270wsm I bought yrs ago and I wished numerous times I would have got the 300 instead such a great round and u can still find ammo for it. Love ur videos and the time u put in we just do not agree on the 7mmprc 😊
Well that must be conflicting for you. You don't like me as a person, but like my content... Did you see my most recent 7mm PRC short? I think you will like it!
I have never had anything I've shot with my 300wsm. They just drop! I've used it on coues deer, mule deer and elk out last 400 yards. It has never failed me!
🕵️♂️ Oh, And You Also Left Out Magazine Capacity! So, Another Point For The 280 AI! 😜 You Also Should Have Included Required Barrel Length Too (Another Point For the 280 AI Over Those Big "Bulky" 30's)! You Also Need a Heavier Gun Too - So, Yet Another Point For the 280 AI! 🤣 No Bias Here! 🤭
🤔 Austin, When You Are Done With Your Summer Cartridge Rating Series, You Can Test Your Picks and Theories! After You Finish Your 7mm RM vs. 7mm prc Series, You Could Do a 300 WM vs. 300 wsm (Because the 300 wsm is so popular)! Then, Follow With a 7mm "Showdown" With the 280 AI (Since it is Also so Popular) vs. The Winner of the 7mm prc vs. 7mm RM! Then, Since You Returned the 7mm prc and Bought That 280 AI By Then (😜), Show What 6 extra grains of powder will get you vs. It's Classic "Top 5 Brethern" - the 270 Winchester and the 30-06!🔥 😱
If they just made 300wsm brass available and affordable I would get one but it’s not. I started to shift to all 30-06 derivatives just because of brass availability and I have someone to cut barrels for me.
Good review. When you make the spreadsheet add a 2nd column for the caliber again. Put it in Column O. It will make it easier to see the results. I think you should give the 6.8 Western 24 point and put it in a 3-way tie. I think the 7 PRC might also need to be bumped to 23. Thanks for sharing.
Found a great podcast show Browning new x-bolt 2 in a 6.8 Western. Backcountry hunting podcast did a great job. share the love 6.8 Western czcams.com/video/WwXhEwtaeYY/video.html
🤪 You'll Be Surprised To Hear That I Agree With You!!! 😱 When You Take Into Account Ammunition Availability, The 300 WSM Comes Out on Top! 🥳 Personally, Because I Will Be Handloading, I Would Rather Have the 280 AI (Factoring in Recoil and Performance Needs) - Though the 300 wsm is Definitely in My Top 5 "All Time Great" SAMMI "All Purpose Cartridges"! 🤑
😱 Aren't We All? The Only Question Is How Much Merit Do Your "Biases" Have - Like a 30 Nosler on Antelope and Whitetail Deer? Aren't There "Better Choices" For The Only Species That Most People Get To Hunt? 🤷♂️
@@ReloadingWeatherby using your system and metrics, I would have to agree with your choice. However, as just a general overall hunting round, 280 ackley.
Hey would be cool to get some 375 ruger content on the channel of course if possible, think it’s an underrated modern cartridge, a 375 magnum 260gr Nosler accbound with 30-06 trajectories and 2300 foot pounds of energy at 500 yards with 24 in barrel, cheers🤙🏻
Dude should include accuracy… arguably the most important metric. Certain cartridges like 7PRC have been shown to have very reliable accuracy and also seem to work with a wide variety of ammo in many guns
@@ReloadingWeatherby As well i’ve always liked something about the 300 WSM but find the idea of it in a long action to be much more interesting. Maybe you can look that up and..especially considering your results here.. make a video shooting it or about it sometime
I don't agree with your definition of versatile. Yes, 300PRC can shoot many things, but it's over the top to go and shoot varmints or target for most people with that recoil and cost and is a bit overkill for smaller big game (Springbok, Impala, warthog). Other than that, excellent video!
8,5x55 blaser is probably one of the best modern cartridges, 338win mag performance from a short barrel. #Bullet selection from 130-300gr #powder efficient so it likes short barrels with silencer #enough energy for every big game animal on the planet # strong brass #short bolt #8,5mm (338) have probably the best bc bullets above 30cal wich means high energy att long range. #not a barrel burner #low recoil
6.8 Western… the industry needs to stop the hate.
I’m with you, at least conceptually. I need to see some more ammo manufacturers get on board! I have a 270wsm and absolutely love it. The 6.8 adds some versatility with its heavy bullets!
I have a 6.8 Western, and it's AWESOME!
It's not industrial hate, it's Winchester absolutely failing, yet again, to advertise and support it's cartridge offering.
Seems like a truly excellent modern cartridge.
I kinda feel Iike if. The 6.8 Western caught on then it would be more widely supported. Sadly it was released in the worst possible time and that sort of spelled the fate for it to likely remain a niche/cult classic of a cartridge. Perhaps things will change in the future but time will tell.
I am a 60+ year hunter reloader and rifle collector and having owned hundreds of guns over the years and almost every cartridge made and can hunt with any cartridge made and I pick the 300 wsm because it’s just a great cartridge and works for big game and the best trade off in recoil and performance. 280AI would be my second choice and they both just fill all the boxes for big game hunting.
Wow, what a coincidence. When I first saw this video loaded to premier I thought of those 2 exact cartridges also. I was with my rifle builder on May 11th dropping more stuff off and asked him if he was to choose only one do it all hunting cartridge he also said 300WSM but slightly modified with a longer throat so bullets can be seated out longer, which is what I did with mine. I've had excellent luck with both of my 280AIs so far. Both of these cartridges are new to me. 270 Win probably will always be my favorite but I like a variety.
very hard to argue with that. You can shoot either one with all-species bullets enough to practice without headaches and do in a carry weight gun.
@@derekmcmurryI totally agree I love the 300wsm and the 280AI but I just picked up a Mauser in 280AI but am still have 3 of my 8 guns in the shop into 270’s because it is just a great cartridge!
@@edwardabrams4972 I JUST ordered 9 barrels to convert several of my older Tikka long actions to 280AIs. I have a ton of 270 Wins, 30-06s, 6.5CMs but now I'm really really loving the 280AI so I'll have a few more of those to even out the variety. Oh and I just picked up 2 new Tikkas yesterday and 2 a couple weeks ago, all are 270 Win, 30-06, and one 270WSM which will be converted to a 270-7PRC
Crazy that 30-06 with modern loads rival these, especially with price and availability. Still king of versatility.
Based on your criteria, I think it’s hard to beat the 300 WSM.
If the 6.8 Western had the support that the PRC cartridges are getting, I think it would’ve taken the win.
I agree
Whole heartedly agree..277 is the real 7mm😜 it's actually closer to actual 7mm in size than the 7mm or 280 cartridges. Not that it makes a difference but it's worth noting.
Bullsh*t. The 7mm is BALLISTiCALLY SUPERIOR to .277 cals. HOW MANY 7mm bullets have B.C. numbers over.600?
DAMN FEW.
@JamesClark-lw6sw how many manufacturers make bullets for 6.8 western vs 7prc? If I have to explain it it's probably not worth it.
Well why doesn’t Winchester support it more, hell it’s their cartridge
I'm kinda partial to the 280 AI and 300 WSM. Both are great cartridges. However 270 WSM and 6.8 western needs way more love
Yep
You know what I like, 6.8 Western! #savethe6.8western!!!
The best newest cartridge is simple it’s the 6.8 western.
😂😂 So good it's own company has abandoned it 🎉🎉😅
280 ai cooks still. Better magazine capacity than all the others and awesome performance for the powder it’s burning
Yeah. I hunted with a saum a couple years now and I do NOT enjoy having 2 less in the rifle. Have I ever needed 2? No, but it happens.
Hard to beat the 280AI because it's the Intelligent choice.
As a guy who hunts Moose/Elk with 300WSM and deer with 270WIN… Here’s my biased opinion for the bests of this bunch you listed:
For a 2-gun fudd:
Moose/Elk/Bear: 300WSM
Deer/Pronghorn: 6.5PRC
For a one-gun fudd:
All Species versatility: 280AI
280AI is sort of in a league of its own in that it is modern whilst also retaining a legit old school nostalgia. Efficient, and balanced and versatile.
Cheers!
If You Pick The Right Bullet and Powder Combinations, The 270 Winchester Will "Outperform" the 6.5 prc! Other Than That, I Totally Agree With Your Assessments! 😜
It obviously wasn't on the table but I would switch the PRC to 25-06 and agree with everything else. But great points and good choices.
@@ronlowney4700Agreed, my deer rifle is 270WIN. I chose it over 6.5PRC because it slightly outperforms the PRC with copper bullets and brass is cheaper and more available.
Cheers!
@@ronlowney4700 Actually you would have to reload it and then you would be close. The 270 doesn't outperform the 6.5 prc in any capacity. No matter what, when you push the same weight bullet in a smaller caliber at the same to higher velocity, how then does the 270 do it better? It doesn't. Here's what factory loads do in my 24 inch Bergara. Hornady Nosler 142/143 grain 2930 fps. Federal 130 grain 3100 fps.
I still think 7mm PRC is the best all around cartridge. The only downside: Hornady is not very honest to the consumers and didn't tell us that the new batch of 7PRC ammo were using substitute powder and hence the velocity/performance is much lower. To avoid this disadvantage, using Federal Premium 7PRC ELDX 175gr is the best alternative option.
For me, the recoil penalty is real, and I top out at about 30-06 or 25 ftlbs. I have a 270wsm and love it but like the concept of the 6.8 western best perhaps. If I had to step up in recoil I have always said I’d get a 300wsm.
Same. Big time. 30-06 class recoil really is the limit for me. I shoot a saum with HOT 140s and mild 180's. Bull barrel, 2 pound scope. I still get lightheaded from it sometimes, it's just that way for me. I need a can. Oddly, the sheer sharpness of the 140 at 3200+ is just as bad or worse.
Good video, really interesting perspective. Thank you!
Who would have thought....300WSM???? Just kidding. The 300WSM is a seriously slept on (by some people) cartridge. If I wasn't a .30-06 fanboy (mostly because of nostalgia) I'd probably shoot the .300WSM if I was going after a .308 cal big game rifle. It really hits a sweet spot with velocity and recoil. Its fast enough for reasonable shot ranges but doesn't have the recoil of the truly fast big magnums. Plus you don't have to chamber it in a magnum length action and ammo is relatively easy to come by. It has had success but not has fallen by the way side in recent years. You just don't see many factory rifles chambered in it anymore..... mostly the budget rifles that are chambered in 2 dozen different calibers. As soon as I saw the lineup, I guessed you were going to determine it the winner. I feel its even a better choice than the .300WM because of the action length
It's ok to be a 30-06 fanboy - it's the greatest all around cartridge ever made. Put a 26" barrel on it and it will easily reach 2900 with a 180.
Pretty fair review. I like the performance edge of the 300 prc over the winchester short mag, and I reload, so that seems to strike the sweet spot of heavy punch, flat shooting, but not completely overbore. I'll also add a 28 nosler down the road, but the 300 prc will be my next rig. 👍
My vote is the 6.8 Western. It has quickly become my favorite carriage.
Great video, very entertaining.
I truly love .277 i have a few 270win and now a 6.8 western it is a amazing cartridge
I think it would be cool to do videos like this in various times going all the way back in 25ish year sections then an overall with the winners of each time. Might be fun.
Great video as always keep up the great work 👍
I bought a Browning 6.8W over the weekend to cast my vote. If it is possible to form 270 or 300 WSM axes into 6.8W cases, I am going to figure it out. I am selling my 6.5PRC because the velocity isn't great and the bullet weights are lows.
My friend gets 7 SAUM brass for 6.8 Western
@@ReloadingWeatherbyI am going to have to track some down.
Look at unknow munitions as well. You can get some adg 6.8 western brass on preorder. I have used once fired 7 saum gunwerks brass with great success in my 6.8 Western too.
The 6.8 Western is now listed on ADG's website. It isn't currently available but you can get on their email list to be notified when they do have it.
@@wyattgraham5711 thank you for the heads up.
Great video. I love a good spreadsheet analysis. What I do when I'm deciding on bullets fora given cartridge is average the yardage at which you get 1) 2000 fps 2) 1500 ftlbs 3) 25" drift at 10mph 4) 1 inch drop per linear yard. Then I take the result and multiply by 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 based on the combination of the subjectives like, diameter, availability and ease of buying the best powders for that combo. I'm recoil sensitive so efficiency/recoil is going to be mitigated enough already.
Great video a lot of good info that you put a lot of work into.
Thanks!
I’m getting ready to order a new Weatherby Mark V in 280 Ackley Improved. Keep the good content coming.
Enjoy it!
I was so close to doing the same. Love the rifle I just wished they offered 1:8 twist in their 280 AI
@@BudgeG80 I think maybe Christianson does offer a 1 in 8
I will check those out as well. I Saw one or two in Browning as well.
@@BudgeG80 I have a Mark V in 270 wby, I have 2 sons so I need 2 Weatherbys to pass down, after having shoulder surgery I think a 280 AI is probably all the recoil I’ll be able to handle.
300 WSM is an amazing cartridge! Remi Warren loves it with a 200 grain Federal Terminal Ascent.
Loved the video.
Even though i love my 6.8 western i have to admit the 300 wsm is more versatile for now. Looking at you ammo and bullet manufacturers. It would be cool to compare your results here to the older belted stuff. People may be really surprised how little they differ.
300 PRC
That was my pick 300wsm, but like you said, it's one of my favorites after the 270 win. And I do like my 270wsm, but I liked your picks
280 AI is severely under rated, it is everything good about a 7rem mag but in a smaller package with less recoil!
I love everything about the RPM cartridge line but it is crippled by only being produced in the Mark V and with only weatherby producing ammo. I went so far as to email weatherby about adding the RPMs to their vanguard lineup to increase their exposure and they brushed me off saying they saw no reason to do so. It wouldn't even be hard to do is the sad part.
Can’t go wrong with the 300 WSM. Wish the 7 WSM was alive and well…
Agree 100% mate, never understood why the 7wsm didn’t get more love, it’s a rippa, cheers Yogi 🤙✌️
Yep and yep.
The 28 nos is definitely a handloader cartridge. Good brass is available so that helps make it worthwile. It does eat powder and throats though. It’s probably the best if you only shoot very long range. The 300 wsm is my fav, good brass available, easy to load for and tune, very accurate for me.
I would've liked to have seen the 338 Rpm included in the discussion. I'm considering getting one in a Mark V Accumark. I get it though, it's not as popular of a bore diameter as the 6.5's, 28's and 30's. My bias has always been with Winchester cartridges so I'm picking the 6.8 Western and 300 Wsm from the ones you featured with 280 Ai not far behind.
Intriguing point system. Dynamics seem to lean it towards larger caliber which I'm sure will bother some, but I agree that 30 cal is the most versatile caliber for medium to large game.
6.5-300 may be a newer cartridge but isn't really a modern one. May have been a good spot to squeeze the 338 RPM.
Sorry. I will just continue my success with the 3006. It just always gets the job done and ammo is available pretty much everywhere. !! 👍👍😀
I currently own a Winchester in 300WSM, a CA Ridgeline in 28 Nosler, and most recently a Mark V 6.5-300 and have to flip a coin during hunting seasons. These calibers are all great, but they aren't cheap. The 300WSM isn't as easy to find anymore, especially 200 gr Terminal Ascent that my gun loves. Suppressed these all shoot great and WSM 22 inch barrel vs 26 in the other 2 definitely helps.
Sure makes me feel good about going 300wsm, I've seen it everywhere in town now. Here to stay!!
Great episode. The modern part is an interesting premise. It’s almost as if the OLD designs were in between, like the dark ages 😂. From a cartridge design perspective, the 9.3x62 could have made list
I think you got it right. I think the 300 PRC hasn't been around long enough to be in the top spot.
It's def earning its stripes, amazing round.
Love you buddy
i like it. what about 27 Nosler though?
WHAT? You have bias? For shame 😂
Great video. Thanks for the upload.
I have to agree. I wanted to tell you a wrong , but you rated my cartridge number one. It's just so versatile.It's hard to beat. And it is a Is hand loaders dream.
I love my 300wsm browning a-bolt with the "b.o.s.s" barrel system. Its suuuuuuper accurate. I will be buying a 6.8 western though (: just cause
I love my .300 win mag and will always have one…I’ll freely admit the .300 PRC is a smarter and more up to date cartridge design. If I were starting from the ground up I’d probably go .300 PRC or .300 RUM, but as is I have a pile of .300 win mag brass, over a decade of loading and shooting experience with the .300 Winnie, and I just like it and it does what I need it to do.
Good video as always, I’m one of the boring old cartridge guys haha, not even by choice but by default. The old stuff I have isn’t deficient to my need and I’ll just keep using it, but certainly appreciate the newer designs and have no beef with them.
At present my centerfire line up is .243 win, .257 weatherby, 270 win, .300 win mag, .358 Norma mag, and 450 ackley mag. Not a single modern gun in the lineup haha.
Still love my 325 WSM and 6.5 Grendel!
Was 300 win mag not on there?
Not a new cartridge
@@ReloadingWeatherby well thats dumb
@@Bullets4Bucksdid ya not hear the first minute of intro? He’s evaluating MODERN cartridges introduced from 2000 and onward.
I love the .300 win mag as well, if God forbid I only could have one rifle to do everything I need a hunting rifle to do it would be my .300 win mag for that matter. It’s just not what we’re discussing here.
@@roadkillanonymous4807 He is my buddy so I troll him extra hard
@@Bullets4BucksHahhahaha fantastic! Carry on…😁
I agree with you on the 300 wsm.My brother has a 300 wsm and I a 300 win mag using reloads both shooting 220 berger bullets at around 2900 fps.The 300 wsm use way less powerder than the 300 win mag that gave the 300 wsm way better barrel live.At a1000yards accuracy is the same but it is easier to tune the 300 wsm both rifles is custom build and cambers cut to use the longer 220 bergers.The barrels on both rifles is 28 in krieger heavy palma and single shot target RSA actions.I think if you reload the 300 Wsm kan duplicate 300 Prc velocities or at least can be close.
Really enjoyed the video. Don’t really get the bullet diameter column and how it’s different from versatility. Go 300 WSM!
One is diameter and one is the variety of bullet weight
Run that same test and points system with the 300win, 7Rem Mag, and 338win. I bet they hang in there pretty well, and if you already have a gun that shoots well you are not loosing enough to go out and buy more rifles and components to get back to the accuracy you have now. But then again what do I know I'm still hanging on to my 300 H&H.
You forgot the 325 wsm
😂 So Did Everyone Else - Because It is a Dead Cartridge! ☠
It’s dead dude lol
7wsm is dead but 325 is not both winchester and nosler make ammo for it still
The 325 IMO is the best of the bunch just and oddball..
After watching videos on cartridge talks/comparisons and comparing load data and ballistics charts, I wholeheartedly agree with 30 caliber being almost impossible to beat for hunting situations because the distances that game are taken in/out to. You just get more efficient use of powder. Whether you’re talking 308 up to 300 wby mag. 150-190+gr copper bullets will let you take about anything you want to especially when velocities are 3000+ fps
Purely for hunting, the 6.5x300.
By far my favorite modern cartridge design would be the wby rpm cartridges.
I trust the feeding of the longer not too fat designs more.
28 nosler has a great argument for the best overall hunting.
The 280ai is great, but honestly it holds very little more powder than the 280rem, so reloaders could pretty much match it.
I have a great soft spot for the 6.8 western.
For 30 cal it would have to be 300 norma.
It's really complicated, because out east the 6.5s are ideal.
For out west the bigger calibers are better if you only have 1 rifle, but 2 or 3 are the best.
If in Alaska, the 338rpm is the no-brainer.
Obviously, I'm biased, but the nosler cartridges are similar cost to the wbys.
One thing people don't think of about price, is the weatherby's have Peterson brass from all the people in with insider information I've talked to, which is one of the top 3 you can get in quality.
So, a box of ammo for my 6.5prc at around $60 has probably $40 more value in brass compared to my wby's at about $100, and if you don't reload, 1 shot high quality brass is worth a lot.
And of course with some searching online, I can get the cheaper wby loading for about $60 and my crazy 6.5rpm shoots half inch groups with it for some dumb reason.
All that bs said, for the lower 48 where i live the 28 nosler would have to be number 1 for me of the options presented. For hunting, cost and overbore don't matter to me.
I'm not going to plug for a different channel, but there's a Custom rifle maker with a ton of experience, comparing the 3 plus the 7mm rem cartridges out to long range, and while I don't agree on everything, the information is invaluable.
Thanks for the video, and sorry for my long reply.
I would add another category, that being how many different rifles chambered in the cartridge.
Good idea
The 7prc 68gr powder same as the wsm and you gave it a lower score. You also said you were using reloading max data. You shorted the 7 prc in velocity. I know your having velocity issues, but with the right powder it shines.
68 gr in a 300 WSM gets me well over 3000 FPS with a 180 gr bullet. 68 gr in a 7mm PRC with a 180 gr got me 2800 FPS. I was actually being very favorable to the 7mm PRC. I've never hit 2950 FPS with a 175 gr bullet without going over the book max and having a lot of pressure.
@@ReloadingWeatherby the federal premium 175gr eld-x will hit the 3000 mark in a 24in barrel. Hornady ran out of the first loading powder that gave them the 3000fps . They are now using a ball powder with poor fps.
I love the 6.5 isnt versatile yet its shot everything up to and including elephant in a 6.5x55 no less
I forgot about the 30 Nosler 🤯
Some power there for sure.
Hype & hatred aside - the 6.5 Creedmoor has to be on the list. Not because it will knock an elk off its feet at 800 yards, but because it works great for 95% of our hunting (and more). Ammo is available, highly effective and highly accurate, and relatively inexpensive. Lightweight, easy-to-carry rifles chambered for it are still very shootable and help get the youngest and smallest hunters in the field (and it works just as well for us big guys too). What’s not to love? At our house, we have already taken a few antelope with it (in a lightweight mountain rifle with a slender barrel), along with an old muley buck and a big Rocky Mountain Bighorn ram (and a couple of coyotes too, including one at 300 yards). And it’s not done hunting for us!
You forgot that it was the creedmore that started all this wave of new stuff today
@@titomish5914 I didn’t forget.
No cartridge is knocking an elk off its feet at 800 yards except maybe 60mm and upwards.
@@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595 no shit.
@@jasonf.4107 Except that’s literally what you wrote about 6.5 needmoor.
No support here in Canada for the 6.8 Western. I don't have any of these cartridges on the list. If you were talking about 1 gun for everything I would stay above the 27. Price and availability for me would be the 300 WSM or the 7mm PRC.
How is price on the 28 nosler exspensive when certain rounds cost the same as the 300 prc and the 7prc
Cheapest long range for me to shoot 6.5 creedmoor is my first for deer hunting too out to 300ish yards second choice 28 nosler yes barrel burner but the best is ok for my choice. Last its a split decision on my 300 prc or my 7prc. Big game is my 416 rigby or my 375 ruger I don't take my weatherbys out much to say so for the price big time power and penitration goes to the 416
You should push your 300wsm to see if it can get the performance of or as close to the 300prc with a 212gr ELDx.
I'll see what I can do
In the wider world, 6.8 Western is a very underrated cartridge.
In the Reloading Weatherby comment section, it is overrated lmao. It looks like a 6.8 cult in here!
Anyways, all hail the 300wsm. I'll be getting one by the end of the year!
Haha
Are you talking about price on ammo or price on gun? Cause I got my 6.5 x 300 Weatherby in a vanguard for 750.00 the ammo I can find for 40.00 a box. Which I feel is pretty darn good for a Weatherby.
Wow how did you find Weatherby ammo for only $40?
Heck yeah my current choice (and choice over the last 10 years) of 30 cal magnums WON 🥇 by 3 points.
Sadly for me though, it is hard to find a threaded left handed rifle in that cartridge and I can’t find ammo for it locally anymore anywhere. Thankfully 😅 I can reload.
I might sell my right hand Savage M110 Long Range Hunter in 300 WSM and eventually buy a threaded left handed rifle in either another 30 cal since I do have some 308 size bullets or go to a 7mm cartridge of sorts. Not 100% sure which one and which rifle.
I like the color coding. Hornady is all red, right? 😝
Hi, I have a old model Mark five weatherby by Sauer, I would like changing the barrel, for à Lothar walter barrel , in the same caliber, the 7 Weatherby magnum, but I think in 1/9 or 1/10 twist, for médium to heavy bullets . What do you think ?😊
Do a 1in9 twist
@@ReloadingWeatherby thank you, I think 1/9 is better.
I am in Alaska going to pick up a 7mm PRC. Checks too many boxes for me thnx for the vid
Enjoy! I would recommend a 26 inch barrel
Anyone that owns a belted magnum already, could ignore all the contestants in your competition. Unless you got the 'I wants', then buy a few of these, and good on ya 😊
Thanks for watching Mike
338 RCM or 338 RPM would be my choice if I was forced to shoot any modern cartridge. 300 WSM is the only one from your list I’d pick. 360 Buckhammer is the only modern cartridge I’m currently interested in getting into.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
What... 300 RUM missed by a couple of years?😮
1 year I believe
I have been seriously looking at that Weatherby 338RPM
It's good!
Yeah, I'm kind of surprised you didn't actually have that as one of the contenders
The 300 wsm and 7mm prc used the exact same amount of powder, but you gave them a different rating! 🤭
I mean... 300 WSM is a bit faster with the same weight bullets
I'm not a fan of you just to be honest but I agree on this one I own a 270wsm I bought yrs ago and I wished numerous times I would have got the 300 instead such a great round and u can still find ammo for it. Love ur videos and the time u put in we just do not agree on the 7mmprc 😊
Well that must be conflicting for you. You don't like me as a person, but like my content... Did you see my most recent 7mm PRC short? I think you will like it!
@ReloadingWeatherby I didn't mean I didn't like u as a person lol dang 😂 I don't know u
I have never had anything I've shot with my 300wsm. They just drop! I've used it on coues deer, mule deer and elk out last 400 yards. It has never failed me!
300 WSM is what I'm going with because I own it
🕵️♂️ Oh, And You Also Left Out Magazine Capacity! So, Another Point For The 280 AI! 😜 You Also Should Have Included Required Barrel Length Too (Another Point For the 280 AI Over Those Big "Bulky" 30's)! You Also Need a Heavier Gun Too - So, Yet Another Point For the 280 AI! 🤣 No Bias Here! 🤭
Which one kills them deader?
6.5-300
My old BDL 7mm Remington magnum is about the best besides my 300 win mag
the newbies are just trying to imitate them.
Why no 338 RPM?
🤔 Austin, When You Are Done With Your Summer Cartridge Rating Series, You Can Test Your Picks and Theories! After You Finish Your 7mm RM vs. 7mm prc Series, You Could Do a 300 WM vs. 300 wsm (Because the 300 wsm is so popular)! Then, Follow With a 7mm "Showdown" With the 280 AI (Since it is Also so Popular) vs. The Winner of the 7mm prc vs. 7mm RM! Then, Since You Returned the 7mm prc and Bought That 280 AI By Then (😜), Show What 6 extra grains of powder will get you vs. It's Classic "Top 5 Brethern" - the 270 Winchester and the 30-06!🔥 😱
Not sure what your versatility criteria is but I think you’re underrating the 6.5prc in that department.
What bullet weight offerings you have. 6.5mm is pretty limited
@@ReloadingWeatherby fair enough
If they just made 300wsm brass available and affordable I would get one but it’s not. I started to shift to all 30-06 derivatives just because of brass availability and I have someone to cut barrels for me.
Hopefully more companies start making brass for it
I wish you would've put the .325 WSM in this test.
Maybe I should do a separate video on it
@@ReloadingWeatherby I wish you would!
Another great round that’s now more or less a lead balloon, cheers Yogi 🤙✌️
Good review. When you make the spreadsheet add a 2nd column for the caliber again. Put it in Column O. It will make it easier to see the results. I think you should give the 6.8 Western 24 point and put it in a 3-way tie. I think the 7 PRC might also need to be bumped to 23. Thanks for sharing.
Found a great podcast show Browning new x-bolt 2 in a 6.8 Western. Backcountry hunting podcast did a great job. share the love 6.8 Western czcams.com/video/WwXhEwtaeYY/video.html
Nice- but should have included wind drift😮
🤪 You'll Be Surprised To Hear That I Agree With You!!! 😱 When You Take Into Account Ammunition Availability, The 300 WSM Comes Out on Top! 🥳 Personally, Because I Will Be Handloading, I Would Rather Have the 280 AI (Factoring in Recoil and Performance Needs) - Though the 300 wsm is Definitely in My Top 5 "All Time Great" SAMMI "All Purpose Cartridges"! 🤑
7-6.5prc or 7prcw, heave hitters , short action , recoil same as 308
1 of 3 looks like the "Alaskan creedmore", 300 WSM
Not a fan of the 300 WSM?
@@ReloadingWeatherby I have 1 in model 70 the year the 300 WSM was born. I got it for lighter weight, kicks like a 338
27 Nosler!
Also, Why Did You Exclude The 27 Nosler? 🤷♂️
It's dead
I also lean towards the 300 WSM as the best hunting cartridge of the bunch. Interesting that the top three were .308 cartridges.
I'm biased
😱 Aren't We All? The Only Question Is How Much Merit Do Your "Biases" Have - Like a 30 Nosler on Antelope and Whitetail Deer? Aren't There "Better Choices" For The Only Species That Most People Get To Hunt? 🤷♂️
@@ReloadingWeatherby 300 PRC is not that versatile if you consider there are no factory loads for the lighter bullets (150 - 180 grains).
Definitely interesting. There is absolutely room for disagreement. However, pretty good.
What would you put as number 1?
@@ReloadingWeatherby using your system and metrics, I would have to agree with your choice. However, as just a general overall hunting round, 280 ackley.
6.5 not known for its versatility!? Do not tell the Scandinavians!
280 AI. Much better all around.
6.5 x55 swede same as last 150 years.
30-30 WIN still wins in the Virginia mountains
Spending time, money, and brain power on exercise and scouting is way more important.
7prc isnt getting those velocities unless in a over 26" barrel and not including 6.8 western is noticeable. 300 norma mag should in here too.
Hey would be cool to get some 375 ruger content on the channel of course if possible, think it’s an underrated modern cartridge, a 375 magnum 260gr Nosler accbound with 30-06 trajectories and 2300 foot pounds of energy at 500 yards with 24 in barrel, cheers🤙🏻
I'll see what I can do
I just made a comment that he missed the Ruger cartridges too.
@@kbowen2251 Hornady made the Ruger cartridges…
@@wyattgraham5711 i know that but they still have Ruger in the name...
Everyone forgets about 6.5rpm
Dude should include accuracy… arguably the most important metric. Certain cartridges like 7PRC have been shown to have very reliable accuracy and also seem to work with a wide variety of ammo in many guns
That definitely hasn't been my experience. From budget to high end 7mm PRC rifles... factory ammo accuracy has been mediocre at best
@@ReloadingWeatherby I’ve pretty consistently heard otherwise… still should include that, if measurable, as a metric.
@@ReloadingWeatherby As well i’ve always liked something about the 300 WSM but find the idea of it in a long action to be much more interesting. Maybe you can look that up and..especially considering your results here.. make a video shooting it or about it sometime
I don't agree with your definition of versatile. Yes, 300PRC can shoot many things, but it's over the top to go and shoot varmints or target for most people with that recoil and cost and is a bit overkill for smaller big game (Springbok, Impala, warthog). Other than that, excellent video!
Fair point! Thanks for watching
8,5x55 blaser is probably one of the best modern cartridges, 338win mag performance from a short barrel.
#Bullet selection from 130-300gr
#powder efficient so it likes short barrels with silencer
#enough energy for every big game animal on the planet
# strong brass
#short bolt
#8,5mm (338) have probably the best bc bullets above 30cal wich means high energy att long range.
#not a barrel burner
#low recoil