When it comes to hunting and long-range shooting, having the right caliber is crucial. Two popular options for these applications are the 6.8 Western and the 300 Win Mag. Both cartridges have their pros and cons, and choosing the right one can depend on several factors such as game size, distance, and shooting style. In this article, we will take a closer look at both cartridges and compare them to help you make an informed decision.
Here is the short answer:
The 6.8 Western is better for long-range shooting than the 300 Win mag due to its better long-range energy retention. But the 300 Win Mag is more versatile and has more energy at close range making it better for hunting in thick brush.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look in-depth at each cartridge their ballistics, and how they compare in-depth.
In-depth look at the 6.8 Western
The 6.8 Western is a relatively new cartridge that was introduced by Winchester and Browning in 2021. It is designed to provide a flat trajectory, with minimal recoil, and excellent accuracy all in a short action rifle platform
The 6.8 Western uses a bullet weight between 150 and 170-grains but most commonly uses a 165-grain bullet. It has a muzzle velocity of up to 3,000 feet per second and a muzzle energy of up to 2,800 foot pounds. These specifications make the 6.8 Western a versatile cartridge that can take down large game, such as elk or moose, at medium ranges of up to 600 yards.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 6.8 Western with a 160-grain Winchester Accubond LR:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2970 | 3134 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 2893 | 2973 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.4 | 2817 | 2819 |
| 150 | -0.9 | 1.1 | 2742 | 2672 |
| 200 | -2.9 | 2 | 2669 | 2531 |
| 250 | -6.2 | 3.1 | 2597 | 2396 |
| 300 | -10.7 | 4.5 | 2526 | 2267 |
| 350 | -16.5 | 6.2 | 2456 | 2143 |
| 400 | -23.8 | 8.2 | 2387 | 2024 |
| 450 | -32.7 | 10.5 | 2319 | 1911 |
| 500 | -43.2 | 13.2 | 2253 | 1803 |
In-depth look at the 300 Win Mag
The 300 Win Mag, also known as the 300 Winchester Magnum, has been around since 1963. It is a powerful cartridge that is designed for long-range shooting and big-game hunting. The 300 Win Mag has a bullet diameter of .308 inches, a case length of 2.62 inches, and an overall length of 3.34 inches.
The 300 Win Mag uses a variety of bullet weights, ranging from 150 to 220 grains. It has a muzzle velocity of up to 3,500 feet with lighter bullets per second and a muzzle energy of up to 4,000-foot pounds with heavier bullets. Because you can either get a lot of energy or velocity from the same rifle it makes the 300 Win mag a versatile cartridge that can be used for a game as small as deer to as big as grizzly bear,
Here is a ballistics chart of the 300 Win Mag with a 180-grain soft point bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2960 | 3502 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 2852 | 3250 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.7 | 2746 | 3013 |
| 150 | -0.9 | 1.6 | 2643 | 2791 |
| 200 | -3.1 | 2.9 | 2542 | 2582 |
| 250 | -6.6 | 4.5 | 2443 | 2385 |
| 300 | -11.6 | 6.6 | 2346 | 2200 |
| 350 | -18.2 | 9.2 | 2252 | 2027 |
| 400 | -26.5 | 12.3 | 2160 | 1864 |
| 450 | -36.6 | 15.9 | 2070 | 1712 |
| 500 | -48.8 | 20 | 1982 | 1570 |
In-depth comparison
When comparing the 6.8 Western and the 300 Win Mag, it’s essential to consider their strengths and weaknesses. The 6.8 Western is a lightweight cartridge that is easy to shoot, has minimal recoil, and is versatile enough to take down medium-sized game at long range. However, it may not be as effective against larger game, such as elk or moose, at close distances as the 300 Win Mag.
The 300 Win Mag, while it is more effective at close range than the 6.8 Western, it may have too much recoil for some shooters. This recoil could lead to some shooters developing a flinch over time decreasing accuracy. However, this recoil could easily be more manageable with the addition of a muzzle break which would reduce recoil to be lower than that of the 6.8 Western.
When it comes to versatility, the 300 Win Mag beats the 6.8 Western. Because the 300 Win Mag has a far wider array of available bullet weights, it can be used for a wider array of hunting situations.
The last thing to consider is cost and availability. The 300 Win mag costs less per round than the 6.8 Western by about 75 cents. The Win Mag is also a far more popular round as it has been around longer, therefore it will be easier to find a rifle chambered in 300 Win Mag and ammo will be far easier to find. the last consideration in this field is barrel burnout as the 6.8 Western is going to experience barrel burnout far faster than the 300 Win Mag.
Conclusion
Choosing between the 6.8 Western and the 300 Win Mag depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are a hunter or shooter who prefers a lightweight, versatile cartridge that is easy to shoot and can take down big game at long range, the 6.8 Western may be the best choice for you. However, if you are a big-game hunter who keeps their shots within 400 yards and wants a rifle easy to find, you will want the 300 Win Mag.