New for 2022 is Winchester’s Extreme Weather Model 70 MB chambered in the new 6.8 Western. This is the first 6.8 Western I’ve worked with and found it interesting. Delivering bullets with high B.C.s that are heavier than available for the 6.5 PRC holds promise. It was noted that Winchester’s website shows that the .270 Winchester Short Magnum is no longer in production, which begs the question: Was the .270 WSM competition for the new 6.8 Western?
This rig braves the elements with a Bell And Carlson graphite stock with aluminum bedding block, and a matte stainless action and fluted barrel. The Extreme Weather rifle’s fluted free-floating barrel features a recessed target crown to protect the rifling.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
This rifle carries well, tipping the scales at 7 pounds. It handles recoil moderately well, assisted by a muzzle brake and a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad.
Like current Model 70s, it features a Pre’-64 type claw extractor with controlled round feeding. The internal magazine’s cartridge feed lips are machined as part of the receiver for improved reliability in feeding. Working the action proved to be smooth right out of the box.
In the accuracy department, this Model 70 couldn’t quite keep five shots sub-MOA. Thin barrels heat up quickly, and groups open up, too. When the dust settled and targets were pulled, this Winchester averaged 1.497 MOA for all shooters at all ranges. MSRP is $1,770.
