EricF Posted December 29, 2008 Report Share Posted December 29, 2008 Would like your opinions on .270 Winchester for western deer hunting, including mule and whitetail. I'm currently in a 'debate' of sorts and just want to make myself feel better. I shoot 7mag out west and believe it to be superior for longer ranges and application of downrange energy. Maybe I'm wrong, but the ballistics tell me I'm not. This individual is under the belief that "the .270 will reach a 500 yard deer and kill it." I agree you can kill it, but hitting him and applying necessary energy for a quick and humane kill is where I disagree. I'm in the "overgunned is always the better choice" club. Any opinions? It's okay to tell me I'm the one twisted. While we're on it...what's your opinion on epoxy bedding of scope bases and rings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted December 29, 2008 Report Share Posted December 29, 2008 Welcome to the forums. No doubt the 7 mag offers more factory ammo options that deliever more energy at those distances. I think however if an able hunter/shooter is taking shots at that distance on deer sized game that a .270 with the right ammo might still be able to effectively and ethically kill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJL Posted December 29, 2008 Report Share Posted December 29, 2008 You asked for it....................... The 270 Win is a wonderful cartridge. Well suited for muleys and whitetails and effective to whatever range YOU can shoot it proficiently. 500 yard shots are for the non-hunters in our sport. If one cannot get within 500 yards of a game animal the gig is up.........animal wins. My opinion............FWIW. I'm a firm believer in closing the distance and BOOM...........DEAD. As a bow hunter by nature shot placement is EVERYTHING and the key to short blood trails. When I grab a gun I want them down NOW.............over. I've seen too many times someone limited themselves to the minimum bullet and the perfect shot only to have the animal get onto land that they didn't have access to.............not good. 338 Win Mag...........................................175 yards............Good Shot..............GAME OVER................ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricF Posted December 29, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 29, 2008 Thanks! I agree with all said. Here in my neck of the woods, everyone who says they made a 300 yard shot, really made a 150 yard shot. After I confirm it with a rangfinder, the reply is always "man it sure looks further than that":D Thanks again folks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm23494 Posted December 29, 2008 Report Share Posted December 29, 2008 I've been shooting a .270 for about 8 years now and have no regrets doing so. It is generally easy to find ammo for it since it is such a popular caliber (at least here in PA where the orange army roams). I've taken shots out to 200 yards and have had no problems with killing deer. This past season I shot my doe at 130 yards and she went a whole 15 yards before she dropped. I had another shot at a deer at 330 yards and would have taken the shot if I had had a good rest but decided against it. Usually when I miss it is the shooter and not the gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest shorty785 Posted December 29, 2008 Report Share Posted December 29, 2008 i used to shoot a 270 till i got a hold of my 7mm wouldnt go back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texan_Til_I_Die Posted December 29, 2008 Report Share Posted December 29, 2008 The 270 is a great round for any type of deer at "normal" ranges. But if your friend is serious about taking 500 yard shots at game animals, he needs to upgrade to something like a 338 Lapua Magnum or a 50 BMG. Oh, and he might want to practice just a wee bit before trying those 1/3 mile shots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted December 29, 2008 Report Share Posted December 29, 2008 I shoot a .270, have for about 12yrs now. I have shot deer from 10 to 250yds, and killed all. Have yet to lose one that I hit, and never had a very far tracking job. I wouldn't shoot anything else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted December 30, 2008 Report Share Posted December 30, 2008 Pretty well covered here. The .270 wasn't Jack O'Connor's fav-o-rite for no reason. Reasonably flat trajectory, little recoil, power to kill at all sane ranges. Wonder why they even make any other caliber for non-dangerous game?? Now.........you wanna talk 500 yard shots on game?? Might not be the best tool for the job. There are some of the big fire-breathing, barrel burners that are quite a bit more suited for that task. However, at 500 yards and beyond (quite a bit closer for some guys I've watched shooting) the guy behind the gun is usually the wrong tool for the job. As for epoxy bedding scope components......... the heavy recoilers need it. Most rifles do not. Better throw in a set of #8 screws, too, if you think you need the epoxy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeNRA Posted December 30, 2008 Report Share Posted December 30, 2008 I've been shooting a .270 for about 8 years now and have no regrets doing so. It is generally easy to find ammo for it since it is such a popular caliber (at least here in PA where the orange army roams). I've taken shots out to 200 yards and have had no problems with killing deer. This past season I shot my doe at 130 yards and she went a whole 15 yards before she dropped. I had another shot at a deer at 330 yards and would have taken the shot if I had had a good rest but decided against it. Usually when I miss it is the shooter and not the gun. Been using my 270 for 18 years! All the deer I shot with never went more than 20 yards! Most drop right in their tracks! Shot placement is critical! Had a few that were around 150 yards long, but mostly under 100 yards. Like JJL said, if you cant close the distance from under 500 yards, not worth the chance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grady269 Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 I think when it comes to flat shooting long range guns that the .257 Weatherby mag would be my first choice. 500 yds is a stretch even for a really experienced shooter. By experienced I mean the guy who has a 800yd range behind his house and shoots all the time. 350-400 yds is a real poke in a hunting situation and it even then requires a steday rest to shoot from. The .257 Weatherby sighted in @ 2.7" high @ 100 yds will drop 7 inches @ 400 yds. That is about a flat as there is out there for a dead on hold out to 400 yds. Plus you can buy it for $399 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PotashRLS Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 50 BMG. Please post pictures!!:eek::eek: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texan_Til_I_Die Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 I only wish I had a 50! I did get to shoot a friend's 338 Lapau a couple of months ago. WOW! Was I impressed. I'm not a very good long range shot, but even I could hit bowling ball sized rocks at 500 yards. And that was shooting off the bipod, not a bench. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tink Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 7MMis a better killer I have seen a lot fo game deer and Africn game lsot witha 270 WIN There is swelcom game lost with a 7 MM I Lady At the nosler faactory is selling her 300WSM to buya 7 MM Mag in Remington 700 WHY the 7 MM Mag is a bter killer than the 300 WSM She works there I would get a .270 Win for a Lady but the .270 has sharp kick about like a 7 mm Rem Mag Tink Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 the 7 MM Mag is a bter killer than the 300 WSM Tink Ummmmmm.................... O.K. Seems to be a pretty broad brush to paint with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PotashRLS Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 I have seen a lot fo game deer and Africn game lsot witha 270 WIN There is swelcom game lost with a 7 MM I Lady At the nosler faactory is selling her 300WSM to buya 7 MM Mag in Remington 700 WHY the 7 MM Mag is a bter killer than the 300 WSM She works there I would get a .270 Win for a Lady but the .270 has sharp kick about like a 7 mm Rem Mag Tink I actually have both of those.... Browning Abolt Hunter wood matte in a .300 WSM and a Ruger M77 MkII Stainless with the old Skeleton stock in a 7mm Rem Mag. The Ruger 7mm is my favorite "Old Betty Lou" trust-worthy take anywhere paddle the boat 1" group at 100 yds gun. The Browning .300 WSM is much newer and has seen significantly less time in the woods. I killed one buck with the .300 loaded with the plain old Winchester 180gr. PPs. The bullet didn't even penetrate the whole deer on a nice quartering away shot at 125 yds. We're working up a good handload to remedy that problem. It is however a sub 1" at 100 yd gun. Usually when they are sitting side by side in the gun cabinet, I reach for the Ruger 1st. My cousin has killed a lot of deer with his .270 so for sure it is a good deer gun out to 300 yards and a bit further depending on who is shooting it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricF Posted January 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2009 I have seen a lot fo game deer and Africn game lsot witha 270 WIN There is swelcom game lost with a 7 MM I Lady At the nosler faactory is selling her 300WSM to buya 7 MM Mag in Remington 700 WHY the 7 MM Mag is a bter killer than the 300 WSM She works there I would get a .270 Win for a Lady but the .270 has sharp kick about like a 7 mm Rem Mag Tink I appreciate all the responses. We all have our favorites, just like trucks...and I appreciate the candidness. Tink...I'm new here and simply getting a response from you made my day...never knew you were a professional in Africa though! My wife's uncle in PA has a room dedicated to his African trips...unbelievable! Thanks guys and gals....good info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubleA Posted January 1, 2009 Report Share Posted January 1, 2009 (edited) Quote: Originally Posted by Texan_Til_I_Die 50 BMG. Please post pictures!!:eek::eek: Potash, here's a pic I took recently after an afternoon of shooting and drinking cocoa. da fifty is on the far right.......... Edited January 1, 2009 by doubleA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PotashRLS Posted January 1, 2009 Report Share Posted January 1, 2009 Quote: Originally Posted by Texan_Til_I_Die 50 BMG. Please post pictures!!:eek::eek: Potash, here's a pic I took recently after an afternoon of shooting and drinking cocoa. da fifty is on the far right.......... SHAAAAAAWING!! Not that you are ugly or anything but if Sarah Palin was pictured shooting it, it would make it a perfect 10 instead of a 9. You have my utmost respect, especially since you could probably reach me from there with that thing:eek:. The cocoa in the comment was quite funny till I actually looked close and saw the snowman mug with marshmallowy hot cocoa in it. I nearly peed my pants laughing so hard. Thats priceless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubleA Posted January 1, 2009 Report Share Posted January 1, 2009 Not knocking Sarah.... not a governor but a housewife..... my wife is better looking and twice the the huntress, ....now if I could just get her to shoot the big guns :D:D Now, where did the Swissmiss go?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rinky Posted January 2, 2009 Report Share Posted January 2, 2009 SHAAAAAAWING!! Not that you are ugly or anything but if Sarah Palin was pictured shooting it, it would make it a perfect 10 instead of a 9. You have my utmost respect, especially since you could probably reach me from there with that thing:eek:. The cocoa in the comment was quite funny till I actually looked close and saw the snowman mug with marshmallowy hot cocoa in it. I nearly peed my pants laughing so hard. Thats priceless. Yeah what he said... and I couldnt find the 50, thanks for saying its local..... HAHA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Country Posted January 2, 2009 Report Share Posted January 2, 2009 I have both a .270 and a 7mm Remington Magnum (both are Savage bolt rifles)...both are very effective at deer out to 300 yards. My 7mm is equipped with a mil-dot "sniper-style" scope and is calibrated out to 500 yards, though I have never shot at anything but paper out past 300 yards. My preference for hunting in the mountainous areas of eastern Kentucky (where deer can go a long way in a short time--stone dead--straight downhill) is the 7mm with a good bullet. I killed a nice 7-pt buck with it this year with a 7mm Winchester Supreme 150 gr Ballistic Silvertip. I always aim for the point of the shoulder when hunting in eastern Kentucky. The deer took only a single step before falling. On recovery, both the entrance and exit (always an exit hole) was about 5 inches in diameter with a generous portion of the right lung lying on the hillside ten feet behind the buck. The range was only about 50 yards though. The .270 has always been lethal, but I have never had a deer drop in its tracks, though they generally do not go far. I finished my hunting season on a farm in north eastern Kentucky with my father and brother just before Thanksgiving with an antlerless deer and then helped the landowner track down a large 9-pt that he shot that morning with a .270. The deer traveled over 150 yards before falling over a 40 foot cliff. We nearly lost that deer. The shot was a double lung hit right behind the left shoulder. My cousin also killed a small buck on opening day with his .270. The deer went about 30 yards before pilling up. The 130 gr Winchester Silvertip did not exit and did not stay together either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricF Posted January 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2009 Thanks High Country!! Interesting info...similar to what I witnessed this fall. Same ballistic tip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snapper Posted January 3, 2009 Report Share Posted January 3, 2009 The .270 has always been lethal, but I have never had a deer drop in its tracks, though they generally do not go far. I finished my hunting season on a farm in north eastern Kentucky with my father and brother just before Thanksgiving with an antlerless deer and then helped the landowner track down a large 9-pt that he shot that morning with a .270. The deer traveled over 150 yards before falling over a 40 foot cliff. We nearly lost that deer. The shot was a double lung hit right behind the left shoulder. My cousin also killed a small buck on opening day with his .270. The deer went about 30 yards before pilling up. The 130 gr Winchester Silvertip did not exit and did not stay together either. These examples are because either shot placement or bullet...not cal. I have a Win. model 70 in .270win, although I haven't used it for years...130 nosler ballistic tip (loaded a little hot) will infact drop a deer in its tracks! I've shot many deer with this gun and ammo combo anywhere from 50 yards to almost 400 yards...high shoulder shot puts them where they stood. I never had any good experiences with any of Winchesters factory ammo...I've tried the silver tip, brozne tip, fail safe's, etc... in 270 and .25 WSSM and wasn't pleased with any of them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unioncountyslayer Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Hey Eric! The buck I shot a couple days after you left MRO was with my T/C Encore .270 Win. Shot him right at 230 yards. The only recommendation I would make when shooting a .270 out west is to go with a partition bullet, rather than a ballistic tip, because the hide on Western animals is thicker, and the ballistics just don't seem to have the pass-through power/speed of a partition. Glad to see you on here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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