.308 or .270


Mach1

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I know I've mentioned that I'm looking at getting a new rifle and I've pretty much settled on a .270 for what I'd be using it for (coyotes in IL, with the hopes of going out west for pronghorn/mulies/elk). I know that many consider the .270 a solid all-around cartridge (the 30-06 is as well), but I don't really hear much about the .308 as a big game cartridge and generally just hear it being used for varmints and target shooting. I've just kinda started looking at .308s to see how they perform.

For you more experienced rifle shooters, what are your thoughts on the .308 vs the .270 for the uses I've mentioned?

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308 and 270

I have both and I have shot quite a few deer with each. I think overall the .270 is the better choice. It's a flatter shooter and I think it just hits a deer a lot harder. The .270 does not have a great deal of recoil, lot's of loads available, and almost every rifle made is chmbered for it in some fashion. I have a good # of rifles and if I could only have (1) I am pretty sure it would be chambered in .270.

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I think it is a toss up as far as using factory loaded ammo. Both have a lot to pick from for most applications.

If you reload, you can get a bit more out of your choice caliber and tweak it to your rifle. If you plan a significant amount of western states hunting, I would give the edge to the .270. If you reload, you can get a .308 to stretch its trajectory a little more.

I really can't see you going wrong with either of them. However, if you ever have any ideas about heading north for some larger, more dangerous game, most will recommend something a bit bigger. The specifics of your hunt will point you to the appropriate caliber and rifle model.

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Good advice so far..........

It's really a toss up for what you want to do with the rifle. Both can easily do the job.

The 270 is probably better ballistically where as the 308 being a short action, the rifles can be had in shorter and lighter packages which to some people is a big consideration to some. There are always going to be tradeoffs.

It might even come down to the individual rifle that feels better to you whos knows.:) You might even go out and try different makes and models and see what you think and then make a cartridge choice. The one you pick might not be available.

How about a wildcat, 270-08 it's part of both :D:D:D

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Good advice so far..........

It's really a toss up for what you want to do with the rifle. Both can easily do the job.

The 270 is probably better ballistically where as the 308 being a short action, the rifles can be had in shorter and lighter packages .........

Pretty much the differences. The .308 will, however, give you the option to choose up to a 200 gr. bullet in factory loads. I believe the .270 only goes to 150 gr. Only place the extra 50 grains would really be helpful is with bears, elk, moose , etc.

You pick.

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doubleA----wildcat 270-08-----That would be a 30/06, I believe--CB :)

errrrrrrrrrrr no, the 270-08 would be taking a 308 Win case and necking it down to take a .277" bullet , hence the two seventy ought eight.:D:D:D

If you were to do so, necking down the 7mm-08 would be the way to go.

But with the factory loaded 260 Rem (aka 6.5/.264 08) and the 7mm-08 (aka .284-08) why bother as you would'nt gain anything over the 2 unless you like wildcatting:)

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I think the .270 is a much better round than the .308. The .308 drops very fast after 200 yards compared to the .270. Yes, the .308 is accurate, but not a flat enough shooter to satisfy me out in the high country or the antelope country. If you want a bigger bullet than a .270.... step up to a 7mm Magnum.... my favorite for the U.S. game.

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It looks like the 270 mirrors the 22-250 pretty much as far as being a flat shooter, but is able to do something when it get's there. I have a remington 700 mountain rifle in 270 it's very light and compact. I can shoot 2.5" groups @ 400 Yds. with factory core-loks and i'm no marksman. It's topped with a nikon monarch. It would do you just fine

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While never shooting a .270, I have shot and owned a .30-06. Recoil to me seemed the same as a 7mm. I have picked up a .308 for my new rifle last year in a Tikka T3 Lite. Very accurate rifle to say the least right out of the box. 200 yards is a long way off, and I don't think you'd be under gunned with a .308 over a .270. Like strut mentioned, you do have the capability of using heavier weight bullets with the .308. Here in the deer woods of New York the .308 works fine. Personal choice all the way.

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