30-06 vs. 270

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¤_Ozark_¤_Hunter_¤

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So probably one of the most argued topics almost as much as which truck is the best the 30-06 Springfield versus the 270 Winchester. Although I have my own opinion of the two I ask not for knowledge but for the opinion of others. In the end is it really even possible to compare two such evenly matched caliber. Id like to think so, so let's hear those opinions!
 
I really don't have an opinion of which one is better as much as each one might be better suited to certain situations or game. For instance the 270 which for knowledge purposes might be better thought of as a .277-06 is a flater shooting round. It could possibly be used for a decent varmit gun and used to for game all the way up to elk size. The 30-06 is a heavy hitter probably the most popular round ever. My opinion good for game all the way from small white tails up to moose. That's my opinion.
 
Both of 'em good for game all the way from small white tails up to moose and beyond. Amounts to the difference between the '06 and .308. Not much.
 
If you want to use heavier bullets than 150gr go with the 30-06. If you don't, choose the one with the prettiest stock! ;)
 
The .30/06 will do everything a .270 will do, and a lot more with substantially heavier bullets and a larger would channel. The .270 is a fine cartridge, but the 06 is king.
 
I have both rifles and use both rifles. I prefer to shoot the .270 over the .30-06 at the range but in the field there is no real difference between the two. I wouldn't hesitate to use either interchangeably on all game huntable in the lower 48 states. The only time the 06 is better IMO is if a guy was hunting large Brown Bears.
 
Better is an opinion.

Whether you value lower recoil or more loading options tends to flavor which one you decide is "better" for you.
 
I have two .270's and no .30-06's. 'nuff said.


(just kidding-although I don't have an 06, doesn't mean very much at all-both are very fine cartridges)
 
In 1925 when the 270 came out they were 2 very different cartridges. With todays better loads and bullets they are as close to twins as it gets. The best 30-06 hand loads can push 150 gr bullets to 3100 fps with trajectories so close to 130's in a 270 to not matter. Premium 150 gr 270 bullets will perform on game pretty much like 180's from a 30-06. There are some 200-215 gr long range bullet options for hand loaders in 30-06 that the 270 has no answer for. But for at least 90% of us they aren't needed.

Back in 1974 I bought a 30-06 based on the advice my mentors gave me. I never saw much reason to change, but honesty forces me to admit that for the majority of shooters the 270 just might be the better option between the 2.
 
Having owned both, and own neither now (I have .308's) the only reason "I" would pick the 06 is availability of factory loaded ammo and as a reloader bullets and brass.
 
Flip a coin, I just sold my .270 and picked up a .280 Remington, I have used the 270Win, .280Rem, and 30/06 interchangeable for everything up to Elk. I have no doubt I will find a .270 I can't live without and I'll have a three some again.. Any or all of these rounds will work fine for everything except for the big bears which I have zero interest in hunting, usually what ever I put my hands on first is the rifle/caliber I use to hunt with. I have lots of 270 reloading components, its just a matter of time before I find another one.. William
 
I have two .270's and no .30-06's. 'nuff said.


(just kidding-although I don't have an 06, doesn't mean very much at all-both are very fine cartridges)
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Well I have 2 30-06s's and no 270's so there.
I do have a .280 though.
All great cartridges.
 
kcub said:
270 better for long shots, 30-06 better for running shots, usually not advisable.
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Care to explain this one? The .308 caliber rifles have far better choices of bullets for long range shooting than there are for the .277 calibers. Plus I have no idea how one would be better on running game than the other.
 
The two are very similar, despite the oceans of ink and galaxies of electrons wasted trying to delve their differences. The 270 shoots a little flatter, kicks a little less, isn't quite as powerful. The 30-06 hits a bit harder, kicks a bit more.

Either one makes a superb general purpose hunting cartridge.
 
During the last panic, there were great big piles of .270 ammo at all the Walmarts I went to, and it was reportedly widely available nationwide.

Personally, I want to reload someday, so I might go with a .30-06.
 
Why not split the difference and get the best N.A. hunting round ever devised, the Improved .270, aka the .280 Remington, aka the 7mm Remington Express? That's what I did. I have a fondness for both the .280 and .280 AI, especially the regular .280. Divested of .270. Kept 30-06 though.
 
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270 for me cause I have a 300 win mag so don't need a 30 06. All three ammo's are pretty easy to find at wally world in a pinch.
 
I posted earlier about my likes for the .270 over the 06, but forgot to mention I also like my 7 X 57 (1980's vintage M70 Feathweight) better than the .270!

(Maybe my next post I state that I like my .250-3000 better than the 7 X57!).
 
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