Relative Amateur Needs Help re .270 Caliber

P

Panoply

New member
Hello,

I recently had my CZ 550FS stolen. I don't want to go into details, as it is still pretty <...> raw a wound. It was chambered in .308. I have advanced Rheumatoid Arthritis and the .308 would cause me problems whenever I put a lot of rounds through it. Even putting a couple of dozen rounds downrange had the potential to cause me problems several hours later/the next morning.

So, I'm looking at replacing it with a .270. I'd like to know what game animals I could take with this caliber. Though I am MUCH more of a 'paper-hunter' I do like to go after hogs and, occasionally, deer. Also, I'd like to know the upper range of animals this round is suitable for - in case I ever get the opportunity I'd like to have the right rifle. And yes, I'll be getting another CZ 550FS. Adore those rifles.

Thanks & God Bless,
Pan
 
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The 270 is an iconic hunting cartridge, suitable for all N. American game, with the exception of the largest Brown bear. The 270 has a rabid following, many of whom can't see the need for any other chambering.

The 270 will recoil more than your late 308 in a rifle of the same weight. So, if your 308 hurt your injured shoulder you may want to consider another chambering.

Locally the 270 is popular and hunters it use for antelope, deer, elk and moose, as well as blackbear.

If you reload you could tailor your ammo to the intended game. You could also load light for range time to ease the battering of your shoulder.

Good luck and let the forum know what you choose.
 
First off, my condolences for your loss. I think theft is maybe worse than if you ran over the rifle with a big truck and destroyed it as there can be more anger attached to such a loss. However, if you recorded the serial number and reported it to the police, there is a chance that it could come back to you someday.
I'm one of those guys that thinks the 270 is a most excellent cartridge. Like the 308, the 270 is supposed to recoil less than the 30-'06. and with the basic 130 grain factory loads that may be true. Hot, handloaded 150 grain bullets will be another thing. The 270 is generally somewhat more powerful than the 308 and thus may recoil slightly more in otherwise identical rifles. I doubt you could notice the difference. A good recoil pad is very helpful. I like the slip-on kind. You can also manage recoil by handloading your ammo. Since powerful rifles express their power at both ends of the rifle, you could also step down to a substantially less powerful round like the 243 Winchester. I would just get the 270 and reload for it. 130 grain bullets downloaded to 2800 fps can't be that bad. Then you can always load a 150 grain Partition up to the gills for that Elk hunt you always dreamed of that finally gets to happen. You'll never need another centerfire rifle if you have a good 270. Well, maybe a 30-30 for the thickets.;)
 
If you're not dead set on the 270, consider a 25-06. Very versatile round, good for about anything you'd want to take with it, and light on recoil.
 
Own them both. The 270 kicks more than the 308. I recommend a 243 for deer size game and under. The recoil is significantly less.
 
To answer you question I use the 270 Win on antelope, deer, and elk.

It does "kick" as much as the 308, (depending on rifle).

However, whether 270 or 308, try a muzzle brake. You'd be surprised how much they reduce recoil.
 
The .270Win round is a excellent choice with moderate recoil, either the 130gr for deer and the 150gr Nosler Partition for Elk with either H4831 or IMR4831 with mag primers should be a perfect fit. William
 
I'm very sorry to hear your rifle was stolen and I understand you feelings.

I've shot a few 270 Winchesters over the years and with handloads some of them really kicked. I'll echo what Kraigwy said, a good muzzle break can make a huge difference and may be something you should look into.

Other than the big bears I would not feel under gunned with a 270 for any North American game. The proper bullet put in the right place is all it takes, and a well constructed bullet to ensure expansion and penetration.
 
All things being equal a 270 outkicks a 308. Both shoot the same bullet weights to the same speed, but the 270 uses 10-12 gr more powder. The difference is noticeable in equal weight rifles.

A 270 will on average have about 17 ft lbs recoil
A 308 about 15 ft lbs
A 243 about 12 ft lbs
A 260/6.5 about 13-14 ft lbs

I'd be looking at a 243 for paper punching and game up to deer. It'll work on game up to elk, but isn't ideal.
 
To me the 270 and the 308 recoil about the same.

If your looking for something with almost the same performance but less recoil,you might look at a 6.5x55 or 7mm-08.

+1 on the muzzle brake and then you could just stay with the 308.
 
no .270

If you are open for an alternate caliber choice the 7x30 Waters is a soft recoiling round that is fine for deer and is what I use for hogs.
 
Think about getting a 260, 7-08, or 6.5 Creedmore. Less recoil, and very effective on game. I've parked my 270 and use the 260 in its place.
 
Consider also the 6.5x55. One of the best all around cartridges. In my experience, kicks significantly less than .308 or .270.

gary
 
In terms of North America, .270 is at least acceptable for everything except the great bears and bison. However it's about the bare minimum for elk and moose, so for those animals you probably want to use heavy-for-caliber bullets, premium bullet designs, and avoid bone shots.
 
A .22 long rifle will also kill everything in North America. So will a spear. So will a Bowie knife. Sure does not mean I will hunt everything in North America with them.
 
There's not enough difference in recoil among .308 and .270 to matter. One solution for cartridges of that sort would be a top-of-the-line recoil pad and even a muzzle brake. And, unless you do lengthy walking hunts, a rifle weight a tad above eight pounds.

(Don't know how well your overall condition is. My young and healthy years, I toted 9.5 pounds of '06 on ten- to twelve-mile walkarounds. Not now, though. :))
 
I agree about the premium recoil pad and weight. My 4000 ft-lb .45-90 with a Limbsaver Nitro pad on a 10lb gun is better behaved than my 7-8lb .308 and it's not actually very close.
 
If that's the rifle and caliber you have to have, muzzle brakes P.A.S.T. shoulder pad, Pachmyar recoil pad, and even recoil cylinders installed in but stock can tame recoil....
 
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