Been researching this at length of late, and have precipitated some truths.
- PAC-NOR - says $605 for a 24"/SS/std. contour/R5 rifling/1:8 Twist Bbl./fitted/action trued.
Given that:
- 95% of my hunting is done at
< 350 yds., and most of that at 250 or less.
- Double-base powders - like RL-26, necessary to drive .270 WCF/
> 165 gr. bullets at useful velocities (
> 2900 fps) would cut Bbl. life from b/t 1/3 to nearly half.
- The Nosler 160 gr. Partition - is an outstanding high SD and reasonably slippery (BC=.434) bullet that is stable from the std. 1:10 twist Bbl..
- The factory Barnes mono-copper 140 gr. TSX (BC=.404), is also stable from the std. 1:10 twist Bbl.. (And have a pile acquired on "liquidation")
- Both of these bullets can be/are driven to useful velocities from a 22" Bbl., (2800 and 2890 fps, for MPBR(+/-3")'s of 275 and 280 yds, respectively), with cooler IMR 4831 powder, as used in my std. 150 gr./Speer Grand Slam/2800 fps./ MPBR(+/-3") of 270 yds. load.
- The factory Federal Premium 130 gr. Trophy Copper(Nosler E-tip w/ groves), at just shy of 3000 fps, has a MPBR(+/-3") of 295 yds.,
... and is only 15" low and still 2200 fps (good expansion/energy) at 400 yds. (And have a pile acquired on "clearance")
So, what this means is:
- My current "Game Scythe", the FN/Winchester M70 EW/SS/22" Bbl./.270 WCF:
View attachment 955830
...Is perfect for my needs - and should last a long time w/ the current loadings.
Whereas the ole Remington M700/BDL/22" Bbl., (Re-Bbl'ed to 24"/SS/std. contour/R5 rifling/1:8 Twist):
View attachment 955831
... would be a long range (600 yd.)/ low round count specialty rifle, which may warrant a heavier contour, a-la M700-40-XB/USMC M40 Bbl.
View attachment 955832
PAC-NOR - for an additional $125, could match/true/install a Winchester M70 EW/SS 6-fluted 24" (.270 WSM) contoured Bbl..
Which, for ~ $605 (+/-$125)...? ain't bad.
GR