Legionnaire
Contributing Member
I like short action rifles ... so .308. Both will work.
.270 or .308
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IdahoLT1
Member
Between the 2, id go with .308. Both are good on big game with the .308 being able to use heavier bullets. For coyotes, the .308 will send a 110gr bullet ~3200fps, which is perfect. A .270 will be approaching 3600 FPS at that weight and IMO, is too "explosive" to preserve the pelts.
IdahoLT1
Member
ssmlr3 said:
That's odd because DPMS' site lists the LR-338L's weight at 7.9lbs unloaded. So loaded, with that scope you're looking at a gun that weighs just over 9lbs. Just pointing it out.
BoilerUP
Member
You can always reduce a load for lower velocity, but you can only up a load so high for increased velocity...
FWIW in terms of factory loadings, Federal's factory 110 Triple-X .270 Win loading is 3400fps at the muzzle (3125fps & 2386ft/lb @ 100yd), while Hornady's 110gr TAP-FPD .308 Win is 3165fps at the muzzle with 2386fps & 1956 ft/lb @ 100yd.
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Harley Quinn
Member
Some information on the 308 and why it is the worlds most popular cartridge...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.308_Winchester
On the 270 this is some good information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.270_Winchester
Now it is time for OP to answer back and say which one is going to do it for that person
The thread has drifted some to the 30-06, we could go to the 300 Win Mag next
There is this tid bit of information else where, is it useful
Not sure OP will have to decide that one...
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=562397
Then you have this one
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=562450
Merry Christmas
Regards
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.308_Winchester
On the 270 this is some good information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.270_Winchester
Now it is time for OP to answer back and say which one is going to do it for that person
The thread has drifted some to the 30-06, we could go to the 300 Win Mag next
There is this tid bit of information else where, is it useful
Not sure OP will have to decide that one...http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=562397
Then you have this one
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=562450
Merry Christmas
Regards
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CSA 357
Member
i realy dont think the game would ever know the differnce, get what you want you will be fine!
270 performs best with 24 inch tubes and has extra range but 308 will perform fine with 20 inch tubes and up 270 can be loaded from 90 grain bullets to 180 grain bullets 308 can be loaded from 110 to 220 (220s pushing it) so both are very versatile my votes for the 270 but have you ever thought about the 280 rem?
unwise11
Member
Jake don't shoot the .308 down so much, the bullet selection is higher, and they last a long time, but I don't think you have any experience shooting .308 win.
IdahoLT1
Member
Jake1996 said:
Where you finding 180gr .277" bullets? The heaviest I found in 7mm(.284") is 175gr.
And FYI, the .308 can be loaded with 100gr. bullets. It has more weight range and bullet selection than the .270.
BoilerUP
Member
Ruger 77 MkII SS - Barnes TTSX bullets!
Of course, bullet placement is EVERYTHING, but from my experience, the Barnes TTSX bullets widen the 'sweet spot' more than a little. This year's 7-pointer went 1/2 step (!), and the 168 gr bullet never emerged from the other side, so there wouldn't have been much of a blood trail had he run off. The shot went through the thin part of the shoulder blade somewhat downward and forward - since I was in an elevated stand. When I recovered the bullet from the hide on the far side, cleaned it up and reweighed it - 167.5 gr.! I'm guessing that the missing half-grain was probably the little blue plastic balistic tip. That deer absorbed virtually EVERY foot-pound of energy that the 2600 fps bullet carried.
Of course, bullet placement is EVERYTHING, but from my experience, the Barnes TTSX bullets widen the 'sweet spot' more than a little. This year's 7-pointer went 1/2 step (!), and the 168 gr bullet never emerged from the other side, so there wouldn't have been much of a blood trail had he run off. The shot went through the thin part of the shoulder blade somewhat downward and forward - since I was in an elevated stand. When I recovered the bullet from the hide on the far side, cleaned it up and reweighed it - 167.5 gr.! I'm guessing that the missing half-grain was probably the little blue plastic balistic tip. That deer absorbed virtually EVERY foot-pound of energy that the 2600 fps bullet carried.
Harley Quinn
Member
True about the difference...
270...
90 gr (5.8 g) HP 3,603 ft/s (1,098 m/s) 2,595 ft·lbf (3,518 J)
130 gr (8.4 g) SP 3,060 ft/s (930 m/s) 2,702 ft·lbf (3,663 J)
140 gr (9.1 g) SP 2,916 ft/s (889 m/s) 2,644 ft·lbf (3,585 J)
150 gr (9.7 g) SP 2,850 ft/s (870 m/s) 2,706 ft·lbf (3,669 J)
130 gr (8.4 g) SST 3,200 ft/s (980 m/s) 2,955 ft·lbf (4,006 J)
308...
150 gr (9.7 g) Nosler tip 2,820 ft/s (860 m/s) 2,648 ft·lbf (3,590 J)
165 gr (10.7 g) BTSP 2,700 ft/s (820 m/s) 2,671 ft·lbf (3,621 J)
168 gr (10.9 g) BTHP 2,650 ft/s (810 m/s) 2,619 ft·lbf (3,551 J)
175 gr (11.3 g) BTHP 2,600 ft/s (790 m/s) 2,627 ft·lbf (3,562 J)
180 gr (12 g) Nosler partition 2,620 ft/s (800 m/s) 2,870 ft·lbf (3,890 J)
The 308 favors the heavier bullets in this comparison, but when lighter like the 270 loading it is very close...
So as far as superior...308 imho
270...
90 gr (5.8 g) HP 3,603 ft/s (1,098 m/s) 2,595 ft·lbf (3,518 J)
130 gr (8.4 g) SP 3,060 ft/s (930 m/s) 2,702 ft·lbf (3,663 J)
140 gr (9.1 g) SP 2,916 ft/s (889 m/s) 2,644 ft·lbf (3,585 J)
150 gr (9.7 g) SP 2,850 ft/s (870 m/s) 2,706 ft·lbf (3,669 J)
130 gr (8.4 g) SST 3,200 ft/s (980 m/s) 2,955 ft·lbf (4,006 J)
308...
150 gr (9.7 g) Nosler tip 2,820 ft/s (860 m/s) 2,648 ft·lbf (3,590 J)
165 gr (10.7 g) BTSP 2,700 ft/s (820 m/s) 2,671 ft·lbf (3,621 J)
168 gr (10.9 g) BTHP 2,650 ft/s (810 m/s) 2,619 ft·lbf (3,551 J)
175 gr (11.3 g) BTHP 2,600 ft/s (790 m/s) 2,627 ft·lbf (3,562 J)
180 gr (12 g) Nosler partition 2,620 ft/s (800 m/s) 2,870 ft·lbf (3,890 J)
The 308 favors the heavier bullets in this comparison, but when lighter like the 270 loading it is very close...
So as far as superior...308 imho
1Deernut
Member
You just can't go wrong with either. I own and have hunted extensively with both. Either will do the job on the game you mentioned. The animal will not know the difference when proper bullets are delivered to the proper spot.
If we were having this conversation 20 years ago, I would favor the 308 due to bullet availability. New premium bullets have leveled the performance of the two rounds.
I will say that most of the 308 chambered rifles I have experience with are generally a little easier to get to shoot accurately. In hunting situations over the ranges likely to be encountered, the (general) difference is not a factor. I have a Ruger 77 .270 that I bedded, re-crowned and lapped lugs that will shoot 3 rounds of factory Hornady 130 grain soft points into a ragged hole. I have an ADL 700 that does the same with handloads.
I've seen big black bears taken with .270 win loadings utilizing the Barnes 140 TSX very effectively. I'd use this load on moose with confidence.
I give the 308 only a very slight edge over normal hunting distances using factory loads.
If we were having this conversation 20 years ago, I would favor the 308 due to bullet availability. New premium bullets have leveled the performance of the two rounds.
I will say that most of the 308 chambered rifles I have experience with are generally a little easier to get to shoot accurately. In hunting situations over the ranges likely to be encountered, the (general) difference is not a factor. I have a Ruger 77 .270 that I bedded, re-crowned and lapped lugs that will shoot 3 rounds of factory Hornady 130 grain soft points into a ragged hole. I have an ADL 700 that does the same with handloads.
I've seen big black bears taken with .270 win loadings utilizing the Barnes 140 TSX very effectively. I'd use this load on moose with confidence.
I give the 308 only a very slight edge over normal hunting distances using factory loads.
SmokeySam81
Member
If you want to shoot targets and long range I would go .308, it can have a bit more accuracy wrung out of it. If you're hunting I would always go with the .270. the .308 is designed for 165gr or less, and has a lower velocity than the .270 which goes up to 160gr with a smaller diameter, meaning better penetration out of the .270. My rem700 .270 will print moa groups with handloads, so it still isnt bad. BUT THE .308 ISN'T A BAD CHOICE
SmokeySam81
Member
SF guys often take the .300winmag, but otherwise its the .308 because it keeps ammo standard. They would use the 5.56 if they could get away with it. ( a lot of army designated marksmen already use just an accurized m16)
PowerJoker6.0
Member
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i may be misinformed but i would think 270 is a touch smaller than i would like to hunt moose with. i always thought the biggest thing you would want to tackle with a 270 is elk, and ive even read debates about that with people arguing that its not enough gun
Never owned a .270 but have a .308. In addition I own a .25-06 very comparable to the .270 in my opinion.
The .308 is a great round, I bought mine for target shooting. I wouldn't hesitate to go hunting with it either depending on game.
But for hunting purposes only I'd prefer the .270 over the .308 just as I'd prefer the .25-06 over the .308.
The .308 is a great round, I bought mine for target shooting. I wouldn't hesitate to go hunting with it either depending on game.
But for hunting purposes only I'd prefer the .270 over the .308 just as I'd prefer the .25-06 over the .308.
BoilerUP
Member
I wouldn't say misinformed...
Good shot placement and a quality bullet more than makes up for bore size.
I suppose I don't have much to add to what's already been said but I own and shoot rifles in both calibers (as well as the .30-06 which is what I'd personally recommend for a "do it all" rifle). They're both great calibers and, IMHO, capable of everything we have to offer on this continent (at least in a pinch) hence their extreme popularity.
I will, however, add this...there's no shortage of ammo or components for either caliber but the .30 cal definitely has an advantage in terms of bullet selection for the reloader (though I personally think the .308 lacks the case capacity to take full advantage of anything over 180 grain bullets thus limiting this advantage a bit). Secondly, I once read an article that seemed to have some merit (at least in my mind) about the fact that there had never been war time use of a .270 caliber rifle. The article argued that this made the .270 more of a coinsurer caliber and claimed that factories loaded more carefully for it and therefore it often had had better accuracy in factory rifles/cartridges. It's pretty tough to argue against the accuracy of the .308, however, and any such advantage would likely be negated by the wonderful selection of high end ammo developed by major manufactures over the last few year. Thus, the .308 probably has an EXTREMEMLY small advantage in my eyes.
Before you purchase, however, you should read some of the many excellent articles about all purpose rifles and available at http://www.chuckhawks.com/index2.guns.htm. You must be a paid member to access the “Member Side” but there’s lots of great info available for free on the “Main Side.” Here are just a few that may be helpful:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/all_around_cartridges.htm
http://www.chuckhawks.com/best_all-around_rifle_cartridge.htm
http://www.chuckhawks.com/perfect_pair.htm (perhaps my favorite)
If none of these appeal to you this is a good starting point for browsing the topic http://www.chuckhawks.com/rifles_index_abc.htm.
In the end, however, you can probably flip a coin and simply choose the one that comes in the rifle you like best.
I will, however, add this...there's no shortage of ammo or components for either caliber but the .30 cal definitely has an advantage in terms of bullet selection for the reloader (though I personally think the .308 lacks the case capacity to take full advantage of anything over 180 grain bullets thus limiting this advantage a bit). Secondly, I once read an article that seemed to have some merit (at least in my mind) about the fact that there had never been war time use of a .270 caliber rifle. The article argued that this made the .270 more of a coinsurer caliber and claimed that factories loaded more carefully for it and therefore it often had had better accuracy in factory rifles/cartridges. It's pretty tough to argue against the accuracy of the .308, however, and any such advantage would likely be negated by the wonderful selection of high end ammo developed by major manufactures over the last few year. Thus, the .308 probably has an EXTREMEMLY small advantage in my eyes.
Before you purchase, however, you should read some of the many excellent articles about all purpose rifles and available at http://www.chuckhawks.com/index2.guns.htm. You must be a paid member to access the “Member Side” but there’s lots of great info available for free on the “Main Side.” Here are just a few that may be helpful:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/all_around_cartridges.htm
http://www.chuckhawks.com/best_all-around_rifle_cartridge.htm
http://www.chuckhawks.com/perfect_pair.htm (perhaps my favorite)
If none of these appeal to you this is a good starting point for browsing the topic http://www.chuckhawks.com/rifles_index_abc.htm.
In the end, however, you can probably flip a coin and simply choose the one that comes in the rifle you like best.
rowdy dodge
Member
less recoil on the 308 my choice
thomis
Member
I have a special affection for the .270. It was my Grandfather's go-to deer rifle AND long range groundhog gun. His was a Remington BDL with the old widefield Redfield scope. Back in my early years hunting the rolling hills of PA, 300 yard shots on groundhogs were common and expected to be made. I'll never forget him watching through the binoculars while I shot a groundhog at 350 yards with his .270. I was 14 years old.
That being said, I was in this same dilemma as you are less than a year ago. I had enough money to buy one decent rifle and optics. So I started reading. And reading. Article after article after article. There were plenty of people that were fans of the .270 and '06 that could not be swayed. And never will be swayed. But the fact of the matter... when it came down to it... in the end... the almighty yet humble .308 ALWAYS had a slight advantage in some way shape or form.
So I bought a Savage .308 and topped it with a nice Leupold scope and I will never look back.
Filmed my first hunt a few days ago with the new rifle. It's a long video so to cut to the chase, the shot is at 1 minute 35 seconds. Look at the bullet hit the ground behind the deer. The deer ran about 12 yards. I estimate the shot to be about 30 yards. I was using handloads - a 165 grain bullet behind IMR 4064, 44.4 grains.
That being said, I was in this same dilemma as you are less than a year ago. I had enough money to buy one decent rifle and optics. So I started reading. And reading. Article after article after article. There were plenty of people that were fans of the .270 and '06 that could not be swayed. And never will be swayed. But the fact of the matter... when it came down to it... in the end... the almighty yet humble .308 ALWAYS had a slight advantage in some way shape or form.
So I bought a Savage .308 and topped it with a nice Leupold scope and I will never look back.
Filmed my first hunt a few days ago with the new rifle. It's a long video so to cut to the chase, the shot is at 1 minute 35 seconds. Look at the bullet hit the ground behind the deer. The deer ran about 12 yards. I estimate the shot to be about 30 yards. I was using handloads - a 165 grain bullet behind IMR 4064, 44.4 grains.
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