The .270 Winchester ~ Reigning King of the West after 90 Years
Nearing a century of use in the field, the .270 Winchester remains one of the most popular and beloved calibers made. It is the perfect caliber for long range large and big game hunting in plains, mountain, or tundra. With available reduced velocity loads that have been available since the 40s, it offers close-in woods performance, without destructive meat loss. Accurate, efficient, mild mannered, and with great handling in lightweight rifles, it has little competition when it comes to flat shooting performance on the largest American game, and it does so without stiff magnum charges, long barrels, short barrel life, heavy rifles, or brutal recoil. The .270 Winchester offers true long range magnum performance in a .30-06 size case, but with significantly less recoil than the .30-06, and far better bullet-weight-to-velocity ratio; its 150 grain bullet flying as flat, with the same sectional density, and virtually the same game getting performance as the .300 Winchester Magnum. If you are looking for the perfect all-round rifle for virtually all game in North America, take a close look at the cartridge that the late Jack O'Connor swore by for hunting throughout the world, and why knowledgeable hunters have kept it so popular for so long!
Been hunting with a 270 for 50 years myself. It never fails me!
This man is making me buy a 270.
Dick Blackbeard I hope you did. You’ll never be disappointed.
Compare the velocity to other cartridges. It's just a good sound all around bullet. From elk to groundhog. Just change the bullet.
Ha! I've been shooting this caliber every since the late 1970s? Being around the Spokane area it's kinda like the unspoken rule of any credible shooter/hunter in my neck of the woods! I've never had any issues with taking down the intended target period. It's not a hard kicking round, it never fails to deliver the bullet at the exact point of aim. I just shoot it alot so am able to put the round where it needs to be! My favorite caliber for everything I care to take, game wise. Plus...It's just a fun round to pratice with!
@@edysinsimon8646 Only big game rifle I've owned. Bought mine used from an uncle when I was 14, will be 58 soon. Bought my daughter a cheap Remington 770 in .270 w scope mounted on sale for like $268. I bought a dremmel & free-floated the barrel. That baby shoots groups that touch @100yds w reloads. Less than a month ago I shot a coyote @200yds. It was facing away from me watching a bunch of sheep. Hit it smack back of head. It's eyes were blew. 1 blew this way, the other blew the other lol!
Bought my 270 Rem early 80s, after much research. I found that the only round which may have better numbers was the 280 but it didn't have many bullets to choose from for reloading. I have taken animals from prairie dog to elk and my 270 has never disappointed.
Last season marked 30 years with my BAR in .270. Outstanding rifle and an outstanding cartridge. I've been up the creek and over the mountain with that rifle, and have taken a slew of deer, hogs, and coyote with it, at all ranges out to 325 yards. Lethal, flat shooting, accurate round. Long live the .270. My all time favorite round.
My dad left me his Savage 110 in .270. I use it every deer season from 50 yards out to 400 it is spot on. Every time a deer is taken I thank God for my father’s wisdom in purchasing that rifle. Every time I watch KZhead I thank God for GunBlue
Not to be weird, but every young man needs a guy like you in their life. Salt of the Earth right here!
Long live the cartridge of Jack 'O Conner
My father was a professional Deer Kuller in New Zealand during the 50s & 60s. He shot +4000 deer. Mostly Reds. Nearly all with a Mannlicher Schonauer in 270 win....
@s d You write all your own material obviously...
My father was O'Connor's twin. His position was simple- I'm not giving my target a 400 yard head start- meaning that he wouldn't put himself in a position where shot placement or terminal performance might allow the target to run away further than 50 yards from the point of impact. In his last years here, while we would just be arriving into the hunting range, It wasnt rare for us to spot game 200-300 yards away. Before I could gain sight of the deers' location, he had already stopped the truck, grabbed the model 70, steadied himself across the hood and filled his tag for that day. Indeed, the 270 Win (or 280 Rem) are the absolute perfect cartridge for sporting rifles with hunters on the move.
It took a few years, but I've come to really, really love my 270 Winchester. As a deer rifle, no man needs anything better than a good shooting 270 Win! It has great ballistics, on game performance and does it all with mild recoil.
jack o connor said it best years ago, bolt action 270 win. 22 in. barrel 4 power scope ( 2 to 7 nowdays) is hard to beat.
guy baker I have a 270 with a 4-12 x 40 scope I should be able to drive nails
I still use a 4x Leupold on mine. So far out to a smidge over 350 has been all the glass necessary for Muledeer. Im a KISS principle guy. 3 elk with a 150 ( 2-Nosler partitions, 1 Hornady Interlock) as far as 225ish yards. GREAT round in capable hands.
I love it.
@@robertcaudill1660 Driving nails depends more on your skills than it does the gun that you select.
You don't really need more than a 4 power out to 300 yards anyway
Inherited my grandfathers .270 - absolutely an incredible gun. Most accurate in my arsenal and it's 40 years old.
Thank you for this sage advice. I grew up in Texas and have heard and resisted the endorsements for the 270 for years. That said, I finally faced the music and picked up a .270 today, took it to the range and was pleasantly impressed by its out of the box performance. The evidence for its success is overwhelming and I have no regrets for finally accepting its merits.
Good luck with it. In fact, I'm awaiting a new 270 myself.
Dear Sir, i just celebrated exiting my 50's by purchasing the Winchester Model 70 150th Anniversary Edition chambered in .270. This purchase was mostly done on the teachings and recommendations from your excellent videos that have taught me that there is a lot to learn about marksmanship, firearms, and ammunition. You blessed this modern Winchester that was finished at the plant in Portugal and you gave me the piece of mind that this Winchester Model 70 Super Grade 150th Commemorative gun would be a true shooter. We will find out as soon as my Leupold scope arrives. i cannot describe the feeling of opening up my very first and probably my last new in the box Winchester. I am still feeling the excitment of the moment. Thank you for your guidance and sharing your vast knowkedge of all things firearms. Sincerely a very happy, Rick Mansberger "Winchester, it's in your Heritage "
So how did it shoot?
Rick Mansberger nii
My ultimate number 1 favorite hunting rifle in the world, and the .270 Winchester is also among my very favorite cartridges as well. Sounds like you picked up a beautiful piece of highly functional art work, my friend. 👍
Ok Boomer
@@whiteyfisk9769a man in his late 50’s to early 60’s is NOT a boomer but a Gen X! Big difference.
You my amigo’ make a lot of sense. I just got a 270 Remington at a garage sale for 80 bucs w/scope. After this video I think I got a good deal. Thank you my brother God bless you
I wish you were my neighbor. I'd be over every morning with a fresh pot of coffee, ready for a great discussion.
I would love to stop by and have coffee and just talk. Great Man.
Me too. I would bring breakfast burritos. 😁🏆🇺🇸
Absolutely. Wish he was my grandfather
It was actually not the 30-06 both cartridges are based on another one.
The 30-06 was developed in 1903 and the .270 Winchester was developed in 1923. The cartridge that came along 20 years later didn’t help develop the earlier one. The US actually stole heavily from the German Mauser and 7x57 cartridge in developing the 30-03/30-06 and Springfield rifle. But that’s got nothing to do with the .270 Winchester or the .25-06 Remington that came along in 1969 after being a wildcat for several decades.
Ive had my Remington 700 .270 for almost 20 years now. Never lost a deer. Love the caliber. Great video!
I am sure glad that I discovered your videos.
OH WOW! Thank you for this... (teary eyes) I've been looking all over for a good answer that's logically and experientially right. I'm going to get that 270 rifle now.
claymontg I own a 270 and a 30/06. Either one has never let me down. Ammo is available anywhere for either one. But if your wanting a 270 never let you down.
@@danielcollins9850 what applications do you prefer your 30-06 to your 270?
I love your honesty and knowledge of gun stuff. I surely will keep watching you. I love the 270, great cartridge. Thank you
I bought a remington 700 in .308 thirty years back, listening to other riflemen, but I always knew in my heart that the .270 was the better calibre.
Congratulations on an excellent video sir. My .270 has never let me down throughout many years of hunting and I love it to bits!
Thanks for the video! I hunt in Alaska and will be using the 270 this upcoming season. great information!
What a pleasure to listen to you, Sir! Such a great knowledge
I watch your videos over and over, you simple way of speaking the truth is very refreshing.
*GB490... thanks for always cutting through the B.S. and getting right to the point!*
The 270 has long since been my favorite. Just glade to hear someone affirm that
This video is most definitely a deciding and closing factor in my choice to buy .270 for my next hunting rifle! Thanks so much for the knowledge you impart in your videos. This was the first video I have watched of yours and I've happily subscribed and looking forward to more. Keep em coming!
I could and do listen to your firechat talks about cartridges for hours. Thank you for your wisdom.
I've had my .270 for many years. works every time.
Love my .270! Just took a woodland caribou in Newfoundland with it. It will hit where you aim.
My dad owned a .270 and I have owned two, and for the kind of game animals you are talking about, they have all worked wonderfully. Thanks.
Love both of my 270's. I don't argue about it I let it speak for itself.
Thank you very much! Not a whole lot of videos on the .270 win. I just purchased a tikka hunter in .270win.
I was so convinced after watching this video, I went out and bought my first long range rifle in 270. Thanks for the knowlege in a simple to understand explanation. Your experience shows. Now I need the right optic.
No you don't need the right optic you need to shoot the rifle out to 5-600 yrd's and see what it does I have 3 270 1-300 win mag and 3 7 mm I know where each gun is hitting the300 win mag has a CDs on it but when it comes to long range out to 600 yards personally I will grab the 270 with no CDs only because I have 30years more experience with it I know how high to aim the scopes today make it to simple that's why you need to know where your gun shoots at different yards with the same load I have learned a lot by doing this each time I change ammo
3x9 Redfield Partner with solid rail mount.
My uncle has so many animals mounted at his house it isnt even funny. He loves the 270 and tells me the most important thing is a reliable gun with a great scope.
Thanks for reminding me of the 1989 ruger m77 in 270cal, that I let get away . It was the first deer rifle I bought, at the age of 19.
Love this always dropping knowledge
@gunblue490. Excellent review! Wonderful knowlegde to back up as well! I was a 30.06 guy as well. Converted to 270 by listening to other Wise men. BEST CHANGE i have ever made and i will die shooting a 270! Huntibg rifke of choice and i will teach my kids and grankids the same!
Excellent video! Thanks Sir from Serbia (Europe).
You had me at ( welcome back ). I am now finally done lookin for the perfect for me rifle caliber. So happy that I found this video which finally after 40 years of being told by a few very wise ole hunters led me to literally pull the trigger on the .270, thank you so very much for the nudge.
Can’t wait to hear about the 6.8 mm western heavy hitting .270 ... love you work
Smart man right here!! .270 Winchester for hunting and 6.5 Creedmoor for targets.
Christopher Roland 6.5creedmor 😂😂😂
great listening to your video. big fan of Jack o'conner thanks
Well done! Thank you for sharing.
Couldn't agree more! The 270 is THE one to beat!
I love your logic. Its simple truth. You rekindle my faith in humanity.
Pure wisdom! Thanks for such an interesting talk. I was thinking of getting a .308 as my first big game rifle but I will be getting a .270 win instead. Greetings from Baja, Mexico.
I don’t know laws in Mexico. Is it permitted to own bolt action hunting rifles in Baja? I’m asking for a friend
Going to switch to 280 was going to get 7mm mag but going with 280 know to take place of 308
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. I am new to rifle and I am leaning a lot from your videos. Greatly appreciated!!!!!!
I love your videos sir. I have a 270 and I really like the balistics and flat trajectory it offers. I don't hunt with it much but I always enjoy it when I do.
Thank you sir, truer words were never spoken. I had 3 30-06, and sold everyone of them. For pass 32 yrs have been shooting a 700 in 270 cal. My sons have 270's and bought them for the same reasons that you talked about. Enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing.
"Captain"! Fantastic video. I'm getting back into hunting after a 25 year hiatus during which my prime preoccupation was rock climbing and high altitude mountaineering. I'm looking for the best cartridge out there and .270 was the caliber of choice when I quit in the late 80's. I think it's still the cartridge of choice and you absolutely sold me on it.
What a great video. A friend of mine bought a mossburg chambered in .270 right after we graduated high school. I had never heard of it and thought to myself its a 30-06 wannabe and he said just shoot it. Ever since then i fell in love with it. It is a fantastic cartridge!!
Thank you sir. God bless you.....
I love these videos! After watching this one I went out and bought a new 270 T/C Venture and can't wait to put it to use.
Axle Vikander great rifle. I have a TC dimension in 7RM and just yesterday in a 10mph crosswind I shot a one hole group. Pretty impressive for a skinny barrelled light rifle. 3 shots at 140 yards.
AMEN! I purchased a Remington Model 7600 in 1982 in .270 Win. Wit a 22" barrel 1 in 9" twist. Sighted it in using Remington 150 gr Core Lokt factory ammo and have used nothing else since. I have killed 2-3 deer/year with it every year since. Only one ever took more than 2 steps before collapsing and it only took 4. I have taken bull moose, elk, black bear, antelope, mule deer and hundreds of ground hogs. Nearly every deer was at 280 to 350 yards. At 350 yards I hold 3" over the shoulder and they drop every time. Great video as usual. Thanks!
I picked up a Remington 7600 on clearance in 270 win. Hope to have the same luck as you. I'm taking it on a bear hunt next month.
@@briant7652 The rifle is designed around the Remington 130gr and 150gr Core-lokt rounds. If you sight it in with the 150gr Core-lokt 3/4" high at 100yds it will be point blank at 200yds. Good luck with the rifle. I'm pretty sure you'll come to love its accuracy.
@@paststeve1 Thanks for the info, that's good to know. I was shooting Winchester 130 gr & was surprised by the accuracy & how fast I could shoot it. A friend told me it was only good for a 100 yards, but that didn't make any sense to me. So I'm glad to hear what you wrote.
@@briant7652 Apparently your friend is not familiar with the .270 Win. Lol Once you've put a box or three through the rifle at 100, 200 and 300yds, assuming you have dialed in your scope, you AND your friend will be believers. That 150gr bullet is delivering around 900 foot pounds of shock on your quarry at 300yds. What type of bear will you be hunting?
@@paststeve1 lol, black bear
I couldn't agree more. I love the 270 Winchester for all around alaska hunting.
I absolutely love watching your videos. They are well thought out when your watching videos on here you always end up with a question or two about what the person is talking about. But with your videos if you watch all the way through you usually answer any questions one might have. Please keep up the good work. And I'll be looking out for your next video.
Great video, as usual. I love my .270s. I was blessed with a Remington 700 "Sendero Special" in .270 a few years ago..."tac driver". Thanks for the time you put into these vids.
I have one of those in 270. Bought it new years ago. I don't think they make them any more in that caliber. I put a Night Force NXS scope on it. Heavy rifle but it's the most accurate rifle I've ever owned. It's a sniper. Great for plains hunting and open spaces. Love that rifle!!!
Excellent video about an excellent and time tested hunting caliber for the majority of American big game. No further comment necessary. I have owned several rifles in this caliber, and never felt in need for a heavier caliber rifle. I Like 30-06, 7 mm Rem Mag and 300 Winchester Mag as well, but .270 exterior and terminal ballistics always were impressive and did the job.
Always enjoy your videos! Down home common sense approach to everything. Bought my first .270 in 1965 and reloaded since 1968. Current rifle M77 Ruger, tang safety, tack driver.
Love listening to you talk about cartridges
I just returned from a elk hunt in Colorado and everything you said about altitude is spot on. I carried a Remington Mountain rifle and was so glad I did. Every ounce matters.
Dont buy post-2007 Remington
I load my .270 with H4831 powder and I use the Tipped Trophy Bonded Bear Claw and Berger bullets. I have harvested moose, elk, mule deer and whitetail with it. My other "all around" hunting caliber is the .308, which I limit to elk and smaller. This was a very informative video Blue. Good job. Keep up the great work.
loved everything about that. Thanks mate.
Cheers mate just bought a 270 . Keep up the good work
I was in the market for a brand new deer rifle, but I couldn't decide which caliber to get. I've watched a lot of your videos, and I liked the way that you took the common sense and logical approach to things. I had narrowed my choices down to the 30-06, 308, and 270 Win. I made my decision after watching this video. I'm now the proud owner of a 270 Win... Thank you for sharing your knowledge and thoughts with us.
I knew it that's why I love my .270 Winchester
Dad bought a .270 Model 70 in 1949. That rifle is still in the family, still in the field in deer season, with little newer scope. 😀 Thank you!
Thank you very much sir. I will use my 270 on my first elk hunt. God Bless
This is a sensible take on a rifle. A lot of hunting magazines should follow your example and cut out the BS.
In a perfect world. Absolutely.
Hunting magazines sell new products…
@@wesleyturner1979 Exactly. A rock on the end of a stick can kill a deer. But magazines try to make people believe they need the latest short magnum and a $1000 scope.
@@CanoeToNewOrleans my current hunting setup is a 300 wsm with a vortex LHT. I guess I’m in that box to! (I did get the vortex on sale for under $1000 though)
@@wesleyturner1979 Them magazines worked like a charm, ha ha. Good on you for not getting bent out of shape about my comment. Best of luck to you this hunting season.
.270 is such a great cartridge! I have hand loaded for years with chronograph equipped evaluations and penetration tests. The .270 has such exceptional penetration that a little extra care is needed for bullet choice for the game hunted to get best results. For example, I like the 140 grain Ballistic Tip Nosler bullet for white tail deer. This choice of bullet can result in loss of meat because of excess tissue damage at closer range, but impressive kill results at long range! Most of all, enjoy our great country and have FUN choosing what YOU Like!
This is by far the best and honest opinion about 270 win. I ever seen. Everything you said was spot on. I have watched too reviews about all deferent cartridge's and I was so confused. Thank you for this review.
Your videos are the best gun related on KZhead, I have learned a wealth of knowledge from you in just the year or so that I have been a subscriber to your channel and could literally listen to you speak for days! Please keep up the great work! Much respect to you sir. God bless! 🇺🇸
Jeff Cooper referred to the never-ending parade of "new and improved" cartridges as "powder bottles."
Excellent and informative video as always. You just helped me decide what my next rifle will be.
Making me feel really good about my .270 rifle purchase!
I purchased a 270 after listening to your words of wisdom. No regrets . Thank you Sir .
Great video on the .270 Winchester. I know from experiences in my life that I could hit long range targets better with the .270 Winchester than the .30-06 Springfield. It is a great round for white-tail deer and mule deer.
Love my 270, its a tack driver and a deer dropper. Can't go wrong with choosing it as a big game catridge. With handloading the 140 Sierra BT Spitzer does fine work. Also 7mm-08, 280 Remington or even the 260 Remington are excellent choices.
Very well stated and I agree 100%! Outstanding Video! Thank You very much! 👏👍
Amen to all that..love a 270
I was inspired by Jack O'Connor and went looking for a vintage .270 at a gun show and bought my Tang-Safety Ruger M77. My life's goal is to complete the North American Grand Slam with it.
Love Ruger Bolts!
Thank you for your videos sir. I'm a huge fan of the 270 winchester. I live in idaho, I have hunted alot of mule deer and elk with a 270 win. It is my favorite caliber. With a properly constructed bullet, it's a terrific elk killer, at reasonable ranges.
What’s reasonable range
I have been preparing material for hunter sight in at my rifle club where I volunteer as a coach. I am glad I took notes during your presentation. Heck, you have me wanting a .270 rifle now, lol. Great video!
Love hearing the .270 bragged on! I’ve been hunting with one since I was 13 yrs old(40 + years)and killed every thing from prairie dogs to elk and have never been disappointed
Hey what .270 ammo did you use for elk hunting?
@@eagleclawswoopdriver8675 I had really good success with Winchester fail safe 140 grain but don’t even know if they still make it
Thank you! Very thoughtful and well explained. Just picked up a 1955 Pre-64 M70 Fwt. 270. What a joy to shoot and carry. More than accurate enough for deer hunting with factory ammo.
That is indeed a coveted classic rifle and cartridge combo. Jack O'Connor's special. Now you can say you have the start of a collection. You simply need the.220 Swift, .257 Roberts, .30-06, .300 H&H, and .375 H&H, and you'll have all the greats, on the way to the poor house. LOL
GunBlue490 Don't forget the 7x57!
I have a Remington 700 ADL I bought back in the early 90s has killed many Mule deer from Eastern Montana to the mountains and deserts of California. it is flat, fast and relatively mild mannered when compared to my 30.06. It is the last rifle I would part with.
I will never let go my Remington model 721 in 270. A beautiful and versatile classic for which I'm inletting a new stock.
I absolutely love your videos. You are honest and educate us when every video you post. I hope you continue doing what you do. Just in this video there is a 1000 comments. Thank you sir
I have studied many charts on bullet drop and the .270 is one of the flattest shooting rounds made. I love my .270 I can hit a dime at 200 yards with it.
C MJ Yes, you are correct. The only rounds that really get close to its performance require magnum cases with heavier recoil. The most recent loads using modern powders can get virtually identical flatness with equivalent bullets using the 280 Remington, which is also a very efficient cousin of the 30-06 like the 270, but it's been overlooked for decades simply because it can't unseat the 270s place.
C MJ OHHHHHHHHH K.
GunBlue490 Actually the 280 is superior to the 270 in every way just like the 7 mag is superior to the 280 rem.The 284s in both flavors have a much better selection of bullets available plus higher BSs and more retained energy downrange.Look at bullet drop at 500 yards for all 3 with the 270. 130gr. The 280 140gr and the 7 mag 150.The 270 is good .280 better and 7 mag best with nearly the same recoil and a bit more powder usage but well worth the extra few grains.
Yeah I'm sure you can hit a dime. After 40 shots. Using a 16x scope
I have had several Remington 700LH, the first was stolen from my truck, when I stopped for a sandwich, on the way home from hunting. As soon as I was given a check from the insurance company I replaced it with the exact rifle and glass, a Leupold 3.5x10AO. Between those 2 rifles I took nearly 50 Muleys and 3 Elk.... 130gr BTS with 58-60gr of H4831 was my favorite load... Groups averaged less than 1/2" and still do... Love the rifle and the cartridge...
The .270 really likes the 130 grain load best I’ve found
Thank you sir.
I agree 100%. And due to the fact that I greatly value your opinion about rifles, ammunition and firearms in general, I now know that I did my homework properly and tomorrow I am going to the range to sight in my new Browning X Bolt in .270 with 22 inch barrel and a Vortex scope just in time for deer hunting season. Keep the great info coming GunBlue490.
Have watched several of your segments over the past few days. Very informative. Appreciate your imparting your knowledge to others and your testimony on behalf of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless. I appreciate your approach.
I have killed many elk, mule deer and whitetails in the 50+ years I have been hunting with the .270. As in all hunting situations with all cartridges, shot placement is the key. Thanks for sharing.
dheller777, if thats the case why dont you use a 243 for Elk or a 270 for Cape Buffalo? I get so tired of hearing that cliche.
Love my 270 taken a lot of Deer with it, Thanks to the late great Jack O'Connor for his work that he put into the Win 270 etc.
strat1080 if you listen to what he's says you might learn something
What grain bullet 150gr?
Ya it's a wonder how we took down animals before god invented the 338 right...
Just got a new Maser in .270....love it!
Love this video your truly a pleasure listening to and full of knowledge thanks sir
I own 3 .270s too. My favorite is my Ruger No.1(26"). It has taken more antelope, deer, and elk than my other .270s, .308s(2), and .30-06s(2) combined, and an untold number of coyotes. To be fair I've never shot any game animal at more than 150 yards except once, rarely more than one round, and never more than two, and I've been hunting 50 years(Montana). Antelope at 150 yards? Yes, it has always been like that for me. That or the damn things are a 1/2 mile or more away and keeping their distance. I like that term "bang/flop" because that's exactly how it is.
Convinced also, 270 Mossberg is my next firearm to get. No hold over up to about 400yds, that's all I need! Thanks sir happy shooting & spread the knowledge!
I purchased a Mossberg Patriot in 270 on Black Friday last year. I took the dead ringer scope off and put a Leopold on. I am shooting 5/8 to 3/4 in groups at 200 yards. I very highly recommend the Mossberg Patriot in 270 Winchester. You will not be disappointed!
Awesome... very informative and your knowledge and experience is priceless, and would be a bless to have Real McCoy's like you to learn more about guns a hunting.
Hi from England. I totally agree Sir.