How would you compare 270 vs 308 for use on whitetail deer, and which of the two would have the best characteristics for larger game like elk? Does the heavier 308 win out? Is the 270 still a good choice or is something like 7mm mag make more sense? Assume there will be a need for shots at up to 250 yards.
270 vs 308
- Thread starter Grizzlypeg
- Start date
You know, its odd, that if you go through the catalogs and inventory, 308 is hard to obtain in a new sporting arm. If you want a heavy bbl varmint or tactical, its there, but if you want a standard weight 308 stainless synthetic Ruger, Browning or Remington, doesn't appear to be available. They have 270's, 30-06's, 7mm, 300WM, and the newer ultras and shorts. 308 doesn't make much appearance anymore it would seem at WSS or Cabellas or the sponsors list of stock. So, it gets me thinking, how about 270?
Frontier has a good deal on the Howa synthetic in 308win,but it isn't stainless.
http://www.frontiertaxidermy.com/html/rifles.html
P&D has a remington xcr which is stainless.
http://www.p-d-ent.com/pages/firearms/8-Cen-Non.htm
http://www.frontiertaxidermy.com/html/rifles.html
P&D has a remington xcr which is stainless.
http://www.p-d-ent.com/pages/firearms/8-Cen-Non.htm
Last edited:
Hmm....if you are looking at something that offeres a bit of both, the 7mm would seem a logical choice. With that said, both the .308 and 270 are great calibres. For larger game, the .308 would be my preference and for deer-sized game, toss a coin.
heavyBullet
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Just off the island of MTL
I shoot a 308 and love it. Always seem to be in stock over my way.
308 gives you the option to toss some heavier lead if you want (I even shoot 220 grain Hornady's out of one of mine - and yes, the stabilize fine in the 1:12 twist). However, I would think that either gun loaded with a suitable bullet would kill deer or elk just as dead as dead gets. Grab one of whatever floats your boat, and go kill sumpthin' (and post pictures when you're done!).
x2...........................................I'd use either, and use premium bullets for big stuff.
there's a certain school of thought ( which i happen to disagree with) that says elk need 250 grains at 2600 fps or better- that's 338 mag territory- however , if shots are limited to 200 yards or less( good luck on that one- lord knows i've tried-they're real good at disappearing) anything on the class of a 308/180 will do- this same "school" says the 308/180 is marginal, but an '06 with the same weight bullet will do- hence, i don't agree with their philosphy- my saddle gun is a savage 99 with 308/180s , and you see more from the back of a horse than you do on foot- i've got a 338, but that's more of a big bear type of gun as far as i'm concerned
with the TSX is there any point in debating one calibre to another especially at ranges to only 250? really? a .270 with a TSX will bowl over an elk or moose at 250 with ease...as will the .308 as will the 7mm-08 as will the 30-06 as will the 25-06...it's fun to talk about it but in reality i think everyone will agree it's rather pointless.
Contrary to what has been said previously in this thread, some .308's will not stabilize a 180grn. or heavier bullet. I want to vote for the .308, however if you have one which doesn't like heavier bullets, their really isn't any advantage to using a .308.
and you're getting your information from where?- a 180 grain bullet stabilizes in a twist of 13.2, , most 308's are 1/12 or 1/10 , and i have the charts to back that up- where the problem with the heavy bullets arises is the magazine length dicated the oal of the round- on most 308 actions, to seat properly, a 180 is about the heaviest you can use- any heavier and it's sitting in the powder- however , if it's a long action like an 06 but chambered for 308, you can go a little heavier
I totally agree with Watsknew on bullet selection. The TSX has levelled the playing field for most calibers. It gives you a whole lot of bullet in most any big game caliber from .25 on up. In some calibers, I have seen it give "twice the bullet" one normally gets with factory fodder. Not a lot of premium choices out there in some calibers, so just the act of popping one of these in your chute, you get a ton of guaranteed performance on most game I have seen dropped with them.
shortaction
CGN Regular
- Location
- Manitoulin Island, Ontario
If you are staying under 250 yards I would have to vote for the 308 Win with a 150 gr bullet for Deer or a good quality 165 -168 gr bullet if you want to throw Elk or Moose into the mix.
I don't believe the 308 would out kill the 270 at that range but I find the 308 nicer to shoot than the 270 in the same model of firearm (less muzzle blast and not as much barrel jump).
If you think there is a chance you would take a 300 yard plus shot, if the conditions where just right, I would opt for the 270. Again I don't think the 270 would out kill the 308 but the flatter trajectory makes shot placement easier.
To move up to the 7mm Rem Mag you would be dealing with about 20% more recoil and at the ranges you are talking I can't see there being enough advantage to make that worthwhile.
I don't believe the 308 would out kill the 270 at that range but I find the 308 nicer to shoot than the 270 in the same model of firearm (less muzzle blast and not as much barrel jump).
If you think there is a chance you would take a 300 yard plus shot, if the conditions where just right, I would opt for the 270. Again I don't think the 270 would out kill the 308 but the flatter trajectory makes shot placement easier.
To move up to the 7mm Rem Mag you would be dealing with about 20% more recoil and at the ranges you are talking I can't see there being enough advantage to make that worthwhile.
- Location
- interior b.c.
Why not just go with the 30-06 over either the .270 or the .308 ?
I'm guessing you probally already have a 30-06 kicking around.
