Considering one of these cartridges for a light(er) weight stalking/mountain rifle. Looking at the numbers it seems, much like the 308 vs 30-06 debate, the only difference is a couple hundred fps. Anyone have experience on the short mag? Is the difference noticeable over the Winchester?
270 win vs. 270 wsm
- Thread starter PrairiedogKnives
- Start date
The 270 wsm splits the difference between the 270 Winchewter and the 270 Weatherby. Yes, the wsm is faster than the standard flavor (and slower than the Wby version). For that increase in speed, you will pay more for cases, powder, commercial ammunition etc. There's also the 6.8 Winchester, which splits the difference in case size between the wsm and the wssm cases. Ballistically the 6.8 is roughly equal to the standard 270. Has a faster twist which is required for the new heavier 270 bullets. I had a 270 wsm, and a standard 270 and a 270 Wby. I still have the standard and the Wby versions, and the barrel for the wsm, though I built a different rifle on that receiver. I don't think I would invest in the wsm version, unless you really like it. It's going to cost you more. - dan
I have a couple different 270Win and one 270WSM. My primary 270Win is a Sako Stainless-Synthetic. I love this rifle as it is ridiculously accurate with inexpensive ammunition. Federal Powershock 130s group under a dime at 100 metres and do a great job at dropping game on the spot with very low recoil. This rifle/cartridge combo goes most places with me and serves well for deer, moose, elk, or bear. My other 270Win is my father's Husqvarna that likes the 150 grain but I rarely even touch this rifle. Good rifle, just not my rifle. On hunts when the emphasis is mostly on elk, I tend to lean towards my Finnlight in 270WSM through which I launch Winchester 140 grain Accubonds.
The 270WSM is definitely faster and with heavier bullets from a shorter barrel than my 270Win but with slightly more recoil. The biggest difference is the price comparison and availability of ammunition off the shelf. 270Win is easy to find and although prices have gone up since the Covid lockdowns, ammunition is reasonably affordable whereas the 270WSM tends to be sold at higher prices. I do appreciate the 270WSM's heavier bullets that launch at higher velocities as it equates to a bigger thump on game at longer ranges but the lighter 270Win still harvests most of the game in my freezer.
I have used the 270Weatherby and it kills game but it is not a cartridge I would ever entertain again. Typical Weatherby issues of limited availability of brass and ridiculous prices for ammunition off the shelf if it can even be found. I really did not like the Weatherby Mark V rifle I had for this cartridge as it was heavy and the barrel whip was bad. We could never get it to group tightly.
The 6.8Remington is another interesting 270 but a concept specifically for military rifles. I liked the idea as I always felt the army needed something heavier than the 5.56 but it seems to have been back-benched. I had some range time with a 6.8 built on a Rem700 and it was a nice rifle and cartridge that would probably be great for deer and coyotes but I know if I actually owned one it would be a target rifle as my 270Win will always be my main deer rifle.
I shake my head at the 6.8 Western as it is so similar to the WSM but the Western was intended for longer, heavier bullets that still fit in a standard short action receiver. That said, long, heavy bullets can be used in a 270WSM but a longer action might be required depending on depth of seating. I would like to see a legit, side by side comparison of the WSM and Western cartridges in which identical barrels, powders, and bullets are used in the two rifles.
If I had to summarize all this in one statement, just buy a 270Win.
The 270WSM is definitely faster and with heavier bullets from a shorter barrel than my 270Win but with slightly more recoil. The biggest difference is the price comparison and availability of ammunition off the shelf. 270Win is easy to find and although prices have gone up since the Covid lockdowns, ammunition is reasonably affordable whereas the 270WSM tends to be sold at higher prices. I do appreciate the 270WSM's heavier bullets that launch at higher velocities as it equates to a bigger thump on game at longer ranges but the lighter 270Win still harvests most of the game in my freezer.
I have used the 270Weatherby and it kills game but it is not a cartridge I would ever entertain again. Typical Weatherby issues of limited availability of brass and ridiculous prices for ammunition off the shelf if it can even be found. I really did not like the Weatherby Mark V rifle I had for this cartridge as it was heavy and the barrel whip was bad. We could never get it to group tightly.
The 6.8Remington is another interesting 270 but a concept specifically for military rifles. I liked the idea as I always felt the army needed something heavier than the 5.56 but it seems to have been back-benched. I had some range time with a 6.8 built on a Rem700 and it was a nice rifle and cartridge that would probably be great for deer and coyotes but I know if I actually owned one it would be a target rifle as my 270Win will always be my main deer rifle.
I shake my head at the 6.8 Western as it is so similar to the WSM but the Western was intended for longer, heavier bullets that still fit in a standard short action receiver. That said, long, heavy bullets can be used in a 270WSM but a longer action might be required depending on depth of seating. I would like to see a legit, side by side comparison of the WSM and Western cartridges in which identical barrels, powders, and bullets are used in the two rifles.
If I had to summarize all this in one statement, just buy a 270Win.
- Location
- Rockland, ON
I’ve had and hunted with both the 270 Win and the 270 WSM. The 270 Win in a Savage 16, blued 22” stainless barrelled action in a synthetic stock and a Browning A Bolt II 22” stainless barrelled action with a synthetic stock. I had the 270 WSM in a Savage 14 Classic 24” stainless fluted barrelled action in a walnut stock with cheekpiece and a Browning A Bolt II Mountain Titanium that had a 23” stainless barrel, titanium action with a Bell and Carlson synthetic camouflage stock.
The 270WSM was the more expensive to purchase and to run. Both were accurate in all the rifles. I used them on deer and moose sighted in for POA (PBR) ranges of up to 300 yards. I used 150 grain bullets, Nosler Partition in Federal ammunition was preferred. Clean kills were the norm, no drama. I found the A Bolt Mountain Ti to be a little too light of a rifle for the 270 WSM. I would have preferred a bit more weight to it. It was 8 pounds loaded, another 8-10 ounces would have been better. The heavier Savage was perfect. For comparison, I also had a Ti in 308, the weight was perfect for 165g bullets in that.
If I were to buy a 270 again it would be the WSM version. I like it a lot. In fact, if I was to ever go with only one cartridge for my deer/moose/black bear hunting needs I might pick the 270 WSM. For me, it has been that good.
The 270WSM was the more expensive to purchase and to run. Both were accurate in all the rifles. I used them on deer and moose sighted in for POA (PBR) ranges of up to 300 yards. I used 150 grain bullets, Nosler Partition in Federal ammunition was preferred. Clean kills were the norm, no drama. I found the A Bolt Mountain Ti to be a little too light of a rifle for the 270 WSM. I would have preferred a bit more weight to it. It was 8 pounds loaded, another 8-10 ounces would have been better. The heavier Savage was perfect. For comparison, I also had a Ti in 308, the weight was perfect for 165g bullets in that.
If I were to buy a 270 again it would be the WSM version. I like it a lot. In fact, if I was to ever go with only one cartridge for my deer/moose/black bear hunting needs I might pick the 270 WSM. For me, it has been that good.
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john-brennan
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Vancouver Island B.C.
I have had many of both I love them both for the accuracy and easy to reload but I do get 200fps more velocity with a 130gr accubond so all being equal the WSM is a little flatter shooting and has more energy at all ranges, No real difference til you get to 400 yards in my opinion.
Same thing here! The old 270 has always been in my stable...since the mid 70's....still is, always will be ! Taken all my deer and bears for over 25 years before I started changing rifles.
1st things 1st, lets make one thing known. I'm a speed freak. I love calibers that are fast and flat. If i'm picking between 2 cals (ex 223 or 22-250) i'm always taking the 22-250, only cause its who I am. Which is ironic because my PRS gun is a 6BR over a 6 Creed but little different ballgame over hunting rifles.
I shot a both a 243 and 270 win since I was 12. When I turned 18 and got my PAL I found a brand new Tikka T3 in 270 wsm at our local Co-op for $649 and the gentleman behind the counter said "If you like a 270 win, you'll LOVE a 270 WSM" and boy was he right. I got it home, went to the range, sighted it in and on the way home there was a coyote standing couple hundred hards into our field so I thought i'd test this thing out......and thats where my love for the WSM began haha
I've owned many, still have a couple including that Tikka. And I still have a 270 win as well but only cause it was my grandpa's. I know this wont make sense in terms of hunting, but if you think the 270 win does it good, the 270 WSM just does it "better" and maybe thats just cause I have so much confidence in mine. I've folded up moose and deer with it lots over the years. My cousin borrowed it on her elk hunt and folded her cow at 256 yards with it. Buddy took it antelope hunting in 2016 and when he picked it up I told him "0-350 yards, put the crosshairs where you want and let er bark" he thought I was BS'n him (he shot a 30-30 and 308 his whole life) and he came home with a booner goat and said "how much?" I said for what? He says "this magic rifle, i've never shot something so flat in my life" to which I chirped him about his 308 and put my WSM back in my safe. I never question a shot with it. Point, squeeze, eat. And I know many folks feel the same about the plain ol 270 win but theres just something about a 270 WSM that puts a smile on your face. The only hunting rifle I own that I like shooting more than my Tikka 270 wsm is my 257 bee, mostly cause the recoil is less and it's an absolute laser beam (not really fair to compare a 270 WSM to a 257 wby but you get the point)
But, that being said, I think it comes down to reloading or buying shells. The WSM ammo is more expensive and you might not find it in the boonies if you need a box. If you load your own then buy the 270 wsm, some brass, a couple lbs of H1000 and some 130gr TTSX bullets. They hit HARD coming 3300 FPS out of the barrel........
If you don't reload stick with a 270 win. Its a very safe bet you will find ammo everywhere for it. WSM ammo is hit n miss these days but i'm seeing more and more of it again at Cabelas, Canadian Tire and other smaller shops. If you dont reload, when you find a brand of ammo youre gun likes, buy as much as you can afford and hope you dont shoot it all which will be tough cause you'll like shooting it
I shot a both a 243 and 270 win since I was 12. When I turned 18 and got my PAL I found a brand new Tikka T3 in 270 wsm at our local Co-op for $649 and the gentleman behind the counter said "If you like a 270 win, you'll LOVE a 270 WSM" and boy was he right. I got it home, went to the range, sighted it in and on the way home there was a coyote standing couple hundred hards into our field so I thought i'd test this thing out......and thats where my love for the WSM began haha
I've owned many, still have a couple including that Tikka. And I still have a 270 win as well but only cause it was my grandpa's. I know this wont make sense in terms of hunting, but if you think the 270 win does it good, the 270 WSM just does it "better" and maybe thats just cause I have so much confidence in mine. I've folded up moose and deer with it lots over the years. My cousin borrowed it on her elk hunt and folded her cow at 256 yards with it. Buddy took it antelope hunting in 2016 and when he picked it up I told him "0-350 yards, put the crosshairs where you want and let er bark" he thought I was BS'n him (he shot a 30-30 and 308 his whole life) and he came home with a booner goat and said "how much?" I said for what? He says "this magic rifle, i've never shot something so flat in my life" to which I chirped him about his 308 and put my WSM back in my safe. I never question a shot with it. Point, squeeze, eat. And I know many folks feel the same about the plain ol 270 win but theres just something about a 270 WSM that puts a smile on your face. The only hunting rifle I own that I like shooting more than my Tikka 270 wsm is my 257 bee, mostly cause the recoil is less and it's an absolute laser beam (not really fair to compare a 270 WSM to a 257 wby but you get the point)
But, that being said, I think it comes down to reloading or buying shells. The WSM ammo is more expensive and you might not find it in the boonies if you need a box. If you load your own then buy the 270 wsm, some brass, a couple lbs of H1000 and some 130gr TTSX bullets. They hit HARD coming 3300 FPS out of the barrel........
If you don't reload stick with a 270 win. Its a very safe bet you will find ammo everywhere for it. WSM ammo is hit n miss these days but i'm seeing more and more of it again at Cabelas, Canadian Tire and other smaller shops. If you dont reload, when you find a brand of ammo youre gun likes, buy as much as you can afford and hope you dont shoot it all which will be tough cause you'll like shooting it
Im gunna add here as well, that the short action vs long action could play a factor in your choice. Are you wanting to save every ounce you can? Or do you care if one is 4oz heavier than the other. When it comes to tikkas it doesnt matter as their action length is all the same.
I guess what it really boils down to is
1) Ammo availability where you are
2) Finding a rifle that fits. If the store has one you really like and fits you but only in 270 win, buy it. Or vice versa but in 270 wsm.
I guess what it really boils down to is
1) Ammo availability where you are
2) Finding a rifle that fits. If the store has one you really like and fits you but only in 270 win, buy it. Or vice versa but in 270 wsm.
ripper2812
Member
- Location
- Rocking the Ridge
The question I would ask is, what does the WSM do that the .270 win cant?. The answer to that is nothing. Shot my Roosevelt elk last year with my .270 win, 145grain ELD-X at 2950 FPS. Elk ran 5 yards and hit the dirt.
pete dobinson
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Courtenay BC.
In a lightweight rifle I prefer the 270 win. I have a kimber mountain ascent 270 and a kimber montana 7mm wsm. I prefer the slimed down action on the 270 compared to the wsm action platform, it fits me a little better. However its splitting hairs. Go shoulder some lightweight rifles to see which you prefer. There's nothing much that the 270 win couldn't handle on this continant.
unstableryan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Beautiful Okanagan Valley
I don't have experience with the WSM version, but it seems like it's not the most popular WSM out there. .270 can be bought at the general store in a town of 500.
The question is whether you need the extra 100-200 fps that the wsm has over the 270 win. If you handload you can use Magnum powders (Magpro, Norma MRP, Rl 26) to get these extra 100-200 fps in a 270 win. With that you do not 'need' a wsm which is more costly and has a shorter barrel life.
Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I've never owned the WSM but I've had several 270 Winchesters and a 270 Wby. The 270 Win is easy to find ammo for if you don't handload and if you do handload then it's easy enough to find a suitable hunting load for in my experience. I've shot some game with the Win and there has never been any drama, I've also watched quite a few other hunters shoot game with the 270 Win and there has been very little drama with those too. It seems the 270 Win kills game pretty good.
I like the 270 Wby and it kills like lighting too but the usually drawbacks apply such as heavy rifles like the MkV Wby and expensive factory ammo if you don't reload. It really is a great cartridge though, very fast and flat!
I could see myself liking the 270 WSM but if you already have a 270 Win then I wouldn't bother with it.
I like the 270 Wby and it kills like lighting too but the usually drawbacks apply such as heavy rifles like the MkV Wby and expensive factory ammo if you don't reload. It really is a great cartridge though, very fast and flat!
I could see myself liking the 270 WSM but if you already have a 270 Win then I wouldn't bother with it.
I owned a 270 WSM in a Kimber Montana. It was a nice light rifle, however it kicked like hell! Accuracy was 1" @ 100 yards, with 130 grain accubonds. It's a great cartridge, however most rifles only have 22, 23 or 24 inch barrels. Personally if I wanted another 270 WSM, I would have it built with a 27" barrel, 1-10 twist, on a Winchester model 70 action. I would probably purchase a nice Super grade and rebarrel it and add a Trigger Tech Trigger.
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I would go Reg 270 Win in a light weight stalking rifle . Recoil is less then the WSM and it’s nearly as good in Performance.jmo RJ
Wild_Thing
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- In the thick of it!
Quick, cheap and easy pick up a .270 and enjoy a great caliber with wide availability of ammo. It will do everything you need it to do and with modern technology it is even better than what made it a legend.
