270WSM Adequate for Moose/Elk?

It is only a marginal bullet if you need a reason to buy a 325 WSM or 338.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/rifle_ballistics_table.htm

No making fun of me for using Chuck Hawks data

edited to add: don't know why the clomun headings don't line up?

MV Vel@ 200yds ME Energy @200

30-06 Spfd. (180 Sp) 2700 2023 2913 1635
30-06 Spfd. (150 Sp) 2910 2342 2820 1827


270 WSM (150 Sp) 3150 2601 3304 2252

Numbers speak for themself.

Can't kill moose with a 30'06, need something with magnum in the name
 
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riden said:
It is only a marginal bullet if you need a reason to buy a 325 WSM or 338.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/rifle_ballistics_table.htm

No making fun of me for using Chuck Hawks data

edited to add: don't know why the clomun headings don't line up?

MV Vel@ 200yds ME Energy @200

30-06 Spfd. (180 Sp) 2700 2023 2913 1635
30-06 Spfd. (150 Sp) 2910 2342 2820 1827


270 WSM (150 Sp) 3150 2601 3304 2252

Numbers speak for themself.

Can't kill moose with a 30'06, need something with magnum in the name
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Thanks Riden. I understand that the 270WSM round travels faster and straighter than the 30-06....what I don't understand is how the bullet performs on impact. The WSM might carry more "energy" to the target at 200m, but what happens when a lighter bullet hits dense muscle and bone? Does it do less damage? Will it shatter a shoulder blade and still penetrate for a good kill shot on a big animal? Or does the extra mass of a 180 30-06 bullet do more damage and sustain energy longer thus a better chance of a clean kill? I'm kind of thinking of the two rounds like a sports bike vs a truck....the bike is going to get there quicker, but when it hits a brick wall it's going to bleed energy faster than the truck would, and do less damage to the wall? Am I wrong? :confused:
 
When I started moose hunting, I had my heart set on a Pre64 Model 70 chambered in 270 Win. Well, I couldn't find one on a new daddy's budget so I got a BAR. I was told that the 270 isn't big enough for moose, deer only. I shot it enough to know where that rifle was shooting over many given ranges and eventually loaded for it. I know that a 270 Winchester will do very well on a moose, I have a few trophies to prove it. I would guess that the 270 WSM will do the same. Buy one and see for yourself.
 
I love my T3 270 WSM, picked it up this fall, got no moose draw, but am hoping to plug an elk with it. The only problem I am having is finding a steady supply of ammo. But I have enough cases now, just gotta get some reloading gear.
 
I have a 270WSM. Loaded with 140gr Accubonds, 150gr partitions or any bullets along those lines and it gets the job done. I used it as my all purpose gun until I bought a larger cal for when I go out for elk/moose specifically.
 
Rob W said:
Thanks Riden. I understand that the 270WSM round travels faster and straighter than the 30-06....what I don't understand is how the bullet performs on impact. The WSM might carry more "energy" to the target at 200m, but what happens when a lighter bullet hits dense muscle and bone? Does it do less damage? Will it shatter a shoulder blade and still penetrate for a good kill shot on a big animal? Or does the extra mass of a 180 30-06 bullet do more damage and sustain energy longer thus a better chance of a clean kill? I'm kind of thinking of the two rounds like a sports bike vs a truck....the bike is going to get there quicker, but when it hits a brick wall it's going to bleed energy faster than the truck would, and do less damage to the wall? Am I wrong? :confused:
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The faster magnum rounds do preform much better with good quality bullets. I wouldn't be using ballistic tips or interlocks.

I use my 270 WSM for moose and don't think twice aboiut it's killing power. More than adequate
 
a 150gr premium bullet from a .270 is more then adequate for moose/elk. provided you have a competant shooter weilding it.

personally I would go with a 180gr from a .30-06 given the choice if Moose and Elk were my primary quarry.
 
I used it as my all purpose gun until I bought a larger cal for when I go out for elk/moose specifically.
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personally I would go with a 180gr from a .30-06 given the choice if Moose and Elk were my primary quarry
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Notice how some of the same people that are telling you that it will do the job,are also saying that it certainly isn't their first choice.
 
a .243 will kill moose just fine. isn't my first choice though. if I hunted more deer then moose I'd own a .270. but I hunt more moose then deer so I made a .338-06. ;)
 
MV Vel@ 200yds ME Energy @200

30-06 Spfd. (180 Sp) 2700 2023 2913 1635
30-06 Spfd. (150 Sp) 2910 2342 2820 1827


270 WSM (150 Sp) 3150 2601 3304 2252

Numbers speak for themself.
Click to expand...

Lets look at using energy alone to judge a cartridges ability as a moose or elk cartridge.

Here are some energy numbers from a cartridge

muzzle 3564ftlbs 100yards-3071 200 yards 2639 300 yards 2264

Those numbers would have one believe that it would be a better moose and elk round than the 270wsm.The cartridge being used as an example is a 257 wildcat using an improved 7mmstw case launching a 100gr bullet at 4000fps.It certainly wouldn't be my choice for elk and moose,but judging by the energy numbers alone it is certainly capable..
 
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I have 2 Tikka T3 LS 270WSM-wife took over the first so I got another for me. The first season saw my wife (fiance then) take her first mulie buck and cow elk that year. Her father also took his cow elk in 2004 and last season with it. I shot my cow elk last season with mine, and a friend used it on a moose in the late season last year. Great performance. 140gr Accubonds work superbly. I havent hand loaded any 140gr TSX but should be a great bullet. Also the new Winchester Supreme Elite XP3 @ 150gr will be another performer!
 
stubblejumper said:
Lets look at using energy alone to judge a cartridges ability as a moose or elk cartridge.

Here are some energy numbers from a cartridge

muzzle 3564ftlbs 100yards-3071 200 yards 2639 300 yards 2264

Those numbers would have one believe that it would be a better moose and elk round than the 270wsm.The cartridge being used as an example is a 257 wildcat using an improved 7mmstw case launching a 100gr bullet at 4000fps.It certainly wouldn't be my choice for elk and moose,but judging by the energy numbers alone it is certainly capable..
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Fair enough, but what is your point Stubble?? I admit it, I didn't read back to see if you have any other posts in the thread. Are you saying 277 bullets lack the punch?

My point is, a 270 WSM can handle moose and elk as well as a 30'06. Great all around cartridge.
 
I killed a nice cow moose last year with my BLR in .270 WSM. 1 shot with a 140 grain failsafe and the moose was down blowing blood bubbles. .270 WSM is an awesome cartridge and will be good in a T3
 
ltbull01 said:
With a well constructed bullet, I'd say it is a superb moose and elk killer.
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sambr said:
I beg to differ. Tell me that a 150 gr Nosler Partion travelling at 3052 ft wouldn't knock down a Moose or Elk?
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okay.... you're right because a 150 grn Nosler Prtn is a well constructed bullet. :confused:
 
Before this whole new thing about short magnums and ultra mags and super duper mags, the old .270 knocked down more elk that you can shake a stick at. So, if the .270 can do, then the .270WSM sure as hell better be able to. At least I hope so, 'cause that's what I'll be using for my cow elk this year.
 
gitrdun said:
Before this whole new thing about short magnums and ultra mags and super duper mags, the old .270 knocked down more elk that you can shake a stick at. So, if the .270 can do, then the .270WSM sure as hell better be able to. At least I hope so, 'cause that's what I'll be using for my cow elk this year.
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No way!!!

It will bounch right off.
 
riden said:
No way!!!

It will bounch right off.
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Are you trying to be Smart, Riden or r u serious?:confused:

After seeing the performance of the 270WSM with 140gr Accubonds on elk the past few seasons I would say different. All 1 shot kills dropped in their tracks, a few complete pass threws with small entrance, huge exit wound with severe internal damage at ranges from 100 to 250 metres. My wife took her first mulie buck in 2004 @ 440yrds - 1 shot kill then her cow elk a few weeks later. I was a disbeliever at first, but since 2004 my views have changed.

I personally prefer my 300WM with 180gr Accubonds for all my big game, but my Tikka T3 LS 270WSM performance on big game is more than adequate. I have no problems now packing my 270WSM for a change.
 
Me smart ass, no way.

I use a 270 WSM as my go to gun. Last year's moose, never stood a chance (160 gr partitions). Waited 15 min before heading in and he was dead when we got there.

The 270 was a great all around gun for years and now all you hear is marginal. The animals aren't evolving, we are falling victim to manufacturers propaganda.
 
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