drummerboy
Well-Known Member
Guys, iam up for renewal next march, i currently use a sako .243 and thinking of getting a bigger rifle for red deer what are your thoughts either .270 or a .308 of course i will be keeping the .243.
.308 or .270
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drummerboy
Well-Known Member
Yes mate, fired one then fired the same one after it was screwcut and moderated and what a differance it made.
stephentri
Well-Known Member
Hi could you please tell us what advantage it has ,and don't say flat shooting as at normal deer stalking distance there is nothing in it.
My first choice would be the 270. I've used 270 for the past 20yrs, and still love it, I use 243 and 30-06.
I don't think there's much in it between the two. I love my .270 but I have also used a .308. The .270 does use a bit more powder than the .308 for similar results. Go with your heart - you wont be at a disadvantage with either.
I'm getting deja vu. Here is what I wrote on the exact same question yesterday:
There is no practical difference. I have .308 and .270. Both in old fashioned, heavy(ish) wood stocked rifles with 24" barrels, unmoderated. I really cannot detect a difference in recoil, and don't find either unpleasant (and I am a self confessed pansy when it comes to recoil).
In terms of drop - I have twice shot them at targets put out at 300 paces (about the absolute screaming maximum I would consider shooting at a live target). I shot 5 shot groups with one rifle and then 5 shot groups with the other, at the same target. The size of the groups was large enough that the difference in height between them was close to unmeasurable. All I can really say is that the lowest shot was a .308 and the highest a .270, but otherwise they more or less fell within one continuous group. More variation was introduced by me than would ever be introduced by the ballistics of the rounds.
So: find the RIFLE that you like, and go from there. I've said several times that I doubt most of stalkers would be able to tell the difference if you randomly handed them any rifle in the range .25-06 to 7X64 and told them to get on with it.
There is no practical difference. I have .308 and .270. Both in old fashioned, heavy(ish) wood stocked rifles with 24" barrels, unmoderated. I really cannot detect a difference in recoil, and don't find either unpleasant (and I am a self confessed pansy when it comes to recoil).
In terms of drop - I have twice shot them at targets put out at 300 paces (about the absolute screaming maximum I would consider shooting at a live target). I shot 5 shot groups with one rifle and then 5 shot groups with the other, at the same target. The size of the groups was large enough that the difference in height between them was close to unmeasurable. All I can really say is that the lowest shot was a .308 and the highest a .270, but otherwise they more or less fell within one continuous group. More variation was introduced by me than would ever be introduced by the ballistics of the rounds.
So: find the RIFLE that you like, and go from there. I've said several times that I doubt most of stalkers would be able to tell the difference if you randomly handed them any rifle in the range .25-06 to 7X64 and told them to get on with it.
ChesterP
Well-Known Member
^^^^^^^^
Good posting
Surely other practical considerations are more important than specific calibre? I'd have thought using a gun that fits well, is light anough for a day's stalking, shoots well and one that you have full confidence in is more important than actual calibre. I simply dont buy that any one deer calibre in the UK has any real great advantage over another providing shot placement is accurate. (OK, so some estates frown upon .243). They'll all drop a red stag in its tracks. If, like me, you wont be home loading, then ammo availability, cost and choice come into play, and there's none more versatile and popular round than the .308 partly for that very reason.
For all ranges within the UK you're likely to shoot over, it will be as flat shooting as just about anything else, especially with lighter, faster rounds. It's not as if everyday stalkers shoot over 400yds and need laser flat trajectory. Anything that has a POI within 3 inches of aim for the distances shot at will do the job with crosshairs on. That in mind, I'd be also interested to learn what other calibres have by way of real advantage? Are they not all much of a muchness for all practical shooting purposes for UK deer?
Why not see if you can just try a few different calibres and see which you prefer shooting? 6.5 x 55 might also be worth considering (softer shooting than either .308 or .270 and very accurate...also good availability)
Good posting
Surely other practical considerations are more important than specific calibre? I'd have thought using a gun that fits well, is light anough for a day's stalking, shoots well and one that you have full confidence in is more important than actual calibre. I simply dont buy that any one deer calibre in the UK has any real great advantage over another providing shot placement is accurate. (OK, so some estates frown upon .243). They'll all drop a red stag in its tracks. If, like me, you wont be home loading, then ammo availability, cost and choice come into play, and there's none more versatile and popular round than the .308 partly for that very reason.
For all ranges within the UK you're likely to shoot over, it will be as flat shooting as just about anything else, especially with lighter, faster rounds. It's not as if everyday stalkers shoot over 400yds and need laser flat trajectory. Anything that has a POI within 3 inches of aim for the distances shot at will do the job with crosshairs on. That in mind, I'd be also interested to learn what other calibres have by way of real advantage? Are they not all much of a muchness for all practical shooting purposes for UK deer?
Why not see if you can just try a few different calibres and see which you prefer shooting? 6.5 x 55 might also be worth considering (softer shooting than either .308 or .270 and very accurate...also good availability)
Norrie1956
Well-Known Member
IMHO, it depends what ammo you can get in your area, as both are great calibers......I can get either easily, plus I reload.
BTW, just sent a PM ...
BTW, just sent a PM ...
enfieldspares
Well-Known Member
My input would be that if and when non-lead bullets come that the .270 WCF ( fine cartridge) will struggle to be supplied with non-lead bullets in either 140 grain or 150 grain weights.
And certainly nothing above that such as RWS new 156 grain Evolution or Sako's old 155 grain Hammerhead. Which may then cause problems in any circumstance where local law dictates a minimum 10 gram bullet.
Larger diameter such as .308 or .30-06 is "future proofing" against a non-lead bullet law IF you want to, or HAVE TO BY LAW shoot bullets over 140 or 150 grains weight.
And certainly nothing above that such as RWS new 156 grain Evolution or Sako's old 155 grain Hammerhead. Which may then cause problems in any circumstance where local law dictates a minimum 10 gram bullet.
Larger diameter such as .308 or .30-06 is "future proofing" against a non-lead bullet law IF you want to, or HAVE TO BY LAW shoot bullets over 140 or 150 grains weight.
As stated, not much difference in trajectory inside 300 yards.
.270 just slightly faster with same bullet weights
Same recoil with same bullet weights.
If you want to shoot bullets 100 grains to 150 grains, buy the .270.
If you want to shoot 130 to 180 grains, buy the .308.
.270 just slightly faster with same bullet weights
Same recoil with same bullet weights.
If you want to shoot bullets 100 grains to 150 grains, buy the .270.
If you want to shoot 130 to 180 grains, buy the .308.
levigsp
Well-Known Member
I would go 308 every time for a number of reasons.
And before people rubbish some of my coments I have used both in the field and fired thousands of rounds.
In fact I have used dozens of different rifles in my time and I can only say as I find
Firstly given the same gun and weight of projectile in both calibers, the 270 kicks more, it can be measured.
Having said that you dont nessesaraly use the same weight.
Now people keep telling me that 270s with mods do not kick a lot, I agree to a point, BUT just watch someone fire both standing and see what the effect is on them!
I have had a lot of serious opperations on my spine and recoil effects me in a different fashion to most,
I can fire identical rifles in 243, 308 and not suffer then or an hour later, but using the 270 buggers me up for the rest of the day.
I can go futher and state that my guns listed given weight and weight of bullet 243- 9.5lb-85/100gn, 7x64-7.8lb-130/170gn, 308-9.5lb-150/180gn all treat me the same within reason, fire a dozen shots, pack in and no problem.
Fireing a 270, 7.9lb 130gn, 7-08, 8lb-120/130gn and I am in bed an hour later for at least a day.
I know I am an extreeme and my body feels the different TYPE of recoil, but others do as well, eg my brother used to think I was dreaming about the recoil of his guns, hes had a shoulder replaced, he uses the 243 now! a good friend who has used a 270 for 40 years has just swapped to 308 for good reason.
I would happily recomend a 270 to someone whos out stalking in the highlands, or an 08 or 9x64 for boar etc etc, but once one is getting older etc, there are better choices.
Just my thoughts and ramblings
I am in the proccess of customising two rifles for myself, one a 308 the other a 7x64, both very light but with everything done to reduce recoil so that I can practice 50 rounds at a time.
And before people rubbish some of my coments I have used both in the field and fired thousands of rounds.
In fact I have used dozens of different rifles in my time and I can only say as I find
Firstly given the same gun and weight of projectile in both calibers, the 270 kicks more, it can be measured.
Having said that you dont nessesaraly use the same weight.
Now people keep telling me that 270s with mods do not kick a lot, I agree to a point, BUT just watch someone fire both standing and see what the effect is on them!
I have had a lot of serious opperations on my spine and recoil effects me in a different fashion to most,
I can fire identical rifles in 243, 308 and not suffer then or an hour later, but using the 270 buggers me up for the rest of the day.
I can go futher and state that my guns listed given weight and weight of bullet 243- 9.5lb-85/100gn, 7x64-7.8lb-130/170gn, 308-9.5lb-150/180gn all treat me the same within reason, fire a dozen shots, pack in and no problem.
Fireing a 270, 7.9lb 130gn, 7-08, 8lb-120/130gn and I am in bed an hour later for at least a day.
I know I am an extreeme and my body feels the different TYPE of recoil, but others do as well, eg my brother used to think I was dreaming about the recoil of his guns, hes had a shoulder replaced, he uses the 243 now! a good friend who has used a 270 for 40 years has just swapped to 308 for good reason.
I would happily recomend a 270 to someone whos out stalking in the highlands, or an 08 or 9x64 for boar etc etc, but once one is getting older etc, there are better choices.
Just my thoughts and ramblings
I am in the proccess of customising two rifles for myself, one a 308 the other a 7x64, both very light but with everything done to reduce recoil so that I can practice 50 rounds at a time.
iain b
Well-Known Member
+1. Best of both worlds.
Yup.~Muir
A Guy Out West
Well-Known Member
Check out the Nosler #7 manual, .270 Winchester 110 gr. bullet. Work into a a Barnes ttx. The recoil in my A BOLT is just a tickle. This load is the definition of taught string, check it against a 115 gr. .257 Wtby. All from a 22" barrel.
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...first and foremost.
Best advice, right there.
If you really enjoy the rifle's fit for you, its looks, it balance and handling, it won't matter if it is in .308, 7mm-08, .270, .280, 7x57, .30-06...and the game you hunt won't be able to tell the difference, either.
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