.308 or .270

Bleak Ridge is a family-run business, selling country clothing and workwear
The deer man said:
The answer is obvious!

Bang in the middle...7mm-08
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I'm rather fond of mine . Getting back to the OP , they're both really effective , and versatile cartridges . I've owned a few of both over the years . Find a rifle that fits you properly and use bullets appropriate to the game your after . With heavier or tougher bullets , the 270 isn't any more destructive than other rounds within the same velocity range . With lightly constructed bullets at close range , a 308 can make a mess as well . I've taken a fair amount of game with both rounds , I can't say there's much difference between them , or a lot of other cartridges mentioned above . Choose either and put some thought into what bullet will do what you need at the ranges you expect to use them at . To be honest , that can be said of any cartridge . This isn't directed at the OP , but Phil Shoemaker , a man I respect a lot , once said , " It's time to quit the ballistic masturbation and go and shoot something " .

AB
 
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25 Sharps said:
Surely you just neck down 7x57
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You can do that, and I did try it. But then I got lucky with a couple of hundred Winchester cases. The 140gn SST I mentioned shot really well, but the rifle was originally bought to hunt Sambar Deer in Victoria. I no longer had that desire so I re-barrelled it. I'd Chronographed the 140's at 3,060fps. The powder was H4831sc.
 
norcan said:
Always nice to see a proper ballistics table.

Looking at the numbers, it's impressive how well the full-power 6.5x55 loads perform. Comparing like bullet design for like, the 139-gr Racehead suprisingly manages to retain slightly more energy at 300 m than the 168-gr Racehead in 308, as well as shooting substantially flatter.

More surprising yet is that it has more energy at 300 m than all sub-.30-calibre offerings except the 7 mm magnum, and even outdoes all but one each in 308 and 30-06.

The 6.5x55 also has less drop than both 270 loads and all but one for the 30-06, although they're not directly comparable due to having different bullet profiles. Still, having only 31.7 cm drop at 300 m puts it in very good company on that table.

What a difference from the reduced-power loads that lead some to believe that it has a loopy trajectory!
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It’s nearly as good as the 6.5 creedmoor 😂
 
tacklerat said:
You can do that, and I did try it. But then I got lucky with a couple of hundred Winchester cases. The 140gn SST I mentioned shot really well, but the rifle was originally bought to hunt Sambar Deer in Victoria. I no longer had that desire so I re-barrelled it. I'd Chronographed the 140's at 3,060fps. The powder was H4831sc.
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My point was, it’s easy to get brass for one!

Does look a lovely cartridge
 
Been using a .308 for 30years. Looked at a few different calibers over the years but still think its the top round for me. Plenty supply of ammo and reloading. You could handload to tune the rifle. Lots you can do. 👍
 
VSS said:
That was my thoughts entirely, and haven't regretted my choice at all.

If you want to have fun out of owning the rifle, even when you're not using it, then definitely go 270.

If you post on here that you own a 308, responses will be along the line of "oh, so what?" and a non-committal shrug of the shoulders (a bit like admitting that you play the banjo).

However, confess to owning a 270 and you'll be greeted with roars of laughter, a load of leg pulling and lots of lively, good natured banter will ensue (particularly if you confess to not having a moderator).
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.270 owner in the form of traditional English hunting rifle, Holland quick detach mounts with iron sights. Un-moderated and to remain that way. Let the banter begin!!
 
I have loved reading all these comments. you should ask yourself at what quarry you will most be dispatching ,Where your shooting is mostly at, how often your hitting large deer and dont listen to the over and over again thoughts of the meny. A 207 is a flatter and more accurate than a 308 for deer stalking. The 3 main head sizes for a 270 are 130g, 140g, 150g,all do the job but find one you're rifle likes and stick to it. Are you going to reload you own ammo ? The real question's you need answer's for is go to your local range and test both as for the 308cal a 150 head will be the best for all Quarry but what do I no I only do it for a living and use both 270 and 308 not at the same time haha and once you can shoot head and upper neck shoots are all you need to carry out no meet loss I HOPE THIS HELPS Ian
 
a1ddx said:
I have loved reading all these comments. you should ask yourself at what quarry you will most be dispatching ,Where your shooting is mostly at, how often your hitting large deer and dont listen to the over and over again thoughts of the meny. A 207 is a flatter and more accurate than a 308 for deer stalking. The 3 main head sizes for a 270 are 130g, 140g, 150g,all do the job but find one you're rifle likes and stick to it. Are you going to reload you own ammo ? The real question's you need answer's for is go to your local range and test both as for the 308cal a 150 head will be the best for all Quarry but what do I no I only do it for a living and use both 270 and 308 not at the same time haha and once you can shoot head and upper neck shoots are all you need to carry out no meet loss I HOPE THIS HELPS Ian
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Indeed - each are absolutely super rounds though in fairness the conclusion about flat shooting is not borne out by Sako’s own figures in my post No. 51 where the venerable .308 seems to show the way…..
Just saying.
🦊🦊
 
sorry i stopped using a sako years ago i shoot Sauer rifles and both are same hole shooters with 5 rounds, I reload all my ammo and in the 270 i use 140g bullet and the 308 150g, or long distance 168 match and a good group at 1000 yds so stale mate haha
 
Heym SR20 said:
If most of your stalking is open hill then 270, mixed woodland / farmland etc then 308. And for boar then 308.

But as others have pointed out 7x57 well worth a look as it can shoot fast and flat like a 270, or with a bigger 156 / 173 gn bullet deal with bigger animals. Best all round calibre though in my view in the 7x64. It is loaded a little hotter than most 7x57 ammo, it has a faster 1 in 8 twist so will stabilise any bullet, especially non-toxic, has modest recoil, especially with lighter bullets yet more than capable of taking just about any four legged game animal.

But it’s not that popular in the UK which I do find surprising.

And don’t discount the 30-06 either.

To be honest find a nice rifle that firs you in any of the above calibres and you would be adequate for anything that doesn’t need a 375
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I trust you won't be too offended? I have abbreviated your response slightly, but still kept the important bit... 😆
 
Island said:
I trust you won't be too offended? I have abbreviated your response slightly, but still kept the important bit... 😆
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No offence taken. I really don’t understand why the 7x64 has never become more popular in the UK. It really is a perfect mix of wide choice of bullet, plenty of thump, but without a sharp recoil, and with lighter bullets, minimal recoil. Its flat shooting for long range open ground, and yet can shoot a long ballistically efficient bullets to take big bodied lowland deer. its always had a 1in 8.5” twist so also future proof for copper bullets

I would however state that I think a 7x65r in a fine single shot, combination or double gun is an even better option.

(Tin helmet, sandbags and thick skin ready for the incoming).
 
Hmmm. A long time ago but I seem to recall the OP asked “.308 or .270” and now other uninvited chamberings are creeping in (wot? In SD - surely not!). Seems a shame to segue this way.
Anyhow the 6,5x55SE is more than enough gun to meet your requirements - well you started it!
🦊🦊
PS
I can hear the sound of man-bun elastic being tightened………
 
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