.308 or .270

[Scotty99]

dissapointed not one 'nah 30.06 is the way to go' response

..but 30.06 is great i love mine

I was sorely tempted to suggest 30-06 as I Iove the round and my rifle it’s chambered in, but he did only ask for opinions on .270 and .308.

Having said that……………

 

[Gm81]

I have a 308. Went with it as a semi custom build that was able to shoot 150gr bullet and be copper ready when I move over. I wanted a light rifle that could be used on boar as well.
I'm really impressed with it. It's not a fancy caliber. But it puts it where you aim and kills with out a big mess. Recoil isn't an issue either.
It's a cheap caliber load for with loads of bullet choice.
I really enjoy shooting it.

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

Makes no difference
Anyone who says the 308 is loopy needs to zero at 200
Anyone who says the 270 is nasty for recoil needs to get a rifle that fits

Or you could just run Peregrine 136gr out of a short barrel 308 at 2925fps and call it a .270 by another name…..

 

[Sonicdmb73]

I would go with .308. Plenty of available options on rifles from all the main manufacturers both new and second hand. Plenty of ammo options here and overseas, a very forgiving round for shorter barrels I.e. 20 inch. Ideal for boar if you have the opportunity.

Also what’s interesting on this thread the number of people now opting for a .243 as their foxing rifle often with dedicated night vision.

Is this a growing trend and is it related to the emergence of copper and the need for a heavier bullet? Will we see fewer .223s and triple twos out in the field after foxes?

I know I’ve sold my .223 and kept my .243 as a dedicated foxing rifle and am using only my 6.5x55 and 30-06 for deer.

Just deciding which dedicated digital NV scope to put on my .243.

I don’t think it’s relevant ATM as far as non toxic and fox/vermin goes.
I have got rid of the 243 and kept the 222. I replaced the former with a 6.5x55 with a 270 as my other barrel.
20 Tac and 222 cover the night vision and longer range vermin rifles.
The 270 is there for larger deer and Boar (the good reason anyway) even though the 6.5 is capable.

I might have to decide at some point whether to keep the 270 (ie get another barrel) or go for off the shelf 30-06 or 35 Whelen to go with the 270.

All in all the choice for the original question is. Is see what rifle fits well for your budget and “fits” well to you. Then see what the ammunition supply is like for each cartridge. Choose the rifle that you like, that you can feed easiest.

 

[Shootgun]

.270 all day long. Shot all six species with mine, never let me down.

 

[Antlerman]

Lots of positive feedback, thanks. I’m still not sure what to go for though. Ha. I’m leaning slightly towards the .270 just for the fact that I don’t know anyone with one and like to be different but will have a look locally to see what’s about in the next few weeks and make a decision. But still happy to go .308 if I take a liking to one whilst looking. Thank you.

 

[VSS]

. I’m leaning slightly towards the .270 just for the fact that I don’t know anyone with one and like to be different

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).

 

[njc110381]

I don’t think it’s relevant ATM as far as non toxic and fox/vermin goes.
I have got rid of the 243 and kept the 222. I replaced the former with a 6.5x55 with a 270 as my other barrel.
20 Tac and 222 cover the night vision and longer range vermin rifles.
The 270 is there for larger deer and Boar (the good reason anyway) even though the 6.5 is capable.

I might have to decide at some point whether to keep the 270 (ie get another barrel) or go for off the shelf 30-06 or 35 Whelen to go with the 270.

All in all the choice for the original question is. Is see what rifle fits well for your budget and “fits” well to you. Then see what the ammunition supply is like for each cartridge. Choose the rifle that you like, that you can feed easiest.

If you have a switch barrel rifle a Whelen would be a great addition to a .270! I don't really see the point in a .30-06 and .270, they're not a million miles apart performance wise. The Whelen performs very similarly to a 9.3x62, which could also be a consideration if your gun maker provides that as a barrel option (more likely than a Whelen)?

I know a smith who's been developing a way to get a custom barrel on a Blaser, but that's only of use if you have a Blaser!

 

[Woodsmoke]

I’m leaning slightly towards the .270 just for the fact that I don’t know anyone with one and like to be different

I love mine. If I was forced to choose one rifle to shoot with for the rest of my days it would be the .270

 

[JH83]

And at the point of neck shooting, a big calibre is wasted I would have thought? A nice frangible bullet from a .243 will near on cut the head off of most things.

I suppose so but them it limits to only a neck shot, and not a pin shot. I know a few chaps who use very light varmint bullets to do park culls (head shots)

Necks are common where I do most sika stalking as it’s high white grass, when calling the stags 9/10 times they are looking for you so stood front on. That being said I wouldn’t want to rule out the ability to smash both shoulders, which a light 243 round most certainly would struggle with (think the Mike Tyson of the deer world ).

I’m on 6.5x55 and 308.

 

[Foxyboy43]

For what its worth in any calibre discussion I always defer to the Sako data sheet which used to be in their boxes of ammo. They know a thing or two about making quality ammunition and their stats are very informative. Of course you/one can perfect your own loads which may well give better results but as a starting point it is very useful.

 

[njc110381]

I’m on 6.5x55 and 308.

Ah the Swede. I sold mine in a moment of madness! Fantastic cartridge!

 

[badbob]

As Edinburgh says a badly fitting .270 can be fierce. Two Wetherby eyebrows prove this. I'm happy with the .308 win especially in a short action rifle. What does concern me are the stories we are getting of the Police not approving the .308 ,as being too dangerous ????.

 

[VSS]

. What does concern me are the stories we are getting of the Police not approving the .308 ,as being too dangerous ????.

Yes, among FEOs there does seem to be a mentality that calibres beginning with a 3 are inherently more dangerous than those that begin with a 2.

 

[Woodsmoke]

As Edinburgh says a badly fitting .270 can be fierce.

Same with any calibre, really. I remember firing some SLRs that were absolute spiteful bastards, yet others were pussycats in comparison

 

[Brave Echo Niner]

Yes, among FEOs there does seem to be a mentality that calibres beginning with a 3 are inherently more dangerous than those that begin with a 2.

And if it starts with a 33, then they have a blue fit

 

[Dalua]

Same with any calibre, really. I remember firing some SLRs that were absolute spiteful bastards, yet others were pussycats in comparison

Perhaps maladjusted gas ports on the bad ones?

 

[6pt-sika]

I have a 243 a 270 and a 308 as well as many others so I’m not much help to you .

 

[Woodsmoke]

Perhaps maladjusted gas ports on the bad ones?

No, all set to 6 as per SOP. Probably just horrible stocks

 

[Sonicdmb73]

Lots of positive feedback, thanks. I’m still not sure what to go for though. Ha. I’m leaning slightly towards the .270 just for the fact that I don’t know anyone with one and like to be different but will have a look locally to see what’s about in the next few weeks and make a decision. But still happy to go .308 if I take a liking to one whilst looking. Thank you.

I bought my first 270 because they are not popular round here. Therefore they are cheaper, I got a far better rifle for less than the 308’s on offer.

If you have a switch barrel rifle a Whelen would be a great addition to a .270! I don't really see the point in a .30-06 and .270, they're not a million miles apart performance wise. The Whelen performs very similarly to a 9.3x62, which could also be a consideration if your gun maker provides that as a barrel option (more likely than a Whelen)?

I know a smith who's been developing a way to get a custom barrel on a Blaser, but that's only of use if you have a Blaser!

The 30-06 is likely instead of rather than as well as the 270. 9.3x62 is a standard barrel (the largest non magnum) in the Sauer 202. My ‘smith has had adapter’s or can use your old barrel to fit an aftermarket barrel. My idea is to get another 202 in the 222/223 bolt face, and eventually get all my cartridges in barrels to fit. We shall see.

In the mean time I will carry on with the 270