Why I love the .270

Heavy mist this afternoon had me practically writing-off my plans for an evening stalk, but having spent the best part of two hours being dragged around Hobbycraft I was desperate to regain some sanity. Seeing the slightest break in the weather, my natural optimism (some may say blind stupidity) saw me sally forth, with my beloved (and newly-unmoderated) .270 sitting nicely-balanced no my shoulder. I've been seeing a lot of deer no my permission recently, and the farmer's asked me to do what I can to get numbers down. An almost impossible task given the proximity to over a thousand acres of forest, but I struggle on in my own wee way

Half an hour or so of wandering through the mist saw it gradually disperse, and as luck would have it I spotted a likely buck a couple of hundred yards off grazing through the winter barley. I managed to get fifty yards or so closer, then had the sticks set up and rifle mounted ready for him to turn and offer a shot. He duly did so, and I sent 130 grains of Speers finest on it's way. Of course, not having the moderator meant I lost the sight picture momentarily, and when I got back on him I was just in time to see his back legs fold and that was him down. Not a bad wee buck at all, and it's reinforced my affection for the .270. I don't know what it is about it, but it'll always have a place in my stable.



Closer examination showed the bullet had gone exactly where I wanted it, with none of the damage and bruising some would say is typical of the .270. The heart was split, and the lungs had been hit. It was a shot I was very pleased to see go well, as it's the first buck I've taken since removing the mod'. Entry on the right of the photo



The buck's now lardered, and I'm ready for a well-earned beer!

 

[Woodsmoke]

To be honest my ears won’t stand it unmoderated. My Tinnitus is bad enough as it is.

I shot mine moderated for years. The only time it came off was during a trip to the states. I've a couple of stutzens now though, and I like how they handle so much it actually spoiled the .270 for me as it felt so unbalanced in comparison. Mind you, I was using a heavy stainless steel ASE though. I'm also a massive fan of classic wood and blue, so going back to a bare rifle just seems to suit me better

 

[Sonicdmb73]

I shot mine moderated for years. The only time it came off was during a trip to the states. I've a couple of stutzens now though, and I like how they handle so much it actually spoiled the .270 for me as it felt so unbalanced in comparison. Mind you, I was using a heavy stainless steel ASE though. I'm also a massive fan of classic wood and blue, so going back to a bare rifle just seems to suit me better

I fired my mates 270 before moderators were given out as freely. He shot virtually everything with it. At home and abroad.
I bought my first because they were so cheap. I bought a barrel to go with my 6.5 Sauer 202, because it does the job.

 

[paul o']

There a cap gun had more recoil starting the lawn mower .

 

[NP435]

270 just does the job not flashy not new just the right tool for the job.

 

[Dunwaters]

Thank you, mate. There's a lot about the Abolt I like. That short bolt throw, tang safety, detachable box mag', adjustable trigger, cartridge follower on the bolt body . . . I'm a huge fan.

I load the 130 grain to be slightly slower than factory at around 2700fps. Still stays very flat, but it tends not to be quite as snappy as factory speed rounds. I'll still happily shoot factory though

Do the same thing with a 140 gr bullet and join the tens of thousands that have re-invented the 7x57 or .275 Rigby if you prefer.

 

[kip270]

I’ve shot most of my deer with a ABolt .270, but tend to reach for the 25-06 more recently, will put it to use this year though I think

 

[Tf223]

I agree RE the mod unbalancing the rifle and appreciate why people prefer without.

For a while I took to hearing protection and the Sako 75 6.5x55 without a mod, as when out foxing (on foot) it was too cumbersome. But the noise nearer to housing and the fact I picked up a 223 specifically for foxes meant it went back on in the end. It now really only sees use from a high seat so the weight doesn’t make a difference to me now.

 

[DDMS]

Nice work. I am looking forward to getting up to you soon! Please leave one or two for me!

 

[DavyG]

Yep. Best tip I could give anyone is to buy a .270 from an Englishman as they're mostly all too scared to shoot it

The Irish aren’t as fussy...you ain’t getting mine.
DG