Author Topic: accurate .270 for out west deer hunting? (Read 1974 times)

Buckfever · « **on:** August 15, 2007, 04:44:10 AM »

Looking for a very accurate .270 rifle based upon your hunting experience. I re-load so if that is part of the deal to get it to perform that's OK. I want to buy one that I can get good at 300yd shots or maybe more at my gun range. I have Tikka's and they have been great, but this rifle choice is open to any model. Also any recommendations on scope size and matrix. Bullets are also open to any information you have. My gun smith, who is excellant, is a Remington 700 fan. I am also not afraid of any older model firearms.

I am hoping that I can get some really good information from some out west hunters who are used to long range shooting. I am kind of a detail person so there is no such thing as too much data.

Thanks very much!! Buckfever

burntmuch · « **Reply #1 on:** August 15, 2007, 05:00:46 AM »

I think if I was looking for a rem 700 .270. I would hit the used gun rack or even pawn shops. Try & find an older one. Ive got a Rem 700 7mag thats 46 years old. I think They re better guns. As far as scopes go, I like the older Burris scopes. The ones before the Fulfield II line. Bullets No comment. Thats up to you. Dont worry you ll get lots more opinions from here. Good Luck Jay

tjkanavel · « **Reply #2 on:** August 15, 2007, 05:06:29 AM »

I have only had 1 .270 and it was a Remington 700 BDL. I put a Leupold Vari-X II on it and hunted with it for 5 years here in Nebraska and Wyoming.I was shooting 130gr Nolser Ballistic tips and killed everything I hit with it.The .270 is a flat shooting round that has great velocity and is perfect for eveything up to big deer (wouldnt be my first choice for Elk or Moose,but wouldnt hesitste to use it with a good bullet like the Partition).

The rifle you buy may not be what eveyone else likes,every rifle fits everyone a little different.There are many good rifles on the market today that are very accurate right out of the box.You already mentioned Tikka's,they are a very nice rifle,as well as Remington's, Savage's,Ruger's,and Browning's are all very nice but have little differences between them that some people like and some dont.Just make sure to handle as many as you can and find the one that YOU like the best,not what the salesman is pushing on you.

As far as scopes go,I dont really think anyone needs a scope bigger then 3-9 power for deer sized game.Objective lens size is a matter of personal opinion but I dont like anything bigger then a 40mm (just too big and bulky,plus you have to buy higher rings which messes with your cheek weld).

I dont think you can go wrong with a 270 and a good scope (Leupold,Burris,Nikon,etc) and a 130gr bullet.Just pick which one your gun likes the best and go hunting.

Good luck-Tim

beemanbeme · « **Reply #3 on:** August 15, 2007, 06:36:38 AM »

If you're locked in on a .270, that's fine. As far as which one, the only thing I can suggest is go to a large sporting goods store and have them lay several different ones out on the counter. Heft and swing each one several times. One of them will whisper to you, "take me home". I also agree that a 3x9x40 scope will be all you need. A good one that you don't have to take out a second mortgage to finance. With no extra whistles nor bells nor lights. Shoot the rig enough to be comfortable with it and learn to use the scope plex to range out to 300-400 yards and you'll have everything you need. When I was shooting a .270, I used the 140 NP's.

Heavy C · « **Reply #4 on:** August 15, 2007, 07:08:48 AM »

My first hunting rig I purchased on my own was a Remington 700 ADL in 270. I don't believe they make the ADL anymore. Anyway, at the time I was barely able to afford that and a Leupold VX1 in 3 x 9 x 40. Once I found the ammo that rifle liked it was on. It's a wonderful rifle that is not difficult to pack and since it has a synthetic stock the elements don't mess with it.

Find yourself a good used one and I'm sure you'll be happy with it. If there is something that needs changing there is a lot of after market stuff to choose from too. Good luck!

Cabin4 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 15, 2007, 09:23:29 AM »

consider a Weatherby

benchracer · « **Reply #6 on:** August 15, 2007, 01:14:07 PM »

If you are a handloader, why not consider a .280 Remington. It is everything a .270 is with a better selection of bullets. Not too long ago, I saw a beautiful Winchester Model 70 Classic Featherweight in .280 Remington at a local gunshop for around $700. Problem is, with a rifle like that, you would have trouble justifying owning another rifle. I am a southpaw and an unabashed Remington 700 fan, but I think that you can choose a rifle from just about any major manufacturer and be pleased with its performance.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #7 on:** August 15, 2007, 03:00:30 PM »

Thank you Benchracer. I am a Remington fan and a .280 nut myself but I tried to stay neutral.

wareagleguy · « **Reply #8 on:** August 16, 2007, 03:16:09 PM »

I have a Sako Finnlight in 270. 5 shots in one hole at 100 yards!!! A TACK driver. I took it with me on my trip to Meeker, Co. but never got a shot. My buddy took a nice 4 by 5 elk with a Browning 270 that was VERY accurate as well. We spend most of the preseason developing loads.

The shot (I saw the whole thing too!!) was around 400 yards and the elk didn't run 75 yards.

Zachary · « **Reply #9 on:** August 16, 2007, 04:16:36 PM »

If your friend, who is a gunsmith, prefers Rem. 700s, then I would say get a 700 action and let him build you a rifle.

Take a look at the Cooper 52. These guns are expensive, but they come with test targets. Unlike Weatherby supplied targets (which come from the barreled action that is afixed to a shooting system), I understand that the Cooper supplied targets come from the actual gun itself while in the stock that you are purchasing. Every Cooper 52 test target that I have seen shows 3 bullets either touching or almost in the same hole when shot from 100 yards. Granted, these are handloads, but since you handload, then that means that you should achieve similar results. In any event, just so you know, Cooper comes with a 1/2" guarantee (for centerfire cartridges) with handloads.

As for bullets, my favorite long range bullet is the Sierra Boattail. I think that the new ones for deer hunting are called the Sierra Game King. Don't buy the Sierra Match Kings as these bullets are not designed for deer-sized game.

Still, don't limit your choice to the Sierra Game King. Remember (and as a handloader you should know) each rifle is unique and has its own personality...each rifle likes a particular brand/style of bullet that may not be the same in another rifle. So do some experimenting and see which bullet your gun likes best.

Zachary

Zachary · « **Reply #10 on:** August 16, 2007, 04:20:48 PM »

Speaking of test targets, here is a Cooper 52 listed on gunbroker. You can see what I said...3 holes in virtually the same hole. It appears that the bullet is 135 grains according to the test target (which is kinda hard to read).

Like I said, it's pricey, but sure is real accurate.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=78338810

Zachary

Buckfever · « **Reply #11 on:** August 16, 2007, 05:38:40 PM »

There is no question I could be weak for the Model 52 Cooper. However I wonder if I could get the same results for 1/2 the investment? But I know it won't look as good as the 52 does!

Buckfever

safetysheriff · « **Reply #12 on:** August 19, 2007, 02:45:15 AM »

for a walk-around rifle that can be carried uphill i'd go with a Model 700 SPS, in stainless steel if you can afford it. i hefted one recently at fin-feather-fur outfitters here in Ashland, Ohio and it was light enough for me. i'd buy it in .270 caliber and handload an appropriate flat-based bullet as a first choice for shooting out to 300 yards or a little more. for shots at 400 yards i'd go with a boat-tailed projectile. it will open up, generally speaking, more than a flat-based bullet, unless it is a bonded-core design. even then a boat-tail'd bullet might still open up more. at long range, with a lower velocity, that might help to anchor a deer better. that could be important on a public hunting ground.

let us know what and how you do this season, please.

take care,

ss'

Siskiyou · « **Reply #13 on:** August 19, 2007, 07:46:00 AM »

I have to agree with the safetysheriff's recomendation. A friend has a stainless steel 700 SPS and it produces out standing 100 yard groups with 140 grain Nosler BT bullets. And that is with a fresh out of the box rifle.

I did feel the rifle was a little on the heavy side in the field fully load, scope mounted, and a sling. But I am getting old.

Bubba Jack · « **Reply #14 on:** September 02, 2007, 05:14:59 PM »

Buck Fever,

I have a old 700 ss bdl with a drop magazine. It has always shot very well and has managable recoil. It will touch bullet holes at 100 yards with my hand loads, but will shoot most all facotry loads into 1.5" at 100 yards, some better than others. Sevaeral of my hunting buds have Remingtons in different configurations, but all shoot well. Hornady 130 grain sst's seem to be a common link between all of them. It is a great place to start when getting one ready to go with plenty of killing power for most animals.

For me, 60 grains of H4831sc with a 130 sst bullet and a Winchester large rifle primer does the trick, but I would suggest to reduce he load by 10% and work up to the pressure your new rifle will handle. I can honestly say that my Remington .270 is a rifle that I will never sell, could actually sell everything else except for my 700 vs 22-250 and have all I would ever need.

Bubba Jack

gunnut69 · « **Reply #15 on:** September 02, 2007, 05:50:51 PM »

The 270 is a great rifle and I've tinkered with them a lot. Owned several but kept none?? Don't know why... When time came to build my daughter a custom shooter to remember the old man and hopefully take a few deer I built a 280. The
Remington M700 barreled action and a custom stock. Accuracy is way more than I can use and it loves the 140 Noslers(both the partition and the ballistic tips). I'm building a 270 for myself just now but it'll likely be a while 'til it's complete. Used 721 action with a Douglas premium barrel. Stock is a green/black laminate which has been hollowed out for weight reduction. The maker is defunct and this was part of an experiment anyway.. For any deer or antelope the 130 Partition is great. If elk are on the menu a 150 partition would make me feel better but better yet would be a 7mm Rem Mag.In a 280 the 160 Partition is and amazing bullet. The Big seven likes it also and it has become my standard 7mm do all bullet..

RaySendero · « **Reply #16 on:** September 03, 2007, 06:36:21 AM »

Quote from: Buckfever on August 15, 2007, 04:44:10 AM

Looking for a very accurate .270 rifle based upon your hunting experience. ......
Thanks very much!! Buckfever

Buckfever,

Look hard at the Rem M700 CDL with a 24" barrel.

vicar paul · « **Reply #17 on:** September 14, 2007, 08:14:25 AM »

Try looking for a Remington 700 Mountain LSS, mine is very accurate, especially with 140 grain Nosler Partitions & IMR 7838 powder with Win. mag primers. For a light rifle, it will put 3 shots into .5 with the above load. Good Luck with your search

Paul

poncaguy · « **Reply #18 on:** September 14, 2007, 04:54:41 PM »

$400 Winchester Super Shadow 270WSM at WalMart if you can still find one, shoot less than MOA. Have one in 300WSM too, also shoots less than MOA. Super flat shooting...............

Redhat · « **Reply #19 on:** September 15, 2007, 11:20:00 AM »

I have always been a fan of the Rem 700 as well....until I bought a CZ 550 in .270.

Don't overlook this rifle. They have a reputation for being very accurate also.

Mine really like the 130 gr BTs, but I recently tried some 130gr Fusion ammo and it likes those even better. Oh yeah, for glass I use a Leupold VXII 3X9 'cause it was the cheapest good quality scope I could find at the time.

Good luck with your shopping.

tuck2 · « **Reply #20 on:** September 16, 2007, 05:55:21 AM »

My first big game rifle was a Winchester Mdl 70 270 Win. which I purchased in 1952. I started to reload in 1953 with a Lymon Tru Line Jr Press. I loaded Hornady 100 , 130 and Nosler 150 Gr bullets. That old 270 has shot about every thing that was out in the country where I grew up. It first had a 4X Weaver scope on it but in 1963 I mounted a Redfeild 3-9 X scope which is still on it. The 100 Gr bullets were used on varmints and strays , the 130 Gr bullets were loaded for pronghorn and mule deer and the 150 Gr bullets for elk. Since I first started shooting I have tried out various varmint and big game rifles. I m not fond of Remington rifle but I have some. A gunsmith can improve the Remington 700 rifles by giving it a tune up and it can turn out to be a fine rifle. A tune up includes glass bedding the action, free floating the barrel, adjusting the trigger down to about three pounds, lapping the bolt locking lugs, and re crowning the muzzle. After giving my Remington rifles a tune up I could get one inch and under 100 Yd five shot groups. Please note the statement that comes with a new Rem rifle ,any gunsmithing work on the rifle not by Rem gunsmiths Voids The Warrenty... That old 270 Win has taken pronghorn ,mule deer,and elk and has ben carried hunting in Nebr, Colo, Wyo. and N Dakota.

Slamfire · « **Reply #21 on:** September 16, 2007, 04:51:35 PM »

Whichever one you choose, try to get a 24" barrel. They will meet the old standard velocity of 3140 fps with factory ammo. Just imagine what a little Reloader 22 or Hogdon's 4831SC could do.