The .270 Win stands out as a top contender when selecting ammunition for hunting. Developed for long-range shooting and hunting, this cartridge earned a reputation for its flat trajectory, manageable recoil, and impressive performance. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the best .270 Win ammo, including its history, specifications, ballistics, and the top ammunition options to consider for various hunting needs.
Cartridge Specs/Overview
The .270 Win can reach velocities over 3,000 FPS, however, it doesn’t quite match the power of the modern .270 WSM cartridge.
The .270 Win cartridge features a bullet diameter of .277 inches (7.0 mm) and a case length of 2.540 inches (64.5 mm). It’s a bottlenecked rifle cartridge, which means it has a narrower neck compared to the base, allowing for a higher powder capacity and thus, greater velocity. Typical bullet weights for the .270 Win range from 90 to 150 grains, with the most popular being 130 and 150 grains. The cartridge’s overall length is 3.340 inches (84.8 mm), making it compatible with standard-length rifle actions.
| Cartridge Specs | .270 Winchester |
|---|---|
| Parent Casing | .30-06 Springfield |
| Bullet Diameter | .277″ |
| Neck Diameter | .308″ |
| Base Diameter | .470″ |
| Case Length | 2.540″ |
| Overall Length | 3.340″ |
| Grain Weight | 90gr-150gr |
| Max Pressure (SAMMI) | 65,000 PSI |
The Best .270 Win Ammo: Hunting
The .270 is a dedicated hunting cartridge. While you can use it for long-range and target shooting, it was created to efficiently and humanely down game animals. The cartridges I included in my list of best .270 Win ammo are excellent for pursuing medium-sized game. My picks include:
Barnes TSX 130gr
An all-copper TSX-tipped bullet, featuring double-diameter expansion, and devastating energy transfer.
The Barnes TSX (Triple-Shock X) 130gr is popular for its excellent penetration and weight retention. The all-copper construction ensures deep penetration and controlled expansion, making it suitable for various game species.
The Barnes TSX leaves the muzzle at 3,140 feet per second and maintains a velocity above 2,000 FPS for 500 yards. The highly-capable cartridge produces 2,847 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .270 Winchester | TSX | 130gr | 3,140 FPS | 2,847 FT LBS | 2,891 FPS/2,413 FT LBS | 2,655 FPS/2,036 FT LBS | 2,432 FPS/1,708 FT LBS |
Black Hills Gold GMX 130gr
If you can’t get it done with the excellent Black Hills Gold GMX 130gr, you don’t need to be doing it in the first place.
Black Hills is one of my favorite ammo manufacturers. Despite making excellent products, they sometimes get overlooked among big names like Federal, Hornady, Winchester, and Nosler. My go-to .270 Win cartridge is the Black Hills Gold GMX.
The Black Hills Gold GMX (Gilding Metal eXpanding) 130gr offers a blend of accuracy and terminal performance. The monolithic copper alloy bullet delivers controlled expansion and deep penetration, ideal for medium to large game.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .270 Winchester | GMX Poly | 130gr | 2,950 FPS | 2,518 FT LBS | 1,896 FPS/2,394 FT LBS | 1,544 FPS/1,588 FT LBS | 1,260 FPS/1,057 FT LBS |
Winchester Copper Impact 130gr
Rapid expansion, a poly-tipped sold copper projectile, extreme accuracy, extreme performance.
Winchester Copper Impact 130gr ammo is designed for hunters seeking lead-free options. The polymer tip ensures rapid expansion, while the copper construction provides high-weight retention and deep penetration.
The Winchester Copper Impact 130 grain .270 Win leaves the muzzle at 3,000 FPS. It produces 2,597 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. The cartridge maintains a velocity of over 2,100 FPS out to 400 yards.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .270 Winchester | XPC Poly | 130gr | 3,000 FPS | 2,597 FT LBS | 2,773 FPS/2,220 FT LBS | 2,558 FPS/1,888 FT LBS | 2,352 FPS/1,597 FT LBS |
Hornady Interlock 140gr
Proudly made in the USA, Hornady Interlock bullets keep the core and jacket locked together for reliable performance and consistent expansion.
The Hornady Interlock 140gr is known for its accuracy and reliable performance. The Interlock ring ensures the bullet retains its core and jacket, providing controlled expansion and deep penetration.
Hornady’s 140 gr .270 Win ammo leaves the muzzle at 2,940 FPS and produces 2,687 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. The slightly heavier cartridge packs plenty of punch up to 500 yards.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .270 Winchester | SP | 140gr | 2,940 FPS | 2,687 FT LBS | 2,747 FPS/2,394 FT LBS | 2,563 FPS/2,042 FT LBS | 2,386 FPS/1,770 FT LBS |
Federal Fusion 150gr
Designed for deer hunting, Federal Fusion’s 150gr bullet offers the largest in class expansion and highest weight retention.
Federal Fusion 150-grain ammo is designed for deer hunting. It offers high energy and controlled expansion. The molecularly fused jacket and core ensure excellent weight retention and penetration.
The 150gr .270 Win cartridge leaves the muzzle at 2,850 FPS and maintains speeds above 1,953 FPS out to 500 yards. It produces a staggering 2,705 foot-pounds of muzzle energy and packs enough punch to take down any medium-sized game animal. Despite being heavier, the cartridge maintains a lot of energy, staying above 2,029 foot-pounds at the 200-yard mark.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .270 Winchester | SP | 150gr | 2,850 FPS | 2,705 FT LBS | 2,655 FPS/2,347 FT LBS | 2,468 FPS/2,029 FT LBS | 2,289 FPS/1,745 FT LBS |
Remington Core-Lokt 150gr
The Legend Lives On: Remington’s Core-Lokt 150gr has harvested more deer than we can tell tall-tales about.
The Remington Core-Lokt 150 gr is a classic choice for its reliable performance and affordability. The Core-Lokt design ensures controlled expansion and deep penetration, making it suitable for various game species.
Remington Core-Lokt 150gr .270 Win projectiles leave the muzzle at 2,850 FPS, which is identical to the speed of the Federal Fusion cartridges. The ammunition produces 2,705 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .270 Winchester | SP | 150gr | 2,705 FPS | 2,705 FT LBS | 2,504 FPS/2,088 FT LBS | 2,183 FPS/1,588 FT LBS | 1,886 FPS/1,185 FT LBS |
Ballistics Overview
The .270 Win is renowned for its impressive ballistics. With bullet weights ranging from 130 to 150 grains, it offers a balance of velocity, energy, and trajectory that suits a variety of hunting applications. Here’s a general overview of its ballistics:
130-grain bullet: Muzzle velocity of approximately 3,060 feet per second (fps) and muzzle energy of 2,702 foot-pounds (ft-lbs).
140-grain bullet: Muzzle velocity of around 2,950 fps and muzzle energy of 2,700 ft-lbs.
150-grain bullet: Muzzle velocity of about 2,850 fps and muzzle energy of 2,700 ft-lbs.
The .270 Win’s flat trajectory allows for accurate long-range shooting with minimal bullet drop compared to other calibers. This trait makes it an excellent choice for hunters targeting game at various distances.
Remember that each cartridge’s specific ballistic performance will vary based on the projectile design, manufacturer, and other factors. However, the numbers above will give you a good baseline for selecting a bullet weight.
Pros & Cons: .270 Win Caliber
There’s an argument to be made that the .270 Win is the most efficient cartridge for deer hunting.
Pros:
- Versatility: Suitable for hunting a wide range of game, from deer to elk.
- Flat Trajectory: Ideal for long-range shooting with minimal bullet drop.
- Manageable Recoil: It is easier for most hunters to shoot accurately.
- Wide Availability: Ammunition and rifles chambered in .270 Win are widely available.
Cons:
- Less Power: Compared to newer, more powerful calibers like the .270 WSM.
- Barrel Length: Optimal performance typically requires a longer barrel, which may not be suitable for all hunting situations.
Best Uses for the .270 Win Caliber
The .270 Win is highly effective for use in hunting various game species. Its flat trajectory and accuracy make it suitable for:
Deer Hunting: The 130-grain bullet is perfect for deer, offering sufficient energy and minimal meat damage.
Elk Hunting: With 150-grain bullets, the .270 Win provides the necessary penetration and stopping power for larger game like elk.
Long-Range Shooting: The cartridge’s flat trajectory makes it ideal for long-range hunting and shooting competitions.
.270 WSM Ammo Compared
Winchester’s .270 cartridge has been around for a while, so finding a hunting rifle and ammo for it isn’t too much of a challenge.
The .270 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) is a modern variation of the .270 Win, introduced in 2002. The .270 WSM offers higher velocity and energy due to its larger case capacity and higher pressure. Here’s a brief comparison between the two:
Velocity: The .270 WSM typically achieves higher muzzle velocities, offering approximately 200 to 300 fps more than the .270 Win.
Energy: With its increased velocity, the .270 WSM delivers more energy, making it suitable for larger game and longer ranges.
Recoil: The .270 WSM generates more recoil, which might be a consideration for some shooters.
Barrel Life: The .270 WSM can wear out barrels more quickly than the .270 Win due to its higher pressure.
While the .270 WSM offers advantages in terms of velocity and energy, the .270 Win remains a preferred choice for its balance of performance, recoil, and barrel life. Plus, the .270 Win has been around far longer, meaning you’ll have no problem finding weapons or ammo. The selection of .270 WSM cartridges is more limited (and pricier).
Brief History of the .270 Winchester
The Winchester Repeating Arms Company first introduced the .270 Winchester cartridge in 1925. It was designed to bridge the gap between smaller, fast-shooting calibers and larger, heavier bullets. The .270 Win quickly gained popularity among hunters for its ability to deliver high velocity and flat trajectories, making it ideal for hunting medium to large game at extended ranges. Its introduction coincided with the release of the Winchester Model 54 bolt-action rifle, further cementing its place in the hunting community.
The .270 Win – An Uncompromising Classic
Fan Favorite: For over 100 years, the .270 Win has remained a reliable cartridge for taking game, and putting down predators.
I firmly adhere to the adage that if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy trying out the latest and greatest guns and ammunition as much as the next guy. The .270 Win is, and probably always will be, a fan favorite among America’s deer hunters.
Whether you are a new shooter or have been at it for decades, the .270 Win is an excellent choice for pursuing medium-sized to large game. Check out Widener’s selection of the best .270 Win ammo before your next trip to the range or venture out into the wilderness.
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