270 for elk what power scope

Keep the scope weight/size down, elk don't need to be magnified! ha I like the 2x7, 2.5x8 size. Keep the power ring set on the lowest power, you want that wide field of view. Be prepared to make some running shots, especially in the timber areas. If rifle will shoot them well, the Nosler 150 and 160 Partitions plus thee Barnes 140 will work swell. I have a friend who kills elk every year out here...an unmodified Mod 700 .270 BDL, a 2x7 Redfield and 150gr Fusion factory loads.

Thanks guys for all the info

In my Dad's 270, we have a Bushnell Elite series in 3-10x40 using Nosler 150gr Partitions exclusively.
Rarely, either of us, need to wind the magnification up any when taking animals, in fact I can't honestly remember the last time either of us did.
We have our scopes set on the lowest power.

I use Leupold 3.5-10x40 V-XIII scopes on most of my rifles and my 375 Weatherby wears 2 scopes in QR rings, a Leupy 2.5-8x32 and a Bushell Elite 2-7x32. Dad prefers the Bushnell for the quick focus eye piece. His eyes are different to mine, so changing the eye piece is necessary.

Honestly, for the price, Bushnell scopes are very very good for a mid range priced hunting scope.

More magnification can sometimes cause problems as your field of view gets less as magnification goes up, this can be bad when swinging on moving game.

Cheers.

Theses would be my choice for the 300ish price point, in order. The larger objective of the Leopold will help with gathering light in the timber, while the magnification of the Vortex, would be better for those longer shots. With out knowing where the hunt is anticipated to take place< I'm just going off of personal preference. Either choice would be very good. As always, buy the best glass you can comfortably afford.
Leupold VariX-II 3-9x50
Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42

My .270 AI sports a Burris Veracity 4-20x50 and propels the 175 Matrix VLD at 2993 FPS.

My 270 has a 3x9x40. On it I use hornady 140 gr btsp with no problems on elk just put where it needs to be

I find what I like about my expensive scopes is the light & clarity... and how quickly I can pick up an animal. Never really used the zoom at 100 yards... no time !!!

The less expensive scopes. not as crisp, not as clear, not as bright.

Timnterra said:

I think the most versatile and affordable scope magnification range is 4-14. Your buddy will never regret spending a little more money to get a better scope. For about $450 you can find a used Leupold vx3 4.5-14 Long range scope that will serve him well for just about everything.

Click to expand...

Another option is the SWFA 3-15, currently on sale for $449.99 >>> https://swfa.com/optics/riflescopes.html?brand=SWFA SS

They are a lot of scopes for the money.

Leopold 2-7 firedot....hard to beat. Noticeably more compact than a 3-9 and more than enough for larger game.

If yur choice is low then remember Leupolds vx3 2.5x8x36 lite Brite short as 2x7 just saying

My wife's 270 with a 3-9 Leupold has put a ton of meat in our freezer over the years.

If your buddy is spending a lot of money on an elk tag and hunt, then why would he skimp on his rifle scope? I'm a believer in "buy once, cry once". Maybe start with a VX-5 2-10x42 or 3-15x42 if he's a Leupold fan.

My go to elk rifle is my Model 70 Featherweight in 270 Win. I use a Vortex 6X24, 18-24 power is good for checking out the critter but I like 8-10 power for shooting.

My go to bullet is the Hornady 150 IB, excellent long range hunting bullet. Pricy, but the 150 gr SST has the exact same BC, half the price for practice and long range plinking.

I have a box of the 145 ELD-X looks good on paper, but I havent tried it yet.

If you reload, since you have time, play with some RL 25 powder in your 270 Win w/150 gr bullets. I've found I get the best velocity and low Std Deviation, reasonable pressure and accuracy with this powder using Winchester Brass, Win LR Primes.

Well worth looking into. Good at banging steel at 1500 yards, More then enough remaining velocity and energy at resonable hunting ranges.

This young lady, hit at about 360 yards, went right down, all the way down the hill into the creek. The InterBonds work but I'm afraid Hornady backed off making them in favor of the 145 ELD-X.

Nice, thanks