270 Win, which bullet weight?

[bomberodevil]

So here's my dilemma, I've got my father's Remington Model 721, chambered in .270 Win, built in 1952. I don't need it for hunting, as I have three other rifles in good calibers that fit all of my hunting needs. I just would like my grandkids to be able to hunt with their great-grandfather's rifle. It's in great shape.

I have worked up a load with Nosler 140 grain Ballistic Tip bullets that group about .700, so that's decent for anything that my family would use it for. I'm thinking about trying a different bullet. I like the ELD-X bullet for a good all around performing bullet on medium sized game, but it only comes in 145 grain in the .277 line.

Should I load the 145 ELDX, get the good performance and give up some speed and flatness, or drop down to 130 grain, get the speed back up, maybe with a Berger Classic Hunter? Or just stay with the 140 grain BT? Thoughts?

 

[dogz]

129 Horn Interlock, nothing fancy but available and works ever time just like novacaine

 

[LVJ76]

I would stay with the 140gr Ballistic Tip. However, if you have the 145gr ELD-X itch, then scratch it.

The ELD-X 145gr will work just fine. On a 130gr bullet you might have a blow up at close range.

 

[bomberodevil]

129 Horn Interlock, nothing fancy but available and works ever time just like novacaine

I considered the Interlock, but Nathan Foster of Ballistic Studies didn't really like the 130 grain Interlock, thought it was too soft at high speeds. That article is old, maybe the 129 grain Interlock is a different construction. Thanks for the input, I'll look into that bullet.

 

[bomberodevil]

I would stay with the 140gr Ballistic Tip. However, if you have the 145gr ELD-X itch, then scratch it.

The ELD-X 145gr will work just fine. On a 130gr bullet you might have a blow up at close range.

You're probably right. Without running the numbers through a ballistic calculator, I imagine the FPS difference between a 140 BT and a 145 ELDM is less than 100, maybe less than 50. I'm probably really overthinking this, but that's what handloaders do!

The Nosler lines are in such short supply right now that I've switched a lot of loads over to Hornady. I'm down to less than 50 bullets of BT. Maybe that will be the deciding factor.

 

[dogz]

so odd, I know if a ton of those combo's in use and have never seen anything to make me feel like it's too fragile! Can't think of much in this world that I'd not use the combo on and we've used it a lot. It ain't some sexy you deal but man does it work!

Side note, I've zero clue who on earth Nathen Foster is, I'm just going off what I've personally witnessed

* muzzle speed has been in the 3050 range for the most part

 

[LVJ76]

You're probably right. Without running the numbers through a ballistic calculator, I imagine the FPS difference between a 140 BT and a 145 ELDM is less than 100, maybe less than 50. I'm probably really overthinking this, but that's what handloaders do!

The Nosler lines are in such short supply right now that I've switched a lot of loads over to Hornady. I'm down to less than 50 bullets of BT. Maybe that will be the deciding factor.

If Hornady is your option, in a 270 Win I'd go with the 150gr SST or Interlock. They work better, and I know from experience with both. Lighter bullets pushed to max at close range can and will blow up if they hit bone.

With the heavier ones like the 150gr, you can go for a lung shot or shoulder shot and not worry about it. Even the 140gr version will work. And yes, we do over think things, but is fun though.

Side note, I've zero clue who on earth Nathen Foster is, I'm just going off what I've personally witnessed

Nathan Foster is a hunter from New Zealand who has studied bullet performance on game for a long time. You can find out more here: www.ballisticstudies.com

 

[bomberodevil]

so odd, I know if a ton of those combo's in use and have never seen anything to make me feel like it's too fragile! Can't think of much in this world that I'd not use the combo on and we've used it a lot. It ain't some sexy you deal but man does it work!

Side note, I've zero clue who on earth Nathen Foster is, I'm just going off what I've personally witnessed

* muzzle speed has been in the 3050 range for the most part

I appreciate your input. Nathan Foster is a gentleman in New Zealand that between guide service and cull hunts, has likely taken more game than more than 99% of sportsmen in the world. He has documented much of his work with many different calibers and bullet combinations. His work is fairly respected.

 

[FEENIX]

I would stay with the 140gr Ballistic Tip. However, if you have the 145gr ELD-X itch, then scratch it.

The ELD-X 145gr will work just fine. On a 130gr bullet you might have a blow up at close range.

Another vote for the 140 NBT.

 

[FEENIX]

I appreciate your input. Nathan Foster is a gentleman in New Zealand that between guide service and cull hunts, has likely taken more game than more than 99% of sportsmen in the world. He has documented much of his work with many different calibers and bullet combinations. His work is fairly respected.

Agreed!

 

[dogz]

gotcha, thx guys I'll have to check it out

I'm not from NZ but have seen more game taken than the average bear I judge bullets by how they handle elk, from 0-700.

Best of luck to ya!

 

[dogz]

Side note, the 140 NBT will more than handle what you need done. I'd see if you initial good group can be duplicated and if it can I'd call it load developement done!

 

[dogz]

I sure could be missing something but I don't see anything regarding the 130 Horn sp in the 270. There is an example of one I think for the 150. But, when it comes to computer things I lack more than a bit of skills...

 

[bomberodevil]

I sure could be missing something but I don't see anything regarding the 130 Horn sp in the 270. There is an example of one I think for the 150. But, when it comes to computer things I lack more than a bit of skills...

You're right, I didn't find much of what I would consider a "bone-worthy" bullet for .277" at 130 grains, besides maybe the Berger Classic Hunter and the Nosler AccuBond. I'm pretty sure I can stay away from shoulder bone but with my grandkids using this, I'd hate to have them hit a shoulder with a softer bullet and have a less than quick kill. There's some decent bullets at 130 grains, just not many in stock right now.