270 WSM 145 ELD-X load help

[Janno05]

Hey all, this is my first attempt at using a chronograph for load development and finding an accuracy node. I am shooting a Winchester 70 FTW in 270 WSM using a 145 ELDx, currently using magpro powder. I didn't quite find the velocity that I was hoping for, but I do have data and I am not sure what to do with it. I loaded from 65.5gr to 69gr and found no signs of flattened primers or difficult bolt lift. I shot two ladders with the following velocities:
65.5= 2909,2908
66= 2949, 2917
66.5= 2992, 2986
67= 2973, 3027
67.5= 2995, 3075
68= 3029, 3070
68.5= 3040, 3073
69= 3064, 3141

This was my first time shooting off of a bench in a long time and I was pressed for time so I didn't take as much time as I should have shooting, but it is very apparent that I am out of practice with rifles. I will post up a picture of the group and throw myself at your mercy. It seems that there is the least amount of vertical dispersion between 67.5-68.5. Should I pursue this further, or should I look into other powders to get more velocity? I have H4831sc and RL19 in the cabinet to play with, but I consistency and accuracy are far more important to me than chasing velocity numbers. Deer are not going to realize a 100fps difference, and I honestly don't see myself shooting further than 500 yards at game anyways. I apologise for the book, and appreciate your information.

 

[Janno05]

Here is the target from 200 yards. Definitely not my best work, but hopefully it helps.

 

[Shortmagman]

I have used Magpro in my 270 WSM and found that it seems to like full power loads. I was using 140 TSX and 140 Accubonds. You will not get more velocity from H4831 in my opinion but you could get better accuracy. RL-19 can work well and so can RL-22. I am trying IMR-'7977 and it has given me both accuracy and velocity.

 

[Methow Packer]

Hey all, this is my first attempt at using a chronograph for load development and finding an accuracy node. I am shooting a Winchester 70 FTW in 270 WSM using a 145 ELDx, currently using magpro powder. I didn't quite find the velocity that I was hoping for, but I do have data and I am not sure what to do with it. I loaded from 65.5gr to 69gr and found no signs of flattened primers or difficult bolt lift. I shot two ladders with the following velocities:
65.5= 2909,2908
66= 2949, 2917
66.5= 2992, 2986
67= 2973, 3027
67.5= 2995, 3075
68= 3029, 3070
68.5= 3040, 3073
69= 3064, 3141

This was my first time shooting off of a bench in a long time and I was pressed for time so I didn't take as much time as I should have shooting, but it is very apparent that I am out of practice with rifles. I will post up a picture of the group and throw myself at your mercy. It seems that there is the least amount of vertical dispersion between 67.5-68.5. Should I pursue this further, or should I look into other powders to get more velocity? I have H4831sc and RL19 in the cabinet to play with, but I consistency and accuracy are far more important to me than chasing velocity numbers. Deer are not going to realize a 100fps difference, and I honestly don't see myself shooting further than 500 yards at game anyways. I apologise for the book, and appreciate your information.

I've had great success using RE26 with 145 ELD-X. .5 MOA using 62.0 gr @ 3170FPS out of a 26 Brux barrel. It's a max load for this barrel with some primer flattening but no bolt lift. RE 23 works good too. H4831 doesn't do as well and a lot lower velocity. I think you have to stay with the slower powder burn rates for the heavier bullets.

 

[azsugarbear]

Rifle: Tikka T3-X in 270 WSM.
Bullet: 145 gr. ELD-X
Powder: 70.5 gr. Retumbo
Velocity: 3,150 fps (ave.)

I have heard mixed reviews on the ELD-X. Given that I like heavy bullets, I plan on trying something a little heavier. Berger has their new 170 gr. EOL bullet coming out. Recommended twist is 1:9. Even though the T3-X has 1:10 twist, I have found that higher velocities can sometimes compensate for higher twist rate - at least out to moderate ranges. Since this rifle is stock, it is not a true 'long-range' rig for me, so I'm hoping I can get this new bullet to stabilize out to 600 yds or so, even with 10 twist barrel.

 

[Methow Packer]

Rifle: Tikka T3-X in 270 WSM.
Bullet: 145 gr. ELD-X
Powder: 70.5 gr. Retumbo
Velocity: 3,150 fps (ave.)

I have heard mixed reviews on the ELD-X. Given that I like heavy bullets, I plan on trying something a little heavier. Berger has their new 170 gr. EOL bullet coming out. Recommended twist is 1:9. Even though the T3-X has 1:10 twist, I have found that higher velocities can sometimes compensate for higher twist rate - at least out to moderate ranges. Since this rifle is stock, it is not a true 'long-range' rig for me, so I'm hoping I can get this new bullet to stabilize out to 600 yds or so, even with 10 twist barrel.

What I've found with the ELD-X bullets is you have to weight sort them. 145 for instance can weigh from 144.6 to 145.3. I found it defiantly effected the accuracy I was looking for. The 170 Berger hybrids are great but in order to fit in a lot a mag wells you have to seat them deeper which can put you .040-.050 off the lands.

 

[Shortmagman]

I've had great success using RE26 with 145 ELD-X. .5 MOA using 62.0 gr @ 3170FPS out of a 26 Brux barrel. It's a max load for this barrel with some primer flattening but no bolt lift. RE 23 works good too. H4831 doesn't do as well and a lot lower velocity. I think you have to stay with the slower powder burn rates for the heavier bullets.

 

[denke900]

Not an Eld-X but I tried some Sierra Gamechangers 140 grain in my Tikka T3 with 64.9 grains of RL-22 seated at 2.840 COAL shot 1 ragged hole. Did not chronograph.

 

[DJ Fergus]

Not an Eld-X but I tried some Sierra Gamechangers 140 grain in my Tikka T3 with 64.9 grains of RL-22 seated at 2.840 COAL shot 1 ragged hole. Did not chronograph.

I know that this is an old post but just wondering how much velocity you got with the 140 gamechanger in your wsm for your accuracy load? Thanks

 

[Methow Packer]

I know that this is an old post but just wondering how much velocity you got with the 140 gamechanger in your wsm for your accuracy load? Thanks

You should be well above 3000FPS. Probably closer to 3150FPS. Barrel brand, twist and length will dictate a lot.

 

[Hespco]

I load a 270 WSM for a hunting friend. Using the 130gr Barnes TSX we get excellent velocities & groups with Rel 19 & a bit faster with Rel 22. This is an elk load that gives total penetration. Has worked beatifully for years. Now for deer the Barnes 110g 270 with Rel 19 is a real winner. Top velocity & tiny groups. I have my own range that goes to 522yds. This 110 gr Barnes gets there right now. You would have to shoot it to understand how well it performs at this range.. For deer I would highly recommend the 110gr Barnes. A considerable benefit to me using the mono's is the almost zero loss of meat from being blood shot. As the saying goes you can eat right up to the hole. I believe if you actually shot the 110 mono you would come away with a positive view & a new understanding.. . It will easily take the largest deer, no problem.

 

[Double Dropper]

Never quite got this cartridge...load for a friends 270 Winchester, 22" barrel, several powders with a 140 grain Accubond and close to 3100 fps, RL-26 was over, why bother ?

 

[DJ Fergus]

270 wsm I have found to be an oddity in my opinion. I've owned 2 factory 270wsm rifles that would easily shoot sub moa with factory ammo but proved to be extremely difficult to handload consistent 1/2 moa ammunition. I'm speculating on purchasing another for a price that I can't refuse.

 

[WildBillG]

I had good luck with Retumbo and the 145ELDX out of a 24 inch Sako 85. My final load ended up doing 3145fps which is what I was looking for. Don't be afraid to seat the ELDX bullets deeper then you might think you should. They seem to like some jump.