A Final Chapter

[Reverend Mr. Black]

This is strictly a FWIW post, nothing more. If it proves helpful to you in some way...

Turned 79 y/o a few weeks ago. Over the last few years, down from 250 Lbs to 170, healthy and happy about it. The last 2 years...steadily reducing my rifle inventory after a long history with .222, .243, 35 Rem, .308, 7-08, 7 RM, 280 AI, '06, multiple 6.5's, 35 Whelen, .458 Win, .270 Win and probably a few more. OCD? Unquestionably. I happily skipped the 12-Step "no more rifle buying" program. BG rifles? Only 2 remain in the safe.

For the time I have left, I've made the decision to dedicate all my BG hunting to 1 rifle. Cartridge choice? Priority One: balancing manageable recoil with advantageous external & terminal ballistics. Selecting from many good choices, I'm staying with the .270 Win for game up to Elk & Moose. Today's bullets and powders have only increased it's ballistics and effectiveness. Yeah...it's not a 30-06 or Whelen, but, see again my personal criteria.

Some folks question the .270 for Elk and such. I've always been a huge fan of the 7x57 and what it can do and has done on BG all over the world...successfully. Just as it has its advantages, so does the .270 Win and why I've chosen it. Not the biggest Bull on the farm, just worthy of my trust.

The rifle has a good rep. Its 24" barrel is a nice plus. I've read a trillion posts on .277 bullets & powders, and countless threads / stories / books / articles on this cartridge. Building my reloading inventory as you read this. Just decided to put away all the (FUN) testing I've done over the decades & devote myself to 1 rifle and become very good with what it offers.

There's also a part of me that envies you, the shooting / hunting / reloading experiences that are coming. I'm blessed...already had a ton of wonderful memories...the many rifles and hunting experiences...the Chapter you are in now.

Today...1 rifle / 1 cartridge...I'm dug in and looking forward to this last chapter, reloading, testing & hunting in my time ahead.

First beer's on me and I hope to share your good company around a campfire so I can explain why my 270 is better than your __________ (pls fill in the blank).

Cheers.

 

[Straight Shooter]

Great choice!

 

[Bob Wright]

Appreciate your candid post. I'm about 10 years behind you but my plan is your plan.

 

[Muddyboots]

This is strictly a FWIW post, nothing more. If it proves helpful to you in some way...

Turned 79 y/o a few weeks ago. Over the last few years, down from 250 Lbs to 170, healthy and happy about it. The last 2 years...steadily reducing my rifle inventory after a long history with .222, .243, 35 Rem, .308, 7-08, 7 RM, 280 AI, '06, multiple 6.5's, 35 Whelen, .458 Win, .270 Win and probably a few more. OCD? Unquestionably. I happily skipped the 12-Step "no more rifle buying" program. BG rifles? Only 2 remain in the safe.

For the time I have left, I've made the decision to dedicate all my BG hunting to 1 rifle. Cartridge choice? Priority One: balancing manageable recoil with advantageous external & terminal ballistics. Selecting from many good choices, I'm staying with the .270 Win for game up to Elk & Moose. Today's bullets and powders have only increased it's ballistics and effectiveness. Yeah...it's not a 30-06 or Whelen, but, see again my personal criteria.

Some folks question the .270 for Elk and such. I've always been a huge fan of the 7x57 and what it can do and has done on BG all over the world...successfully. Just as it has its advantages, so does the .270 Win and why I've chosen it. Not the biggest Bull on the farm, just worthy of my trust.

The rifle has a good rep. Its 24" barrel is a nice plus. I've read a trillion posts on .277 bullets & powders, and countless threads / stories / books / articles on this cartridge. Building my reloading inventory as you read this. Just decided to put away all the (FUN) testing I've done over the decades & devote myself to 1 rifle and become very good with what it offers.

There's also a part of me that envies you, the shooting / hunting / reloading experiences that are coming. I'm blessed...already had a ton of wonderful memories...the many rifles and hunting experiences...the Chapter you are in now.

Today...1 rifle / 1 cartridge...I'm dug in and looking forward to this last chapter, reloading, testing & hunting in my time ahead.

First beer's on me and I hope to share your good company around a campfire.

Cheers.

I recently turned 75 and have started a similar approach. I built a fast twist .270 couple years ago and find its the only one I reach into the safe for BG. The cartridge decision is extremely personal decision and whatever you choose is the one YOU choose.

I run a lot of Hammers so if you would like further discussion feel free to PM.

I have targeted 2 rifles to move this summer and associated load components. Once I started the decision to skinny down, the actual step to do so is pretty easy.

Happy shooting and hunting!

"As the old saying goes, you should beware the man with only one gun because he knows how to use it."

 

[dogz]

So the biggest question is, when and where is your next moose and elk hunt with? What province and what outfitter?

 

[dogz]

I recently turned 75 and have started a similar approach. I built a fast twist .270 couple years ago and find its the only one I reach into the safe for BG. The cartridge decision is extremely personal decision and whatever you choose is the one YOU choose.

I run a lot of Hammers so if you would like further discussion feel free to PM.

I have targeted 2 rifles to move this summer and associated load components. Once I started the decision to skinny down, the actual step to do so is pretty easy.

Happy shooting and hunting!

"As the old saying goes, you should beware the man with only one gun because he knows how to use it."

Muddy, which hammer bullet are you using in your 270? I've been shooting the 117. Reason ask is that I have a moose hunt in BC in 8 weeks

 

[Muddyboots]

I run the 117HH and 122HHT in my 1968 Savage 110 .270 primarily due to shorter magazine capacity.

700LA Fast twist is 156HH (3250fps), 151HHT (3250fps), 141HHT (3350fps), 160HHT (3150), and 170EOL (3100fps). Main hunting load is the 156HH. Very accurate and great terminal. I need to shoot more critters with other bullets but a new cartridge is taking up all my extra tags.

 

[NorthernHNTR]

Muddy, which hammer bullet are you using in your 270? I've been shooting the 117. Reason ask is that I have a moose hunt in BC in 8 weeks

Where are you hunting moose in BC? Let me know if you're coming anywhere near Terrace! I've got a draw in mid September near there.

God bless!

 

[Shane Lindsey]

Great thread.

I find myself with the same desire. I am slowly trying to thin out as well. Finding myself lacking the desire to tinker as much with loads and actually find myself not wanting to do it at all. The "puzzle" was always fun, but it is silly to solve multiple puzzles with charge weights in/over 70gr

 

[Reverend Mr. Black]

Amen Mr. Lindsey.

 

[jeb405]

Thanks for sharing your story. 79 in good health and still hunting? Does not sound anything like your "Final" chapter to me. Enjoy and thanks for taking us along.

Arguing cartridge choices I don't feel is a good use of time and energy unless someone is suggesting a choice you think has obvious issues. 270 has been around a long time and for as many knowledgeable hunters still choose it even with all the Creedmores, Short Mags, PRC's etc that has to mean something.

John.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

PS…270 Sendero was what started me on my reloading journey.

My first semi-custom was a post deployment, fast twist 270 win.

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

CONGRATULATIONS
Your still in the lead of this race called life, hopefully for decades to come.

270 is a excellent choice, can be loaded from 95gr to 175grs. I believe that's close enough guess.
What flavor of bullets are you thinking for your hunts.
This year I have been thinking of thinning the heard myself. Inventory is more than I need or have time for. Pass them on to someone that can use and appreciate them.

I'm a bit of a 270 Nut. I have a small
270-08 that is the most fun to shoot, built on a Savage 110. And my 270Win in a Rem 700 is getting a new barrel when my gunsmith gets time.
And my biggest and baddest 270 in the heard is a 270/7RUM, what a Hoot to Shoot.
Hoping and praying the best for you.

 

[MachV]

Not a bad choice for sure, funny it's a round I've never owned? The Tikka 6.5 Sweed will be my last one out. I'm already loosing interest in elk hunting so the Sweed and Grendel aught to handle the rest just fine.