.270 vs .308

Doc Jones · 10-22-2009, 07:19 PM

Which do you prefer and why? What are the pros and cons of each?

Doc

thrillbilly · 10-22-2009, 07:53 PM

.308win-
You can buy a M1A in that caliber!

.270win (I assume that's what ya meant)-
Jack O'Connor was a genius!

I am prejudice....I love the .270win....BUT either caliber will do a great job.
LOL they are both a fine choice for a deer rifle or target rifle.

thrillbilly · 10-22-2009, 07:56 PM

.308 Winchester - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

.270 Winchester - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

jmp8927 · 10-22-2009, 07:58 PM

.308 just because it's more widely available. My Dad has a .270 that I've shot a time or two. I was more impressed with my friend's 7mm - 08.

thrillbilly · 10-22-2009, 08:04 PM

"Availability" varies by locale. .270 is way more common here then .308. The .270 ammo and rifles can be found at a 5 to 1 margin here at least.
My local Wal-mart store sells about 15 (or more) varieties and brands of .270 ammo....and maybe 5 kinds of .308 ammo. I rarely see a .308 new or used for sale around here. JMO YMMV

thrillbilly · 10-22-2009, 08:08 PM

Also..Doc, more info would be helpful.
do you want-
Semi auto....bolt action...lever action...etc.?
Is it for targets or game primarily?
If for game, do ya want to shoot varmits and deer and Big Game? Or just a deer rifle?
Do you intend to handload for it or buy off the shelf ammo?

jmp8927 · 10-22-2009, 08:23 PM

I also like .308 for all the 7.62x51mm milsurps out there

Tack Driver · 10-22-2009, 09:08 PM

.270, but if you want a good .30 cal deer rifle, get a .30-06, not the .308

m.wun · 10-22-2009, 10:52 PM

Not to start a war but the 308 will throw a 165gr or under the same speed
as a 06.the 270 is a great round for deer and elk but the 308 has more
bullets avail.the 06 shines with the heavier bullets.I went 308 over 270
because I can go heavier on bullets for hogs and black bear.(Oh ya the 308 is a
short action)

nathangdad · 10-22-2009, 11:01 PM

as it is just a classic cartridge with tolerable recoil and many decades of hunting success.

My two favorite cartridges are the .243 Winchester and the 7mm/08.

I am not knocking the .308 but it is just not of interest to me.

skiking · 10-22-2009, 11:11 PM

I prefer the .270 over the .308. Don't really have a good reason, I just like it.

toolman · 10-22-2009, 11:23 PM

I use a .270 for everything from 'yotes to deer to good-sized hogs. I have nothing bad to say about the .308 and it's a tad shorter, but the .270 is just a bit more versatile for my needs. I have nothing bad to say about the .308-I love my M\N's which are ballistically similar, but I don't feel comfortable with them out past 300 yds. I don't like shooting at live game farther than that, but the .270 is ballistically flat enough that I can extend that out to 350-400 yds and still be confident in my ability to cleanly drop a deer or 'yote.

Casey · 10-23-2009, 12:11 AM

My first love is 7mm-08 but I recently bought an AR style rifle in 308 just because ammo can be found around here lately. 7mm-08 ammo dried up about 8 months ago and I cant find it anywhere. I do think the 308 is an excellent round but everyone has one thats why I stayed away from it, I like to be different. I had 2 270 in the past and cant say anything bad about them. I have always contended the 7mm-08 is the short action 270. Actually if it goes boom I love it!! Guess I'm not a good person to ask...LOL.

ArkansasHunter · 10-23-2009, 12:47 AM

My hunting buddy gave me his code and password to the largest gun, ammo and related supply company in the U.S.
So I've spent all week on and off looking through this site at Dealer prices.

Never will I buy an uncommon caliber rifle due to the cost of ammo. Buy a gun that has ammo readily available such as the 270, 308, 30-06, 7mm mag. 300 win mag ect.

I just thought I'd throw this in for good measure because ammo has gotton expensive and I've noticed reloading supplys have to IF you can find the components you need.

Again good luck and shop hard for the best price...Now's the time to buy rifles because it's hunting season.

rdale501 · 10-23-2009, 01:49 AM

I depends on what you want it for. In my opinion the .270 is a better hunting rifle, because of a little extended range. I thnk the .308 would be a better target or all purpose rifle, esp. if you reload, because of bullet choices. I really don't think there is a wrong choice here. You have picked two tried and proven rounds. Even if you flip a coin you will be getting a good round. Match it with a good rifle and you have a winner.

ArkansasHunter · 10-23-2009, 02:07 AM

You'll get a bigger wound channel with a 30 caliber bullet which means blood will flow better.
I ran a route for 30 years and many 270 owners sold or traded off there 270 rifles for some other caliber.
There excuse was they could'nt find blood if the Deer ran off after being shot with there 270's.

Possible they were all bad shots LOL...A.H

samuel · 10-23-2009, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdale501

I depends on what you want it for. In my opinion the .270 is a better hunting rifle, because of a little extended range. I thnk the .308 would be a better target or all purpose rifle, esp. if you reload, because of bullet choices. I really don't think there is a wrong choice here. You have picked two tried and proven rounds. Even if you flip a coin you will be getting a good round. Match it with a good rifle and you have a winner.

Kept within their power range of 300yds+,there is no difference in terminal ballistics and very little in trajectory. ,,,sam.

thrillbilly · 10-23-2009, 02:24 AM

Every deer I've shot with my .270 and 130gr core-lockts have bled like a stuck hog AH
My nephews and wife use 30.06s and my .270 exit wounds are relatively the same as theirs...I would think those dudes ya knew either used inferior ammo or just didn't know how to trail a deer...or were to lazy to search if the deer didn't drop on the spot.
For what it's worth...a 30/30 with 150gr core-lockts makes a bigger exit hole then 30.06 .308 or .270 do...the deer shot with a 30/30 absolutely POURED blood from the first step to the last step. YMMV

Metronome · 10-23-2009, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArkansasHunter

Never will I buy an uncommon caliber rifle due to the cost of ammo. Buy a gun that has ammo readily available such as the 270, 308, 30-06, 7mm mag. 300 win mag ect.

No kidding! In just the last year alone, I feel like sticking with the military calibers from here on out - if I can't kill it with a 9x19mm, 7.62x51mm or 5.56x45mm... then I better order in aerial support!

Sportsterboy · 10-23-2009, 10:22 AM

I have had both, and taken deer with both. My .308's were a Remington 7400 and a SA NM M1A1. The Remington I used Remington cor-lokt 150gr factory and the M1A1 I handloaded 150gr Nosler Ballistic tips. I wasn't particulary impressed with the .308 performance with either round (factory or handloads). The .270 performance has been much better (at long or short ranges) with either Winchester 130gr Silvertips (NOT the power point) or my handloads with 130gr Hornady Spire points.
My vote goes to the .270 from my experience.

10-22-2009, 07:19 PM	#1
Doc Jones Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 107	.270 vs .308 Which do you prefer and why? What are the pros and cons of each? Doc

10-22-2009, 07:53 PM	#2
thrillbilly Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ozark Hill Country Posts: 2,613	.308win- You can buy a M1A in that caliber! .270win (I assume that's what ya meant)- Jack O'Connor was a genius! I am prejudice....I love the .270win....BUT either caliber will do a great job. LOL they are both a fine choice for a deer rifle or target rifle. __________________ *" I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on."* John Wayne

10-22-2009, 07:56 PM	#3
thrillbilly Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ozark Hill Country Posts: 2,613	.308 Winchester - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia .270 Winchester - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia __________________ *" I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on."* John Wayne

10-22-2009, 07:58 PM	#4
jmp8927 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Walterboro, SC Posts: 2,277 Images: 18	.308 just because it's more widely available. My Dad has a .270 that I've shot a time or two. I was more impressed with my friend's 7mm - 08. __________________ Fear not, for I am with you; Be not discouraged, for I am your God.

10-22-2009, 08:04 PM	#5
thrillbilly Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ozark Hill Country Posts: 2,613	"Availability" varies by locale. .270 is way more common here then .308. The .270 ammo and rifles can be found at a 5 to 1 margin here at least. My local Wal-mart store sells about 15 (or more) varieties and brands of .270 ammo....and maybe 5 kinds of .308 ammo. I rarely see a .308 new or used for sale around here. JMO YMMV __________________ *" I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on."* John Wayne

10-22-2009, 08:08 PM	#6
thrillbilly Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ozark Hill Country Posts: 2,613	Also..Doc, more info would be helpful. do you want- Semi auto....bolt action...lever action...etc.? Is it for targets or game primarily? If for game, do ya want to shoot varmits and deer and Big Game? Or just a deer rifle? Do you intend to handload for it or buy off the shelf ammo? __________________ *" I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on."* John Wayne

10-22-2009, 08:23 PM	#7
jmp8927 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Walterboro, SC Posts: 2,277 Images: 18	I also like .308 for all the 7.62x51mm milsurps out there __________________ Fear not, for I am with you; Be not discouraged, for I am your God.

10-22-2009, 09:08 PM	#8
Tack Driver Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Caswell County, NC Posts: 392	.270, but if you want a good .30 cal deer rifle, get a .30-06, not the .308 __________________ If pro is the opposite of con, is Congress the opposite of progress?

10-22-2009, 10:52 PM	#9
m.wun Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Kaliforniahell Posts: 12	Not to start a war but the 308 will throw a 165gr or under the same speed as a 06.the 270 is a great round for deer and elk but the 308 has more bullets avail.the 06 shines with the heavier bullets.I went 308 over 270 because I can go heavier on bullets for hogs and black bear.(Oh ya the 308 is a short action)

10-22-2009, 11:01 PM	#10
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 5,178	For deer hunting I would prefer the .270 Winchester as it is just a classic cartridge with tolerable recoil and many decades of hunting success. My two favorite cartridges are the .243 Winchester and the 7mm/08. I am not knocking the .308 but it is just not of interest to me.

10-22-2009, 11:11 PM	#11
skiking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Stumptown, MT Posts: 417 Images: 2	I prefer the .270 over the .308. Don't really have a good reason, I just like it.

10-22-2009, 11:23 PM	#12
toolman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 7,135 Blog Entries: 25	I use a .270 for everything from 'yotes to deer to good-sized hogs. I have nothing bad to say about the .308 and it's a tad shorter, but the .270 is just a bit more versatile for my needs. I have nothing bad to say about the .308-I love my M\N's which are ballistically similar, but I don't feel comfortable with them out past 300 yds. I don't like shooting at live game farther than that, but the .270 is ballistically flat enough that I can extend that out to 350-400 yds and still be confident in my ability to cleanly drop a deer or 'yote. __________________ cosmoline is an aphrodisiac!

10-23-2009, 12:11 AM	#13
Casey Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 73	My first love is 7mm-08 but I recently bought an AR style rifle in 308 just because ammo can be found around here lately. 7mm-08 ammo dried up about 8 months ago and I cant find it anywhere. I do think the 308 is an excellent round but everyone has one thats why I stayed away from it, I like to be different. I had 2 270 in the past and cant say anything bad about them. I have always contended the 7mm-08 is the short action 270. Actually if it goes boom I love it!! Guess I'm not a good person to ask...LOL.

10-23-2009, 12:47 AM	#14
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 17,218	My hunting buddy gave me his code and password to the largest gun, ammo and related supply company in the U.S. So I've spent all week on and off looking through this site at Dealer prices. Never will I buy an uncommon caliber rifle due to the cost of ammo. Buy a gun that has ammo readily available such as the 270, 308, 30-06, 7mm mag. 300 win mag ect. I just thought I'd throw this in for good measure because ammo has gotton expensive and I've noticed reloading supplys have to IF you can find the components you need. Again good luck and shop hard for the best price...Now's the time to buy rifles because it's hunting season. __________________ IN GOD WE TRUST NRA MEMBER

10-23-2009, 01:49 AM	#15
rdale501 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: oregon Posts: 532	I depends on what you want it for. In my opinion the .270 is a better hunting rifle, because of a little extended range. I thnk the .308 would be a better target or all purpose rifle, esp. if you reload, because of bullet choices. I really don't think there is a wrong choice here. You have picked two tried and proven rounds. Even if you flip a coin you will be getting a good round. Match it with a good rifle and you have a winner.

10-23-2009, 02:07 AM	#16
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 17,218	You'll get a bigger wound channel with a 30 caliber bullet which means blood will flow better. I ran a route for 30 years and many 270 owners sold or traded off there 270 rifles for some other caliber. There excuse was they could'nt find blood if the Deer ran off after being shot with there 270's. Possible they were all bad shots LOL...A.H __________________ IN GOD WE TRUST NRA MEMBER

10-23-2009, 02:24 AM	#18
thrillbilly Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ozark Hill Country Posts: 2,613	Every deer I've shot with my .270 and 130gr core-lockts have bled like a stuck hog AH My nephews and wife use 30.06s and my .270 exit wounds are relatively the same as theirs...I would think those dudes ya knew either used inferior ammo or just didn't know how to trail a deer...or were to lazy to search if the deer didn't drop on the spot. For what it's worth...a 30/30 with 150gr core-lockts makes a bigger exit hole then 30.06 .308 or .270 do...the deer shot with a 30/30 absolutely POURED blood from the first step to the last step. YMMV __________________ *" I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on."* John Wayne

10-23-2009, 10:22 AM	#20
Sportsterboy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 123	I have had both, and taken deer with both. My .308's were a Remington 7400 and a SA NM M1A1. The Remington I used Remington cor-lokt 150gr factory and the M1A1 I handloaded 150gr Nosler Ballistic tips. I wasn't particulary impressed with the .308 performance with either round (factory or handloads). The .270 performance has been much better (at long or short ranges) with either Winchester 130gr Silvertips (NOT the power point) or my handloads with 130gr Hornady Spire points. My vote goes to the .270 from my experience.