The .270 Winchester and .308 Winchester are two legendary rifle cartridges that have made an enduring impact in the world of firearms. Over the years, they have proven their excellence in various applications. These calibers are highly effective for medium to long-range shooting and remain a favored choice among hunters and precision shooters, each possessing distinct attributes and strengths.
One of these cartridges has been in existence for nearly a century and has established itself as a superb hunting round. It boasts flat trajectories, minimal recoil, and impressive energy retention. On the other hand, the other cartridge has been in use for over 70 years and is renowned for its versatility, finding applications in numerous fields worldwide, including military, hunting, and precision shooting.
Let's delve into the features of both these cartridges and explore why, despite the advancements and progress in the firearms industry over the past century, they continue to be favored by shooters to this day.
Origins of .270 Winchester and .308 Winchester
The .270 Winchester, introduced by Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1925, holds a significant place in firearms history. It was born out of Winchester's desire to create a high-velocity and flat-shooting cartridge based on the renowned .30-06 Springfield. The result was the .270 Winchester, a round that quickly gained acclaim for its outstanding performance, reliability, and exceptional trajectory. In fact, it was considered one of the most accurate and flat-shooting cartridges of its time.
Throughout its nearly century-long existence, the .270 Winchester has amassed a remarkable track record. It has been a trusted companion on countless hunting expeditions, where its precise accuracy and potent energy have aided in the successful harvest of game. Moreover, in the realm of competitive shooting, marksmen have come to rely on its consistency and flat trajectory to excel in long-range target competitions.
Yet, the impact of the .270 Winchester extends beyond its tangible attributes. It has fostered a passionate community of shooters who appreciate its capabilities and hold deep respect for its heritage. Furthermore, this cartridge has served as a source of inspiration for the development of subsequent calibers, with many notable rounds drawing upon its design and ballistics.
In summary, the .270 Winchester stands as a testament to its enduring legacy. With its impressive performance and rich history, it continues to captivate shooters and leave an indelible mark on the world of firearms.
Sellier & Bellot - .270 Win - SP - 150 Grain
In contrast, the .308 Winchester made its debut in 1952, also originating from the innovative efforts of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company under the guidance of the visionary Edwin Pugsley. Tasked with developing a cartridge that adhered to the newly established NATO standards, Winchester engineers embarked on a mission to create a more compact and efficient round while preserving the performance of the esteemed .30-06 Springfield.
Through meticulous design and ingenuity, they achieved this objective by reducing the case length and overall dimensions of the cartridge while maintaining a bullet diameter of .308 inches. This meticulous balance resulted in the birth of the .308 Winchester, which swiftly earned a reputation for its remarkable accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness in both military and civilian applications. It emerged as a versatile cartridge capable of excelling in hunting game and engaging targets at medium to long distances.
The rifles chambered in .308 Winchester became steadfast companions for countless hunters, sport shooters, and professionals across America. Its widespread adoption can be attributed to its exceptional performance, making it one of the most widely used medium to long-range calibers. The .308 Winchester's success can be attributed to its ability to deliver consistent results in a variety of scenarios, solidifying its place as a trusted and favored choice among shooting enthusiasts.
.308 Ammo:
Need bulk rifle ammo? Check out our rifle ammo section to see what's available!
What is The Difference Between .270 Win & .308 Win?
Now we come to the important question: which hunting round would be the better choice for you?
When comparing the .308 Win to the .270 Win, we find ourselves examining subtle differences. Both of these cartridges have established themselves as reliable options for hunting rifles. However, exploring these variations might assist you in making an informed decision.
At first glance, a significant difference in case length of over ½ an inch becomes evident. This distinction primarily arises from the intended purposes of each cartridge. The .270 Winchester is a necked-down version of the 30-03 Springfield (predecessor to the 30-06) designed to accommodate a 0.277" diameter bullet. The longer case necessitates a long-action receiver, while the .308 has a shorter case length and fits into a short-action platform.
A short action requires less bolt throw to load another round. In theory, this could result in faster follow-up shots with a .308 compared to a .270. However, in practice, there is no noticeable difference in follow-up shots between the two. Nevertheless, there is a significant disparity in case capacity.
The .308 Winchester has a case capacity of 56 gr H2O, whereas the .270 Win boasts almost 20% more case capacity, measuring 67 gr H2O. This increased case capacity allows for larger powder charges. As a result, the .270, with its more aerodynamic and lighter bullets, achieves greater velocity than its .308 counterparts. This enhanced muzzle velocity contributes to the .270's flatter trajectory, akin to that of the 6.5 Creedmoor and 300 Win Mag.
Recoil
The amount of recoil experienced is a crucial factor for most shooters since reduced recoil often leads to increased accuracy downrange. When a rifle kicks less against your shoulder, you're less likely to jerk the trigger and miss your target. This is why many young shooters begin with .22LR, a caliber with virtually no recoil, to develop proper trigger control fundamentals. Unless you are completely new to shooting and have only used rimfire ammunition, the average shooter would describe the felt recoil of both the .270 and .308 cartridges as manageable and not excessively harsh. In other words, you shouldn't end up with a bruised shoulder after spending an hour at the range with either of these calibers.
Felt recoil is influenced by various factors, including rifle weight, bullet weight, and powder charge. Assuming the rifle weight is consistent for both cartridges, the .270 Winchester generally exhibits less recoil than the .308 Winchester for most factory loads. This is primarily due to the heavier bullet weight of the .308. In simpler terms, lighter bullets result in less recoil.
However, things aren't always that straightforward!
Remember that we discussed the increased case capacity earlier? The powder charge in the .270 Win is typically significantly higher than that of the .308. This creates what can be referred to as a difference in perceived recoil. This relates to how the rifle "feels" during the recoil cycle. Many shooters describe the recoil of the .270 as sharp and snappy, whereas the recoil of the .308 is often described as a dull, rolling thud against the shoulder. Keep in mind that this feeling may vary from shooter to shooter, but it's an aspect worth considering when searching for a new bolt action rifle.
Taking all these factors into account, it becomes clear that the .270 Winchester generally exhibits lower felt recoil than the .308, which can be advantageous when engaging targets at long range.
Accuracy
When it comes to accuracy, it is primarily determined by the shooting platform and the shooter's skill rather than the cartridge itself.
In simpler terms, both the .270 and .308 are highly accurate, and any differences in accuracy will depend on the shooter's fundamentals and the specific rifle being used.
However, there are external factors to consider that can affect accuracy beyond your equipment and trigger control. These factors include recoil, bullet drop (trajectory), and wind drift (ballistic coefficient). We will discuss the latter two factors in the following sections, but it is generally agreed upon that most shooters will achieve greater accuracy with a .270 Winchester due to its flat trajectory and lower felt recoil.
Nevertheless, there is absolutely no reason why a shooter cannot achieve the same level of proficiency with a .308 Winchester as they can with a .270. It all comes down to factors such as trigger control, proper sight alignment, breath control, and follow-through. Both the .308 and .270 are capable of producing sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups with most factory loads and hunting ammunition.
Hunting With .270 Win & .308 Win
Now we arrive at the crucial question that all the preceding ballistic information has been leading up to: Which cartridge is better for hunting?
This is a complex question, and there is no definitive "best all-around hunting cartridge" when comparing these two formidable options. Each cartridge has its own strengths for different hunting applications. Let's begin with varmint hunting and progress to larger game.
When it comes to varmint hunting, the .270 Winchester emerges as the clear winner due to its ability to utilize lighter bullets. Bringing a .308 Winchester to target small varmints like prairie dogs or coyotes may result in excessive damage, leaving little left of the target. As Confucius wisely advises, "Don't use a cannon to kill a mosquito." The .270 Win's flatter trajectory, lower recoil, and long-range capabilities make it an ideal choice for this type of hunting.
For medium game such as whitetail deer, mule deer, pronghorn, and antelope, both cartridges are evenly matched. For close-range shots, the higher kinetic energy of the .308 ballistics may be preferable, while for longer shots, the .270 Winchester's flat trajectory and reduced recoil are advantageous.
However, when it comes to larger game animals like elk, caribou, and black bears, the advantage leans towards the .308 Winchester. These animals require a hard-hitting cartridge with high muzzle energy, which the .308 provides. This is often referred to as "knock-down power."
While proponents of the .270 Win may argue that its ballistics are superior to the .308, I contend that for larger game, the wider wound channel offered by the .308 is crucial for achieving an ethical kill. Nevertheless, as with all aspects of hunting, shot placement remains the key to success. A double-lung shot with a .270 Winchester will always be more lethal than a .308 shoulder deflection resulting in a mere wound.
The crucial question you need to ask yourself is: With which cartridge do I have better shot placement?
Answering this question will help determine the best option for you. Personally, I prefer the .308 for larger game due to the raw power it delivers, while I would gladly load up some .270 Winchester for medium to smaller game.
Should I Use .270 Winchester or .308 Winchester Ammo?
When it comes to choosing between the .270 Winchester and the .308 Winchester, the differences are so narrow that it's difficult to declare a clear winner. Ultimately, both cartridges will serve you well for game hunting across North America. The decision largely depends on your specific purpose and personal preferences.
If your intention is small game hunting, the .270 Win would be a better option. It offers access to factory loads with lighter bullets, a flat trajectory, low recoil, and excellent long-range ballistics. On the other hand, for larger game such as elk and bear, the .308 Win stands out as the superior choice due to its sheer power, proven track record, and availability of heavier bullets that the .270 cannot accommodate. When it comes to hunting whitetail, mule deer, pronghorn, and antelope, it becomes a matter of determining which cartridge you can perform best with. For long-range shots, the .270 has a slight advantage, but the .308 is equally capable.
Ultimately, success in hunting hinges on shot placement, ammunition selection, and your ability to control the rush of "buck fever" that overtakes us when a majestic 10-point rack approaches our tree stand.
With hunting season quickly approaching, it's crucial to practice with the cartridge of your choice. I wish you fellow hunters the best of luck, may the wind be calm, your scent undetectable, and may the bucks present you with broadside shots. See you in the woods!
Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Gun Club, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotgunclub.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at sales@trueshotgunclub.comfor more rifle ammo options.
