.270 for Plains Game?

[Ragman]

I don't have any Africa experience with the .270, but here in North America I have killed whitetail, mule deer, pronghorn, hogs and a ram with that awesome caliber...all DRT. I have witnessed other friends use the .270 on moose, elk and black bear with great success. I don't have mine anymore (like an idiot, I sold my Ruger No.1), but I would not feel the least bit handicapped on a PG hunt with one.

I am currently considering trading my 7mm Rem Mag for a .270 or 7mm-08. As more hunters seem to be going for the magnums and short magnums, I find myself going the other way. My previous safari as well as my upcoming one in 2018 are for PG which is what interests me. As of now, I don't have any aspiration (or $) to hunt DG so I'm content with standard calibers!

 

[IvW]

This is partially my thought process. While I'm glad to hear my Steyr is more than capable of doing what I need it to, a little extra never hurt anything, right?

Right!

 

[IvW]

I thought the 9.3 was legal in SA for Buff.

Although more than capable to kill buffalo with the right bullet and a competent hunter it is unfortunately not legal in SA where the minimum caliber is stipulated as 375 H&H.

(e) .375 H&H Magnum or larger caliber must be used for hunting a giraffe or any dangerous game, provided that for the hunting of any pachyderm the bullet must be of full metal jacket (solid) or monolithic solid construction.

 

[Chetv2]

I went through the exact same decision process nearly ten years ago for a PG hunt in SA. Ballistically, I knew my 308 was sufficient but I couldnt escape the sheer appropriateness of a .375 for larger PG. So, I purchased a .375 Ruger, had it lightly customized and spent some time breaking it in. I used it on all PG over 300 lbs and dropped them all DRT. Now, instead of asking if my 308 might be appropriate for something larger, I just grab my favorite rifle and go to work. No regrets there.

 

[Art Lambart II]

The 270 is a fine round but if your first shot is not close to perfect it is a little light for follow up shots on wounded game. Last year I used my PH's 270 with 150 grain Norma Oryx to take my zebra and kudu, my first shots where not perfect, the zebra took 4 rounds to put down and the kudu took 3. The airlines delivered my 35 Whelen after I shot my kudu and the extra hoursepower if provided made all the difference. I'm not blaming the 270 the fault is all mine but in my experience trophies don't become trophies by offering up perfect broad side shots.

 

[Southwind]

My pre 64 mod 70 fwt 270 is my "go to" hunting rifle because I have so much confidence and am so comfortable with it. I took it to Africa but must admit I used mostly my 375 but would have felt comfortable with it on most plains game. I shoot 130 barnes ttsx's. I will bring it back again. Here it is with springbuck.

 

[colorado]

It's either my 270 or my 500 Jeffery. I don't have anything in between

 

[Wheels]

The 7x57 has probably killed more pg in Africa than any other bullet. No reason a 6.8x64 wouldn't give you similar performance.

 

[IvW]

The 7x57 has probably killed more pg in Africa than any other bullet. No reason a 6.8x64 wouldn't give you similar performance.

I would always choose the 7 x 57 as a pg cartridge above the rest(including the 270 Win). It has proven itself in Africa so many times. The mild recoil, ability to fire heavy for caliber bullets of high sectional density and the fact that it kills way above it's paper ballistics(I have used one for many years on all manner of African PG, with no issues).

The 270 Win is a wonderful cartridge but is better suited to smaller PG at longer range. 130 grain bullets @ over 3000 fps or even 150 grain bullets @ over 2800 fps.

I much prefer the 7 x 57 for especially bushveld work, especially when hunting the tougher species such as Blue Wildebeest, Gemsbuck, Zebra, Sable,etc...

The reliable performance of the long 170-175 grain 7mm bullets at modest velocity just cannot be beat by a high speed 130 grain bullet. Due to this reliability of the heavier bullet, it also allows you to take shots you could not(or should not with a lesser projectile). It would be great if all shots presented to a visiting hunter would be the perfect broadside shots, but reality is they seldom are.

Perhaps there are many better shots than me, who shoot better than me and can kill these tough African animals with a high speed light bullet rifle, I much rather prefer the proven performance of a heavier bullet that get's the job done, everytime.

Maybe I don't like tracking so much.

For me the 270 Win, although a great cartridge, is a marginal choice for the larger plains game in Africa, especially in bushveld conditions.

 

[Philip Glass]

I'll get right to the point here, is .270 Winchester enough gun for plains game up to and including wildebeest? Obviously I'd use 150gr Nosler Partitions if I were to take my .270, but I'm open to buying a new rifle and putting in the time between now and whenever I get to go to know it like I do my .270.

Should I make the move to .300 Win Mag? .338 Federal for similar power to the .270 but larger bullets? Or just bite the bullet and get a .375, probably something in .375 Ruger for me?

I'm eager to hear your responses.

JakeH
No don't use a .270. Yes buy the .375 Ruger!
Seriously the .375 Ruger does not have that much recoil and you must get used to a gun you are going to use some day for DG. It will make the PG hunting more fun since you can tell yourself you are just practicing for DG!
Regards,
Philip

 

[Hogpatrol]

My buddy took his factory Savage .270 in '14 and shot over 20 cull animals, porcupine to kudu with his .270 shooting handload Berger 140 gr HVLDs. Most shots were around 200 yards. The only one that didn't fall to one shot was a tough old warthog. So, yes, the .270 is more than adequate.

 

[JakeH]

JakeH
No don't use a .270. Yes buy the .375 Ruger!
Seriously the .375 Ruger does not have that much recoil and you must get used to a gun you are going to use some day for DG. It will make the PG hunting more fun since you can tell yourself you are just practicing for DG!
Regards,
Philip

This is a response I can get behind! Savage Alaskan Brush Hunter, here I come!

 

[colorado]

JakeH
No don't use a .270. Yes buy the .375 Ruger!
Seriously the .375 Ruger does not have that much recoil and you must get used to a gun you are going to use some day for DG. It will make the PG hunting more fun since you can tell yourself you are just practicing for DG!
Regards,
Philip

Not sure why I would buy a 375 Ruger unless I was left handed (very few LH 375s out there new) or wanted a stainless/synthetic 375 for Alaska. In my opinion, the 375 H&H has so much more class and the 375 Weatherby (we have a Rem XCR II that weighs 7.25 lbs with scope in that caliber) outperforms it and can still shoot factory 375 H&H ammo. That being said there are enough calibers for all of us to enjoy and discuss

 

[JakeH]

Not sure why I would buy a 375 Ruger unless I was left handed (very few LH 375s out there new) or wanted a stainless/synthetic 375 for Alaska. In my opinion, the 375 H&H has so much more class and the 375 Weatherby (we have a Rem XCR II that weighs 7.25 lbs with scope in that caliber) outperforms it and can still shoot factory 375 H&H ammo. That being said there are enough calibers for all of us to enjoy and discuss

1.) Although I'd eventually replace the stock to a custom laminate from Boyd's, I do want a stainless barrel/action.
2.) I am a Savage fan and have used them my whole life so I'm very familiar with their rifles and they don't chamber .375 H&H or Weatherby.
3.) I can be out the door with the Savage Alaskan for $600. I don't think I can get .375 performance from a cheaper package, even from rebarreling an old action.

 

[johnnyblues]

I 'm taking my 270 wsm with me next week for PG. Using 140 gr. Winchester accubonds. Opinions?

 

[Areaonereal]

Can not imagine a better bullet for Plains game than the Accubond.. you are in the "cat bird's seat" with that bullet and the 270 WSM. I am sure you will have exit holes out to 350 yds with that ammo. I have used the 180 gr Accubond on the last three trips to Africa out of a 30 06...fantastic results, one hole in..one hole out on everything but 2 Zebra out to 350 yds. Shot 22 animals in July in Namibia...

 

[bilmcc]

My 270 does not shoot those well, so I have been using 150gr Nosler Partitions successfully. However, in my other rifles, the more I use the Accubonds, the more I like them. If the 140s accuracy was better for me, I would not worry about their utility.

 

[johnnyblues]

My 270 does not shoot those well, so I have been using 150gr Nosler Partitions successfully. However, in my other rifles, the more I use the Accubonds, the more I like them. If the 140s accuracy was better for me, I would not worry about their utility.

Can't ask for better.

 

[bilmcc]

I think you are ready to go!

 

[IvW]

I 'm taking my 270 wsm with me next week for PG. Using 140 gr. Winchester accubonds. Opinions?

All depends what PG is on your list and where you will be hunting.