Can't decide! 270 or 308

[Prdtrgttr]

Another nod for the 270.

[Big Daddy Badger]

Either one will get the job done.

You can debate the merits of each but in the end its like prefering one colour of 2 ply TP over another.
Both will work well and whatever you appy it to will never know the difference.

[panwojciech]

Easy choice …. Get one in 308… and one in 270… and maybe one in 7-08 too…

[Lemonz]

Originally Posted by MK2750

From The American Rifleman
July 1, 1925 “A New Winchester Bolt Action Rifle” by E.A. Price “ The new .270 WCF cartridge designed especially for this rifle is a praiseworthy achievement of our New Haven friends. It is simply the .30 Springfield shell necked down to .270 caliber, the shell being very slightly lengthened in the process.”

Your source, Wiki I assume, also claims the 280 was made off of the 30-03 case. They would be wrong again IMO but arguments go on both ways. It too is longer than the parent case leading to the confusion.

To the OP, the 270 is a specialized deer rifle IMO and it would fit right in with what you have. It will do most anything the bigger 7 will do to a deer without the recoil. It will work for Elk and Moose but you already have the 300 for that job and the 270 shines with lighter bullets.

I would go with the 280 offered in left hand myself and sell the 7mm. mag.

Wikipedia states the .280 is derived from the 30-06 NOT the 30-03. .280 was first produced in the 1950's.

The confusion around the history of the .270 stems from the quick secession of changes from the parent cartridge the 30-03 to the derived 30-06 (3 years later). As such the .270 parent (or grandparent I guess) is seen as the 30-03.

I seldom use Wikipedia as a sole reference for obvious reasons. I read the history originally in some long forgotten reloading manual and the information stuck as it contradicted what I originally believed. Other articles on the web support my view.

But who cares I'd have one of each if I could - lol

Lemonz

[jethunter]

I don't see much difference between 270 or 308. Like deciding what style of shoe to buy - it's just personal preference. It won't make much difference in any practical sense.

Personally I'd look at something bigger or smaller since you already have 7mm and 30 cal rifles. Maybe a 338 or 25 cal.

[forgesmith]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

I wouldn't own a 270win, so 308win it would be. I would sooner have a 6.5x55 than either of your choices.

When people give me a choice I always choose both! But then I have a couple of each now. I have four 6.5 X 55's and would put them up against all the rest of mine except the 300WM for long distance. The 6.5 will shoot 95 to 160 and that is more than enough for any game I can find under 300M.
Just saying, from over the too many years of shooting, just found 6.5 five years ago.

[Lemonz]

Originally Posted by forgesmith

When people give me a choice I always choose both! But then I have a couple of each now. I have four 6.5 X 55's and would put them up against all the rest of mine except the 300WM for long distance. The 6.5 will shoot 95 to 160 and that is more than enough for any game I can find under 300M.
Just saying, from over the too many years of shooting, just found 6.5 five years ago.

To be honest my next rifle will be a 6.5 x 55, probably a Sako of sorts. It's an outstanding round.

Lemonz

[u_cant_rope_the_wind]

Originally Posted by 260 Rem

I like the anology...but, the 308 is more like the "John Deere" of chamberings. Built to work!

ive lots of john deere's broke down and stuffed out in the bone yards also

[Luke15]

I sure do like my 270's! Don't own a 308 but I'm sure they kill things just as dead.

[jthoring]

I would choose the 308. I like the short action better. U can also shoot heavier bullets for more knockdown power

[gunluvr]

Originally Posted by Kevlak

Hey everyone,

I decided to buy a new rifle, a browning x bolt medallion left hand, I just can't decide the caliber. I already have a 300wm, 7mm rm, and a 243. I'd be using it for deer, moose and elk. No more than 300yds. Out of the 308 or 270, which would you guys pick.

Thanks,

Kevin

What you're really asking, is which to buy first; I think you want both. Ask yourself what will you be hunting and where? Of the three you own and the two you want, which one will you use most this fall?

[MK2750]

Originally Posted by Lemonz

Wikipedia states the .280 is derived from the 30-06 NOT the 30-03. .280 was first produced in the 1950's.

The confusion around the history of the .270 stems from the quick secession of changes from the parent cartridge the 30-03 to the derived 30-06 (3 years later). As such the .270 parent (or grandparent I guess) is seen as the 30-03.

I seldom use Wikipedia as a sole reference for obvious reasons. I read the history originally in some long forgotten reloading manual and the information stuck as it contradicted what I originally believed. Other articles on the web support my view.

But who cares I'd have one of each if I could - lol

Lemonz

I would aggree with you but then we would both be wrong.

Here is what Wikipedia says under 30-06 wildcats;

7mm-06 - necked down to accept a 7mm bullet - Originated during experimentation with the ballistic possibilities of popular 7mm bullets in plentiful .30-06 brass cases.[6] The commercial .280 Remington (or 7mm Express Remington) is very similar, but uses the slightly longer 65 mm .30-03 case with the shoulder headspace extended slightly more than one millimeter (.05 inch) to prevent chambering in .270 Winchester rifles.[7]

They do contridict themselves often however.

Truth be told there was some legal goings on that had people being very careful when it came to "Who is your Daddy."

A few minutes with a set of calipers and it isn't really hard to tell where the inspiration came from for the 30-06 cartridge, the (Spitzer) bullet and even the Springfield action itself.

To admit to such would be just too unamerican however.

Anywho, with left hand overings being rare and having a left handed son, I was excited to see the Sako 85 being offered in left this year. Limited as far as calibre choice and unlikely there will be many brought in to Canada unfortunately.

[Hotwheels81]

Originally Posted by Lemonz

Wikipedia states the .280 is derived from the 30-06 NOT the 30-03. .280 was first produced in the 1950's.

The confusion around the history of the .270 stems from the quick secession of changes from the parent cartridge the 30-03 to the derived 30-06 (3 years later). As such the .270 parent (or grandparent I guess) is seen as the 30-03.

I seldom use Wikipedia as a sole reference for obvious reasons. I read the history originally in some long forgotten reloading manual and the information stuck as it contradicted what I originally believed. Other articles on the web support my view.

But who cares I'd have one of each if I could - lol

Lemonz

Ahhhh lest we never forget the old derty-derty is but a red headed stepchild of the mighty 38-55

[mudbug]

I'd say pick out the rifle that is most comfortable first then choose the calibre second. Both are good rounds

[gunluvr]

Originally Posted by mudbug

I'd say pick out the rifle that is most comfortable first then choose the calibre second. Both are good rounds

The OP says he wants an X-bolt Medalion.

[greylynx]

You will have try both.

That is how I solved my 300 WM vs 338 WM dilemma.

I kept the .338 WM

[Jadham]

I like the .308 because it allows me to shoot 7.62 milsurp. Factory match ammo is also readily available.

[redranger15]

I'm a fan of the 270win even bigger fan of the 270wsm.

[timsesink]

To really throw a wrench in your plans why not a 375 RCM or similar? You have the mud-caliber covered but could use a closer range big gun. My two cents

[graymatter]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

I wouldn't own a 270win, so 308win it would be. I would sooner have a 6.5x55 than either of your choices.

************************************************** ********

I have a swedish Husquvarna 6.5 x 55

wonder if anyone else has the problem with consistency.

once I put 4-5 rounds thru it at the range, grouping expands to off the page,
cant keep it accurate for my life.
shoot a .308 savage with very consistent accuracy out to 200 yards,

was reading on line about military cartridges made during the war
and basically due to the war effort and poorer quality of steel available in some countries at that time, guns did not get the best attention or quality during manufacture,
now that is not the case in all war era made guns but it appears my 6.5 may have this problem.
barrel is too hot to touch after 5 shots, expansion ??

now its just a story in my gun cabinet

[elkhunter11]

I have a swedish Husquvarna 6.5 x 55

wonder if anyone else has the problem with consistency.

once I put 4-5 rounds thru it at the range, grouping expands to off the page,
cant keep it accurate for my life.
shoot a .308 savage with very consistent accuracy out to 200 yards,

was reading on line about military cartridges made during the war
and basically due to the war effort and poorer quality of steel available in some countries at that time, guns did not get the best attention or quality during manufacture,
now that is not the case in all war era made guns but it appears my 6.5 may have this problem.
barrel is too hot to touch after 5 shots, expansion ??

now its just a story in my gun cabinet

If the barrel is too hot to touch after 5 rounds, then shoot 3 shot groups. If the point of impact walks off of the target as the barrel heats up, it could be a bedding issue. My 6.5x55 is a Tikka T-3 Varmint, and it shoots sub 1/2moa for five shots. Two other friends have T-3s in 6.5x55, one Sporter, and one Super Varmint, and they also shoot sub 1/2moa.

[bb356]

.308

[Kevlak]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm kinda leaning towards the 270. I think the person that said I want both I just don't know which one i want first hit the nail on the head! Ever since I started buying rifles I always say I just want one more, but in the back of my head there will be more than just the one! The rifle will be a browning x bolt, the fit and feel are exactly what I want. For the ones that are wondering, for optics I'm going with a zeiss conquest hd5 3-15x42!

Thanks,

Kevin

[nelsonob1]

Originally Posted by u_cant_rope_the_wind

neither I would go with a 7mm08

Setting aside individual preferences, the ballistics of the 7mm08 and availability of quality ammo IMO support this recommendation.

[wolf308]

Originally Posted by Kevlak

Hey everyone,

I decided to buy a new rifle, a browning x bolt medallion left hand, I just can't decide the caliber. I already have a 300wm, 7mm rm, and a 243. I'd be using it for deer, moose and elk. No more than 300yds. Out of the 308 or 270, which would you guys pick.

Thanks,

Kevin

you say no more than 300 yards.......but what if you see the perfect animal at 322 yards ????? not gonna shoot ? both are fine to that distance but the 270 has more oomph for hunting so in case the critter was farther i d go with that.

[forgesmith]

Originally Posted by graymatter

************************************************** ********

I have a swedish Husquvarna 6.5 x 55

wonder if anyone else has the problem with consistency.

once I put 4-5 rounds thru it at the range, grouping expands to off the page,
cant keep it accurate for my life.
shoot a .308 savage with very consistent accuracy out to 200 yards,

was reading on line about military cartridges made during the war
and basically due to the war effort and poorer quality of steel available in some countries at that time, guns did not get the best attention or quality during manufacture,
now that is not the case in all war era made guns but it appears my 6.5 may have this problem.
barrel is too hot to touch after 5 shots, expansion ??

now its just a story in my gun cabinet

I own a Tikka T3 in the wonderful 6.5 X 55 and four Old swedes too. The Tikka will shoot everything I run through it but the others like 140gr's and not so hot a loads as the factory puts out. My custom stock 1899 swede, I shoot a lot, will send out flyers after a few shots, cold it is right on the mark, hot it has a 4 inch circle at 100M with a 25 X scope too. The others are a lot better. I think that the barrel has been shot a lot more in the 1899 as the other two are like new bores. I can get less than 2" groups from both of them with Iron sights at 100M.
Might try adjusting the loads a bit slower in the old Huskavarna. Cheers

[Okotokian]

Deer, moose, and elk, all under 300 yards? I'd say it really doesn't matter. Is anyone seriously saying there would be a significant performance or "killability" difference between the two on those animals within that range? C'mon, really????

[Travis15]

Originally Posted by Okotokian

Deer, moose, and elk, all under 300 yards? I'd say it really doesn't matter. Is anyone seriously saying there would be a significant performance or "killability" difference between the two on those animals within that range? C'mon, really????

Well said!

[stob]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

I wouldn't own a 270win, so 308win it would be. I would sooner have a 6.5x55 than either of your choices.

6.5 x 55 agreed. have a 308 that shoots quarters all day. and have had a steyr 270 and my friends have 270's... never been overly impressed .. my friend shave drifted to a 6.5 x 55 and the other to a 270wsm ... tha t said ... the 308 due to frontal area and accuracy at distance

[raab]

If your using it for hunting the 270. If you want a tactical/long range gun the 308.