Thoughts on the 270wsm vs wood buffalo

buckbrushoutdoors · #1 02-21-2013, 01:32 PM

based on factory ammo, what do you think the best choice for a buffalo would be? I would like to use my 270 wsm just to say I killed a buff with one. I do have a 300win mag but I truly believe the 270wsm would be up to the challenge. What are your guys thoughts on bullet selection with factory ammo. I know most would say the one that groups the tightest but in all honestey minute of buffalo is quite large.

Okotokian · #2 02-21-2013, 01:39 PM

If I had both and shot both comfortably I'd use the .300. I see no reason to take any sort of risk with an animal, no matter how small, simply to say that I did it. Now if you didn't have the .300 perhaps the .270 would be good. I've never shot the .270wsm so can't say for sure, but the printed ballistics look impressive. Been considering buying one. I wouldn't use my .270WIN however.

Ice Fishing Maniac · #3 02-21-2013, 02:49 PM

IF you used your 270WSM, factory Winchecter Supreme 150gr XP3's get my vote. Next would be 140gr TSX's if available.

I love 140gr Accubonds in my 270WSM (reloads but did use the WS factory rounds) but I think the tough hide of a buffalo and not be the best. I could be wrong b/c I have had awesome results with this caliber and bullet combo on elk/moose/etc.

If using 300WM, factory WS 180gr XP3's or the AB's get my vote. If you reloaded, 200gr AB's or TTSX's.

buckbrushoutdoors · #4 02-21-2013, 02:53 PM

Ive got a few boxes of a 140gr tsx that i know will do the job. I seen a 110gr ttsx travel through 4' of moose at 80 yards this fall. Im sure the 140's will be plenty but I wouldnt mind trying the 150gr xp3s

L.O.S.T.Arrow · #5 02-21-2013, 03:06 PM

Personally I would go with the .300 I have seen them take clips of 180 gr 30-06 to the bolier room and not even flinch...still went down but took em...
not saying it cant be done but...if a wood buffalos tail is up they are either discharging or chargeing...and it seems their tail is always up...

Mine was huge F&W thought around 2600 lbs

Neil

Woodbeef · #6 02-21-2013, 03:16 PM

If you hit the soft spot a little behind the lower part of the ear either will work fine.

#7 02-21-2013, 03:37 PM

I heard there was a minimum if 180 grain allowed for buffalo?

flyguyd · #8 02-21-2013, 05:08 PM

If i ever get drawn i think ill just take the 338wm and 250gr grandslams and call her good.

Ultimate Predator · #9 02-21-2013, 05:41 PM

Wouldnt even think twice about using my bow 270 wsm will have no problem

seymourpats · #10 02-21-2013, 05:50 PM

I may be mistaken, but I thought it was .30 caliber minimum? Maybe that was only b.c.?

rancho-non-relaxo · #11 02-21-2013, 05:54 PM

Use the 300 as it has the proper grain bullets to get the job done. Remember buffalo have thick hides, massive bones and a lot of muscle to get through before you hit the vitals. A 30 caliber rifle should probably be considered the min size you would want to use. Remember you are not putting down a cow and shooting it in the head at 6 feet. This is a hunting scenaro where anything could happen and you might need the bigger gun to get things done.
Good luck with what ever you choose.

NBFK · #12 02-21-2013, 05:55 PM

The only way a 270wsm will kill a bison is with an accubond. When are we going?

BackPackHunter · #13 02-21-2013, 06:11 PM

Nosler Accubond would be my pick too,

http://www.nosler.com/Ammunition/Trophy-Grade.aspx

Grizzly Adams · #14 02-21-2013, 06:44 PM

Let's see now. Bull can weigh around 1500 lbs, chest about 3 ft. across. The .270 will be staying home when my turn comes and I'll be wiping the dust off the .338.

Grizz

gitrdun · #15 02-21-2013, 07:36 PM

Never mind caliber, that isn't the most concerning thought. Shot placement more than most animals is. I have shot bison with a. 338wm and a .375h&h with poor results due to being fooled by that thick neck of hair. Study the construction of this animal and then a well placed 270wsm will do the job. You cannot replace good shot placement by simply upping bullet diameter. A poorly placec shot on bison makes no difference no matter how big or fast your bullet is. They are extremely hardy, and that big mane can cause confusion as to where to put it.

gitrdun · #16 02-21-2013, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grizzly Adams

Let's see now. Bull can weigh around 1500 lbs, chest about 3 ft. across. The .270 will be staying home when my turn comes and I'll be wiping the dust off the .338.

Grizz

Awesome, how many have you dropped with a single shot or ANY for that matter?

bdub · #17 02-21-2013, 08:11 PM

I am sure it would work fine if the shot and animal position is good. I think a bigger is better type of thinking would apply here if shot angle etc. is less than ideal. my thinking is it it would be the perfect excuse to buy a .375hh.

gitrdun · #18 02-21-2013, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdub

I am sure it would work fine if the shot and animal position is good. I think a bigger is better type of thinking would apply here if shot angle etc. is less than ideal. my thinking is it it would be the perfect excuse to buy a .375hh.

No, I failed to one shot kill the first 2 with .338wm and .375ouch. The 3rd one dropped stone cold dead to the almighty. ...................7mm-08.

Ok, by that time, I had gained a wee bit of experience. My 4th, dropped to the almighty "swede". Not to confuse anyone, these were cull kills, not bonafide hunts....

bdub · #19 02-21-2013, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gitrdun

No, I failed to one shot kill the first 2 with .338wm and .375ouch. The 3rd one dropped stone cold dead to the almighty. ...................7mm-08.

Ok, by that time, I had gained a wee bit of experience. My 4th, dropped to the almighty "swede". Not to confuse anyone, these were cull kills, not bonafide hunts....

Where did you hit them. Any tricks to bullet placement, they are an odd shaped animal and I have never really studied there anatomy. I have ran into a few of them in the Sikkani river country. Pretty intimidating animal when you walk into them in the bush.

gitrdun · #20 02-21-2013, 09:00 PM

The first 2, I took aim for what I figured would be a neck shot, much as I did for any ungulate as elk, deer or moose. But the thick cape obviously hides the small kill zone. The next two were shot between the eyes, full frontal. I have a skull here on my wall. In a hunting scenario, I would study the anatomy much as you suggest.

twofifty · #21 02-21-2013, 09:11 PM

fyi, in BC the regs state that:

"ammunition to hunt bison must be constructed with a 175 grain or larger bullet, which retains 2,712 joules (2000 ft lbs) or more energy at 100 m."

Traps · #22 02-21-2013, 10:03 PM

Don't bother with accubonds, 140tsx is the only choice

Big Daddy Badger · #23 02-21-2013, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weatherbyguy

I heard there was a minimum if 180 grain allowed for buffalo?

Seems like I recall seeing that somewhere as well.

Big Daddy Badger · #24 02-21-2013, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twofifty

fyi, in BC the regs state that:

"ammunition to hunt bison must be constructed with a 175 grain or larger bullet, which retains 2,712 joules (2000 ft lbs) or more energy at 100 m."

Thats OK... Alberta bison are way easier to kill than BC bison

That must be where I read that though.

NBFK · #25 02-22-2013, 08:02 AM

243s are legal for alberta bison in zama. The ones east of high level you could use a 22lr if you wanted. Its only suggested that you use a 30 cal or bigger on the zama hunt. Seen one fold from a well placed 150grain power point out of an old 06'. Kill zones are real low on them. Put it in there and they fall down quick. They aren't bullet proof.

Ryry4 · #26 02-22-2013, 08:11 AM

I'd use a good bonded bullet, the heavier the weight the better. Winchester XP3's or TTSX's would be my choice.

1000yards · #27 02-22-2013, 08:47 AM

I wouldn't risk using a lower calibre just to say I took it with one.
Be proud of how you hunt and that you were ethical.
Saying you killed a bear with a 22 doesn't get you respect. It makes you look like the ass you would be.

Granted a 270 wsm is far from a 22, I would focus on hunting the animal, correct shot placement and making sure none of it goes to waste. Don't pick your calibre just for your ego.

super7mag · #28 02-22-2013, 08:53 AM

Has to be factory ammo BB? I would look at the 150 gr PT first, the 140 AB or Tsx next. If you get a chance at a behind the ear shot, obviously at a closer range take it . I shot mine with a 7mm RM 160 gr PT heart shot , there is a lot if blood in them beasts. He tipped over after a bit though , I wanted to keep skull intact I shoulda put one behind his ear.

philthygeezer · #29 02-22-2013, 09:04 AM

I'd rather own a wood buffalo.

Okotokian · #30 02-22-2013, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gitrdun

The first 2, I took aim for what I figured would be a neck shot, much as I did for any ungulate as elk, deer or moose. But the thick cape obviously hides the small kill zone. The next two were shot between the eyes, full frontal. I have a skull here on my wall. In a hunting scenario, I would study the anatomy much as you suggest.

Well Git, you have more experience with bison than most here, but given your shot placement was between the eyes with the two smaller rounds, we still don't know whether a sub-.300 cal round is suitable for, say, a 150 yard shot in the boiler room that many of us would take.

Anyone else here killed a bison with something less than a .300 mag? How did it go?