Hunting Washington Forum
Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: 270Shooter on June 24, 2014, 08:36:02 AM
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Never thought I'd have to ask this but here goes, I need help finding the best long range elk bullet for my .270. Now before anyone says "the .270 is not a long range caliber." I realize it is not the ideal caliber for long range elk hunting but I have drawn a firing center elk tag and the possibility of a 300+ yard shot is definitely a real possibility out there. I just need opinions on what people would suggest as the most cabable long distance elk bullet. Also, I am limited to shooting factory loads because I cannot reload my own yet.
Thanks for any suggestions
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There's not a lot of options available in factory ammo right now.
Here's one that Midway has in stock that I think would work well, if it shoots in your rifle:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/918023/nosler-trophy-grade-ammunition-270-winchester-130-grain-e-tip-lead-free-box-of-20?cm_vc=ProductFinding
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This will be interesting to see what people have to say but fwiw, the only thing my dad used for years and years was a 270Wby with a variety of different 130grainers.
My guess is you'll get a variety of different answers as to which bullet is best but the one common denominator that we all will, likely, agree on is shot placement ALWAYS trumps "best" bullet.
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I always used the Speer 150 grain Grand Slam not much properly used that it would not bring down! That was a few years ago though!
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Yeah bobcat I saw those earlier, I was kind if leaning towards a sold copper 130 gr. I have some 140 gr accubonds left over but not very many and I can't find them factory loaded anymore.
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Federal Premium offers Nosler partitions in 130 and 150. Either of which will be fine for elk
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what about Barnes Vor-Tex 130gr TTSX
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what about Barnes Vor-Tex 130gr TTSX
those are interesting too has anyone ever shot these factory rounds?
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I bought a box, but have not shot them.
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what about Barnes Vor-Tex 130gr TTSX
That would be a great choice as well. I'd try a box of those, and a box of the e tips, and then hunt with whichever one gives the tightest groups.
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Elk Hunting is hard work - we don't get many chances. I have buddies who love the .270 on elk but they always shoot the shoulder and the .270 doesn't do much damage to the meat. If you are in open country why not. But wetside WA where the bull could vanish into the reprod in 100 yards or stumble in front of other hunters the .270 is a risk. Having taken over 20 elk with .300 and .338 and four with a bow I've only lost one animal I shot at. I only used a .270 one time. Guess what I used on the animal I lost ? Yea, the .270. FWIW
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I use those in my .243. Absolutely love them.
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My wife killed one with a 130 grain triple shock. Bullet worked great but it wasn't long range (100 yards or so). I wouldn't hesitate to use that bullet on an elk at 300 yards.
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I've killed 2 elk with my 270 using the Hornady Superformance 130gr Interbond. Not long range shots (75 and 125yds) but I'd feel confident with them out to 300yds. I've been able to find them consistently on the shelves when I need them. They are very fast at 3200fps.
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You can get Hornady SuperFormance in 270 win. loaded with their 130gr. SST bullet, which would be a good choice and probably be reasonably priced.
Nosler has their Trophy Grade ammo line for the 270 win. with 130gr AccuBonds, also.
I would buy a box of the Hornady Superformance in 270win with the 130gr SST and see how they shot in my rifle and if they shot well, I'd go with them.
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If your stuck with factory ammo go to the Nosler site and look at some of their ammo. A little pricey but well worth it. I'd stick with the 150 partitions for elk but I do love the performance of the 140 accubonds.
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I've killed 2 elk with my 270 using the Hornady Superformance 130gr Interbond. Not long range shots (75 and 125yds) but I'd feel confident with them out to 300yds. I've been able to find them consistently on the shelves when I need them. They are very fast at 3200fps.
Unless you find some old stock that somebody still has on their shelves, I don't believe Hornady still makes the Supeformance for 270win with 130 Interbond.
If you like Berger's VLD bullets, I'm pretty sure HSM has a premium line of ammo that uses the Berger 130gr VLD in 270win.
You'll have plenty of options that's for sure but if it were me, I'd start with a box of the Hornady Superformance with the 130 SST and see how they shot for me, then go from there.
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Here is my 150gr Barnes from my 2013 spring bear hunt. Clearly I did not get text book expansion...probably could have used a few more fps. However, weight retention was awesome and terminal performance was devastating.
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If it were me I would go with the HSM 130gn Berger VLD's Hands down! Berger bullets have been by far the most accurate bullet I have shot and also been the best on Mule deer at LONG RANGE 520 yards last yr. (.243 and 95gn vld at that) Buck didnt take 3 steps.
I used the same load on my spring bear this yr. If I remember right 279 yards (pass through) went 40 yards or so till I got a another in him. (Quartered too shot through front shoulder) dropped on the spot.
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Here is my 150gr Barnes from my 2013 spring bear hunt. Clearly I did not get text book expansion...probably could have used a few more fps. However, weight retention was awesome and terminal performance was devastating.
IMO thats bullet failure. Basically a FMJ.
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Here is my 150gr Barnes from my 2013 spring bear hunt. Clearly I did not get text book expansion...probably could have used a few more fps. However, weight retention was awesome and terminal performance was devastating.
IMO thats bullet failure. Basically a FMJ.
I would, mostly, be in agreement with you, BUT, philosophically speaking, that bullet did exactly what a bullet of its type is supposed to do. It, obviously, had maximum weight retention and, I'm assuming because I wasn't actually there, had full penetration. And, the animal was reclaimed. Although that type of bullet and its performance is NOT to my liking, I don't know how I could really say it had bullet failure because it actually did everything that type of bullet is intended to do.
What is more puzzling to me though is why so many 270 Winnie shooters use 150gr bullets when the 130 or 140 grainers clearly outperform them and I don't only mean because the 130's or 140's shoot flatter but they produce more energy as well. My pops has been a 270cal fan forever and he has loaded 270win. for a couple of his friends for about as long as I can remember and though he has changed bullet types as new designs have become available, he still only loads 130's. If I recall correctly, the last few years he had his 270wby, before he rebarreled it to something else, he shot a medium sized 5pt bull with a Nosler 140.
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The bullet did not fail. It exited the gun, landed where I put it, went in at a hard angle, took out the liver, lung, lung, broke the far shoulder and stopped under the hide. Distance traveled inside the bear was probably close to 2 feet. The animal took about 4 steps and died.
I typically shoot a 130gr and have had just as good of performance on bear. I tried the 150's to have a little mass and obviously could have worked up my velocity a bit to achieve pretty mushroom affect.
Here is another angle.
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Here is on that Midway (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/740007/federal-premium-vital-shok-ammunition-270-winchester-130-grain-trophy-copper-tipped-boat-tail-lead-free-box-of-20?cm_vc=ProductFinding) has available. Federal Premium.....says solid copper bullet (but doesn't say brand of bullet......wonder if it is a Barnes?)
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Hornady super performance sst 150 ! ha cha !
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What is more puzzling to me though is why so many 270 Winnie shooters use 150gr bullets when the 130 or 140 grainers clearly outperform them and I don't only mean because the 130's or 140's shoot flatter but they produce more energy as well.
Same reason some people use 180s in the 30-06.
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And that is why I believe it's more of a philosophical view than a clear cut case of bullet failure.
I hear the EXACT same thing with regard to Berger bullets, EXCEPT, their bullets are intended to do the exact opposite. Berger wants their bullet to penetrate the hide then go off like a grenade inside the animal creating a very large wound channel for maximum bleed out.
IMO, the people that prefer maximum penetration, often, claim Berger type bullets, that are intended to create very large wound channels, have bullet failure because they have considerably less retained weight and the people on the other side of the fence call foul when bullets don't expand very much but in all actuality, BOTH, bullets are doing exactly what they were designed to do.
Whether you call it bullet failure or not, is likely more dependent on which point of view you buy into versus another. Like you said, the bullet exited the barrel and you recovered the animal, how can anyone say the bullet failed to do its job.
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By the way, I like 150s in the 270 and 180s in the 30-06. The only disadvantage I see is a bit more recoil.
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And that is why I believe it's more of a philosophical view than a clear cut case of bullet failure.
I hear the EXACT same thing with regard to Berger bullets, EXCEPT, their bullets are intended to do the exact opposite. Berger wants their bullet to penetrate the hide then go off like a grenade inside the animal creating a very large wound channel for maximum bleed out.
IMO, the people that prefer maximum penetration, often, claim Berger type bullets, that are intended to create very large wound channels, have bullet failure because they have considerably less retained weight and the people on the other side of the fence call foul when bullets don't expand very much but in all actuality, BOTH, bullets are doing exactly what they were designed to do.
Whether you call it bullet failure or not, is likely more dependent on which point of view you buy into versus another. Like you said, the bullet exited the barrel and you recovered the animal, how can anyone say the bullet failed to do its job.
Agree. 2nd easiest recovery ever for me. However, I'd be happy to sit around a fire and have a spirited debate about bullet performance and "to have failed or not to have failed".
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By the way, I like 150s in the 270 and 180s in the 30-06. The only disadvantage I see is a bit more recoil.
I completely understand there is MANY ways to skin a cat but is there anything particular you like about the 150 over the 130 or is it just what works for you so why change it kind of thing?
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Higher ballistic coefficient, virtually the same trajectory as a 130 with less wind drift, more penetration... What's not to like?
Ever notice what weight bullets the long range guys use?
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And that is why I believe it's more of a philosophical view than a clear cut case of bullet failure.
I hear the EXACT same thing with regard to Berger bullets, EXCEPT, their bullets are intended to do the exact opposite. Berger wants their bullet to penetrate the hide then go off like a grenade inside the animal creating a very large wound channel for maximum bleed out.
IMO, the people that prefer maximum penetration, often, claim Berger type bullets, that are intended to create very large wound channels, have bullet failure because they have considerably less retained weight and the people on the other side of the fence call foul when bullets don't expand very much but in all actuality, BOTH, bullets are doing exactly what they were designed to do.
Whether you call it bullet failure or not, is likely more dependent on which point of view you buy into versus another. Like you said, the bullet exited the barrel and you recovered the animal, how can anyone say the bullet failed to do its job.
Agree. 2nd easiest recovery ever for me. However, I'd be happy to sit around a fire and have a spirited debate about bullet performance and "to have failed or not to have failed".
Ohhhh, and spirited I'm sure it would be. :tup:
I think there has been many a callus, formed on finger tips, debating this very subject on the different forums out there on the WWW. :chuckle:
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130gr Partition :twocents:
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Thanks for all the suggestions, I should have known that there would be a lot of different answers to this question. It seems to me each different style of bullet has it's pros and cons so it's just a matter if what shoots. As of right now I think I'm going to try the 130 gr Barnes and see how they shoot, I like that they have high b.c. And will hold together and theoretically penetrate well even on longer shots. My only concern is getting them to open up enough on those long shots where velocity has dropped off. I am not a fan of cup and core bullets like to sst/soft points/ballistic tips because I worry than on close range shots they may be moving to fast and may not penetrate as much as I'd like, just what I have read about, I only have experience with the accubonds on deer because they are all I've ever used.
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If you are not reloading, use Norma Oryx in 150 gn. You will not be disappointed. Sighted in at 150 yards it drops only 11 inches at 300 yard target:
https://www.norma-usa.com/index.php/products/ammo/aph/19-amph/93-270-winchester-oryx (https://www.norma-usa.com/index.php/products/ammo/aph/19-amph/93-270-winchester-oryx)
If you want a lighter bullet, use Kalahari in 120gn. Sighted in at 150 yards it drops only 8 inches at 300 yard target:
https://www.norma-usa.com/index.php/products/ammo/aph/19-amph/92-270-winchester-kalahari (https://www.norma-usa.com/index.php/products/ammo/aph/19-amph/92-270-winchester-kalahari)
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As of right now I think I'm going to try the 130 gr Barnes and see how they shoot, I like that they have high b.c. And will hold together and theoretically penetrate well even on longer shots. My only concern is getting them to open up enough on those long shots where velocity has dropped off.
In my experience, bullets that shed weight kill a bit quicker. However, I shoot Barnes almost exclusively. Worst case and the bullet doesn't expand at all, punching a .277" hole through two lungs will kill most any animal in North America. I like knowing the bullet will penetrate through anything it encounters, and not leave shrapnel in my meat.
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I grew up on a 270 and shot many elk and deer with it. I used a 130gr at that time but tried a 170gr that they used to sell over the counter for those. I can't remember which brand but I'm thinking I was probably buying the cheapest at the time. I remember the 170's as not grouping well and I know the longer shots were not up to my par. The 130gr should be a good bullet in the Berger VLD. I use them exclusively in my 300WSM and my 7WSM now with fantastic results. Everything in my avatar was with the 300WSM 168gr Berger VLD.
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If it were me and I was in a situation where a .270 Win and factory ammo were to be used. I would opt for a 130gr bullet with good construction and a good BC.
That would be a 130gr Swift Scirocco with a BC of .450
Here's your daisy. :tup:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/536536/remington-premier-ammunition-270-winchester-130-grain-swift-scirocco-polymer-tip-box-of-20 (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/536536/remington-premier-ammunition-270-winchester-130-grain-swift-scirocco-polymer-tip-box-of-20)
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My first hunting rifle was a Remington model 700 270. Only bullets we shot out of it were Remington 150 grn cor-loks. We were very successful with these bullets and it's a elk/deer/bear killing machine. I say "we" because it was my first rifle, then was handed down to my younger brother and now it's my wife's rifle!!
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Factory ammo choice for me would be the Winchester Super X 150 grain bullet.....devastating performance and shoots great.
Hand loaded ammo would be the nosler partition 150 grain.
Either would get the job done.
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I've tried all the expensive loads through my 270 and believe it or not the best groups I shoot are federal blue box. I get 1/2 inch at 100 on a 3 round group. I have 140 grain accubonds and they still don't group as good. I have excellent glass and barrel but that's what my gun likes.
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I have hunted with a .270 for 50 yrs. . Dad started me using 150gr. Remington cor-locks .
Still use them today. never lost a Deer or Elk with them.
300 yrds. is not long range.
The .270 will do fine, if you do your part.
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If it were me and I was in a situation where a .270 Win and factory ammo were to be used. I would opt for a 130gr bullet with good construction and a good BC.
That would be a 130gr Swift Scirocco with a BC of .450
Here's your daisy. :tup:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/536536/remington-premier-ammunition-270-winchester-130-grain-swift-scirocco-polymer-tip-box-of-20 (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/536536/remington-premier-ammunition-270-winchester-130-grain-swift-scirocco-polymer-tip-box-of-20)
is there much difference between the accubonds and the swift bullet?
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The cartridge is plenty good at 300 yards.
I've been shooting a few elk with Hornady Superformance in 7 MM Mag. I'd think the same in 270 would work well. But you've been given tons of good choices.
I'm not a fan of those solid coppers..... Found one not all that mushroomed in the shoulder of my sons elk this year....
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Not sure if anyone loads it yet, but the 150 Gr accubond Long range looks so promising, I might even buy a 270!
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If it were me and I was in a situation where a .270 Win and factory ammo were to be used. I would opt for a 130gr bullet with good construction and a good BC.
That would be a 130gr Swift Scirocco with a BC of .450
Here's your daisy. :tup:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/536536/remington-premier-ammunition-270-winchester-130-grain-swift-scirocco-polymer-tip-box-of-20 (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/536536/remington-premier-ammunition-270-winchester-130-grain-swift-scirocco-polymer-tip-box-of-20)
is there much difference between the accubonds and the swift bullet?
A elk isn't going to be able to tell the difference. :tup: I'm a big Accubond fan, spanked several Mule deer at distance with the 140gr Accubond and a .270 WSM.
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I'm not a fan of those solid coppers..... Found one not all that mushroomed in the shoulder of my sons elk this year....
Your son's? Did the elk scream when you pulled it out?
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I'm not a fan of those solid coppers..... Found one not all that mushroomed in the shoulder of my sons elk this year....
Your son's? Did the elk scream when you pulled it out?
:chuckle:
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I'm not a fan of those solid coppers..... Found one not all that mushroomed in the shoulder of my sons elk this year....
Your son's? Did the elk scream when you pulled it out?
:chuckle:
:tup:
Seriously though, we don't shoot copper solids, but his elk had one lodged in the shoulder and not very mushed at all......
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130 grainers
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
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Seriously though, we don't shoot copper solids, but his elk had one lodged in the shoulder and not very mushed at all......
Pretty common from what I've seen. Don't think folks realize how poorly they open up at velocities below 2,600. Even the TTSX struggles when below 2,600 and seems to stop doing much of anything below 2,400. I've seen them do great things at magnum velocities, but that only lasts for about 250 yards in most magnums.
I'm with Biggerhammer on this one...Accubond, InterBond or Scirocco. Even then killing can be quite slow beyond 400 yards with the 270 and bonded bullets. Almost need two different bullets - one for close range and one for long range.
I know O'Connor used the 130 grain Partition on most of his game. But, I have seen some terrible things happen with it out of the 270. Been some time ago and I hope Nosler has made it better. The 150 grain Partition has been pretty darn fantastic in the two animals I've seen taken with it. For a person that is not a big Partition fan I'd have to place the 270/150 Partition as a great all rounder option. At a BC of .465 it's not a complete brick at longer range like most 130 grain flat based bullets.
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I have watched my brother take a big Mulie at just shy of 500 yards with a .270 Win and one of my handloads using a 160gr Nosler Partition. Good solid hit, complete pass through, bucks stumbled steep down hill a few step. He couldn't keep his feet under him and did a nose slide for about 10 yards.
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I'm just gonna find a good well constructed bullet that shoots in my rifle and go with it. The old partition is looking pretty good right now in a 150 gr.
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I started shooting different types of ammo for my .270 but I eventually shot federal vital shocks 130gr trophy copper and I love em.
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130gr. Barnes TSX.
My wife Op's checked this on a 350 class Idaho bull. 150 yards. Complete pass through. Boiler room totally ruined. Bull took one step.
Zero tracking. What's not to like?
Wsmnut
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Anybody ever used double tap ammunition?
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I have used the 140 gr trophy bonded bear claw.
Killed a 5 pt Rosie, Mtn goat, bull moose and a dall sheep at long range.
I love my 270
Only rifle I own :tup:
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My last rifle bull was taken with 130gr Federal Premiums.
I have killed several bull with 130-140 gr but I am working on some 160gr loads.
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Myself, I loved the old Winchester Fail Safes. They werent benchrest accurate,,but maaaaan were they tough! Ive watched elk, moose, black bear and grizz all crumple to them. Think they are the toughest ive ever seen. My ol 338 loved the 235"s. Im still kicking around two loose 06 165"s from like seven yrs ago! Too bad they are discontinued. Still find em on auctions. Failing that(no pun), The old Partition would be my pick.
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I have used the 140 gr trophy bonded bear claw.
Killed a 5 pt Rosie, Mtn goat, bull moose and a dall sheep at long range.
I love my 270
Only rifle I own :tup:
If I was gonna buy factory ammo this would be my pick
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The only input I have for this is from a friend's experience. He has taken 2 big cows with his 270. Both were between 300 and 350 yards. He was using the "good ol" Remington CoreLokt 150 grain round nose. One was a textbook shot he likes to brag about to this day, center punched the heart and found the perfectly textbook mushroomed bullet just under the hide on the opposite side. She dropped in her tracks. The other he shot twice, the first shot went through the back of the close shoulder, through both lungs and exited just behind the opposite shoulder, she was still on her feet and he had a clear shot and let the second one go and it blew through the spine at the back side of the shoulders, then she dropped. The only elk I have shot with a rifle was with my 30-06 150 grain PSP Remington CoreLokt, 120 yards. A spike. Right behind the shoulder, found the bullet up against the hide on the opposite side. He was still standing after the first shot and was 10 feet from the fence that was the property boarder so I shot again and he dropped. The second shot hit within an inch of the first and exited the opposite side a few inches from where the first bullet stopped.
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Pete, I love those "good ol" cheap core-locts for deer and black bear.
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Haha, so do I. I have shot 150s, 165s, 180s, PSP, and Round nose all out of my 30-06. If I am off a bi-pod or bench I have not had any that I couldnt keep in one ragged hole at 100 yards. Guess my gun really likes em.
Sorry, didnt mean to jack the thread, haha.
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Just ordered some 150 gr nosler partitions from doubletap in Utah, they are claiming 2950 fps from a 22" barrel which sounds a little bit too good to be true but I've read pretty good things about them. Hopefully the shoot in my A-bolt.
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I get 2950 fps with 150 grain Nosler ballistic tips out of my 270, so it's definitely possible.