Getting ready to order a HS Precision Sporter and am leaning toward 270win due to availablity of different bullets/ammo as I do not reload. This gun will be used exclusively for whitetails in the southeast so 130grn is all I'll need. However, a friend is trying to convince me to go with the 270wsm. After comparing the ballistics, I see the 270wsm drops 1 inch less at 300 yds and has about 300 more fps at 200 yds. Doesn't seem like a big difference to me. Am I missing something?
Well, since you don't mind a velocity change of 300 +/- between the two rifles, then get the 270 Win. without second thought. Factory ammo is cheaper and available wherever. Though, I live in Alaska and own a 270 WSM, and to be honest with you, I have found ammo for my 270 WSM wherever I go, however, it is a few more dollars expensive, but not enough where it's going to leave me broke. Check out some of the webpages of companies (Federal, Barnes, etc) that make and sell bullets. You're going to be suprised at what you see, I think. Lots of new products in regards to bullet selection that are going to be available this year for the WSMs, especially the 270.
For whitetails down south you, nor the deer will ever see any differance between the two.
There really is no need for the WSM version around there. If you are regularly sitting on large, long fields then the WSM might be worth it.
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I faced that choice a couple weeks ago. I decided to go with the 270 WSM. The extra velocity was not the deciding factor as much as the short action and the feel of the Super Shadow that it came in. I put a Scheels Hunter 4.5X14X40 scope on it. The Scheels scopes have a lifetime over the counter warranty and are really well made scopes. Walmart here sells the Winchester Ballistic Silvertips for 23.00 a box. I will however reload mine. Winchester, Norma and Remington are making brass for reloaders now and there are plenty of bullets. There are a bunch of new factory loads out this year as well.
I'm throwing my vote in for the old .270. I've had mine for 12 going on 13 years now, and it has done everything that I have ever asked of it. Great accuracy, great knock down power (No Deer that I have hit with it have gone over 20-25 yards) And it's been around forever.
The 270wsm shines after 300 yards. Unless your shooting past that there aint much difrence. However the short action is nice and having more KE is nice, especialy if you go after something larger. I have no problem locating 270wsm 130grainers or 150grianers here.
Also theres another post listing all the new federal loadings for this year. there are several. Winchester is also loading 140gr accubonds this year in the 270wsm.
That being said, shop for the rifle you like, choose the one that fits you best. If that turns out to be the short magnum - great. If its the standard - also great. The difference isn't that significant, and you probably already know whether you need the energy as long ranges.
Chuck.. I am not in any way discounting the original 270. It is as fins a caliber as you will find and will take all North American Game. I have had three of them. All Remingtons. two bolts and the Remington pump. I just thought the new WSM would be interesting to try. I am a big Fan of the 280 as well. In fact for game bigger than deer it is my favotite. The old 257 Roberts and 250 Savage are perched near the top of my favorite list for deer and antelope. I also shoot the 260 and 6.5x55 Sewde. And 308 Win.
270win or wsm?
