Wow, sorry to resurrect a post. I haven't posted on here in a few years, but I was googling something and came across this old post of mine. I read through it and realized that I never came to a conclusion. So, 6 years later thought you might be interested in what I did. I went around and around on this and finally figured a few things out. I tried to stay with the facts and I went with the BLR in 270 WSM.

1. I looked at several guns and realized that long actions just don't fit me that well. I have stubby arms and they just don't reach. Not as big of a deal with a bolt gun, but has an impact with levers, pumps and some semiautos.

2. I did the math for the ballistics between .308 and 270 WSM in the various barrel lengths for the BLR and found that it did make a difference. My math tipped the favor to the 270 WSM.

3. The recoil on the BLR seemed pretty stout at first but I'm fine with it now. I shoot 140 grn accubonds, and group 1.5" at 200 yds.

4. A lot of smart people seem to have figured out that modern bullets are tough enough that bullet weight is less of a factor for penetration. I'm not smart but I'll learn from them and feel adequate with the 140 grn. I could go 130 grn in a tougher bullet, but the 140s shoot better in my gun. I'm zero'd at 200 and try not to shoot past 350 yds. Mostly inside of 200 so far.

5. I realized that I don't like bolt actions because most of them feel like the action binds up on me. I've found some that don't - Browning, Tikka, T/C all seem very smooth. I probably could have gone with a bolt in a 30 cal and been happy. I probably would have liked the 300 WSM. It seems to be readily available in CO, even in the small towns. 270 WSM is not. I still probably would prefer a short action. I do like the 270 WSM, though and I prefer a shorter barrel, even at the expense of some velocity.

6. I'm going for my first elk, 4th season this year. I feel fine and know that my gun and bullet will do the job. I got a really good deal on some federal ammo last year and as soon as I run through some of my stock, I'll start loading for 270 WSM.

Overall - very happy.

Take care and shoot straight.