Just bought a Ruger 270 WSM with a 22" barrel, nice gun. Planning on shooting 140 gr SST's or BT's for deer and switch to the failsafe or Accubond should the need arise. Most of the data I've seen so far I4350 is putting up good numbers with 24" test barrels, question is with the 22" barrel should I consider a faster burning powder. I already know I've lost some speed with the shorter barrel, but for the 7 lb gun you have to trade something. I'm open to suggestions. Thanks, Rick

Despite the short barrel, I used RL25 in my Model 70 Featherweight with very good results. I was able to comfortably exceed the factory ballistics and got MOA with the 130 Swift Scirocco. One of my hunting buddies used RL22 with good success with the 140 Accubond as well. I know both of these powders are quite a bit slower than 4350, but the .270 WSM case is considerably more overbore than the ..270 Winchester as well . . .

Absolutely not.......Reload the cartridge and not the barrel length. Length of barrel should not be a concern in your choice of propellant.

One reason your rifle has a 22" barrel is that it was found many rears ago when the standard 270 came out that it shot better in that lenght barrel,than other lenghts. As far a losing velocity,don,t worry about it your only losing about 45fps than a 24" barrel.Just load your loads as if you were from the beggining,don,t need a faster burning powder. You,ll have more than enought to do the job which the cartridge was designed for. vangunsmith

Thanks for the input guys, also what are your opinions on bullet selection, i.e. would you shoot say a 130 gr partition or Barnes X for elk and feel comfortable or would load down the 140 for less recoil.

I have elk hunted with the .270 for about 30 years (please don't puke) - and there seem to be better bullets available for this purpose every year. These new bonded bullets, like the Swift Scirocco, Accubond, Interbond, and TBBC are great all around elk bullets. The Swift A-frame and Barnes X are great for shoulder shots, but don't kill quite as well on broadside rib shots. And the older generation 150 grain bullets like the Hornday Interlock, Sierra Gameking, and Speer Grand Slam are proven performers as well. Lots of good choices . . . .