Elk Hunt With The 270 Win.?

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For many shooters the 270 Win. represents the upper limit of tolerable recoil. In an 8-pound rifle firing a 130-grain pill 3,100 fps, the 270 will generate 15.77 foot-pounds or free recoil energy. In comparison, a 30-06 with a 150-gr. bullet at 2,900 fps kicks back with 18.26 ft. lbs. A 300 Win. Mag. with the same bullet at 3,200 fps whacks you with 25.10 ft. lbs. The mild bucking of the 270 makes it easier to shoot well without flinching, a major part of why this round has proven so effective on big game. It makes shooting accurately easy.
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Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion - the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me - from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.
Produced by: @red11media
Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@beardedbjorn5520]

Can we please get some more hunting stories like this Ron. I felt like a little kid listening to Grandpa telling hunting stories.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

We'll try a few more hunting stories, Bjorn, and if people like them, we'll continue. Thanks for the feedback.

[@frogdog97]

@@idahosixgun5601 I'll third it!!

[@leifhoklin2681]

More stories!!!!

[@rickredmon7496]

This comment reminded me of the series Grandpa and the Kid that was in Field and Stream magazine when I was a kid. I remember racing to the mailbox to get my copy of the magazine, and hurriedly running to my room to read the latest episode in the series.

[@willarledge4248]

more stories!

[@brar090950]

Sounds like many of the Mag. shooters missed what Ron was saying. He closed the distance, which a Hunter would do anyway, thats why its called Hunting. Accuate shot placement by all animals, Deer Elk or Wild Boar does the job, your Bullet choice is for the 270 win. is important as well. I have to hunt with Copper Bullets, and have no problems getting lethal exit wounds. Set an ethical limit on shooting distances and Stock your prey, do your long distance shooting on the Range not in the Field.

[@rocksandoil2241]

An old cousin we all called "Uncle Audie" lived in Nathrop, CO on the Arkansas River. He told me he killed 21 elk with 22 shots from a .25-20...and never shot one that wasn't within 75 FEET... head shots. He was putting a cow in the freezer - one per year, for the 21 years he lived there. He never considered a long shot.

[@recoilrob324]

@@rocksandoil2241 I was going to offer something similar.....it's not so much what you hit them with, it's WHERE you hit them. I've seen elk taken with 25-06 that dropped like they were hit by lightning....neck shot with 117 Sierra BT spitzers. Exit hole about the size of a baseball and no tracking ever needed. Bigger calibers with more power just expand your shot possibilities and it's hard to make the argument that they are needed if a hunter does his/her job properly.

[@heavy6355]

I have a 7 mag but my limit is 300 I won’t shot past that and I prefer closer

[@russellkeeling4387]

If you can't tell me exactly where the bullet will strike the animal before you pull the trigger then don't pull the trigger.

[@snatchnefkin]

Nothing wrong with "long" shots either. I regularly shot man sized targets at 600 meters with a 4x optic. Just know your limits and train, of course.

[@lanceroberthough1275]

My sister married a rancher's son from CO. His entire huge extended family has for generations relied on the .270 Winchester for the full spectrum of Rocky Mountain big game.

[@jasonf.4107]

It’s cool to have that kind of experience with one rifle, and I enjoy hearing about people like this. However it will never be me - I am way too much of a rifle nut. However if I could have only one, the 270 would be on my short list for sure.

[@Zubeneshemali]

Grandfather, uncles and my brothers all depended on the early ('39 and '41) model 70 270!! My youngest brother and I guided every fall for years with the Win Model 70 270, and I've hunted ever since with the '39 model. Went "bareback" for decades but we put scopes on them after some time. We rarely shot elk over 100-200 yards!! Lots and lots of elk (and muley) stories, but the great herds we saw were always on the migration trails to wintering grounds in Western Wyoming!!

[@gogerwi]

Elk are taken every year with a pointed stick and a bow every year, I'm sure the 270 is quite capable.

[@miketyson8933]

Yes but 300 yards to be safe. Weird because the .270 WSM / 6.8 Western is such harder hitting which is odd but new technology. You can shoot further then 300 obviously but 270 win just have light bullets. If ya know your rifle range and thump sure. Hes hunting smaller elk, out west they are Roosevelt and up to 300-500 pounds bigger! Bellys dragging and big clear cuts

[@u.t.grader4210]

Great lesson on hunting. Far too many people are taking long and reckless shots rather than hunting responsibly.

[@chevyon37s]

Big problem across all forms of hunting. Especially in waterfowling. I see far too many goons taking 60+ yd shots at passing birds and injuring them. Heck once this year I watched two guys in another pool unload their guns on a drake mallard, and watched it fly away injured and it sailed down. Luckily it sailed down to my decoy spread and I shot it inside 5yds.

[@patrickgjorven7832]

I agree! If it came to choosing between the stalking or shooting for hunting big game, I'll choose the stalk every time.

[@lifted_above]

Anyone with some funds can buy a powerful rifle. No one can buy competent hunting, stalking, animal knowledge.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

@@lifted_above Right on, Lifted. You can't manufacture and sell stalking, tracking, reading the wind... So we emphasize what we can sell. The wise hunter sees throughg the hype, assess real needs, buys and trains with useful gear that works, and then continues a lifetime of perfecting woodsmanship.

[@jacobmccandles1767]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors "You can't manufacture and sell stalking" Well put sir. I'm using this.

[@bradr1913]

I been using 270 Winchester since the 70s in North Dakota for white tails. Our hunting party is 270. We can share our shell's with each other. That old uncle would show up shell less every year laughing. 270 kicks a bit. I'm 62 and still have that first one I bought in the early 70s 400 bucks great memories.

[@ronlafitte6864]

Yes! Jack OConnor said it was far better to secure your game quarry with one of the old tried and true calibers than to miss with a monster that would stop a rolling freight train. The 270 always got the job done. Yes, there are much more powerful calibers but are they truly necessary? He urged us to practice marksmanship and shot placement. I agree!

[@craigleibbrand7761]

Elmer keith shot his 50th elk with the 458 Magnum at over three hundred yards. 500gr. Bullet of course. That bullet hit like a freight train.

[@gilbertdelgado6703]

I used to shoot at a range where there was always this old timer shooting, Hell I’m that old timer now. He bought his .270 in 1925 and got his Elk almost every year with the .270 always at responsible ranges.

[@robinj.9329]

My Uncle in Idaho took an Elk every year for near 40 years. Used his own hand loads. The 150 grain bullets at about 2,800 fps M.V. I do believe he never stretched the range. Was usually under 200 yards. Only had to stalk and put in a second bullet twice in his whole life! So, yes! You can take Elk. But shot placement is very important.

[@jl123ist]

I've seen bull elk taken with a .243 win. Shooting Barnes tsx solid copper bullets. Got a full pass through both lungs behind the shoulder. Bullet construction makes a huge difference.

[@WyitAlan]

270 winchester is one of the only old school long action caliber that I still whole heartedly love! Have seen several elk and many a white tail and muleys meet their end to its report! Mild recoil and phenomenal ballistics make it a phenomenal western caliber!

[@rickterrance4981]

What's wrong with long action calibers?

[@jacob-webber-outdoors]

I'd have absolutely no issues taking a 270 on an elk hunt! My last elk was taken with a 270.

[@nj-bz8pv]

Ive killed over 10 elk with a .270 150gr partition. All were inside 300 yards though. i wouldnt shot at one further then that

[@OPENPEEPER]

From my experience on the .270 Win. its a exceptional game getter. From taking heavy armored grisseled wild boars from Tejon Ranch in CA, to deer, yotes and the AZ Elk in the west. It does its job fantastically!! My last elk was taken at 210yds with my personal handload. A quartering away downhill shot placed a 130gr Barnes TTSX BT bullet with IMR 4350 / 54gr . I was very impressed with the terminal ballistics. The well placed shot was tucked under the last rib on its right side. The bullet skewered the Cow about 4.5 feet. Yes, almost 5 feet diagonally. It took out the pump station. It took a good portion of the right lung, and severed the aorta of the heart and took the front lobe of the left lung, busted 2 ribs of left side, and pierced the scapula-shoulder blade of front left shoulder. I did not get a pass thru. Bullet was stuck between the hide and front shoulder. Bullet fully expanded the typical Barnes petals. The elk fell in its tracks. I would shoot a .270, 30-06, or 7mm Mag anyday without any hesitation in the continental U.S. or plains game in Africa. Get comfortable with your firearm and be a responsible shooter-hunter. Love your content Mr. Spomer!!

[@TheNorwoodCat]

Thank you for this video! I am 55 yrs old and grew up with many great uncles that all used a .270 for elk in the Cascades of the PNW. They all told me that I didn't need anything with magnum after the caliber. I hunt with a pre 64 win .308 featherweight made in 1958 and it does just fine! They taught me poke it where you want it and wait for the placement. After high school my friends gave me crap because it was a "wimpy" .308.... I feel justified after all these years! Still love my .308!

[@JJeffriesG]

Jack wrote that if the game was too big for a .270 he just switched to a .375 H&H. Worked for me on six continents.

[@cliby83]

Used my .270 with Remington Core-Lokt 150gr. Shot at 150yards. Elk didn’t go 10 yards. Ill use my .270 any-day, but will keep the shots under 400 yards due to the loss of kinetic energy.

[@Peter-od7op]

Ty so much for under 400 yds. All these nuts that want to shoot 800 yds and further.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

@@Peter-od7op I have friends that shoot ELR competition and are very capable of shooting an elk at 1000 yards. I wouldn't take that shot though. It's all about people knowing their own abilities. I probably wouldn't shoot past 400 yards, but the windier it is, the closer I'll be before pulling the trigger. I don't mind holding a shot and letting a deer or elk walk.

[@Peter-od7op]

@@TexanUSMC8089 loved everything you said. But these people that want to shoot 1000 yds have no idea what energy is left. Really little to none. Also anytime you have more than 1/2 second flight time animals can and be wounded. Just because you can hit paper or metal at 1000 yds you have no business taking a chance shot. Also these guys if they new the energy at 1000 yds would realize its unethical.

[@ringofasho7721]

I had bad results with the 150 grain core lokt in 270 for whitetail. I would always find my deer with exit holes the same size as the entry and very little blood.

[@Peter-od7op]

@@ringofasho7721 what was the range you shooting at

[@joebarrett5310]

This is one of the biggest reasons I respect you Ron and love your channel. Ethical hunting practices. "Hunt honest, shoot straight".

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Well thanks Joe. I tried. I'm far from perfect, but I try.

[@missey316]

Colorado 2007 @ 305 yards nosler partition 150 grain shot my elk and it dropped right where it was stood. Love my 270 and always will.

[@joeinmi8671]

Taking an elk on a deer hunt, thats like hitting the lottery!

[@haroldenglish943]

Wife has taken 2 cow elk with her 270. She likes it, is very comfortable with it, very confident with it. Now that we moved to Alaska, she is looking forward to bagging a few Caribou. My dad and grandfather hunted exclusively with 270 and took dozens of elk and mule deer. I grew up hunting with a 270 successfully but have gravitated to 30-06 & 300wm , mostly because of bullet selection and versatility. 270 has alot of life left before she goes down in the history books.

[@Thezachofalltrades1]

Those on demand elk calls are pretty impressive 😂

[@andrewcleveland]

I would not hesitate to take an elk with the 270 Winchester. I handloaded 130 gr bullets easily to 3150 fps in 22” barrels. A lot of people don’t realize the original 130 gr load in a 270 was 3140 fps, later loaded down to 3050 fps that we all know today. I would bet a lot of people have taken elk with factory 130, 140, and 150 grain bullets since 1925. Handloading puts the 270 win where it is supposed to be, and it’s really not that far behind a 7mm rem mag.

[@nathan22outdoors8]

It far behind the 7mm, compare both in Hornady Superformance because those are the closest to hand loading speeds. .270 win, 140gr is going 3090fps vs 7mm mag, 154gr is going 3100fps only 10fps difference at the muzzle but in energy the 7mm mag leads at 3286 vs the .270 at 2968, 318ft-lb difference at the muzzle now, how about at range, all the way out to 400 the 7mm continues leading at by 500 yards it going another 60fps faster while producing another 231 ft-lb of energy. And you can say its unfair because the 154 grain bullet weight but even comparing the 139 grain 7mm mag superformance, it also leads by roughly 150-200 fps and 150-200lb-ft across the board from muzzle to 500 yards

[@nathan22outdoors8]

and hornady even makes a 162 grain Superformance 7mm load that blows any .270 Win load, out of the water

[@zorro456]

I use a 7MM Magnum because I have a a Heavily customized one. I Spent years on the stock alone.

[@slick-px4pq]

@@nathan22outdoors8 Who's shooting game at 400-500 yards?

[@nathan22outdoors8]

@@slick-px4pq alot of people, some shoot double that distance. My point still stands that the 7mm out performs it at any given range with comparable ammo.

[@michaelhennegan9637]

Based on my experience at my gun clubs hunter sight in days, precious few people can shoot a .300 Mag well.

[@ronaldpretzel7170]

Oh boy Ron , 130 nosler partition in the right spot ,high lung shot = low meat damage !!! I used it all over Alaska and now Idaho , Trust my M 70 -270 completely . Never failed me !

[@BrianSmith-pm9cb]

I bought a Ruger M77 .270 42 yrs ago and have killed many mule deer and elk with it. Everyone talks 130 and 150 grain bullets but I bought 2 box’s of winchester 140 grain failsafe back in the 80’s and still have a few left. They always done the trick!

[@KeystoneTexan]

Not sure why Winchester quit making those fail safes? One of the toughest bullets ever.

[@danmullan1624]

Live in Montana, hunted elk for 50 plus years using a 270. Not so much about caliber as ability of hunter to shoot accurately. If you can't kill elk with a 270 , you can't kill one with a . 50 cal..

[@suemeade2471]

I haven't hunted yet but I think with a 50 bmg I'll be able to get a elk.

[@motocross6539]

Well said

[@luvtahandload7692]

Great elk hunting story, Ron! I was on the edge of my seat! I love the .270. Iconic and classic round.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Luvta.

[@jlwood67]

Great information on .270 and hunting story!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thank you, Michael!

[@paulsimmons5726]

Like you've said before, careful shot placement for maximum blood loss, every time!

[@henniebasson515]

I shot several kudu and gemsbuck with a .270 although I later had to "upgrade" to a .30-06 in Botswana (which accounted for quite a few eland). There I befriended an old farmer who shot 12 african buffalo with his .270 - so I could not even argue with him about the issue. It boils down to bullet placement and performance - but really, on buffalo I would not even consider anything smaller than a 9.3x62. Kind regards

[@bigbadfella]

Your boy Danny O fired a 130 grain solid copper projectile from a .270 Win clean through a cow elk. Ball game.

[@joshuadocter9131]

I could listen to you tell stories all day! As a hunter who didn’t begin hunting until my adult life, I learn so much every time you speak. Keep ‘em coming sir!

[@diehard8061]

Same here!

[@philschroeder6350]

130 grain barns tsx or nosler accubond chambered in 270 win is my favorite elk medicine.

[@redrider999]

I hunt elk every year, I never feel under gunned with my 270. A 150 Nosler partition works extremely well on elk. I shot my biggest bull to date this year 355" it didn't go more then 5 yards. It's all about shot placement.

[@tonygslc801]

I agree @Dean S I have been using 150 grain Nosler partitions in my Ruger M77 270 for over 25 years! Killed many Elk and Mule deer with this combo. 👊😎🇺🇸

[@nmelkhunter1]

To further your point my uncle has killed several nice bulls at up to three hundred yards with a 280 Remington shooting 150 partitions. Essentially the same load as your 270.

[@wsm300tlc]

My first bull elk (5×6) with 150 grain Speer. My first elk was a a lead cow taken at about 350 yards on a power line.

[@mouthbreather280]

Took my first Elk with a .22 short! He fell like a rock on the spot.

[@atrocity2606]

@@tonygslc801 I use my 270 and 7mm mag for deer and my 30-06 and 300 win mag for elk. I don’t hunt elk endless I have a 30 caliber. This has worked well for me

[@curte6062]

If it was good enough for Uncle Jack its good enough for me. Jack O'Connor got me into the 270 back in the late '60s when I first started deer hunting, I've owned several.

[@jasonf.4107]

Thank you for advocating getting a closer shot vs. taking a pot shot at 600 yards. Getting closer is not only the right thing to do, but it’s way more fun and I usually learn something in the process too.

[@marknielsen2482]

Love the 270. Never shot an elk with it but the Man I got the. 270 from shot many elk

[@---bt8ne]

Every North American big game animal I’ve taken has been with a .270, including elk in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, great cartridge!

[@vitaly6312]

I feel like this is a bed time story with some ballistics thrown in. Could ya tuck me in while you’re at it Ron? And tell me about the tales of elk hunting and the bullet drops?

[@dalanwanbdiska6542]

Got my first moose with 270 , took the bull at 100 yards. Also my first elk , stalked it to within 50 yards .

[@ebenb9195]

I shot the elk in my profile pic with a 150 grain Norma Oryx out of my .270. The range was 215 yards. It was a quartering away shot and he went 35 yards before collapsing. I recovered the bullet from just inside the hide on the opposite shoulder.

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

I hunted high and low with a cow elk tag in my pocket and a 270 over my shoulder this year. After 8 days of hunting I got on a small heard. They were moving from one patch of trees to another at 550 yards. I didn't feel confident at that range so tried to use the contour of the land to get closer. By the time I got where I was headed, which would have got me within 400 yards, the elk were out of sight into the trees. Got on em again just a few minutes before dark but they were 600 yards away. Called it a day. Got to town late that night and drowned my sorrows at a 24 hour Mexican restaurant. One of the best carni asada burritos I've ever had!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Trophy burrito and didn't even require a bullet!

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors Trophy Burrito... I'm gonna have to remember that one!

[@PaulVerhoeven2]

Kudos for not taking that 550 y shot!

[@camwinston5248]

@@demetriuscooksey7147 congrats on the burrito...and praise for your sportsmanship !...now a quick question..what was the bc/sd of that fork you were using for the harvesting of free range all night burritos ???

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

@@camwinston5248 no fork, just wrestled it down with my bare hands.

[@ricktaylor3748]

I took an awesome 6 x 7 bull elk at 277 yards with my old pre 64 Winchester mod 70. Made in 1949. I used the Sierra 140 grain HPBT. Elk down.

[@codymansfield7358]

6.5 Swede works on moose in Scandinavia and I’m pretty sure bullets work the same on this side of the world so of course 270 will work on elk.

[@DefectiveSquash]

My dad killed his Henry Mtns cow bison with a single shot from a stock 700 bdl in 270win with the old Federal blue box. The 270 just works. Love the content Ron

[@doubled3983]

Hello from Oklahoma! Interesting video. I carry an '06 165 gr. bullets. Elk, Bear, or deer, no worries. Thanks for the story!

[@andreandre83]

Uncle Ron...I'm a South African hunter I've taken big Kudu bills Zebra and wildebeest...with good 130 gr. ..hornedy sst. ....good shotplacement behind the shoulder up to 250m any animal will go down....but shotplacement is crucial....thanks for your show...

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks for sharing your experiences, Andre.

[@upscaleshack]

Elk are a prairie species that retreated into the mountains due to encroachment of humans and destruction of prairie habitat. So they're perfectly comfortable in grasslands. Some of my favorite elk hunts have been in the Missouri River breaks on a Native American reservation in South Dakota. Secondly, my dad has taken more elk than I can count since the early 1970's with a .270 using 130-gr Remington core-lokt bullets. Never lost one, never wounded one.

[@danielcurtis1434]

How did your dad kill elk without “wounding” them??? He sounds like he’s got some insane skills I’d love to see!!!

[@451whitworth4]

Archeology has debunked the narrative published in hunting books that elk were a " prairie species that retreated to the mountains" trope. They were in the mountains long before human encroachment. Same thing as the whitetail deer being "new to the west". They were there for centuries. These "facts" have been repeated in print so long that people believe it.

[@SG-ig2th]

That whole prairie thing is total BS. They’re built for the mountains.

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

@@451whitworth4 Same with the evolution religion. Takes faith to believe it. So many things have been debunked, but they still in the books as if it were not. They still teach the same debunked lies.

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

@@SG-ig2th They are 4 wheel drive. They go where they want.

[@kennethdittig2986]

this past october i took my first bull with my 270, shooting barnes 130 gr ttsx, first shot was at 354, second at 365 and third was at 389, all three by themselves would have put the elk down in time, all heart/lung hits, i was able to recover 1 bullet just under the hide in the off side shank in the front leg. perfect expansion.i could have used a 338 lapua on a 325 wsm, but went with my 270 because i trust the rifle. and my ability to put the bullet where it needs to be, i shot the second and third time because the old rule on elk is if its on its feet send another round, i did stay away from the heavy leg/shoulder bones on the innie side and got total penetration with two of the three thru the ribs, theres not to much i would not hunt with my 270 in north america and most of africa, thanks for the video and keep postingf

[@samgibson684]

You can't go wrong with Barnes....

[@themilkman3118]

270 is my primary hunting rifle. The round inspires so much confidence. Also, that's one heck of an elk call you got.

[@G53X0Y0Z0]

I wouldn't even think about shooting an elk with anything smaller than a 20mm cannon. Seriously, I have only shot one elk with a .270 Winchester. It was bedded at about 400 yards, I hit it right behind the shoulder, it stood up for a couple of seconds, then dropped. My brother shot one in the neck a couple of inches below the skull, dropped it, which was no surprise to me. Good hits with a small gun are a lot better than poor hits with a big gun.

[@brycehiigel235]

I don’t know how many elk my grandfather took along with Dallas sheep, pronghorn, deer, caribou, mountain goat, and moose with his 270 130gr bullet can’t remember the bullet design was back in the 70’s and 80’s. But he always preached get as close to the animal as you can to make the cleanest shot to put the animal out of its misery as quick as you can.

[@idahoron]

I have taken 23 elk. Most with the 270 Winchester. The 270 is a good elk rifle.

[@skippylippy547]

@idahoron - Wow!!!!! That's quite an achievement. I don't know anyone who even comes close to half that many. Just curious - were most of your elk taken on private land?

[@idahoron]

@@skippylippy547 no all of them were public land. Three 6 point bulls, several spikes and the rest cows.

[@davidfornkahl8374]

What kind of bullet--weight?

[@idahoron]

@@davidfornkahl8374 140 gr Hornady BTSP

[@Svensk7119]

I would love that. Elk, and .270.

[@davidyetter5409]

I've harvested many with the 270 with the 130 gr. From 50 to 300 yes. never tried over that. However another man I was hunting with did drop a bull at nearly 600 yds. Though he used 150 gr.

[@gilbertdelgado6703]

I bought my River M77 .270 in 1975, and started hand loading for it right away. 54 grains of IMR 4350 and 52 grains of 4350 for the 150 gr Nosler partition. The rifle liked both loads but really liked 150 gr bullets better. I took my first Bull Elk in 1981 in Montana at about 120 yards. I always used the partitions afterwards.

[@africanbrotherssafari]

Awesome caliber I have shot everything with my 270 with 130grain bullet from cape eland right down to a Duiker in SA. Most important is quality of bullet

[@AndyTheCornbread]

An elderly rancher in my area has been shooting the .270 for elk his entire elk hunting life. Right now he has killed 40 bulls with the .270 in his lifetime and I am not sure how many cows. But he proves year after year that .270 is plenty for elk.

[@fatbowe]

He meant an old dude with NO hunting experience 😂

[@Peter-od7op]

Love 270 and 30 06. I still think 6.5 cm is marginal for elk

[@Chonkasaurus]

My first hunt was a elk hunt with a 270. Closed the distance to 300 yards and dropped a nice bull 😊

[@tomfouche6995]

Abselutely. Just 4 rules: 1-shot placement is crucial, shoot straight. 2-use the heaviest bullet and best constructed bullet you can find. 3-keep the distance realistic. 4-have a lot of fun outdoors.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

And 5. Be thankful for living in USA with these freedoms and opportunities.

[@rodwoods2108]

You know that 270 is no problem on elk Ron! Right on a heavier strongly built bullet. Amen on getting that elk tag. No better meat. LOL, I remember Elmer too! His favorite line: "Hell I was There". I found out many years later I hunted where Elmer was once there too; so we took some elk there in Elmers honor. Fun video for me, Ron! Incidentally, on elk I have used 7mm Rem Mag with 160gr Nosler Partition Bullet since 1989. Never fails.

[@Smokincreekadventures]

A 270 is a magnum in disguise

[@richardthomas6602]

Great story. We need more hunt stories.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

More to come!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

More to come, Richard!

[@lonnieelliott504]

Mr Spomer, I enjoyed this. I am from Northern Alberta and growing up hunting was about meat so Elk and Moose. Yes we do have alot of big deer but we were not allowed to take them as my father said they were not worth the effort. We shoot 3006, 300 303 and 7mm. and for those who liked dear we shot 308 and 3030. Later the 270. Next year I will be 70 and still shoot my 7mm like a 22. But I appreciate your common sense approach to real hunting. thank you

[@DanielBoone337]

The 1st elk I ever killed was with a 270WSM and the 2nd was with a 270WIN both were with my handloads using the 140gr Nosler Accubond at about 200ish yards. At that distance with that bullet if you do your part that's a dead elk every single time. These days I'm shooting a 7mm Rem Mag or 280AI just because I own them and I like the added horsepower... That said if all you have is a 270WIN you can hunt just about everything in North America especially if you're not trying to stretch things out past it's capabilities. Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Dan. Will do.

[@Jeff_Seely]

That was a great story Ron! I was on the edge of my seat watching, 🤣. I am a lifetime fan of the 270 and I believe as you do. You take the correct shot with the correct bullet and the 270 she'll do it! Thank you for the entertaining video. I enjoyed it very much!

[@craigschaefer8764]

What a hunt! I’m glad you gave time to describe your stalk. That’s the thrill of the hunt.

[@kindsir2734]

Hi Ron, I am another very satified .270 wcf user.I also have 5 decades of experience hunting Bull Elk, worked as an guide for our local outfitter's. I have seen Bull Elk tipped over with the .243 through to the .375 H&H . I carry a .270 wcf and I use premium bullets in my handloads. In the old days, the lathe turned Nosler partitions, these days I continue to favor the 150 or 160 Partitions. A controlled expansion bullet is the key, imo .I have not seen a partition bullet fail to work as designed. I have tried most all of the copper monolithic design with great success, Barnes, Hornady and Cutting Edge( C.E. is cnc lathe turned) Bullets these days are amazing by design and some of the newer propellants have improved velocities I chronograph my handloads. I use this as a hunting load .270 win, 22" barrel, 150 N.P. , Reloder 26, Hornady cases. I don't use magnum primers either...muzzle velocity 3040(ave) fps/ 4000 feet above sea. level / 60* f. I use this safely in all the.270's I own, including the Browning BLR which is a( advanced) Lever action rifle.

[@azrls43185]

👍👍👍"Darn tootin' because I can". Well said Ron.

[@WyoOutback]

The last elk I got was a spike bull. One shot through the heart with a .270 and it was a 5 hour job getting him off the mountain. I used a 130 grain Hornady Interlock. It works fine. A friend shot his moose with a 270. I believe it was another one shot kill.

[@bushleague3472]

I've shot over a half dozen moose with my .270, most made it less than 40 yards and died to a single shot. The ones that gave opportunity for a follow up shot all died on the spot. I personally consider it slightly more versatile than the 06', as it covers a wider range of hunting without the need to change loads and re-zero.

[@bryangrote8781]

Glad you spent so much time on how you stalked up those elk and actually hunted them to a range for an ensured kill. Too many out there don’t know the difference between hunting and target shooting. Live animals that you want to bring home are not paper targets. Knowing the range at which the bullet has enough power for a clean kill and also ensure that you can put it in the right place matters far more than what round or rifle you’re using. Good video!

[@JuanOrtiz-tm9lv]

I'm considering getting into the sport. This video had me hanging at the edge of my seat. It really felt like grandpa sharing an incredible story. I think Ron just won me over. Thank you for this story.

[@chiya2006]

I remembered my dad telling his hunting stories when I was a kid. My dad left us in my early stage of life that I didn’t have a chance to experience much of his knowledge of Mountain Goat hunting & hunting in general. Although his blood runs through my vain s so does his love and passion for hunting. Every time I step out of the door for hunting, I look up the sky, say my prayers and say “ this is for you dad”. I love to hear knowledgeable people to talk about the hunting. I can listen hours to those stories.

[@BuzzzdLightyear]

I haven't gone hunting once in my life, but I sure loved listening to this story!

[@mrtrapper93]

7 MM Mag. all day, Ron! Shot my first elk, a 5 X 5 bull, with a 180 grain bullet thru a Ruger M 77, Mk 1! Everyone else in that camp carried a .270 and everyone tagged out. I will forever carry a .280/7 MM Mag. for big game from now on!

[@edysinsimon8646]

I do like the 7mm caliber as well. The 7mm magnum is fine and may even be a bit harder on some people's shoulder. I myself have no issues with that. A bit of a heavy hammer in my opinion for the regular hunting situation.

[@Alex-gi7sm]

The 270 is also fantastic for driven hunt on wild boar. Due to the high velocity and light bullets with low recoil, you can keep up with fast running boar very well!

[@GoldCountryTrapping]

270 is not my favorite but no arguing that lots of Canadian Moose have been taken with the .270Win. An Elk shouldn't be a problem. (poorly constructed bullets need not apply though)

[@troy9477]

Great story. Hopefully we will hear more of them. The 270 is a great cartridge, but i am a 30-06 guy, even though i don't really hunt. The thing i am most interested in now is a 6.5 PRC. Seems like a great split the difference cartridge between the Creedmoor, 270, and 7mm Rem Mag. Great ballistics and trajectory, modest recoil, and usable for long range target shooting. Plus I haven't bought a rifle in ages😁.

[@LandonS_23]

Another great one, Ron! I always enjoy your 270 videos.. Also I loved the Winchester World of Whitetail series, I don’t think people understand how good of a hunter you really are.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Well, thank you Landon. I don't know if I'm all that good a hunter or just lucky. Either way, I enjoy it! Thanks for watching.

[@algernoncalydon3430]

Moved to an old Ruger .270 after nailing a wolf at 340 yards. Have killed many caribou at 500+ and many moose at various ranges. My particular rifle was given to me by an old boat captain who shot many Alaska brown bears with that same rifle.

[@robertvasquez240]

The .270 WIN with the right bullet design and weight and placed in the optimum vitals area will do the job.

[@timandersonwildman6138]

I would happily use my .270 if it was all I had and all I could afford, but would instead grab my .30-06 since I am blessed to own lots of rifles.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thank you for sharing your stalk on the herd of elk and your selection of 270 Win for the cartridge. I grew up in Texas during the 1950s and the 270 was the go to round. It is still a most versatile cartridge.

[@bryangrote8781]

In West Texas it still pretty much is along with .30-06. All other rounds are less popular even today. They have the reach without being overpowered for the game you have in that country. Lots of other popular calibers and I see more variety with what Texas hunters are using these days but still the 2 main standbys because they just work and millions of rifles are chambered for them.

[@boba9253]

Another great video Ron! You are doing us all a service with your insightful comments and experiences. Thank you!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

I appreciate that, Bob.

[@phild9813]

Great video, as usual. I kind of disagree about your assessment of the first time elk hunter looking more heavily at the magnums. I would say if their pet deer rifle is a 270, and that’s what they know, they should stick with it. Most hunters are not going to practice enough with a new rifle, particularly with ammo prices what they are, to become proficient enough with the magnums to make bringing it worthwhile. As always, if know your firearm, your bullet and load, and your capabilities, and stay within those respective limitations, you won’t go wrong.

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

Agreed. My buddy was going to get a new rifle for a big hunt and I told him the same thing here. I added though, that if he had the money for a new rifle why not just spend the money to upgrade his scope? And if he had time, work up a new load with a quality bullet. A new scope and/or load makes an old rifle feel new again.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

If they aren't going to practice, then maybe they shouldn't go hunting. It really is a pretty simple answer. If I couldn't find ammo for sale, or load some, I certainly wouldn't buy a new rifle though. Put a muzzle brake on a 7 rem mag and it'll have less recoil than a 270. There are a lot of solutions, but there's nothing wrong with hunting elk with a 270, or 280, or 308, or 7-08. Just use a good bullet and know your limitations.

[@johnshields9110]

@@demetriuscooksey7147 I had to man-shame not one, but two brother in laws to get them to put on a decent to better scope. Both had Rem 700's but neither could hit very well with iron sights. The one with the worst eye sight got a 1 3/4 - 5 Redfield, and the other got a top of the line 3x9 Bushnell. I hand loaded some 308 ammo for them as well, and one won a few 'buddy challenge' shooting contests thereafter. Some people can't be told, they have to be led to it. You're right on in your analysis!

[@chunglow7646]

@@johnshields9110 Nice Job brudder for yur friends. Paying it Forward by helping the uninformed.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Excellent exhortation & a great illustration of hunting. Live the program. Thank you

[@tacman2893]

I always thought the 270 Win was THE elk cartridge! Never questioned it for that purpose. Interesting video …. thanks!

[@stephenkennedy3145]

People underestimate the270,30-06 and 308. Here in Canada people use these calibers more then any other on moose and they work great

[@terry3632]

I've own 270 since 1988 still love it and it's probably the most versatile around next to 30.06 I think they will be around for many years to come because of the dependability they have thanks for sharing

[@toddk1377]

I've always liked the 270 myself. I love the caliber comparisons and such, keep up the great work Ron!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks, will do!

[@leewoiteshek4192]

Last month I took a cow elk with the 6.5 PRC. 270 with the new bullets and powders are fine.

[@chevyon37s]

How far and with what bullet/ load? I have a 6.5PRC and plan to use it for elk at some point.

[@leewoiteshek4192]

@@chevyon37s 291 yards laser measured. Hornady factory 143 ELD-X. It's a half moa load in my Cooper Open Country. Piled up in less than 25 yards.

[@PaulVerhoeven2]

270 is specced by SAAMI at 65,000 psi, just as the brand-new 6.5PRC or 6.8 Western. Since 1925. Just fits 5 270 in the mag, vs 3 of the others. Why would not it shoot anything just as dead or better?

[@leewoiteshek4192]

@@PaulVerhoeven2 While it might be just me, I find the 6.5 PRC to recoil a bit less than the 270 Winchester. Enough for me to see a difference at 100 yards on paper.

[@richardlucas2155]

Another good one Ron when I go for tough game I use 130 and 140 grain federal trophy bonded tip best of both world lead front solid copper shank in 270 win

[@FantomWireBrian]

I took a bull in the Beartooth canyon with a 270 at 500 yards. Prior to going I had to ask my dad what to use. He was an extreme marksman . He was one of Patton's men . He was put in charge of a gun squad by Patton and his officers . He didn't have a sniper in his squad . He was,so there was no questioning him, although I would've been better off with a 7mm, but I broke a rib and hit the heart . My 150 Nozzler was spread and laid inside the rib cage. I was benched on a rock and had no wind . I was coached by a military guide . We had plenty of time to figure drop , but guessed at 3-4 feet. I'm not the shot my dad was and I passed at 600 . I did shoot no less than 150 rounds before going and I think sighted flat a 300. The cheaper rounds to practice with were the 130 boat tail and it patterned better than the 150 Nozzler . The Nozzler in 90 wasn't a boat tail design but the tip spread perfect . Do it again ? Sorry dad I'd go with the 7mm ,but when I came dad acted like no problem for the 270. 😎

[@Storms4567]

As always, great information with even better story telling. Thanks Ron.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stephenhair5501]

Enjoyed this video Ron. I like the way you think. My first rifle was a .270, thanks to Mr. O'Conner's book. It has always done the job for me. I've never hunted Elk with it but have taken many, many Whitetails. It's a fantastic Classic Cartridge. Putting the right bullet in the correct spot is what it's all about. Thanks for sharing. God Bless.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Stephen. And continued success with your 270 Win.

[@superbam9048]

I love my .270.

[@francisvantuyle]

More ELK have bern taken with the 30-06 and the 270 Winchester. That was great thinking. Getting closer to the Elk. Which is 200 yards of crawling on your stomach 200 yards.

[@mrog71]

I hear a lot of people talking down on the 270, but my 270 is my favorite rifle. It's taken 3 elk (1 bull by me and 2 cows by my son). Each of them were killed with a single shot and 2 of them never took a step. Hornady ELD-X 145 grain.

[@mrog71]

@@johngallagher3732 What's better and why?

[@404nitro]

Another excellent video Ron! Great story and pics too.

[@Svensk7119]

Thank you, Ron. This, sir, gives me hope of taking a deer and an elk with my family's .270. Now, if only I could hunt that ranch....

[@brandonurbaniak1890]

I shot a bull this year using a .270 and 150 grain RN-SP. Shot was 80 yards and the bull only ran about 70 yards. The bullet passed through this 280" bull that as estimated to weigh around 600-650lbs. Pops has killed roughly 7 elk with his but the key is like you said, understand the cartridges limits along with selecting a good bullet.