Is Fast Twist 270 Win. Really Better?

Welcome back to Ron Spomer Outdoors! In today's episode, we're exploring the intriguing topic of fast twist barrels in the 270 Winchester. Many shooters are starting to turn to faster twist rates, and we're here to answer the burning question: Is a fast twist 270 Win. really better? 🤔
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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: Red 11 Media - www.red11media.com/
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.

[@jtmachete]

The 270 will never die. Fantastic cartridge

[@fuzztsimmers3415]

Yeah these new cartridges are "better" but remember the sheer amount of 270s out there.

[@skippylippy547]

I agree with you Jeff. I've used my .270 for 50 years and never felt I needed anything else for deer, elk, pronghorn, bear, and wolves.

[@ckoby4341]

Long live the .270 Win.!

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

It is fun to shoot. just got a couple for the family this year.

[@jonparker4108]

Amen

[@Dreweldeenknives]

I got a 270 Ruger American with a Boyd stock for my first deer/ boy game rifle

[@thomasdaum1927]

It has been around a long time and will be around for a lot longer , way longer than the crapmore cartridges !……

[@colinkobel2868]

I have been shooting a .270 for over 60 yrs. This caliber has never failed me even on elk. Although I haven’t ever shot much over 200 yds with the belief that it was the effective range. Also, that a person needs to be a good enough hunter to get within good range. So, you have gotten me pretty excited to build a gun with this faster twist barrel.

[@Simon-talks]

up to 200 yards, most any high powered rifle will take elk. We in this industry love hyperbole, ha!

[@jasonshults368]

For the handloader, there are a few powders that get you over 3000 fps with 150 gr bullets in a 270 with a 22" bbl. If you've got a fast-twist 270 with a 25-26" bbl, 3000 fps with a 165 gr ABLR is safely doable. May want to run the drop and drift numbers on a .625 G1 BC at 3000 fps. Or you could shoot the 170 Berger with its. 662 G1 at slightly less than 3000 fps. A faster twist and a slightly longer barrel turns the 270 into a different animal.

[@kencleg7721]

Same w the .06. 26” barrel would give it 200 fps faster

[@kencleg7721]

Good point a good read is Berger’s loading manual longer throats. It’s why the 6.5 x55 shoots so well all of them I’ve had the throat is endless u run out of seating depth befor u hit the lands -.5 always

[@kencleg7721]

Rl 25,26 h1000 not much difference than the 6.5x06 I run 56 ish and 140 Berger vld rl 26 mines a .270 Spec case throat and seating depth so not the Sami

[@adambrown6125]

I am a .270 win fan two different rifles over the years I didn't think we could improve on perfection but there you go.

[@LarryLMelton]

Ron, I’ve shot the same rifle since the mid-1970s: Remington 700 BDL, 270 Winchester. I initially fired 130-grain bullets since that was the most recommended. However, when I learned the advantage of reloading, I found my most accurate load was pushing Nosler 150-grain ballistic tip, using 52 grains IMR 4350. Providing I do my part, I can shoot ½ MOA. I’ve never had a deer walk or run after being shot. They all drop at the spot where they were shot, and as we say in Texas, DRT - Dead Right There! In retirement, I’ve considered hunting something as large as Elk or Moose. I am considering a new caliber if I am fortunate enough to score an Elk hunt. I am looking at the 300 PRC. Big enough to take anything on this continent and still have the reach for the occasional long-range target. Larry from Texas

[@RMC2021]

I built a custom 6.8 Western last year running 175's at 2810fps and it's an absolute hammer!

[@rick9811]

We dearly love our .270's, the Missus' is a 1949 "WCF" in a Fajen Sportsman stock we had fitted to her (she's 4'9") and mine is a 1952 Standard. Nothing beats the feel of an old Model 70 action.

[@warrengreen3217]

I like the 1970-1980 era model rem 700 better I got a 1972 BDL 308 with jeweled bolt smooth as butter

[@stevej2120]

Glad you came back to compare the 150 vs heavier bullets. I was thinking the 270 Winchester just didn’t have enough horsepower to gain any advantage with the heavy bullets. Those belong in the bigger cartridges. I will keep my 10 inch twist 270 and not worry about it. As an added observation, the standard 22 inch barrel very seldom achieves the listed velocity. Mine is usually 100 FPS below rated velocity for both factory ammo and reloads.

[@nebraskaman8247]

Agreed

[@invictus3598]

Nice to see the .270 Winchester can still hold it's own against more modern era cartridges. I saw them work in the late 60s and they were real thumpers on deer and elk. Thank you for sharing your comparison findings!

[@russellkeeling4387]

I won't be around in twenty years but it would be interesting to see how many of these new fast twist rifles are still around then.

[@mikemegame1]

Yeah it's always great. My Remington is flat and accurate. The only reason I switched to 6.5CM is I like AR10 magazines. .308 drop is alot at distance but nothing impossible. As far as the drift is concerned for all those calibrs I think it's irrelevant because I'll never get it right anyways

[@kainhall]

ive seen it knock down deer for the last 20 years... my dads rifle idk why these people are saying its old!! 150 grain pills around 3000 fps??? hell ya! . i wish i had that flat shooting 270 VS my 308 honestly lol 270 also has that 556 tumble/break-up at high velocity.... which just makes a mess of lungs/heart

[@russellkeeling4387]

@@kainhall Wondering where you get 150 grain 270 ammo with 3000 fps.

[@Simon-talks]

@@mikemegame1 For hunting, the drop isn't even a real true difference worth noting.

[@walterwjr947]

It is so nice to see you go in to great detail about the old stuff. It is amazing to see _how much more_ can be gotten from the _OLD STUFF,_ with a few changes.

[@chipsterb4946]

Handloaders can extract a bit more out of those “obsolete” cartridges too.

[@glhx2112]

I stumbled across a Ruger American in .270 Win about 8 years at a price I could not pass up. One of the best impulse purchases I have ever made in my life. It has never let me down.

[@CampbellsCoins]

The faster twist will be excellent for the new copper bullets. Seems to be negligible when comparing lead. Great video as always Ron.

[@warrengreen3217]

Not true at all

[@jackymurphy2848]

Thank you

[@nikos6220]

Agreed, but only when it comes to actually being able to stabilize them. I think on a non-magnum like the 270 Win it creates a potential trap for many hunters. Given that most copper bullets need at least need 2300 ft/s to have decent expansion, running heavier copper bullets will further decrease their max effective range.

[@texpatriot8462]

@@nikos6220 except they are still traveling like a bat out of hell to reasonable distances.

[@nikos6220]

@@texpatriot8462 - reasonable - is exactly my point. I ran it through a ballistics calculator. With a 24‘ barrel you‘ll be fine up to 300 yards. But no one will buy such a long barrel anymore in the new fast twist offerings. With 22‘ it’s more 250 yards. But then why again am I shooting a long and sleek Long Range bullet?

[@dadajackyo]

The thing is, as a handloader, you don't have to shoot book OAL. If you get a barrel with a long throat, you can load that 270 much longer, use a slower powder, and push them heavy bullets fast. I loaded the 308 with a 208 A-MAX to 2650 FPS measured with my magnetospeed using RL-17, which is way too slow for most 308 loads, with amazing accuracy. I was loading at 2.930", which is also well above max OAL in the book, but it fit my rifle perfectly, with about 0.005" jump. Savage makes great rifles... :)

[@xstevenx8132]

I was thinking this exact thing. I even came up with a name in case the ammo companies want to sell ammo for it…277 Winchester. Long throat, fast twist. If the military does a full adoption of the 277 fury, the public will too. Meaning more great 277 bullets will be coming. It may not getting it up to super billet barrel burning range but you have a nice feeding action with less recoil that the fatter cartridges.

[@Lexidezi225]

Thank you!! Someone who knows what they’re talking about. I’ve heard these new browning rifles have longer throats and magazines to handle longer oal.

[@BjCmeadows]

Great video Ron! I've been considering getting a faster twist barrel for my 270 Tikka but this helped me solidify the confidence that I really don't Need that for my hunting purposes

[@jmgates09]

Get the 270 wsm

[@davidmackee8575]

Cracking cartridge the 270 win had one for a number of years does the job well great video once again thank you Ron 👍👍

[@galenhisler396]

I have a 270 wsm but i always go to my 270 just love that round. Great show as always thank you

[@actionjksn]

Boy that Nosler is a damn hammer. I also like that Western.

[@mikerichards8400]

Magnificent video, great reasoning, and you are showing us an important depth of wisdom. Thanks.

[@bobkat1663]

Great Show. Been calling them on this , wonderful news.

[@elroyeolsonjr8729]

Just had a .270 built with 1 and 8 twist on a Husqvarna H5000 action. Haven't got a chance to load for it or shoot it but I can't wait to play with it and see what I can get it to do. Love you videos and info and the way you present it, keep up the good work

[@anthonycampbell1913]

nice. been thinking of 1:9 but doing AI for some extra capacity with 165gr

[@claytonstoolbox]

I have a Husqvarna rebarreled in 270 with a 1 in 9 twist. Accurate!

[@duck-n-cover477]

One of the best just got more versatile. Your video, "Winchester in 2021" sums it well. Add the new variety to the market and these awesome cartridges are more amazing than EVER!

[@jamesreese1999]

You nailed it on the heavier-weight bullets compared to the 150-grain loading. The thing people forget is that the job of the hunting rifle is to bring down the quarry as fast as possible. A lighter, faster bullet may be more lethal than a heavier, slower bullet. Drag and wind deflection aren't things that game is concerned about.

[@approachingtarget.4503]

The .270 was the smallest caliber we had in our white tail hunting group for about 40 years. It was considered the teenager round. Obviously, the market is much larger than we had in the cabin. Between the .308 and .270. I believe the .270 is a much better choice. But Than again, I used smaller rounds like the .30-.30 successfully. Iam just a suckered for the 3006. It's my confidence round. If it's not broke, why fix it?

[@cervus-venator]

Thanks Ron, one of my favorite cartridges. I appreciate the info.

[@markabbott4943]

Loved the Win. 270 sence my grandfather gave me his 1958 Winchester M70. If you know, you know. I now hunt with a Tika t3 lite stainless. Love It. I load a Barnes LRX bullet (California). 129 grain, b.c. .463 at 3000fps. Max PBR is 315yards with a 7 inch target. Numbers at 300yards look like this. Drop -2.03, wind 5.18 @10mph 90*, energy 1780 foot lbs. What more do you need? All I know is, I eat good! Thanks Ron for the great content.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

yeah. never sell it. it is a heirloom.

[@kikbuttowski]

The .270 is a legend, and will always be know as just that. The 6.8 Western is all it has been hyped to be. I love mine.

[@terrylecroy9964]

Love your content Ron. Your the man.

[@cyrusbaker3551]

Excellent video Ron! Great comparisons.

[@cyrusbaker6229]

Great information Ron! I especially appreciate the comparisons and data you present in your videos. I think I will continue to be satisfied with my .270 Winchester as is; pretty much the same with my old 30-06. There are a lot of good or even great cartridges out there now, some I have experimented with and shot, but there is no reason to quit on these two "old" calibers.

[@duck-n-cover477]

Thank you for continuing to teach that lower weight copper bullets can perform as equivalent to heavier traditional lead bullets.

[@chrischiampo7647]

Thanks Ron 😀😊😀👍🏼

[@davidking6663]

My 270wby and 270win are of my favorite rifles

[@butterbeansbarstool5414]

I'll never be without a 270

[@chriscompeau1952]

Suppressed Remington Model 700 chambered in .270 is my EDC.

[@heinrichstoltz1356]

Agree. There shall always be a .270Win in my hunting setup.

[@eddiexoc8430]

Excellent information

[@richardminer1863]

Will never replace my 1925 model 54, best 270 ever made. Nothing but one shot kills on every type of game I hunt.

[@robertlunnar8260]

Thanks for the video and info

[@ronlowney4700]

😁 Good Job Ron! 👏👏👏

[@burrco3086]

Great vids, I've never owned a 270. I'm a 30 cal guy. But great vids!! Much respect learn a lot

[@wesleyviola2823]

Imagine what the 6.8 western could have been if they loaded it for the entire .277 projectile selection. With the lighter 130, 140, and 150gr bullets it would almost duplicate 270wsm. 200ish fps faster than a standard 270 and very flat. Perfect for deer and pronghorn sized game. Then load it up with the big heavy 160, 165, and 170gr bullets and you have you have a great round for elk, bear and other big game. It really could be the one .277 cartridge to do it all.

[@russellkeeling4387]

I used to be a real velocity kind of guy, but then I hunted many animals for many years and have changed the way I think about external ballistics. I agree with GunBlue490 when he says the sweet velocity is from 2700 fps to 2900 fps and a good sectional density in the bullet for the game you are pursuing. I tend to be able to eat more of the meat with the less capillary damage caused at those velocities. I believe if I can't get within an ethical shooting distance then I'm not much of a hunter. In my opinion the advent of the range finder has made almost all rifles long range shooters if you have any idea of the ballistics of your firearm. You know there has been a lot of people taking up the old 45/70 again and they tend to believe that old pumpkin thrower is a long range rifle and it's pretty slow.

[@Off-target-xy6bx]

I never thought about that but I believe you are right. The 6.8 western if given the whole variety of bullet weights would probably take the biggest range of hunting. Light bullets for even coyotes and the heaviest could probably handle anything that walks in North American. They probably have a home run but only went to first base. I think they are missing the boat.

[@bojik2616]

Bonded ballistic tip? Seen elk stopped cold with a 270 just fine

[@ronlowney4700]

🤠 Even if our hunting conditions and numbers are a little different Ron, the conclusion was the same! 👨‍⚖ Good Job! 👍

[@duck-n-cover477]

Amen brother! You answered a question on this inepisode 77 :) the manufacturers *sometimes* listen. We have the "rise and fall 6.5 CM" to thank for teaching a lesson about group think and herd mentality about the latest and greatest versus the tried and true.

[@kurtiscressman9348]

Wow good info. Always wished i could shoot the heavier bullets . Makes me feel alot better about my 145 grains. They got it right along time ago.

[@russellkeeling4387]

I harvested the two largest elk I ever took with a 139 gr. bullet and a 140 grain bullet from a .275 Rigby. It does not have the velocity of the .270 so I'm sure the .270 with take whatever you want with the smaller bullets. My son sure does. The .275 Rigby is a .284 diameter bullet.

[@danielpray9089]

Thanks for the info on the new fast twist. Wondered for a long time about faster twist 270's. Have an older, push feed M70 270 which came to me directly from the head gunsmith at Winchester after some serious safety problems with a special order 300 H&H. Very, very accurate. Gave it to my older son who later returned it to me when he moved out of country and could not own guns (love wins out). After spending numerous hours at our club's sight-in days for deer season, I have concluded very, very few hunters are capable of shooting at anything over a couple of hundred yards, two hundred at the most, regardless of the new and improved equipment they possess. Many brought long range guns with huge scopes and could barely sight them in at 100 yds. Many were overgunned and afraid of the recoil and noise. Most hunted where 100 yds was long but they still had these expensive long range magnum guns. Why? (Live in the U.P. of Mi., most shots are close, but there are still a number of places locally where shots of 200+ yds occur.) Today, there is too much emphasis on equipment which allows hunters to kill at 500+ yds. This seems to be the case with most of the present day gun writers which too many hunters eat up and think the equipment makes them long range competent. Nonsense! Few can use the fast twist 270 effectively. Is good to have it available for those few though. Can see where the heavy bullets can be a better option on larger game at reasonable ranges taking the 270 up a notch in killing power...at reasonable ranges. Still think the standard 270 is a great cartridge for the vast majority of shooters. I like it. Never let me down. I understand your explanation of ballistics at 600 for comparson purposes, but I believe most emphasis should be placed on the shorter ranges, like the 300 you referred to. Thanks for mentioning ranges most hunters use and are capable of shooting. FWIW.

[@bullgravy6906]

I always wonder why guys think they need a 800 yard rifle for elk hunting when archery elk season is a thing. I’ve concluded that they’re great shooters, and absolutely dreadfully, embarrassingly, laughably bad hunters.

[@Snailz5]

Corrections for you Ron. The highest weight 277 hammer hunter bullet (their high-bc line) that is rated for 1-10” is the 124 gr Hammer Hunter. With 1-7.5” you can go as high as 162 gr. You know how to find the sweet spot by just doing the calculations for the different bullets at different ranges, but I think 450 should be your long range benchmark for a hunting bullet since that’s your espoused maximum shooting range. I think it would be best to look at 150-300-450 for your comparisons. Fast twist 270 may have a sweet spot somewhere in the 130s, but honestly for hammers it could be the 117 gr. You need to pick the range you want to optimize for and compare the offerings. For example, in 7mm for absolute hammers the 140 gr is about optimal from about 400 and in because it’s about the maximum of “functional ballistics” when considering bc and velocity you get from about 280 Rem to 7 PRC. The bc really drops off on the lighter bullets while the velocities are notably lower in the 154-155 offerings. However, for copper I would always skew lighter. I would rather have a bullet that is worse 400 but can still get the job done while requiring far less adjustment hitting considerably harder at 250 and in because it’s leaving the barrel at 200-400 fps faster. We love to fantasize about that long range cross canyon shot, but optimizing for a shot you’ll be taking less than 5% of the time seems like a fool’s errand. Optimize for the 95% while still being able to get the job done for those long shots rather than the other way around.

[@donaldshaffer5165]

Love my 270

[@byronlarson5534]

I love the 270 win 140 g hornady superperformance load. 3090 ft/s at muzzle. 2968 muzzle energy. BC is a little low at .495. However, I hunt in CO - elk at about 8000 ft. elevation. Deer at about 4000 ft. Based on Strelock calculations, I still have 1491 ft. lb of energy at 600 yds at my elk hunting altitude. Over 1000 ft lbs of energy at 800 yds at my deer hunting altitude. Both of those distance are well out of my comfort zone. I might take a 400 yr shot if I have ideal conditions and an excellent rest to stabilize the gun.

[@russellkeeling4387]

I also hunt elk in Colorado where I live. The 130 and 140 grain bullets have humanely harvested a lot of elk here. I don't use one but my son uses his to great affect.

[@Ron-Swanson]

Yes!

[@Megellin]

I have a load for 150 grain 270 win that one of my dad's friends worked up for him years ago. It took them months to customize that load to the gun (Winchester model 70 featherweight), and to this day even when I play with newer powders and bullets for it their load still rains supreme for deer hunting. I can't deny it just has that perfect combo and drops big whitetail on the spot! Sure does kick like a mule in that rifle though, so I would avoid handing it to a first time shooter!

[@BillRodgers2]

Love my old rem700 270

[@davidmackee8575]

About time Ron would be sad to see it left behind have used it for a long time great round..

[@daithi1966]

Great episode. I'm a fan of the .270 Win and the old .30-06 Spfld and walnut stocks, but if I were buying a new rifle today then I'd have a hard time not going with 7mm PRC in a tupperware stock.

[@gogart3]

Good, Thx

[@idahoweez7242]

The .270 is a tried and true caliber.

[@donaldanderson3249]

Yeppers I will just stick with my good old 270's

[@conservativesniperhunter7439]

Well it’s about bloody time someone brought out a fast twist 270 Win factory rifle. The bullet manufacturers have been slow to producing bullets suitable for a fast twist 270 Winchester cartridge. It seems like the rifle and bullet manufacturers have been holding off making rifles and bullets until one or the other started producing them before they also got into the act. I have been wanting someone to make a feast twist 270 win and bullets since the early 1990s. It’s been a long wait.

[@scottstruif3939]

This would apply to your fast twist 25-06 with 134 grain as well.

[@warrengreen3217]

The original 270win was not on its way out and its not going anywhere same as the 30-06 to many are out there and people love them

[@derekmcmurry4263]

270 Win, 25.5" Hart barrel, nearly 60 gr Superformance powder, 130 Barnes TTSX, 3380fps

[@ronlowney4700]

😁👍🔥

[@ronlowney4700]

So, is it the Lilija or Hart barrel that you like best? Have you tried Schilen barrels yet? 🤷‍♂️

[@derekmcmurry4263]

@@ronlowney4700 My first aftermarket custom barrels were Shilens. My first every 1 hole caliber size 5 shot grp was from a 7mmRemMag, 24" #4 Shilen barrel, 150 gr Nosler Btips of a healthy dose of IMR4831. I've had excellent success with Shilens. Both of my 280 Rem have 24" #3 contour Shilens. I don't like any one barrel make over the other if it will shoot to my satisfaction. The thing about my Hart barreled 270 is I can't find anything it doesn't like - all sub MOA

[@ronlowney4700]

👍 Schilen used to work for Hart barrels, so that is why I asked! 😯

[@caseymonsen3535]

Ron's analysis of 150 grain 270 bullets versus heavy, high B.C. 270 bullets for hunting applications (focused on energy) at sane distances is spot on. But what if we extend the tale of the tape out a few hundred more yards to see the difference B.C. makes? For my purposes and values, a better comparison to the 270 than new and insanely overbore 27 caliber cartridges is something like the 6.5 Creedmoor. The 165 grain offerings Ron is analyzing for the 270 compare very well in speed and B.C. to 143 grain offerings in the 6.5 Creedmoor. These new 270 bullet bullets paired with fast twist barrels make the 270 Winchester an excellent choice for target applications while taking nothing away from it for hunting applications. What is exciting to me about fast twist 270 barrels and high B.C. 270 bullets is not the difference they can make for the old 270 Win for hunting at sane distances. Ron accurately points out that the difference within 600 yards is negligible. However, it is exciting to consider what the new, high B.C. Bullets can do for 270 Win shooters who want to make really efficient long range target guns out of their old 270s without retooling their reloading set-up. The cost to re-barrel my old 270 Winchester and buy a box of high B.C. 270 bullets is much less than buying a new 6.5 Creedmoor rifle, a new set of dies, new brass, new bullets, and different powders. I submit that a refreshed 270 Winchester is a more versatile tool for a target and hunting rig than a 6.5 Creedmoor. I can now successfully be a one-gun, one-load 270 Winchester man with a bullet like the 165 ABLR. Really exciting! I'm grateful for the 6.8 Western, 277 Sig Fury, and 27 Nosler. I'll never own any of them, but their existence has breathed new life into my dear old 270 Winchester. All things considered, a modernized 270 Winchester sets a higher standard than ever for efficiency and utility. My $.02.

[@NordicRifleman]

Great video Ron! It’s interesting that you’d kinda think that the high bc is gonna kick ass, but then we always end up with a slower velocity due to higher bullet weight and then the benefits of the high bc goes out the window. At least for ranges up to 600 yards and thereabouts. And of course the drop is very much linked to the muzzle velocity at normal hunting distances. Personally I have never shot at animal beyond 160 yards so for me the high bc bullets are not that interesting. But it would sure be fun to be at a range with steel targets every 100 yards out to 1000 and see the difference between a “normal” 270 load and a 6.8 Western. Especially in a nice wind coming in from 3 or 9 o’clock 😀

[@impactracing3726]

Great production Ron! Would really like it if a few gun manufacturers would carry on the tradition of old popular cartridge offerings in new guns like the Springfield Armory Waypoint in .270…..Hint Hint!!!

[@chipsterb4946]

It is obvious as soon as you explain it, but I never thought about the rifle affecting Ballistic coefficient. Thanks.

[@Anthanos89]

Might be a great option loading the tighter twist rate .270 with the longer projectiles made for the 6.8 Western

[@bobjohnson7207]

Good Ol' Browning Best there is Best there was Best there will ever be. Jack was right about the 270 Winchester.

[@FrednDeeDee]

My deer hunting partner once shot a huge porcupine with his 270 Winchester and turned the critter into 5 big separate hunks of former porcupine. That impressed the heck out of me.

[@thepracticalrifleman]

From my experience, the 150 gr also had an inflated BC. Still, it’s perhaps the best bullet for a .270 Winchester.

[@jaydunbar7538]

Best is 130, no competition. It’s what it was made for and it shows.

[@ronlowney4700]

🤷‍♂️ It just depends upon what species you are hunting as to what weight bullet you would choose! Both work fine and I have almost 1/2 century of experience with using both! 🤑

[@fjb4932]

I load the Sierra 140 grain Tipped Game King. With a claimed BC of near .500 and damn good accuracy, i think, in the words of Vinnie, "...you'll be more than pleased."

[@ronlowney4700]

🕵️‍♂️ Hummm...well I prefer the 136 grain Lost River J-36 bullet (B.C. 0.650) with Reloader 26, going 3,150 ft/s! At 500 yards, it is still carrying around 2,000 ft lbs of energy! Run the numbers in the Horneday Ballistics Calculator and see for yourself just how good the performance is with your hunting conditions, as a comparison to what you've suggested! 🤑

[@NomadicHacker.]

I thought this was going to be a game changer.. we often talk about how new cartridges are essentially a fast twist option of an old cartridge. But it seems that might not always be the case. Case design and case capacity matters. Great video as always

[@ronjones1414]

The game changers are the slow powders and the improved ballistics of lighter bullets, best of both worlds.

[@jaydunbar7538]

Case design absolutely matters, we understand how powder burns much better now. Getting a more efficient case gets more velocity from less powder.

[@Simon-talks]

Nothing is really "changing the game" though. Physics is physics and animals aren't being dropped any quicker now than they were 100 years ago. Hyperbole is fun to read though.

[@ronjones1414]

@Jay Dunbar I've tried to find scientific experimentation to demonstrate this to no avail. As would be expected. The case could be a sphere, would make no practical difference and I'm not convinced of even an observable difference.

[@ronjones1414]

@@Simon-talks they are being dropped by smaller bullets and lower capacity cartridges. Over 100 years, the 30-06 150 grain has gained 3-400 fps.

[@foubert45]

I suspect browning did this to incentivize bullet manufactures to continue making heavy for caliber .277 bullets used in the 6.8 western. Currently the market is small for manufactures making specialized bullets for only 6.8 western and custom 270s. Having more demand for these 165-175gr .270 bullets might justify them producing more. This also paves the path for other other rifle and ammo manufacturers to get onboard because .270Win is easier to get behind than 6.8 western from a competition stand point. But as for hunters upgrading to something new, if you don’t reload for .270win there isn’t much justification to go out and buy a new 270 fast twist. At that point it’s an obvious decision to upgrade to 6.8 western with higher case capacity and factor offerings. *Food for thought Ron: I don’t think modern hunters care/use the MPBR method anymore. I know experienced hunters like yourself have used this in the past when using fixed/traditional scope turrets without having a range finder. But today I think most hunters now are zeroing in at 100 yards and dialing up for longer shots. In other words I think hunters today would benefit by comparing ballistic charts with 100 yards zeros and more accurately seeing the drop differences between cartridges instead of zeroing each for MPBR. Let me know what you think!

[@jaydunbar7538]

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t use the MPBR, granted I live in the north woods of Minnesota so most people don’t shoot over 100y with long shots being 300 yards. Not much reason to make it more complicated around here.

[@ronspomer4366]

I've considered what you're saying about MPBR, but don't agree that it's no longer valid. Anyone using it can take and make ethical shots more quickly. No need to dig out and use the rangefinder, then dial the turret, then make the shot. Just make a reasonable estimate of range and if you judge your game is within it, aim and shoot center mass. You can always add turret dialing or reticle selection on top of MPBR.

[@AutopilotAndChill]

Companies just need to make all their barrels with a 1 in 5 or faster twist. No such thing as “over stability” unless you rip the jacket off the bullet. Plus you get a tiny bit of extra friction to help slow the bullet down and thus burn the extra powder if you prefer a shorter barrel. What you gain in rotational velocity compared to what you lose in linear velocity is very worth it. Use it with a monolithic bullet like a CX or Barnes tipped TSX or go into the Maker Rex which turns into a small blender blade when it opens up creating massive wounding channels.

[@Simon-talks]

Settle down Beavis, uh huh huh, uh huh huh

[@ronlowney4700]

🤠 The Sako 90 also has a new angled bolt throw and pikitinni rail too! 😯

[@ronlowney4700]

😳 I went to their website and they do have faster 1 in 8 twist barrels, for their 6.5's (like the 6.5 prc), but they aren't chambering anything in the 270 Winchester, from what I could see in any of their model 90's! 😭

[@ronlowney4700]

🕵️‍♂️ Once I find Federal primers, I have some Magpro powder waiting to try with that 150 Nosler ABLR bullet too! 😁 But, I haven't seen any Reloader 26 on the shelf in a long time! 😪

[@lawrencecardente533]

It's time to fast twist the the 270 WSM and 270 Weatherby.

[@jfess1911]

To really take advantage of a fast-twist 270 WSM, it needs to be in a standard action so more of the bullet can be out of the case. In a true short action the ogive will be limited to a max of .76" as opposed to the .935" of the 6.8 Western.

[@timbjork2098]

@@jfess1911 does the bullet really need to be out of the case more... I would think you just set them in farther ofcourse the real issues is if the contour of the bullet will tell how far it can set back.

[@jfess1911]

@@timbjork2098 It depends on the bullet, but seating longer gives more powder capacity anyway. The problem is the short ogive in the 270 WSM spec that only allows the bullet to extend 0.76" from the case. That is a pretty short ogive, and even slightly shorter than the 270's 0.8". The easiest way around that is to load long, if the cartridge still fits, that is. Some 6.8 Western bullets, for example can have an ogive of 0.935". The 6.8 Western is just a 270 WSM modified to use longer, heavier bullets. When a 270 WSM is in a long enough action, it could use those bullets too.

[@ronlowney4700]

🕵️‍♂️ FYI: "Frontline Rejects" recently did a video on using his 270 wsm and 1 in 10 twist barrel shooting a 165 grain Nosler ABLR bullet accurately (out to 500 yards) with a velocity of 2,980 ft/s! That ought to work for you, right? 🤷‍♂️

[@ronjones1414]

There are still a bunch of hunters who don't bow to energy and believe the increased mass improves lethality. I say keep your range reasonable and any of the loads mentioned kills things dead.

[@funkla65]

10" twist won't work with some of the bullets from the 6.8 Western & 277 Fury, so people insisting "grandpa's cartridge is just as good" are going to have to try this. I kinda think magazine length will be an issue, though, unless they're doing it in an H&H length action.

[@Simon-talks]

I loved Grandpa ;(

[@Calaveras32Spcl]

Fast twist, with a long enough through, will allow heavy for caliber slugs with a high BC. Make it a good mild recoil alternative to the 6.8 Western.

[@thomasdaum1927]

Thanks Ron , the figures tell the story ! I feel sorry for the people who sold their 270 and bought a 6.5 crapmore !……

[@ru2yaz33]

Got to remember you have more options on newer powders. Not surprised Browning/Winchester introducing the faster twist rates because of what Hornady and others have done by bypassing the 68 Western with they're line of PRC ammo.

[@jmgates09]

Hornady needs to get off they high horse and make a 170 or 175 eldx for the 6.8 western that would be a bad bad boy

[@jaydunbar7538]

@@jmgates09 hornady will as soon as there is sufficient demand for them to make the investment, and thus far Winchester and browning have seemed to stop pushing the push for it so why should hornady do their job for them.

[@Magnum_Express]

I've always wondered why 270 bullets topped out at 150, but now I'm thinking the ammo and rifle makers knew decades ago that the 270 win just didn't have enough speed to take advantage of longer bullets even if they did give it faster twist. Sometimes when it ain't broke....

[@meanman6992]

This is what I have been wanting!!! Please tell me it’s detachable box Magazine fed…

[@ronspomer4366]

To the best of my knowledge, it is.

[@chillingout8854]

Love the .270 win. Had a tikka t3 in .270 and it loved the 130 gn Nosler BT bulets. Now there are higher BC bullets for the .270 im tginking about purchasing a Browning Western Hunter Long Range rifle. 24 inch barrel with a 7 inch twist 😊 Be nice to try and work some loads with some nosler 170 grain BTs and the 165 grain accubond.

[@headless0ptomist198]

A relative of mine built a .270 AI with a 26 inch 1:7 1/2 twist barrel and a long throat back in the 90's when he blew out his shoulder and couldn't shoot his 7 mag anymore, to this day that is one of the best rifles I've ever shot and hunted with. It fed a little funny until he put a Mauser action on it and I don't remember how fast it was but with a 150 grain Nosler Accubond that thing had a point blank range of about 325 to 330 yards with 200 yard zero and would print clovers at 300 yards consistently so if you missed it was 100% your fault. Since he refused to make another one or part with his I'm kind of excited to see where this goes.

[@jmgates09]

How is a 270AI have never heard much about it but for a custom rifle it really interests me

[@reloadingfun]

Ron, im afraid your speculation on the velocity the 270 will have with the heavier bullets may put a nail in the coffin. It looks like you could be off by quite a bit.

[@fiestastboost5788]

I love your videos and the fact you keep up with new tech coming out and critical analysis! I love the 270 from 90gr to 150gr in my 10 twist vanguard and now, i am 100% buying this browning fast twist! Thanks so much! One calibre reloading from 90gr to 165-170gr. Brilliant. Also i have wanted to try the 150 ablr in a fast twist barrell cos while all my other 270 bullets shoot under moa, i cant get the 150ablr to do so. I have a suspicion the 1in10 twist may be starting to struggle or become marginal with the longer ablr, while the slightly shorter 145gr eldx shooots like a lazer

[@ronlowney4700]

🤠 My new Sako rifle shot a 5 shot, 1 1/4" group at 300 yards with Nosler Factory Ammunition (the 150 grain Nosler ABLR's) right out of the box! Once I can find some Federal Primers, I will try and improve upon that Accuracy! 🎯

[@jmgates09]

Every eldx and m bullet I have ever shot has been 1moa or less can't say that about the accubonds they seem to be very sensitive great in some rifles but some not so

[@ronlowney4700]

🤔 But, those Horneday Bullets aren't the best "Hunting Bullets"! ☹ They will give you less than 50% weight retention! 🤦‍♂️ If you are using Horneday's Bullets, better go with the CX bullets - especially if you are hunting elk, moose, bison, or bear! 🤷‍♂️

[@realrocktimusprime]

Hey Ron. Can you do some discussion on the .325 WSM? It's my go to hunting rifle.

[@NikolausLife]

Bergara offers their B14 Ridge in 270win. My friend picked one up as his first hunting rifle. That thing is pretty dang nice for less than $1000.

[@Gearsofchocolate]

I am SOOO excited to hear browning offer a faster twist rate in a factory rifle!! I am gonna have to most definitely add a 270 Winchester to my collection now!!!

[@whiteyfisk9769]

Yes, how did people use 1 in 10 twists 270s for almost 100 years. What were they thinking. Definitely gotta jump on the latest fad, anything else just wont work. Hornadys marketing team and that idiot on Back Fire said so!!!

[@skippylippy547]

@@whiteyfisk9769 LOL! 🤣🤣🤣 OMG that's hilarious.

[@duck-n-cover477]

Not sure it made much of a difference, but I always liked that Remington and Howa offered 308 Win as 1:10 and Sako/Tikka as 1:11, but Wincester/Browning stuck with 1:12.

[@ronlowney4700]

🤠 Yes, Ron, I only want the heavier 270 bullets so that I can hunt Bigger Animals, like Bison and Moose at close range and just retire my 30-06! 👴 I Love the 30-06 performance too, but it really tops out at 168 grains for long range hunting! For that, I would rather use my 270 Winchester and a well constructed 150 grain bullet! As I said in the podcast, the Reloader 26 Website shows that you can get between 3,020 ft/s and 3,040 ft/s with every 150 grain bullet (like the good old Nosler Partition too)! So, you are right, the 150 grain bullet is still the best long range option for the 270 Winchester! 😁👍

[@russellkeeling4387]

I don't really agree the 168 grain bullet is the top for long range shooting in the 30-06 unless your intention is to shoot at animals beyond ethical ranges.

[@ronlowney4700]

I won't shoot anything over 500 yards! But, Nosler also makes the 190 grain ABLR bullet, which is perfect for elk! You may want to give that a try? 🤷‍♂️

[@dominicteresi3835]

I bought a sagave a few years ago and I believe it was offered in a 1 in 8 twist in the 270

[@9999plato]

If a high rate of twist was the key to Q's new 8.6 blackout it should work well here. I still love my .270 bargain Weatherby/ Howa..

[@JohnDoe-uc8gz]

Used 270 Winchester since early 80s with PERFECT results on whitetails. With 30-06s, 338s, 45-70, 30-30s etc my 1st choice is my Sako finnlight in 270 win.... Drops deer fast, really fast.... Low recoil for precision shots, flat trajectory and plenty of power... Alot of so called better cartridges have come and gone since the 270 win was introduced in 1925, but I can honestly say at ranges up to 500 yards it gets the job done period....

[@jjgriffin3275]

270 win shooting the 140 SST is Thors Hammer on game!

[@ronlowney4700]

🤣Though I Love my 270 Winchester, the only "Thor's Hammer" on game is the "Thor's Hammer"! How do I know? Because I was the one who was the first to have/invented the "Thor's Hammer" Cartridge! 😜

[@ronlowney4700]

🤠 If it makes you feel any better, I still prefer the "good old" 270 Winchester for hunting though! 🤑

[@stefanandermann7864]

The .277 fury is the only true gamechanger in .277 performance. The 6.8 western is a little better, but not enough to warrant trading out. Thanks Ron.

[@duck-n-cover477]

Is the 270 Win still a 270 Win if Browning puts it in the X Bolt and PRESUMABLY - dare I say - the Model 70!? Blasphemy...haha, LOVE IT!!!

[@thomasdaum1927]

A fast twist 270 , well now the 6.5 crapmore is now obsolete !……. Sorry , the truth is not always pleasant !….. Thanks Ron for all your hard work for us !

[@Lexidezi225]

6.5 needsmore is a pos weak ass cartridge. I know plenty of people trying to hunt elk with them

[@thomasdaum1927]

@@Lexidezi225 Exactly , these people bought into the hype and that’s why the pond shops and gun shop used racks are full of 6.5 crapmores ! Oh too soon ?………

[@jeffreygraf3358]

While some of these new cartridges are commendable, it seems like they are trying to reinvent what is already a very good wheel.

[@earlchesnut9017]

I agree totally

[@russellkeeling4387]

Firearms manufacturers have to keep selling firearms. They create new trends. Just look at the 350 Legend, it was named a legend even before anyone had a chance to try it out. It may end up a legend but maybe not a good legend.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

@@russellkeeling4387 in that way, we're all legends of sorts.

[@eduardoolaechea]

What's the point in killing the beauty of the .270 Winchester for getting the performance of a 6.5 Creedmoor? I'd stick to the 130 grain bullets and take advantage of the extended MPBR, which in many situations is more desirable than a slower high BC bullet.

[@ronlowney4700]

🤣 The 270 Winchester will make that 6.5 "NEEDSMORE" eat it's lunch! 🔥 Their is No comparison in either performance or versatility (a wider range if bullet weights), because the 270 Winchester wins every time! 🥇

[@kindsir2734]

Hi Ron, I also punch numbers regularily...not really overly impressed with the modern chamberings and fast twist barrels. I am impressed with the new powders and bullet lineups. The .270 wcf, the 150 albr pushed by Reloder 26 is an elite round anyone can shoot well and importantly, works well with a 22" barrel. A repeating mountain rifle should not sport a long barrel, not in this sheep hunters arsenal. Been there , done that for nearly 45 years now