Winchester Model 70 Featherweight for Buffalo Barbie and Elk Hunting

[Just Duke]

Here's another round I have heard nothing but rave reviews on for Elk Hunting. Barbie is looking for something that doesn't have as much recoil as a 45-70 with 500 loads (which she shoots real well by the way ;))
I have though never shot one or ever handle the .270 round. I hoping it has similiar recoil to a 308 with 150's.
So all in all I know nothing much about the ballistic of this round.
TIA,
Duke

These are going for a fair price and if a horse rolls on them..... well a $750.00 loss is better than $1200.00 loss. lol
New Winchester Model 70 Featherweight Control Round Feed.
http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/WINCHESTER%2070/M707.jpg

Caliber / Gauge 270 Win.
Item Number 535109226
UPC 048702114694
Action Type Long Action
Magazine Capacity 5
Barrel Length 22"
Nominal Overall Length 42 1/2"
Nominal Length of Pull 13 3/4"
Nominal Drop at Comb 1/2"
Nominal Drop at Heel 1/2"
Nominal Weight 7 lbs.
Rate of Twist 1 turn in 10"
Metal Finish Polished Bluing
Wood Finish Satin Finish
Stock / Grip Grade I Walnut

Here's a pic of the little woman. 5'6 115 pounds



http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd255/EBRSOPMODS/LEVER%20ACTION%20SHOOTERS%20SOCIETY/DB23.jpg

[uncle joe]

Duke I shot a 270 since I was a junior in HS until last year. I bought it because it was the flattest shooting non magnum caliber with enough punch to knock down a deer. I have killed whitetails from 200 yards to 10 yards and never had a problem. Never shot elk, but it has shot from chest to rear on a whitetail with winchester ammo made for thick skinned game (bought the wrong box). Never shot a 308 but it kicks a little less than a 3006 with 180 gr bullet.

[Just Duke]

Thanks for the reply Joe. From what I recall someone said typical factory ammo was 140 grains around 2750 fps. I think. I would probably drop the load all the way down to the starting load and hopefully she would be good to go.

[uncle joe]

good place to start, I always used 150 grains just because it was the heaviest I could get, more knockdown. If your careful you can get upwards of 3k fps using the slowest burning powder listed.
I have a cousin that worked up a load for his 270 rem 700 and have seen him put three shots in one hole you could cover with a dime at 100 yards.

[Just Duke]

OK I see now. It's the speed that kills. That's fast for a 150. Most of my 30.06 loads I've done ran 165 grain around 2650 fps.

[Just Duke]

I guess she could take head shots too. I've seen her doing multiple head shot's with her M4 standing at the 200 hitting steel human silloette targets and hitting 90 percent of the time.

[Just Duke]

From the Hodgden site. 140 GR. SFT SP Hodgdon Varget .277" 3.280" 41.0 2623 44,300 CUP 43.7 2772 50,500 CUP

[GabbyM]

Been shooting a 270 Win in a Weatherby Vanguard for 33 years. Weatherby walnut stocks have that heal drop and high comb to enhance your recoil pleasure. Plus the thin barrel. I never could tell any difference between it and the 03's I used to shoot.

7mm-08 is a much more efficient round over a 270 Win. I'd deem it far more suited to a light gun. Ballistically the 7mm-08 with some of the new powders like RL#17 will push a bullet as fast as the old 270 Win loads of past glory. Close enough anyways.

For Elk in a 270 I'd stay with a 150 grain bullet for penatration. I very much like the old Hornady 150 grain flat base SP. 7mm-08 will even push a 175 grain GS over 2,500 fps. For Elk I think I'd stay with a 154 gr Hornady in a 7mm-08. but you'd ahve the big bullet option with a 7mm.

I've never used one of the 140 grain 270 bullets. If they aren't built heavier than the 130's they'd frag a bit fast for a big animal. In a 7mm-08 you can push a 145 grain Speer to 2933 fps per Alliant data but in a 22 inch barrel that will be high. 175 Grand Slam will go 2574 fps. The much beloved 7mm Mauser wasn't loaded up quite that fast. In a 22 inch barrel the 270 will drop at least 100 fps with most laods from a 24 inch barrel.

It's a pretty close call between 270 and 7mm-08. I just thought I'd try to frustrate you with many decisions. ;-)

[white eagle]

the 270's claim to fame is the 130 gr bullet
I am sure speed is a contributing factor(heavily) in the 270's killing prowess
it is quite capable of taking most NA game animals
I have never had on but I do shoot model 70's exclusively and my featherweight is chambered in 280a.i.:drinks:

[ammohead]

Duke,

All around excellent choice, caliber and rifle. Although I do consider the 270 to be on the light end for elk, there is no doubt that elk can be taken cleanly with the 270 with the emphasis on shot placement. Hit an elk through both lungs and it will die. Your choice of 140 gr is also a good one. For elk pick a stoutly built bullet such as a nosler partition, barnes TSX etc. I see Barnes is selling ready made ammo under the "vor-tx" lable. The 140s will keep much of the flat shooting performance that the 270 has been famous for with the 130 gr bullet and not have as much recoil as the 150s have.

ammohead

[BruceB]

Quite a few years ago, my wife killed a bull moose right in the tracks he was standing in, with a .270 Nosler 130-grain Partition from her Ruger 77, 200 yards....bang-flop, which is NOT the way moose usually die. (We were hunting caribou, but one doesn't look a gift moose in the mouth...right?)

I'll state that with a GOOD bullet and proper shot placement, the .270 will do just fine for elk

[mephistopeles]

270 Winchester is an awesome cartridge. I have a Model 70 CRF Featherweight also. Favorite load is Barnes 140 gr TSX 53.9gr H4350 Fed 210M Norma brass. Get an avg. 2930 fps. Best 5-shot group is .437" at 100 yds. Light recoil and quick handling.

[Just Duke]

Quite a few years ago, my wife killed a bull moose right in the tracks he was standing in, with a .270 Nosler 130-grain Partition from her Ruger 77, 200 yards....bang-flop, which is NOT the way moose usually die. (We were hunting caribou, but one doesn't look a gift moose in the mouth...right?)

I'll state that with a GOOD bullet and proper shot placement, the .270 will do just fine for elk

Holy smokes! [smilie=w:

[Just Duke]

We got to fondle one of the Featherweights today. Real Nice! Claw extractor too!

[dk17hmr]

Im not a huge fan of the 270, I do like it to an extent but not enough to own one.

Have you looked at 6.8 SPC uppers for her M4. Nosler makes a 110gr Accubond that can be pushed about 2700fps out of a 20" barrel....seems like it would work. I know I would use my 6.8 on elk if I was hunting in timbers.

[9.3X62AL]

Two words. Jack O'Connor.

[Lloyd Smale]

I too never got the 270 bug. Ive allways marched to a differnt drummer and havent been without a 280 since my early 20s. But ballisticaly there about identical and ive killed lots of game with 140s out of a 280. I wouldnt hestiate for a minute to take one on a trophy elk hunt. Ive got a couple 280s but my featherweight is my favorite.

[Just Duke]

I too never got the 270 bug. Ive allways marched to a differnt drummer and havent been without a 280 since my early 20s. But ballisticaly there about identical and ive killed lots of game with 140s out of a 280. I wouldnt hestiate for a minute to take one on a trophy elk hunt. Ive got a couple 280s but my featherweight is my favorite.

I never got the .270 bug either Lloyd. I fiqure she would be able to shoot and be a litle more comfortable than her 45-70 with 500 grainer that just about tear her body parts off. It is a bit humerous to watch her hair go flying when she shoots it. lol

[jameslovesjammie]

Duke,

As both a Model 70 fan AND a .270 fan...I think you made a fantastic choice. For elk, as long as you choose a well constructed bullet, I wouldn't worry too much about bullet weight. 130-150 will do her well, as long as she does her part.

Since you aren't quite sure what the .270 is capable of, here is a video of my dad shooting an average whitetail buck in at around 225 yards. The load was the old "Jack O'Connor Special". We chronographed it a few weeks ago at 3,100 fps. The shot takes place around the 2:00 mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WhZKnOEoSQ

[EOD3]

Hi Duke, I'm a big fan of the Featherweight rifle but (you knew there would be one) I'm a little "old school" when it comes to cartridges.

You can have light & fast or heavy & slow, choose one. The .270 tends to rely on velocity and premium bullets to get the job done. A high velocity round at short range will make one-hell of a mess out of the critter. A lower velocity bullet (IMHO) works better at short range and at least as well at longer ranges, provided you know the ballistics rather than rely on a greater point-blank-range. A nice 200+ grain round-nose soft point idling along at 2400 ish fps carries a major thump.

IMHO: high velocity rounds are the #1 reason for the development of "premium" bullets.

Let the war of the cartridges begin... :coffee:

[exblaster]

The question is not weather a .270 will kill an elk it will. The question is how far do you want to pack the elk. I have shot several elk with a .308 Win. and killed them dead But usually had to carry them a long ways.
You will not always knock an elk down with the first shot. Even when I use my .375 H&H I have had to track them.
Most important thing is shot placement. Most any thing over 24 cal. will kill an elk but be prepared to track them after the shooting.

Good luck on your hunt.
Exblaster

[PatMarlin]

I'm caressing my $10 Browning X-Bolt/Leupold VX-3L CDS in .270 right now.

I'm ready to go huntin' with you guys now Bruce and Ammohead... :mrgreen:

[Just Duke]

I'm caressing my $10 Browning X-Bolt/Leupold VX-3L CDS in .270 right now.



OH! BRAGGER!!!! LOL ;)


Have you shot her yet Pat?

[PatMarlin]

Nope not yet. Snappin' and glassin'.

I'm debating on trading it.

[George Tucker]

I have used the .270 Win for over50yrs, a good bullet at 3100fps will work very well, been there, done that, my other favorite Rifle is a 300 H&H, my preferance is pre 64 Winchesters, George.

[Just Duke]

I'm caressing my $10 Browning X-Bolt/Leupold VX-3L CDS in .270 right now.

I'm ready to go huntin' with you guys now Bruce and Ammohead... :mrgreen:

If your coming to Vegas the wife and I would enjoy meeting you Pat.

[PatMarlin]

Been a long time since we've been to Vegas. My little brother's band plays there from time to time.

I gotta see when they'll be there next. Steel Breeze- 70's one hit wonders.

[Just Duke]

Thanks all that contributed here. :bigsmyl2:

[PatMarlin]

Duke-

I'll trade you my new Browning 270 for your Sharps with the silver forearm cap... :mrgreen:

[jcw1970]

I'd try a box of Barnes MRX Bullets. They're designed to penetrate thick skin.

[Just Duke]

Duke-

I'll trade you my new Browning 270, my lathe and all my tools and guns for your Sharps with the silver forearm cap... :mrgreen:

SOUNDS GOOD PAT!!! :drinks:

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

I got a 270 Rem 700 . . . if you want to run cast in it at anytime, I'll suggest the 30 cal has lots more choices . . . I'm not ready to sell my 270 though!
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/Remington%20511P/Rem700BDL270.jpg

[Char-Gar]

When Jack O"Conner was around to advocate for the round, it was a very popular deer and elk cartridge. Even though Jack is dead and the round has wanned in popularity, it still remain a very good cartridge for the above purposes. A high quality 130 or 150 grain bullet and a strong dose of 4350 or 4831 and you are in business.

[PatMarlin]

You ever shoot cast with one Charles?

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

You ever shoot cast with one Charles?

I'm still waitin' to try it in mine (hint - hint . . .!):mrgreen:

[PatMarlin]

Shawn- do you need some 270 gas checks in the mean time? I can send you some Hornadys.

[82nd airborne]

338 fedral in a light bolt gun would be an excellent elk gun for someone not wanting much recoil, but plenty of knockdown.

[Char-Gar]

Pat.. I have only owned one 270 rifle. I took a heavy 26 inch Flaig barrel and installed in on a 1917 Enfield action. It was stocked in plain walnut and toped with an old Khales 8x scope. This was about 1962.

I hauled it up in some Texas brush country deer blinds and shot whitetail waaaay down the Senderos and fence lines. It was a generation later than somebody came up with a "Sendero" rifle for the same thing. They were too heavy to walk around with, but worked up fine in a blind for far shots. As far as I know, I was the first to build a dedicated "Sendero" rifle. Maybe not..but it was the first and only one know of in my circle of hunters. I used O'Conners old load of 130 grain bullet and all of the 4831 you could cram in the case. The rifle and load worked to perfection.

I never tried cast in a 270.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

Shawn- do you need some 270 gas checks in the mean time? I can send you some Hornadys.

No, I'll wait . . .

[Four Fingers of Death]

Heck, Duke what are you doing loading 500Gn'ers for Barbie?? Everyone's body parts are pretty precious, but hers only more so. Get her a good 300Gn bullet or cast up some. Lyman make the old Gould Boolit mould which is an awesome bit of kit. Those 500Gn, way too much bullet for the 45/70.

My 270 is a pre 64' (1949, 1 year younger than me!). I have a friend who works in a gunshop. I was jawing with him one day and I saw this guy lugging ammo boxes out to the car and another shop guy was helping him. He said he uses either Remington 700s or Winchester 70s, depending on whats on the shelf when he comes in. He buys 1500-2000 rounds of Remington CoreLokt 130Gn ammo and when he is down to a few boxes, drives to Sydney for a few days and trades his rifle for a new one and more ammo. He lives out west on a big property and also hunts deer in Victoria (sambar are about Elk size). He insists on the 130 Gn CoreLokts and reckons everything he shoots, goes down. Can't argue with that sort of success. I have a box of 200 downstairs, ready to go.

[shootingbuff]

FFD - great story.
Now that gentleman knows I bet how to shoot and knows his gun and load. Amazing what folks that actually use their gear can tell you on what works and doesn't. These folks would make better ads then the ones we see too, but where would all the hype be with out these adds and Jack O'Conner - oops lol. I prefer the 280.

That stated I did talk my younger brother into buying a remmy 700 in 270 this wk. Felt it would fit his needs over everything else he was looking at and cheaper to boot.

I had shot a buddies Pre 64 270 and shoot amazing with it and my older brother uses a 270 for Elk. He states he gets really good groups and hits 6" balloons at 400. He isn't know in the family to be a shooter, but he hunts his **** off and always brings in the meat. Thinking about it, maybe I ought to go visit and see what his rifle and load can do in a good shooters hands lol ;-)

Best woth the rifle /cal choice and hunt,

sb

[Just Duke]

I 've picked up so much brass and components that I'm getting one in the Winchester Model 70 Sporter. HERE (http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/WINCHESTER%2070/M705.jpg)

[EOD3]

I 've picked up so much brass and components that I'm getting one in the Winchester Model 70 Sporter. HERE (http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/WINCHESTER%2070/M705.jpg)

I've heard some pretty flimsy excuses for buying a new rifle but, this one takes the cake. :rolleyes: :holysheep :bigsmyl2:

[waksupi]

I've heard some pretty flimsy excuses for buying a new rifle but, this one takes the cake. :rolleyes: :holysheep :bigsmyl2:

Flimsy excuses are quite acceptable for acquiring a new firearm.

:Fire::Fire::Fire:

[9.3X62AL]

Flimsy excuses are quite acceptable for acquiring a new firearm.

I await the day I hear that phrase from Marie.

The old and tired "270 vs. 30-06" argument is pretty sorry and lame, and the 280 is another very fine game caliber. All three are very capable elk harvesters, and all three can produce cripples if not operated capably. My own preference is the 30-06, and only because that is what Dad hunted with--and in that way I became familiar and comfortable with the caliber. Dad's hunting partners used the 30-30, the '06, the 270, and the 280--and all brought home venison. My impression at the time was that all those men and women were very capable shots and didn't risk marginal hits or exceedingly long shots on a fine game animal. As Bro Bret has said more than once herein, there's a lot more Indian than arrow to the equation when it comes to hunting effectiveness.

Duke, that is just a stone classic game rifle. THAT is what a hunting rifle looks like.

[Four Fingers of Death]

30-06, 308, 270, 280. If you didn't know what gun you were using or was being used on you you wouldn't be able to tell the difference from either end I'm thinking!

[Just Duke]

Barbie picked up her rifle yesterday. I'll have her stop back by.

[Just Duke]

Im not a huge fan of the 270, I do like it to an extent but not enough to own one.

Have you looked at 6.8 SPC uppers for her M4. Nosler makes a 110gr Accubond that can be pushed about 2700fps out of a 20" barrel....seems like it would work. I know I would use my 6.8 on elk if I was hunting in timbers.

Might have some trouble taking that to Africa and Canada. ;)

[Just Duke]

Duke, that is just a stone classic game rifle. THAT is what a hunting rifle looks like.

Thanks Al. My thoughts exactly.

[Just Duke]

Here she is.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/WINCHESTER%2070/WINCHESTER270.jpg

[frankenfab]

It's the Schnabel and the fill-in checkering! Nice lookin' rifle.

[Four Fingers of Death]

They sure are a pretty rifle!

[EOD3]

All right DUKE, you ain't pullin the wool over my eyes, you're gonna have to put the other side of those rings on there or shooting will be a one shot thing. :kidding:

[Just Duke]

Oh my! We need to go out and shoot the thing don't we.

[Moonie]

Haven't shot it in 2 years?

[Just Duke]

Haven't shot it in 2 years?

We have been swamped with projects and relocation.

[smoked turkey]

Duke you and Barbie have mighty good tastes when it comes to firearms! She is good looking. Oh the rifle is too.