.270 for Plains Game?

[johnnyblues]

All depends what PG is on your list and where you will be hunting.

After hunting buffalo in Limpopo we're flying down to the cape. On the hit list vahl rhebok, klippy, black wildbeeest , bushbuck spring buck and I'll use my 375 on waterbuck.

 

[IvW]

After hunting buffalo in Limpopo we're flying down to the cape. On the hit list vahl rhebok, klippy, black wildbeeest , bushbuck spring buck and I'll use my 375 on waterbuck.

270 Win is perfect for that list! Good luck to you.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I 'm taking my 270 wsm with me next week for PG. Using 140 gr. Winchester accubonds. Opinions?

OUCH! Seriously though, That'll kill every plains game animal in existence even at loooong distances. Just hit 'em in the boiler room.

 

[colorado]

1.) Although I'd eventually replace the stock to a custom laminate from Boyd's, I do want a stainless barrel/action.
2.) I am a Savage fan and have used them my whole life so I'm very familiar with their rifles and they don't chamber .375 H&H or Weatherby.
3.) I can be out the door with the Savage Alaskan for $600. I don't think I can get .375 performance from a cheaper package, even from rebarreling an old action.

Good reasons all

 

[Philip Glass]

Not sure why I would buy a 375 Ruger unless I was left handed (very few LH 375s out there new) or wanted a stainless/synthetic 375 for Alaska. In my opinion, the 375 H&H has so much more class and the 375 Weatherby (we have a Rem XCR II that weighs 7.25 lbs with scope in that caliber) outperforms it and can still shoot factory 375 H&H ammo. That being said there are enough calibers for all of us to enjoy and discuss

Very true on the number of calibers! One thing to keep in mind a Ruger can't be beat quality wise and is $1K gun. That was a factor for me because I really wanted a Kimber .375 H&H but $$$!

 

[MAdcox]

I'm a rookie in Africa so take this for what it's worth. 270 has been my pet round for over 30 years. I handload 140 gr Barnes TTSX bullets and have taken elk at ranges from 75 to 380 yards. Bullet performance on all were excellent.
I'd say if you can out it where it needs to be, take it for plains game.

 

[Oddbod]

I'm a rookie in Africa so take this for what it's worth. 270 has been my pet round for over 30 years. I handload 140 gr Barnes TTSX bullets and have taken elk at ranges from 75 to 380 yards. Bullet performance on all were excellent.
I'd say if you can out it where it needs to be, take it for plains game.

What twist does your barrel have?

My .270 Ruger M77 Hawkeye (1:10) won't stabilise the 140gr TTSX with them consistently key-holing targets

 

[Hogpatrol]

I know some shooters love them but Barnes bullets are dead last on my list of go to bullets. I want extreme long range accuracy and in my experience, Barnes just doesn't cut the mustard in that department.

 

[MAdcox]

What twist does your barrel have?

My .270 Ruger M77 Hawkeye (1:10) won't stabilise the 140gr TTSX with them consistently key-holing targets

Mine is the Ruger M77 Stainless skeleton stock. I think it's a 1:10 as well. I did miss type, I'm shooting TSX, not tipped. 50.5 grains IMR4350 or 53 grains of IMR4831. Both loads are printing 1/4 to 1/2" groups at 100 yards for me. I've never had any keyhole with that rifle or load. I also load the same bullet for my cousins Browning A-bolt with similar results.

 

[MAdcox]

I know some shooters love them but Barnes bullets are dead last on my list of go to bullets. I want extreme long range accuracy and in my experience, Barnes just doesn't cut the mustard in that department.

Extreme range for me is anything over about 300 yards so I haven't played with my loads much over that. But the X bullet has been more accurate than any of the other bullets I've tried (Partitions, Accubond, Gameking, Ballistic Tip, and FailSafe) from 100 to 350 which is my comfort range.
What are you calling extreme range? And what bullets do you prefer? I've wanted to try Berger but haven't seen a lot of hunters comment on them, mostly match guys.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Extreme range for me is anything over about 300 yards so I haven't played with my loads much over that. But the X bullet has been more accurate than any of the other bullets I've tried (Partitions, Accubond, Gameking, Ballistic Tip, and FailSafe) from 100 to 350 which is my comfort range.
What are you calling extreme range? And what bullets do you prefer? I've wanted to try Berger but haven't seen a lot of hunters comment on them, mostly match guys.

I use Berger hunting VLDs in my hunting rifles and I know its the same with that brand, some hate them and some love them. I tried all of the sledgehammer bullets like the Partitions, Swifts, Gamekings, etc. and for wind bucking ability and accuracy, the Bergers excel in those departments. They can be fussy with regard to seating depth and a few thousandths can make a difference at long distances. Without getting in to the whole ethical hunting bovine fecal matter discussion, extreme range is defined by the capabilities of the rifle and the person using it.

 

[flat8]

I used a .30-06 on my only PG hunt in South Africa for everything up to and including kudu and blue wildebeest. If I went back, I'd take my .270 instead. I think the 06' was largely unnecessary.

That noted, there was ONE big exception - blue wildebeest. That animal took a clean shot to the lungs and took off for about 2km. It wasn't perfect shot placement, but it wasn't bad either. The blue was just one amazingly tough animal. So I guess next time I'd have my .270 AND ... something bigger, just in case.

 

[Odinsraven]

The Blonde uses 7x64 which is the org. 270. 100 plus African PG in the fridge they die even time .....uses 139gr sst or 170 gr Pro Am soft points. . Last trip dropped 6 or 8 Hartsbeest and Zebra .....everything died ...so yep 270 is good to go ...would recommend keeping distance sensible and heavy for calibre bullets .......

 

[gesch]

Thanks for the discussion. I know that it has been hashed out many times. It is very valuable to me as a newcomer to hear the elements of the logic. My summary: Adequate caliber; top notch bullets; accurate shooting; reasonable distances--will yield a successful experience. Have a great safari!