Winchester Model 70 Featherweight 270 or 6.8 Western

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Mnwhiskeyman

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I have finally settled on a rifle platform but trying to decide on a caliber for a western elk and mule deer hunt. Which one would you choose? I no longer can take heavy kick rifles due to a shoulder issue. I like the browning c bolt too but I like Winchester more. Please let me know your thoughts
Thanks guys
 
Regular 270. I have a featherweight in 270 and it’s a great rifle. Very mild recoil for the level of performance.

The 6.8 does not have good ammunition availability and may already be on the way out.

Also recoil is a big step up. Basically the same as a 300 wsm.

I have killed deer, elk and antelope with the regular 270 and it works just fine with proper bulllet selection and placement.
 
Quick 3. Get your 270 and go hunting!
 
.270 for sure. Mine has taken everything from elk down with no issues. Huge ammo selection available anywhere.
 
Another vote for the .270

I just bought my 2nd rifle in .270 last week and I didn't even think about the 6.8

For any normal hunting ranges, the .270 has been dropping Elk and Moose for a hundred years now. In most premium factory loads, it carries that "mythical" elk killing 1,500 Ft-lbs out to 400 yards. The "advantages" of the 6.8 really only show when you start taking shots over that 400 yard mark, which is more shooting than hunting in my opinion.

As others have mentioned .270 also gives you a much better selection and availability of factory ammo and reloading components.

Great choice on the rifle as well. I have a M70 Featherweight in .300 Win Mag. The recoil is a bit snappy, but its the most accurate gun I've ever owned and treat to carry around in the Elk Woods.
 
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A Model 70 in 270 Win is as classic as you can get. Plenty of quality factory ammo available if you don’t hand load and lots of great components available if you do.

I have 2 of them in the left handed versions of model 70s. One blued and walnut and the other cerakoted and synthetic stock. Love both of them.
 
My vote is for the .270 Winchester. Why? Simply because a Winchester Model 70 rfile chambered in .270 Winchester is a classic combination of rifle and cartridge. (I like the history and nostalgia of classic rifle cartridges.) And .270 Win ammo will probably available for just about ever; just like the .30-06 Springfield.

Attached is an article (a pdf file) by Gregor Woods that you may enjoy.

".270 Win - Undefeated Lightweight Champion"​
by Gregor Woods​
manMagnum magazine - April 2002​

Just my two cents... Bob F. :)
 

Attachments

I'm also a fan of the .270 and believe it is underrated in some circles. ... one thing to note: if you are using a guide / outfitter for elk, some of them request a 30 cal minimum, so you might check into that if so. My Utah elk guide several years ago fell into this camp FWIW.
 
Another vote for the Featherweight in 270. It is classic Americana, and the ammo selection over 6.8 isn't even close.

20220902_103134.jpg
 
In the featherweight rifle, the 270 for sure. If you wanted to try your hand at long range type shooting I might swing the other way in a different rifle configuration such as the Extreme Weather version...
 
I have to agree with the 270 shooters. It’s a great round and plenty powerful enough for elk without kicking the daylights out of you. Mine is a Winchester feather weight in stainless with a walnut stock. The only thing I don’t like is the 22” barrel. I’d prefer a 24” one.
 
Model 70 in .270 Winchester......Simply unbeatable!
 
Thanks everyone!!!! Only thing I am checking out now is rifles browning does have a sale going on which includes Winchester, otherwise a Ruger African might be sweet to take. Let me know your thoughts. Model 70 featherweight. Browning xbolt 2 hunter composite or others and then Ruger?
Thanks
 
I have all three Winchester, Browning X Bolt and Ruger Hawkeye. Personally I prefer the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight over the others.
 
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