My hunting group uses 270, 308, 30-06, and 300wm for our yearly moose hunt. Each of us are very comfortable with our rifles and never lose or wound animals.
I have all of those cartridges. JUST got the Tikka 300WM earlier this year. Haven't had one in decades. Very happy with it and the factory Norma ammo - 180 Bondstrike and 150 Whitetail, 1/2 MOA with both, using Zeiss scope
Meh, most aren't shooting anything outside of the 125, 150, 165, and 180gr. The 338s have 165-300gr. The 165 and 180gr can be loaded down to 06 level and do everything it will do, and on the high end you can crank it up quite a bit for every non-dangerous game species, and dangerous game besides elephants and hippos. I guess the 06 has 110gr bullets for varmints, but I'd bet less than 1% of 06 shooters are shooting 110gr bullets in any hunting application. Pretty much like Petzal said, the 338 is like an 06 with more muscle in reserve when needed. The 06 has it's place, but all this versatility I hear about seems to only consider animals up to about elk or grizzly size.
I’m a .270 Win man. I just love the cartridge - almost recoil free, flat shooting hard hitting and most suitable for medium to large soft skinned game. Almost perfect deer rifle.
Recoil free?? 😂 idk what kind of gun you have cause my .270 kicks like a damn mule a hate having to sight it in. Everybody I know that has one say theirs kicks bad too.
@@sethpujol1704 Mine isn't bad especially compared to a magnum, definitely a case by case basis as different shooters have different tolerances for recoil and model to model 2 guns in the same cartridge won't kick the same.
@@sethpujol1704 Yeah it's definitely not recoil free. It's got a snappier recoil than my .308, because my rifle is a lightweight mountain build, I put a Limbsaver recoil pad to help.
I hunt the high plains of Colorado and Wyoming for Pronghorn and Plains Deer. I shoot a bolt action Howa, marked "Smith and Wesson" in .270 with 22 inch bbl. The cartridge is a hand load stoked with 130 gr. Speer "Grand Slam" bullet, C.C.I "200 large rifle primer and 57 gr. IMRI 4831 powder. Average shot distance: 200 yards. Longest one shot kill: 485 paces. At nearly 76 years of age, I can still consistently shoot a 4 to 5 inch diameter at 300 yards....For how much longer? We shall see!!! Thanks for "Cartridge Talk".... Good dialogue!
@@Mark-qq7io Yes, it is a hot load. According to the manual, velocity is right at 3,100 fps. CUP measures 61,700 shot from a 24 in. test barrel. That being said; in 20+ years shooting this load, I've never experienced any problems with case extraction, flattened or cratered primers.
I shoot the same load just about 57.5 gr IMR431 and either a 130gr Speer SP or Nosler Partition. 3180 fps out of my Winchester M-70 Super Grade, Longest shot 400 yards on a Mule Deer in the Fort Peck Area of MT. Not quite as old, I am 68. At least that what my Chronograph tells me out of a 24 inch barre. 165 gr bullets out of a 30-06 and I have one, I really can't tell the difference.
I have used both. As far as deer hunting goes, most hunters will never see a difference.Most deer shooting is done at less than 200 yards. In my experience anyway. Either of these great rounds have more power than you need at that range.
Yup. For common hunting distances within 50-150yds, any centerfire rifle cartridge will kill deer effectively. For 200-300yds, short barrel 6.5 Grendel will get it done cleanly. Out to 400yds, you can use a bit longer Grendel, 18" or more, .243 Win, 6mm Creedmoor. Once you pass that point, you might consider stepping up to 6.5CM, 6.5x47L, .260 Rem, 7mm-08, or 7x57. If you're looking at 600-800yds, time to go 6.5 PRC, 7mm Mag, 7 WSM, 7 SAUM, or 7 PRC. I don't see much use for the early 1900s cartridges and rifles anymore, other than nostalgia. I have .270 Win and .30-06. The main reason I wouldn't use them anymore is that I just don't train with them these days.
Why compare carriages using different types of guns? A semi is not as accurate and has less energy than a bolt action. Carriage comparisons should be with the same brand and the same type of gun.
Hi Everyone... I've used the .270 win. from the top of the world to the bottom of the world(Yukon to South Africa). From Tennessee ground hogs to Yukon moose, grizzly bear, caribou. In Zimbabwe and South Africa, from tiny dik dik to 2,000 to 2500 lb Eland. All one shot kills except a big water buk that I shot too low in the chest. Aftet a VERY long tracking session and avoiding a lion pride, a second shot to the back of the head did the job. Finn Aagaard and Jack O'Connor both wrote about shot placement as the critical consideration in killing power. Aagaard stated that 90 percent of killing power is shot placement...the other ten percent is the unknown. I agree with O'Connor and Aagaard. I killed my cape buffalo with one shot using a 9.3 x 62 Mauser. It is a 1905 cartridge of German origin. No one can tell the difference in killing power between the 9.3 x 62 vs the .375 H&H Magnum. The .270 win has good sectional density. For example, the 130gr .270 is equal to a 165gr .308 caliber bullet. I treasure the memories of seeing just how wicked and deadly the .270 Win is in the field.
I’ve been killing deer with a common 150 grain cup and core 270 for over fifty years with several others mixed in just for fun. I’ve never been a world wide hunter and never will be but I’ve got many rifles I could use if if was possible. Most recently acquired was Husqvarna 9.3x62 just because I wanted it to compare to my 35 Whelen. You mentioned both Jack O’Connor and Finn Aagaard. Jack really concentrated on shot placement and using the right cartridge for the game. Many internet no-nothings think Jack only hunted with the 270 which is far from the truth. Jack hunted with everything from 250 Savage to a defunct number called the 450 Watts Magnum which was equal to the 458 Lott. His favorite for dangerous game was the 416 Rigby but in his Complete Book of Rifles and Shotguns he wrote that if he could have only one rifle to hunt the world over it would be a 375 H&H Magnum. Of course he went on to say that if he was allowed a second rifle it would be a 270 Winchester!😊
Yep! Both of these experienced hunters knew that bullet placement was the most important aspect of killing power. I personally believe, from experience, that cup and core bullets kill a wee bit faster than the copper expanding bullets. Perhaps 4-5 seconds at the best. Yet, I've seen animals killed in their tracks with copper bullets. I've shot the .270 Win for sixty one years now(age 71 now). Most of the bullets have been Hornady reloads. No complàints as I've noticed Hornady bullets kill extremely fast. Dead in their tracks(deer) and complete penetration most of the time. Have fun with the 9.3. The 35 Whelen may not give any/very little ammo choices internationally. The 9.3 has once again become a popular international cartridge with good ammo choices internationally.
@@glennrcampbell4411 I used the 150 grain Hornady Spire Point in front of 56 grains of H4831 in my Ruger M77 270. Usually bang flop. Never shot anything over 300 yards. Rarely over 200.
I am left with the impression, from observation, that cup and core kill a wee bit faster on medium game. Perhaps three or four seconds faster....hard to say.
I have said it before, the .270 is the BEST cartidge for North America. Lower recoil, but immense power. Get one of the new Browning rifles with a 1/7.5" twist, run a 155gr Terminal Ascent or 155gr LRX bullet and goodness gracious you can take ANYTHING in North America with less recoil and drop than a .30-06 and a .308. .270 FTWin
Thoughts: I’d take the .30-06 for elk/moose/bear, the .270 for deer/pronghorn (out west). Where I live in the east, .308 is about as much as most people need.
True. But the topic of the video is which cartridge is better for DEER, specifically; and the .270 plausibly has the edge. However, if one is to have only one rifle for all big game, most hunters, and these two guys, would certainly opt for the 30-06.
@@phild9813 the trouble with many 6.8 projectiles is the higher weight needs a faster twist rate. That's why the 270 never had options beyond 150 to begin with.
@@rball690 : For the vast majority of deer, I agree. For big northern whitetails that are often over 300 lbs., the 25-06 is certainly adequate, albeit on the light side. It doesn't sell as well as perhaps it should, which is why it wasn't discussed in this video.
I have both, love both, and there isn’t a deer walking that they won’t take care of. Based on the criteria and my personal experiences, the 270 is just hard to beat. That screaming 130 just tends to lay deer down, whether it’s a traditional soft point or my favorite ttsx’s
Started with a Winchester mod 70 in 270 cal, still using it as my primary rifle. Every now and then I'll use my 30-30 or 7mm 08 just for a change. Love all three.
LOL, you guys are awesome, and also killing me. For DEER? I mean...I'm .30-06 til I die...but I can't imagine a world in which the .270 could be considered anything but excellent for deer.
@@exothermal.sprocket if your talking numbers killed OK but if you are referring to performance of the actual projectile than the 30-30 is lacking. If hit equally the 30-30 has far worse ability.
@@rball690 Within the range of the .30-30, I seriously doubt it. In fact due to the velocity and diameter of the .277 bullet by comparison, and the spitzer shape of it, it's less reliable doing the same things as the .30-30 is supposed to do.
@@exothermal.sprocket I was talking about the 25-06 but the same applies. Has the 30-30 killed many deer yes but the bullet performance isn't the reason. Shear numbers of shots is. When you look at retained energy or flatness of the shot round there is no comparison. I have seen too many deer wounded by 30-30's.
Jack O Conner loved the 270 but he also used the 3006 on many occasions he was a big advocate of using the proper tool depending on the game hunted, he shot over a dozen grizzlies with the 3006 and Jack admitted the 3006 was more versatile.
🕵️♂️ Versatility in bullet selection YES, But performance in similar bullet weights NO! Why? Because, in Common Bullet Weights, the 270's Bullets Have Higher B.C.'s and Higher Sectional Densities (It Shoots Flatter and Penetrates Deeper)! It Just Depends Upon What You Are Trying to Accomplish! I Own Both Calibers, So I Know - From Almost 50 Years Of Using Them! I Would Choose the 30-06 for a 50 yard shot on 3,500 lb Bison and the 270 Winchester for a 500 yard shot on a Pronghorn Antelope! Different Tools for Different Needs! 🤷♂️ Neither is "Really Better" for Everything - is the Lesson That Should be Learned! 👨⚖ Proper Bullet Selection is What Matters Most - Not Caliber or Cartridge - is the Lesson That Should Be Understood Here! 👨🎓
@ronlowney4700 I think the 7mm Magnum is the equivalent to the 3006, in a lot af areas. I can load my Remington 700 in 7mm Magnum from 120 grains to a plethora of bigger bullets. Either way, all of the mentioned cartridges are more than capable of taking most game.
I'm a 270win guy. Got a savage axis with a Boyds stock. Hasn't let me down. However, now that I have young kids getting into it, I've been shooting 350legend cuz my 6 year old can shoot it no problem and it does destroy deer just the same. Overall if it kills, it kills. And if it brings me food it brings me food. Great video guys!
🤷♂️ In All Fairness, The Wound Channel of the 30-06 looks a "Little Bigger" in both cases! But, You Would Also Expect That When Your Using Heavier Bullets Too! Additionally, Testing a Bullets Performance At "Close Range" isn't Going to Be An Accurate Representation of What Happens at 400 Yards Either! That, is Where the 270 Will Shine! And, Yes, I Own Both Cartridges and Both Have Their Own "Applications"/"Specialities"! 🤗
But, For Deer and Antelope, Give Me the 270 Winchester! 🦌 For, Bison and Bears, Then It Is The 30-06! 🐮🐻 For Elk, Either, As I Have Killed Big Bulls With Both! 🤠
Being South African, the .270 has such nice versatile hunting application using only one bullet weight, 130gr. You can hunt all the same bigger (affordable) game, but it just makes a way nicer springbuck rifle.
I have the Remington 700 BDL in .270 and a Weatherby Vanguard in 30-06, I shoot both in 150gr and both love it sub 1 Moa on both rifles. I will switch between both of them for deer hunting and coyote hunting. They both work and do the job, however shoot ability goes to the .270 as it’s a solid wooden stock, the 30-06 is a synthetic stock and recoils more. The accuracy both are the same, I have found the 30-06 can eat different weighted bullets better than the .270 as it takes more adjustment on the scope to sight in. So pick one and you win period :) love this debate with die hards on both sides :)
20 years ago I turned a Canadian whitetail outfitter into a believer who initially didnt think that my 270 was up to the task on their giant whitetails. After turning the vitals into gelatin with a single Nosler Ballistic Tip, he was absolutely wowed by the performance.
.270 Win and .30-06 are both overkill for deer, with loss of your sight picture when you break the shot. This means you need a trained spotter to be on glass when you break the shot to see where your impact was. Exceptions are if you're shooting mulies at distances from 400yds+, where .270 Win shines with its trajectory. If a hunter wants to see their hits within 300yds, it's better to go with something lighter-recoiling that you can practice with.
I’m not sure how you draw the conclusion that .270 or 06 are overkill for deer. I’ve killed deer with both and I can’t see it’s been blown apart by either caliber. Usually I hear more about damage when someone uses 7mm or 300 wm or bigger.
@@usa-rb5fi It's not the terminal performance, but the sight picture behavior if you want to see what happened. If you don't care or are relying on a trained spotter to see your impact and what the animal does after the shot, they're fine. Muzzle blast, recoil, and muzzle climb with .270 Win and .30-06 are excessive, and also don't allow you to practice with them regularly unless you shoot light, reduced power loads. Rifles that are difficult to practice with don't allow you to build confidence, but this can be offset if you have another small caliber rifle set up the same way, same trigger, same type of sights/optic. I've been shooting .270 Winchester and .30-06 since 1983, love the .270's flat trajectory and how it vaporizes water jugs, but I don't shoot them anymore. My youngest has been begging me to take the .270 out, so we're doing that this week.
Deer can’t tell the difference. I have an 06 my buddy has .270 my deer usually drop while his run. Could be shot placement and ammo too. Would trust both calibers with me shooting lol.
An interesting historical note is that in the early days of the 270, it was known for dropping deer in their tracks whereas the 30-06 was not. This is largely due to the lower performance of bullets and powders available at the time. The higher velocity of the 270 tended to create a larger temporary cavity and stun the animal which would often die before regaining movement. Even in this test, the 270 seemed to do more damage in the first few inches. It is important to note that the performance of both cartridges has increased dramatically since the 1920's, so DRT animals are now common with both.
Well, I have been shooting a 30,06 since 1980. I dont see a reason to change now. Yall hit the nail on the head. 30,06 was used in the military from 1906, all the way into Panama in the 80s, when the military switched to the .308. I am perfectly happy using my 100 plus year old technology.
I am a little nervous taking my .270 win with these same 130gr copper bullets on an elk hunt, but this video made me feel a lot more confident about doing it.
Dude people have taken thousands of elk with a .243 Winchester…. With cup and core bullets. The .270 is more than adequate for elk and moose, especially with copper and bonded bullets. You could take ANYTHING in North America with the .270 Winchester. Nothing to worry about, you do not need a magnum.
Throughout all the different cartridge talks and cartridge comparison videos out there, the fact that every content creator has to pin/ compare any cartridge up against the 30-06 as the median/ standard, tells you everything you need to know about the 30-06. It's the benchmark to which every cartridge aims to be, yet can never equal in terms of its versatility, availability, cost and effectiveness on game, targets, steel, world wars and alien invasions. The real winner everytime will be the 30-06 just for showing up.
I have shot both calibers for many years, and own rifles in both calibers. Both of them are winners in my opinion. That being said, I use my 270 more than my '06. For varminting I use a hand load with the Sierra 90gr HP and IMR 3031. Absolutely devastating! For deer any good 130gr bullet will get it done. My 270 is a Marlin XL7. Love that gun! Great video!
I'll stay a 06 fan and owner. My favorite bullet weight is a 165 gr spitzer boat tail of whatever construction is readily available. With that bullet it compares more closely to the 270 with 130 gr bullet.
Since I'm on the East Coast, I'll stick with my early 80's Remington 700 in 7mmO8. I have other rifles in 5.56, 243, 6.5, 308, 30O6, and 7.62× 54R. I'll probably never have the need for the heavier calibers while living here.
I'll stick with my 06 thank you. 130 gr Barnes ttsx and a proper charge of IMR 4064 at 3150 fps will compete with the 270 all day long at ranges I'd shoot. I've owned and used both and can't tell any difference in recoil with either and 130gr projectiles.
My conclusion: Keep rocking the 270 and don't "upgrade" to copper ammunition. I have had great results with basic cup/core bullets like the interlock and ELDX. Last deer killed with a 145gr eldx still had a fat exit wound at 309 yards.
Tough one to call 270 recoil/drop drift, 30-06 versatile/availability. Going to come down results on gel block. These are my favorite Vortex nation content, another one I’ll watch 10 times!! 👍👍 6.8 western vs 6.5 prc next?
SILLY to compare a 180 grain elk cartridge to a 130 grain deer cartridge. The only meaningful comparisons would be 130 gr .270 v. 150 gr .30-06, and 140 or 150 gr .270 v. 165 gr. '30-'06.
My buddy last year shot bull elk 360 yards 130 grain 270 copper bullet and it punch through the shoulder bone and clipped the other shoulder and passed right through dropping him dead in his tracks I was astonished
Both are great rounds for deer. I went 270 but that decision was based more on the Rifle I got a good deal on than the caliber. Brand new Remington 700 for $200.
Thank you. Excellent knowledeable facts shared in detail. I been using 270 for quite a while on whitetails. Never ever had a problem. used 150 to 135 bullets. all good.
The 280 Remington shooting 140 Partitions or Accubonds in the high 2900’s agreed no mulie or pronghorn. EDIT: I think, based on experience from western hunting, any bullet weight above 165 grains from a 30-06 is not really the best choice for deer sized game.
@@Accuracy1st I use a Leupold CDS scope with 140 Accubonds at 2965 from a 24” barrel. I don’t get too wrapped up in velocity since this load typically gives me less than 5/8” groups. I’ve killed pronghorn and mulies at 400 yards with this setup and almost all were one shot kills.
@@nmelkhunter1very nice. I don't get wrapped up on speed much but Superformance is new to me as of 2022 and I first tried it in my 270s and was amazed. It shines with lighter wt bullets, 110s, 129s, 130s so I thought I'd try it with the lighter wt 140s in my 280s and it did not disappoint accuracy or velocity or consistency. My one 280 Rem I still have is a 1/2" rifle with NBTs and Superformance
Never been to a store that didn’t have 30-06 and 270. In stock . I have both calibers and they are both great and if someone handed you one to go deer hunting without telling you what you actually had for a caliber . 90% probably would not know the difference and I promise ya the deer cant tell by 100%
I'd really like to see 2 more categories added to the test. 1 number of rifles models currently in production. 2 cost of feeding your rifle and availability to purchase, or do consider this within the shootability score(if you want ties with 6 categories) Lastly thank you for staying with just hunting loads and no match ammo
.30-06 or .270 will do the job on deer or elk (use appropriate grain bullet). I used the .30-06 for years on deer, antelope, and elk. These days, I use the .243 for deer and antelope as it is easier for my old body to carry.
This is actually the kind of comparison most would like to see because both have long been used in hunting. And yes, the .30-06 has been around longer and would always be more available. But young and snappy upstart can come along and supercede it. In my own informal comparisons, I have several .308 Wins. But I know my 7 PRC outperforms it. So, I am looking forward to the podcast episode on this set of evidence.
😎 That has always been my philosophy and then you can decide for yourself! That is what I did with the 30-06 and 270 - I prefer the 270 Winchester, but both are different tools and both work Great and have different applications! 😃
With bullet design and engineering having advanced to the point that it has most bullets will behave similarly within the first 3-6 inches after hitting the target. So cartridge selection becomes more a matter of how much mass and velocity is required to get the job done.
Six of one, half-dozen of the other. I love my .270 Win, but if I had bought the same rifle in .30-06, there's nothing I've done with that rifle that I wouldn't have been able to do.
😎 The 270 Winchester, Hands Down! 🤑 I Own Both, and I Wouldn't Limit That Statement to Just "Deer" - Unless Your Saying "Deer Family" - To Include Elk and Moose Too? 😯 Both Do a Fine Job Though! 👨⚖ I Just Hope That You Picked Quality Bullets To Test? 🕵️♂️
Looked like tie to me. If you only hunt deer, then both are equal. If you hunt larger than deer, then the 30-06 has the edge. It can go up to a 220gr projectile. So the deciding factor would be which can YOU shoot accurately. Does not matter what bullet weight you have if you can't hit the target. I bought a 30-06 for my daughter to hunt with, but when we went to the range she didn't like shooting it. She ended up using her grandfathers .264 win mag. The win mag was a bolt action and the 30-06 was a semi-auto. She was comfortable with a bolt action, but the semi-auto wasn't.
I have both and they are both exceptional, but you really need to shoot them out of the same rifle, my 30/06 woods-master with a 20 inch barrel has less recoil than my .270 700 custom 26 inch. They are just different tools. Nice to have both. Both those loadings are great
I have used both too. I am a hardcore 30-06 man. But in comparable scenarios I doubt a hunter can tell a difference. Both are more than enough. I will not say one is better than the other for deer. Either are a great choice. I bet your 20" 30-06 has some great history!
@@winstonjones7519 It does, my Grandfather had it before me, it was his first scoped rifle, he filled the filled the freezer for years with it, it’s much more accurate than people give it credit for. It very smooth easy to get on target in the thick woods, I wouldn’t hesitate to take it out anytime.
I would still like to see 30 06 130 grain TTSX performance in gel. I was really hoping you would include that in this comparison. They're both great cartridges, I have rifles chambered in both and I wouldn't complain about either one!
270 and 30 / 06 are my favorite deer calibers. The 30/06 is way more versatile and can do what the 270 can do and then some on larger game . Recoil sensitive folks should opt for the 270
The copper round with .270 is a little concerning. I've seen and read other guys complain about .270 solid copper ammo penciling through game and not expanding. Low and behold this is what happened with the very first shot. Thanks for actually showing this and not editing. It should have been a pretty big deduction for the .270, at least in this test.
I have been hunting since I was 16 with my savage 270, when I turned 20 I found myself with some money, and bought an ATR in 30-06 and I started noticing some things, the bigger deer that would usually run after being shot with the 270 didn't run, or ran less when hit with the 06. If course this is all anecdotal. When I turned 25, I found myself kinda forced to sell one of my rifles, after much deliberation I decided to sell my Savage 270, at a stupid deal, let's just say somebody really needed a rifle, and I didn't want to let it go. It was then that I decided to dip my toe into the reloading world since I had made a choice of caliber, looking back that was probably the best choice I've ever made, between the load recipes and projectile choices I can load any cartridge for anything you want dead at any range within reason. From 60gr all the way to 220gr and even 250 round nose bullets, from subsonic to stoooopid fast.
Dropped my elk this with a 130gr .270 this year. Through and through wound cavity and the lower recoil and flatter shooting made it easier to hit a clean shot which is honestly the most important thing in this match. If you can shoot, neither will fail you, but ill stick with the 270 for a while, I think.
Guys, I'm up in Canada, just got my gun license a few months ago, I'm looking at getting my first hunting rifle. Gonna spend as much on glass as the rifle, but while I find it really fun to learn about each caliber, I'm wanting to make the right decision. My budget is ok, but I can only buy one rifle and one scope for a couple of years anyway. I've shot about every type of gun, but not much, so I have to get 'good' first. Ammo cost is therefore a concern, so 30-06 was the forerunner. My intent is to hunt deer, likely in Alberta or British Columbia, next year, likely < 200meters (220yards) until I get really good. But I also want to try some longer range shooting (up to 500yards, targets only). I'm considering the Sako S20 Hunter & the Browning XBolt 2 Speed, A Tikka of some kind, but if money goes ok, the Benelli Lupo BE.S.T. 30-06? A relative beginner should take advice & focus on being safe & humane, so I don't want to wound something, I of course want an accurate shot with a heavier bullet. Ammo isn't too expensive in comparison to most, I'm told. I heard about the recoil of the 30-06, but I'm pretty stocky so recoil isn't a big deal to me unless it affects my aim. Since I have to get good, let alone zero the scope, I need to go through a lot of ammo. 308? I thought of .308, since most outdoor ranges here in eastern Canada limit you to 308 due to noise. All suppressors, even plastic ones on pellet rifles, are illegal here. Don't even get me started, it's ridiculous. I know it's got less recoil than 30-06 & experienced hunters laud the 308 as a fantastic round for deer, but I wonder if I'll want 'more'. I want this to be my one good deer rifle, a 'forever' type of thing. 6.5PRC? I started reading charts & listening to the pros on UA-cam. The flatness, the recoil, the longer distances, the 6.5 PRC. It's basically ideal for what I *think* I want in a hunting rifle. Ammo would not be cheap. I'm not gonna bargain-basement the whole experience, but I have to be reasonable. If I bought one today, it'd likely be 6.5PRC. 270? I respect Ron Spomer's advice, as well as WhoTeeWho, and of course, Jim Harmer. Lots of great nuggets of wisdom, especially for me. Mr Spomer mentioned his ideal deer rifle would be the 270. It seems to this greenhorn that the 270 is like a diet version of the 30-06, though they report similar recoil energy. They tend to be cheaper (at least now in Canada) than the 30-06. So if you guys were me - a beginner looking to get a high quality rifle & scope (likely $1300 on the scope, $1800 on the rifle), need to 'get good' at ranges, can handle recoil, want to hunt as early as next year so I'll need to go through lots of ammo & gun maintenance to get there, a caliber I'll always find capable for both hunting AND long distances - which caliber would be your pick?
I enjoy your videos but I would not compare these two fantastic rounds. If I am a person who hunts varmit, white tail and occasional Elk, the 270. But if I am in Alaska and there is the possibility of a brown bear, 30-06 for sure. Now, 30-06 and 300 WSM is a good comparison.
@@ronlowney4700 and putting the bullet in the right spot with a knowledgeable shot. My brother once launched a 470 yard shot at a running cow elk with a 270. I don’t know how he brought her down because that was a serious Hail Mary tug on the trigger. I’d spent time on the range with him and he wasn’t generally able to make shots like that. Sometimes pure dumb luck or the grace of God put meat on the table.
I have both . I like the 30-06 a little better for hunting in wooded area and bigger critters than the 270 . I like the 270 for medium game in open areas. The 270 makes for a great long rang varmit cartridge becase of splat factor.
Great video! I have one of each. Both are plenty medicine for whitetails. I shoot a little better with my 270, so it's my go to deer rifle. However, if I was to get a chance to go elk or moose hunting, I'd probably opt for the 06 and heavier bullets.
130 copper solid or Bonded bullet in the .270 would work as well or better. Suppress it and glass it with a large exit pupil option to see if you can spot your own hit. I have them all, but as much as I love my Pre-64 Mod 70 in .270 Win, it just sits in the case. My 7yr-old bugged me about taking it out, so I'll let him experience my same childhood joy of blasting water jugs with 130gr SP going Mach 3.
The 30-06 has easy ammo availability around the world compared to the 270 win. Also, the dirty little secret is that handloaders are loading the 30-06 hot....most likely exceeding the 60,000 psi max pressure using high quality cases. You won't hear to much on that due to liability concerns. For all practical purposes the 270 win, 30-06 and 280 rem are pretty much interchangeable. If one wants a slight step up then the 280AI delivers...kinda. If one wants better performance with not too much extra recoil then the 7mm rem mag, 7mm wby mag and 300 win mag would be the next step up. Beyond that imo would be calibers for dangerous game such as the 375 h&h, 416 rem mag and 416 rigby.
It seems to me that most people favor the .270 because of the flatter shooting, 'longer range' capability of the cartridge over the 30:06. The one qualifier of that argument to me would be, how many of hunters, could reliably, and practically, be able to put the bullet in the correct spot, under hunting conditions. The majority of times, the capabilities and skill of the person firing the rifle, is the biggest limiting factor of distance, and accuracy, of the shot taken.
I’m a 30-06 guy because I can/ (use to) find ammo for it in 174 countries. If I go on a hunting trip and I need ammunition, there’s a greater chance I can find the ammo. Well, not necessarily the same ammo because I shoot a custom load, but what I mean is that I can still find something to work with. The Winchester model 70 in 270 was my first rifle ever, even before a 22. But I never seen a 270 in Africa, nevertheless the ammo. A couple years ago I built a custom 30-06 for my cousin, Hart 26” 1-9” twist barrel, Weatherby action, AtOne Boyd stock, Basixs trigger 3ounce pull, Barnes 168 grn bullet with 47.5 Varget powder on Lapua with CCI or Winchester primers. I should have kept it for myself.
Ryan might as well go ahead and schedule that root canal now that he’s suffered through admitting that the 270 Winchester “is a fine cartridge.” 😝 Personally my first bolt action rifle is chambered in 270 Winchester but I recently bought a 30-06 …
Have both, shot many deer over five decades of hunting, and my Sako finnlight in 270 win is the winner!!! One shot (well placed) will drop, repeat drop any whitetail fast.... Most times they don't even take another step...
Let's talk about the Nosler Partition. 180gr in the 30-06 did a great job on the deer here in PA last year. Used the 125gr Partition out of a model 7 6.5 creedmoor that was great too
Been useing a 270 win. Now for 65 years. Usualy use 150 grain bullets but have used 130s. Longest shot i ever attempted was 250 yards. And was sucsesfull. I30s are pron to deflect in brushy areas. Here in oregon the west side is extreamly trees and brush with blacktail deer. When the eastern part of oregon is more openand has the much larger mule deer. My choice for both is 150s. For stopping power and for better brush use. 30 .06 is a fine rifle as well
I think if you are going to get your first rifle and it comes down to to these to cartridges. Which ever model of gun is best for your budget should be your pick. I went with the 270 because My dad shoots that. And I wanted to have interchangeable ammo so there was no confusion.
I used to have a 30-06 , sold it for a 300 win mag as i figured if i ever hunted elk or moose i wanted all the power i could handle. But as i get older I understand that power isn't everything, and recently acquired a deceased family members Remington 700 bdl in 270. I'm more than happy with that rifle and plan to hunt with it for many years to come. I also own a 243 and 30-30 and would like to see those two pitted against each other in a future episode. Only because of the fact they offer similar bullet energy at the muzzle.
Any of the above lol, but that 243 will smash that 30-30 if your trying to stretch it out at all. I used a 102 year old Winchester 94 in 30-30 last year and I guarantee you that whitetail buck didn’t care that it was a old slow cartridge, that hornady leverevolution performed fanatic he didn’t move but 20 foot before dropping.
@@jaydunbar7538 id just like to see a side by side comparison on the gel. i know past 125 yards the 243 wins in terms of speed, energy, drop , etc. but within the 30-30s "range" , are they comparable?
Everything in debates boils down to these elements: "Shot placement is the only thing that matters!" So you can pop a deer in the brain with a .22wmr and it will die instantly, vs. a lung shot with a .50 bmg. "No man, you gotta have a lot of speed! Speed kills!" So you pop a deer in the CNS with a 220 Swift and it drops right there, vs. a lung shot with a .30-30. "No man, all you gotta have is adequate penetration and hemorrhaging of vessels!" So you pop a deer with a .45-70 in the lungs and leaves a gaping hole gushing blood, and the deer runs off 25 yards and falls over dead. Then they say "See!! See!! shot placement is everything!!" And the argumentation goes on and on and on, the cartridge-lovers debate on and on and on. The problem here lies in people who don't understand how to balance a half dozen intrinsically married factors all at the same time and they are trying to take things to divorce court.
@@winstonjones7519 Even if I had to replace what I have, I have ammunition and reloading components. I can even use my projectiles for my. 300 blackout, 7.62X51, and 300 win mag. I have bullet weights from 110g-220g, and everything in between.
This debate is so old and ridiculous but compared to all the new stuff that everyone's trying to sell they are still the two best cartridges excluding my favorite a 7 mm mag which I think is the perfect but everyone's still continues to watch and love these debates. Go on forever
Can I suggest using bullets of equal or approximate SDs when comparing different calibers. I think doing this would make the gel test a more accurate comparison. In this particular comparison of the 270 vs. 30-06 that would be the 130gr @ 0.242 SD against the 165gr @ 0.248 SD.
I have both and both were given to me. 06' has been in the family for a long time and is a heavier rifle. I'm hoping to get an elk with it. My 06' happens to prefer 165 gr Core-Lokt tipped ammunition, the 270 happens to like 150 gr federal ammunition. Both are responsible for putting venison in the freezer. 😁
I'm a big fan of the Remington core lock tipped 165 gr in my 30-06 it shoots really really well and I've put it out there to 800 yards and grouped really nice 5 shots on a 18" steel target...Granted I was aiming 50' into the sky line but it grouped out of my Mauser 98 action with a 26" Douglas #4 barrel using a EC tuner muzzle break.... Also using the tuner I didn't have to do any adjustments using the Remington ammo.... But all the others that I have used need a little dialing to get the groups tighter but also I believe it has to do with muzzle velocity that did increase with my other options.
That's funny, because my 06' is a Mauser action. It originally came over from Europe when my (technically step grandfather) and his buddy were in WWII. It was originally an 8mm. There was a company out of CA that was converting the rifles to 06' (the US Standard issue). Now I have it. It does not like 150 gr or 180 gr rounds. I can only shoot 165's and it really likes the Core-Lok tipped.
My hunting group uses 270, 308, 30-06, and 300wm for our yearly moose hunt. Each of us are very comfortable with our rifles and never lose or wound animals.
🙌
I have all of those cartridges. JUST got the Tikka 300WM earlier this year. Haven't had one in decades. Very happy with it and the factory Norma ammo - 180 Bondstrike and 150 Whitetail, 1/2 MOA with both, using Zeiss scope
300wm is pretty solid
I shot a .25/06, best deer gun ever!!
@jim4405 father in law uses 25 06 and loves it. I am a 30 06 and love mine. Both Remington 700 bdl
I've been deer hunting for almost 50 years and in my honest opinion the 30-06 is the most versatile caliber ever created .
Use in war. O6. Knock down lot of human buck's.
Meh, most aren't shooting anything outside of the 125, 150, 165, and 180gr. The 338s have 165-300gr. The 165 and 180gr can be loaded down to 06 level and do everything it will do, and on the high end you can crank it up quite a bit for every non-dangerous game species, and dangerous game besides elephants and hippos. I guess the 06 has 110gr bullets for varmints, but I'd bet less than 1% of 06 shooters are shooting 110gr bullets in any hunting application. Pretty much like Petzal said, the 338 is like an 06 with more muscle in reserve when needed. The 06 has it's place, but all this versatility I hear about seems to only consider animals up to about elk or grizzly size.
The 30-06 will kill a Elephant I believe Teddy Roosevelt killed a elephant himself with one.
@@papajohnsy6659factor in cost and 30-06 becomes the clear winner
308 is the only cartridge you need in all of North America. Talk about versatile.
I’m a .270 Win man. I just love the cartridge - almost recoil free, flat shooting hard hitting and most suitable for medium to large soft skinned game. Almost perfect deer rifle.
Plus, you can find it anywhere ammo is sold, even if the other calibers are long gone from the shelf.
How is a 270 recoil free dude 😂
Recoil free?? 😂 idk what kind of gun you have cause my .270 kicks like a damn mule a hate having to sight it in. Everybody I know that has one say theirs kicks bad too.
@@sethpujol1704 Mine isn't bad especially compared to a magnum, definitely a case by case basis as different shooters have different tolerances for recoil and model to model 2 guns in the same cartridge won't kick the same.
@@sethpujol1704 Yeah it's definitely not recoil free. It's got a snappier recoil than my .308, because my rifle is a lightweight mountain build, I put a Limbsaver recoil pad to help.
I hunt the high plains of Colorado and Wyoming for Pronghorn and Plains Deer. I shoot a bolt action Howa, marked "Smith and Wesson" in .270 with 22 inch bbl. The cartridge is a hand load stoked with 130 gr. Speer "Grand Slam" bullet, C.C.I "200 large rifle primer and 57 gr. IMRI 4831 powder. Average shot distance: 200 yards. Longest one shot kill: 485 paces.
At nearly 76 years of age, I can still consistently shoot a 4 to 5 inch diameter at 300 yards....For how much longer? We shall see!!!
Thanks for "Cartridge Talk".... Good dialogue!
That's quite a bit of powder there isn't
@@Mark-qq7io
Yes, it is a hot load.
According to the manual, velocity is right at 3,100 fps. CUP measures 61,700 shot from a 24 in. test barrel.
That being said; in 20+ years shooting this load, I've never experienced any problems with case extraction, flattened or cratered primers.
That's a spicy meatball! Keep hunting hard my friend.
Hopefully for a long time!
I shoot the same load just about 57.5 gr IMR431 and either a 130gr Speer SP or Nosler Partition. 3180 fps out of my Winchester M-70 Super Grade, Longest shot 400 yards on a Mule Deer in the Fort Peck Area of MT. Not quite as old, I am 68. At least that what my Chronograph tells me out of a 24 inch barre. 165 gr bullets out of a 30-06 and I have one, I really can't tell the difference.
I started at 14 years old with the 270. My dad always used the 06. Over the years they both did the job superbly on whitetail.
I have used both. As far as deer hunting goes, most hunters will never see a difference.Most deer shooting is done at less than 200 yards. In my experience anyway. Either of these great rounds have more power than you need at that range.
Up to 200yd, go with the .30-30.
yeah up to 200 yards you can go with just about anything, No difference at all.
@@Simon-talks Except recoil, lever vs. bolt.
Yup. For common hunting distances within 50-150yds, any centerfire rifle cartridge will kill deer effectively.
For 200-300yds, short barrel 6.5 Grendel will get it done cleanly.
Out to 400yds, you can use a bit longer Grendel, 18" or more, .243 Win, 6mm Creedmoor.
Once you pass that point, you might consider stepping up to 6.5CM, 6.5x47L, .260 Rem, 7mm-08, or 7x57.
If you're looking at 600-800yds, time to go 6.5 PRC, 7mm Mag, 7 WSM, 7 SAUM, or 7 PRC.
I don't see much use for the early 1900s cartridges and rifles anymore, other than nostalgia. I have .270 Win and .30-06. The main reason I wouldn't use them anymore is that I just don't train with them these days.
Why compare carriages using different types of guns? A semi is not as accurate and has less energy than a bolt action. Carriage comparisons should be with the same brand and the same type of gun.
Hi Everyone... I've used the .270 win. from the top of the world to the bottom of the world(Yukon to South Africa). From Tennessee ground hogs to Yukon moose, grizzly bear, caribou. In Zimbabwe and South Africa, from tiny dik dik to 2,000 to 2500 lb Eland. All one shot kills except a big water buk that I shot too low in the chest. Aftet a VERY long tracking session and avoiding a lion pride, a second shot to the back of the head did the job. Finn Aagaard and Jack O'Connor both wrote about shot placement as the critical consideration in killing power. Aagaard stated that 90 percent of killing power is shot placement...the other ten percent is the unknown. I agree with O'Connor and Aagaard. I killed my cape buffalo with one shot using a 9.3 x 62 Mauser. It is a 1905 cartridge of German origin. No one can tell the difference in killing power between the 9.3 x 62 vs the .375 H&H Magnum. The .270 win has good sectional density. For example, the 130gr .270 is equal to a 165gr .308 caliber bullet. I treasure the memories of seeing just how wicked and deadly the .270 Win is in the field.
I’ve been killing deer with a common 150 grain cup and core 270 for over fifty years with several others mixed in just for fun. I’ve never been a world wide hunter and never will be but I’ve got many rifles I could use if if was possible. Most recently acquired was Husqvarna 9.3x62 just because I wanted it to compare to my 35 Whelen. You mentioned both Jack O’Connor and Finn Aagaard. Jack really concentrated on shot placement and using the right cartridge for the game. Many internet no-nothings think Jack only hunted with the 270 which is far from the truth. Jack hunted with everything from 250 Savage to a defunct number called the 450 Watts Magnum which was equal to the 458 Lott. His favorite for dangerous game was the 416 Rigby but in his Complete Book of Rifles and Shotguns he wrote that if he could have only one rifle to hunt the world over it would be a 375 H&H Magnum. Of course he went on to say that if he was allowed a second rifle it would be a 270 Winchester!😊
Yep! Both of these experienced hunters knew that bullet placement was the most important aspect of killing power. I personally believe, from experience, that cup and core bullets kill a wee bit faster than the copper expanding bullets. Perhaps 4-5 seconds at the best. Yet, I've seen animals killed in their tracks with copper bullets. I've shot the .270 Win for sixty one years now(age 71 now). Most of the bullets have been Hornady reloads. No complàints as I've noticed Hornady bullets kill extremely fast. Dead in their tracks(deer) and complete penetration most of the time. Have fun with the 9.3. The 35 Whelen may not give any/very little ammo choices internationally. The 9.3 has once again become a popular international cartridge with good ammo choices internationally.
@@glennrcampbell4411 I used the 150 grain Hornady Spire Point in front of 56 grains of H4831 in my Ruger M77 270. Usually bang flop. Never shot anything over 300 yards. Rarely over 200.
I am left with the impression, from observation, that cup and core kill a wee bit faster on medium game. Perhaps three or four seconds faster....hard to say.
Gonna be hard to gin up drama here - both are great and obviously 100% up to the job.
I have said it before, the .270 is the BEST cartidge for North America. Lower recoil, but immense power. Get one of the new Browning rifles with a 1/7.5" twist, run a 155gr Terminal Ascent or 155gr LRX bullet and goodness gracious you can take ANYTHING in North America with less recoil and drop than a .30-06 and a .308.
.270 FTWin
🤠 YEP!
Thoughts: I’d take the .30-06 for elk/moose/bear, the .270 for deer/pronghorn (out west).
Where I live in the east, .308 is about as much as most people need.
All are great cartridges and it all depends upon what you are hunting and where, for sure! 👍😃
The 308 win can be effective on deer out to 450 plus yards so it has more range than many people think.
🕵️♂️ Anything past 400 yards is pushing it, even with the best bullets! 350 yards for elk, would be my limit with it! 👨⚖
I love the fact that that you can find factory ammo from 125 grain to 220 grain in the 30 06. Makes it a great do-it-all rifle IMO.
Bullet weight selection is definitely a downside to the 270, although that is improving with the 6.8 western and others coming around.
True. But the topic of the video is which cartridge is better for DEER, specifically; and the .270 plausibly has the edge. However, if one is to have only one rifle for all big game, most hunters, and these two guys, would certainly opt for the 30-06.
@@phild9813 the trouble with many 6.8 projectiles is the higher weight needs a faster twist rate. That's why the 270 never had options beyond 150 to begin with.
@@andrewhirsch6472 if mostly limited to deer then the 25-06 should have been included. And the 25 would also out shine both on smaller game.
@@rball690 : For the vast majority of deer, I agree. For big northern whitetails that are often over 300 lbs., the 25-06 is certainly adequate, albeit on the light side. It doesn't sell as well as perhaps it should, which is why it wasn't discussed in this video.
This is a debate that will continue for a long time 😂
Both are more than adequate for deer.
I have both, love both, and there isn’t a deer walking that they won’t take care of. Based on the criteria and my personal experiences, the 270 is just hard to beat. That screaming 130 just tends to lay deer down, whether it’s a traditional soft point or my favorite ttsx’s
As long as it gets the job done!
Started with a Winchester mod 70 in 270 cal, still using it as my primary rifle. Every now and then I'll use my 30-30 or 7mm 08 just for a change. Love all three.
LOL, you guys are awesome, and also killing me. For DEER? I mean...I'm .30-06 til I die...but I can't imagine a world in which the .270 could be considered anything but excellent for deer.
Both are terrific, and so are you! Thanks for tuning in.
Both have a long way to go to achieve the same kill rate successes as the .30-30.
@@exothermal.sprocket if your talking numbers killed OK but if you are referring to performance of the actual projectile than the 30-30 is lacking. If hit equally the 30-30 has far worse ability.
@@rball690 Within the range of the .30-30, I seriously doubt it. In fact due to the velocity and diameter of the .277 bullet by comparison, and the spitzer shape of it, it's less reliable doing the same things as the .30-30 is supposed to do.
@@exothermal.sprocket I was talking about the 25-06 but the same applies. Has the 30-30 killed many deer yes but the bullet performance isn't the reason. Shear numbers of shots is. When you look at retained energy or flatness of the shot round there is no comparison. I have seen too many deer wounded by 30-30's.
I have both, but 30-06 is still my go to get it done caliber. Nice job!
Jack O Conner loved the 270 but he also used the 3006 on many occasions he was a big advocate of using the proper tool depending on the game hunted, he shot over a dozen grizzlies with the 3006 and Jack admitted the 3006 was more versatile.
🕵️♂️ Versatility in bullet selection YES, But performance in similar bullet weights NO! Why? Because, in Common Bullet Weights, the 270's Bullets Have Higher B.C.'s and Higher Sectional Densities (It Shoots Flatter and Penetrates Deeper)! It Just Depends Upon What You Are Trying to Accomplish! I Own Both Calibers, So I Know - From Almost 50 Years Of Using Them! I Would Choose the 30-06 for a 50 yard shot on 3,500 lb Bison and the 270 Winchester for a 500 yard shot on a Pronghorn Antelope! Different Tools for Different Needs! 🤷♂️ Neither is "Really Better" for Everything - is the Lesson That Should be Learned! 👨⚖ Proper Bullet Selection is What Matters Most - Not Caliber or Cartridge - is the Lesson That Should Be Understood Here! 👨🎓
@ronlowney4700 I think the 7mm Magnum is the equivalent to the 3006, in a lot af areas. I can load my Remington 700 in 7mm Magnum from 120 grains to a plethora of bigger bullets. Either way, all of the mentioned cartridges are more than capable of taking most game.
@@64samsky7mm rem mag is very versatile cartridge...the 270 just less recoil...
His last rifle he acquired was a 280 Rem
Might as well own all three! 🤑
I'm a 270win guy. Got a savage axis with a Boyds stock. Hasn't let me down. However, now that I have young kids getting into it, I've been shooting 350legend cuz my 6 year old can shoot it no problem and it does destroy deer just the same.
Overall if it kills, it kills. And if it brings me food it brings me food.
Great video guys!
I love the .270 it’s the best all around hunting cartridge IMO
I chose the 270 years ago because everyone has a 3006. Never had an issue killing deer with my 270.
I'll still go with the 30-06
Great choice.
🤷♂️ In All Fairness, The Wound Channel of the 30-06 looks a "Little Bigger" in both cases! But, You Would Also Expect That When Your Using Heavier Bullets Too! Additionally, Testing a Bullets Performance At "Close Range" isn't Going to Be An Accurate Representation of What Happens at 400 Yards Either! That, is Where the 270 Will Shine! And, Yes, I Own Both Cartridges and Both Have Their Own "Applications"/"Specialities"! 🤗
30.06 for me to but thats because of my most trusted rifle more than anything.
👨⚖ You Still Can't Go Wrong With That Choice Either and That Is Why I Own Both! 😂 They Are Different Tools For Different Jobs, That's All! 🤷♂️
But, For Deer and Antelope, Give Me the 270 Winchester! 🦌 For, Bison and Bears, Then It Is The 30-06! 🐮🐻 For Elk, Either, As I Have Killed Big Bulls With Both! 🤠
Being South African, the .270 has such nice versatile hunting application using only one bullet weight, 130gr.
You can hunt all the same bigger (affordable) game, but it just makes a way nicer springbuck rifle.
Good to know
:) the .270 is the greatest cartridge of all time, thanks for more truth guys!
I have the Remington 700 BDL in .270 and a Weatherby Vanguard in 30-06, I shoot both in 150gr and both love it sub 1 Moa on both rifles. I will switch between both of them for deer hunting and coyote hunting. They both work and do the job, however shoot ability goes to the .270 as it’s a solid wooden stock, the 30-06 is a synthetic stock and recoils more. The accuracy both are the same, I have found the 30-06 can eat different weighted bullets better than the .270 as it takes more adjustment on the scope to sight in. So pick one and you win period :) love this debate with die hards on both sides :)
20 years ago I turned a Canadian whitetail outfitter into a believer who initially didnt think that my 270 was up to the task on their giant whitetails. After turning the vitals into gelatin with a single Nosler Ballistic Tip, he was absolutely wowed by the performance.
An outfitter didn’t think a .270 was enough for deer?? They’re deer not huge brown bears lol
.270 Win and .30-06 are both overkill for deer, with loss of your sight picture when you break the shot. This means you need a trained spotter to be on glass when you break the shot to see where your impact was.
Exceptions are if you're shooting mulies at distances from 400yds+, where .270 Win shines with its trajectory.
If a hunter wants to see their hits within 300yds, it's better to go with something lighter-recoiling that you can practice with.
I’m not sure how you draw the conclusion that .270 or 06 are overkill for deer. I’ve killed deer with both and I can’t see it’s been blown apart by either caliber. Usually I hear more about damage when someone uses 7mm or 300 wm or bigger.
@@usa-rb5fi It's not the terminal performance, but the sight picture behavior if you want to see what happened. If you don't care or are relying on a trained spotter to see your impact and what the animal does after the shot, they're fine.
Muzzle blast, recoil, and muzzle climb with .270 Win and .30-06 are excessive, and also don't allow you to practice with them regularly unless you shoot light, reduced power loads.
Rifles that are difficult to practice with don't allow you to build confidence, but this can be offset if you have another small caliber rifle set up the same way, same trigger, same type of sights/optic.
I've been shooting .270 Winchester and .30-06 since 1983, love the .270's flat trajectory and how it vaporizes water jugs, but I don't shoot them anymore.
My youngest has been begging me to take the .270 out, so we're doing that this week.
I'm from Saskatchewan everyone when I was growing up used the 270. And it's great for coyotes. While your looking for the whitalils lol
Deer can’t tell the difference. I have an 06 my buddy has .270 my deer usually drop while his run. Could be shot placement and ammo too. Would trust both calibers with me shooting lol.
An interesting historical note is that in the early days of the 270, it was known for dropping deer in their tracks whereas the 30-06 was not. This is largely due to the lower performance of bullets and powders available at the time. The higher velocity of the 270 tended to create a larger temporary cavity and stun the animal which would often die before regaining movement. Even in this test, the 270 seemed to do more damage in the first few inches. It is important to note that the performance of both cartridges has increased dramatically since the 1920's, so DRT animals are now common with both.
@@jfess1911 .30-30 enters the chat...
Well, I have been shooting a 30,06 since 1980. I dont see a reason to change now.
Yall hit the nail on the head. 30,06 was used in the military from 1906, all the way into Panama in the 80s, when the military switched to the .308. I am perfectly happy using my 100 plus year old technology.
I am a little nervous taking my .270 win with these same 130gr copper bullets on an elk hunt, but this video made me feel a lot more confident about doing it.
One of the most famous gun writers of ALL time Jack O’Conner used the 270 for years in elk! Enough said!
@@edwardabrams4972 .... and today's bullets can perform much better!
Dude people have taken thousands of elk with a .243 Winchester…. With cup and core bullets. The .270 is more than adequate for elk and moose, especially with copper and bonded bullets.
You could take ANYTHING in North America with the .270 Winchester. Nothing to worry about, you do not need a magnum.
Throughout all the different cartridge talks and cartridge comparison videos out there, the fact that every content creator has to pin/ compare any cartridge up against the 30-06 as the median/ standard, tells you everything you need to know about the 30-06. It's the benchmark to which every cartridge aims to be, yet can never equal in terms of its versatility, availability, cost and effectiveness on game, targets, steel, world wars and alien invasions. The real winner everytime will be the 30-06 just for showing up.
WELL SAID.100%🇺🇸
I couldn't agree more. I would throw in the fact that the cartridge is nearly 120 years old. The greats stand the test of time.
100% tried & true caliber
I have shot both calibers for many years, and own rifles in both calibers.
Both of them are winners in my opinion.
That being said, I use my 270 more than my '06.
For varminting I use a hand load with the Sierra 90gr HP and IMR 3031. Absolutely devastating!
For deer any good 130gr bullet will get it done.
My 270 is a Marlin XL7. Love that gun!
Great video!
I have a marlin .270 as well! Great gun
I'll stay a 06 fan and owner. My favorite bullet weight is a 165 gr spitzer boat tail of whatever construction is readily available. With that bullet it compares more closely to the 270 with 130 gr bullet.
I agree. I've heard of many handloaders getting 3,000 fps out of the 30-06 with 165 grain bullets. It's not as slow as a lot of people think.
Since I'm on the East Coast, I'll stick with my early 80's Remington 700 in 7mmO8. I have other rifles in 5.56, 243, 6.5, 308, 30O6, and 7.62× 54R. I'll probably never have the need for the heavier calibers while living here.
Used both. Taken deer with both. I like both. I like the .270 better as far as whitetail hunting is concerned. Less recoil and shoots flat.
Bout time!! I have been waiting for this. This was a topic back in the 70s amongst the kids I went to school with that hunted. Thank you.
I'll stick with my 06 thank you.
130 gr Barnes ttsx and a proper charge of IMR 4064 at 3150 fps will compete with the 270 all day long at ranges I'd shoot. I've owned and used both and can't tell any difference in recoil with either and 130gr projectiles.
My conclusion: Keep rocking the 270 and don't "upgrade" to copper ammunition. I have had great results with basic cup/core bullets like the interlock and ELDX. Last deer killed with a 145gr eldx still had a fat exit wound at 309 yards.
Yea can't go wrong with a 270 and standard SP projectiles.
I don't even use bonded. Just $25 box of federal or win power point. Haven't lost one yet.
Tough one to call 270 recoil/drop drift, 30-06 versatile/availability. Going to come down results on gel block. These are my favorite Vortex nation content, another one I’ll watch 10 times!! 👍👍 6.8 western vs 6.5 prc next?
Thanks for tuning in. Stay tuned to find out what we have coming down the pipe (pun intended)!
SILLY to compare a 180 grain elk cartridge to a 130 grain deer cartridge. The only meaningful comparisons would be 130 gr .270 v. 150 gr .30-06, and 140 or 150 gr .270 v. 165 gr. '30-'06.
My buddy last year shot bull elk 360 yards 130 grain 270 copper bullet and it punch through the shoulder bone and clipped the other shoulder and passed right through dropping him dead in his tracks I was astonished
Both are great rounds for deer. I went 270 but that decision was based more on the Rifle I got a good deal on than the caliber. Brand new Remington 700 for $200.
That's a steal! Happy hunting.
Where you get it at Walmart or from a private seller
A working man's deer rifle. Good find!
Thank you. Excellent knowledeable facts shared in detail. I been using 270 for quite a while on whitetails. Never ever had a problem. used 150 to 135 bullets. all good.
The 280 Remington shooting 140 Partitions or Accubonds in the high 2900’s agreed no mulie or pronghorn.
EDIT: I think, based on experience from western hunting, any bullet weight above 165 grains from a 30-06 is not really the best choice for deer sized game.
My 280 Rem is shooting 140 Nos btips at 3200+ from a 24" barrel using Superformance powder
@@Accuracy1st I use a Leupold CDS scope with 140 Accubonds at 2965 from a 24” barrel. I don’t get too wrapped up in velocity since this load typically gives me less than 5/8” groups. I’ve killed pronghorn and mulies at 400 yards with this setup and almost all were one shot kills.
@@nmelkhunter1very nice. I don't get wrapped up on speed much but Superformance is new to me as of 2022 and I first tried it in my 270s and was amazed. It shines with lighter wt bullets, 110s, 129s, 130s so I thought I'd try it with the lighter wt 140s in my 280s and it did not disappoint accuracy or velocity or consistency. My one 280 Rem I still have is a 1/2" rifle with NBTs and Superformance
Never been to a store that didn’t have 30-06 and 270. In stock . I have both calibers and they are both great and if someone handed you one to go deer hunting without telling you what you actually had for a caliber . 90% probably would not know the difference and I promise ya the deer cant tell by 100%
I'm going with.270 mostly because it's what I've deer hunted with since I was 13.
I'd really like to see 2 more categories added to the test.
1 number of rifles models currently in production.
2 cost of feeding your rifle and availability to purchase, or do consider this within the shootability score(if you want ties with 6 categories)
Lastly thank you for staying with just hunting loads and no match ammo
I think they are kind of rolling all that into availability or accessibility.
Appreciate the feedback and we will ask the boys if they want to include that.
We also will cover this in the podcasts after the video to further dissect the ammo availability part.
I would like to see the results of a 130-grain copper bullet in both cartridges in the penetration test.
Thanks for the suggestion! We will add it to the hopper and see if we can make this a reality.
.30-06 or .270 will do the job on deer or elk (use appropriate grain bullet). I used the .30-06 for years on deer, antelope, and elk. These days, I use the .243 for deer and antelope as it is easier for my old body to carry.
Love this series. Please keep it going. Would like to see 270 vs 7mm-08.
This is actually the kind of comparison most would like to see because both have long been used in hunting. And yes, the .30-06 has been around longer and would always be more available. But young and snappy upstart can come along and supercede it.
In my own informal comparisons, I have several .308 Wins. But I know my 7 PRC outperforms it.
So, I am looking forward to the podcast episode on this set of evidence.
Thanks for tuning in!
🤠 You Really Can't Go Wrong With Either One! 🤑
I always say, "Why stop with one when you can have both!" Like how I have an AR10 in 6.5 cm and another in .308 win.
😎 That has always been my philosophy and then you can decide for yourself! That is what I did with the 30-06 and 270 - I prefer the 270 Winchester, but both are different tools and both work Great and have different applications! 😃
@@ronlowney4700 man, you my kind of people. 🤜
Jack O'Connor covered this topic thoroughly in his book The Hunting Rifle, in 1970.
But times have changed, with new bullets and powders! 👨⚖
Yes sir they have. However, the results are the same regardless. @@ronlowney4700
With bullet design and engineering having advanced to the point that it has most bullets will behave similarly within the first 3-6 inches after hitting the target. So cartridge selection becomes more a matter of how much mass and velocity is required to get the job done.
Interesting thought. Thank you Sir.
Six of one, half-dozen of the other. I love my .270 Win, but if I had bought the same rifle in .30-06, there's nothing I've done with that rifle that I wouldn't have been able to do.
If you love the smoke leaving the wound channel in slow-mo, this is the comment to like.
270 is the ultimate medium game cartridge
😎 The 270 Winchester, Hands Down! 🤑 I Own Both, and I Wouldn't Limit That Statement to Just "Deer" - Unless Your Saying "Deer Family" - To Include Elk and Moose Too? 😯 Both Do a Fine Job Though! 👨⚖ I Just Hope That You Picked Quality Bullets To Test? 🕵️♂️
Looked like tie to me. If you only hunt deer, then both are equal. If you hunt larger than deer, then the 30-06 has the edge. It can go up to a 220gr projectile.
So the deciding factor would be which can YOU shoot accurately. Does not matter what bullet weight you have if you can't hit the target.
I bought a 30-06 for my daughter to hunt with, but when we went to the range she didn't like shooting it. She ended up using her grandfathers .264 win mag. The win mag was a bolt action and the 30-06 was a semi-auto. She was comfortable with a bolt action, but the semi-auto wasn't.
I have both and they are both exceptional, but you really need to shoot them out of the same rifle, my 30/06 woods-master with a 20 inch barrel has less recoil than my .270 700 custom 26 inch. They are just different tools. Nice to have both. Both those loadings are great
I have used both too. I am a hardcore 30-06 man. But in comparable scenarios I doubt a hunter can tell a difference. Both are more than enough. I will not say one is better than the other for deer. Either are a great choice. I bet your 20" 30-06 has some great history!
@@winstonjones7519 It does, my Grandfather had it before me, it was his first scoped rifle, he filled the filled the freezer for years with it, it’s much more accurate than people give it credit for. It very smooth easy to get on target in the thick woods, I wouldn’t hesitate to take it out anytime.
Nice. That is cool. I love hearing that.@@andrewmccann7572
Gun Weight, Stock Design, and Recoil Pad Hardness and It's Surface Area All Play a Factor! 🤷♂️
@@ronlowney4700 Action also plays a large roll, my gas gun seems to really soak up the recoil.
Fair. Good job guys. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional, hunter, or a novice… Both work well for damn near everything.
Love my 270 been a real hammer on deer for me.
Pretty much guarantees that a ton of folks will never try the Copper Impact bullets from that single video captured failure to expand.
I would still like to see 30 06 130 grain TTSX performance in gel. I was really hoping you would include that in this comparison. They're both great cartridges, I have rifles chambered in both and I wouldn't complain about either one!
Yes! My thoughts exactly!
270 and 30 / 06 are my favorite deer calibers. The 30/06 is way more versatile and can do what the 270 can do and then some on larger game . Recoil sensitive folks should opt for the 270
🥳 The 270 Win. For The Win! 🥇🏆
The copper round with .270 is a little concerning. I've seen and read other guys complain about .270 solid copper ammo penciling through game and not expanding. Low and behold this is what happened with the very first shot. Thanks for actually showing this and not editing. It should have been a pretty big deduction for the .270, at least in this test.
I have been hunting since I was 16 with my savage 270, when I turned 20 I found myself with some money, and bought an ATR in 30-06 and I started noticing some things, the bigger deer that would usually run after being shot with the 270 didn't run, or ran less when hit with the 06.
If course this is all anecdotal.
When I turned 25, I found myself kinda forced to sell one of my rifles, after much deliberation I decided to sell my Savage 270, at a stupid deal, let's just say somebody really needed a rifle, and I didn't want to let it go.
It was then that I decided to dip my toe into the reloading world since I had made a choice of caliber, looking back that was probably the best choice I've ever made, between the load recipes and projectile choices I can load any cartridge for anything you want dead at any range within reason.
From 60gr all the way to 220gr and even 250 round nose bullets, from subsonic to stoooopid fast.
If you really want to know which one is the best, it's the one you feel the most confident with.
Dropped my elk this with a 130gr .270 this year. Through and through wound cavity and the lower recoil and flatter shooting made it easier to hit a clean shot which is honestly the most important thing in this match. If you can shoot, neither will fail you, but ill stick with the 270 for a while, I think.
Just 2 words Jack O'Connor. 270 does everything for me. 130gr - 150. Many deer and elk. No problem! I know, more than 2 words.
7mm-08 vs 6.5 creed orrrr 7mm-08 vs 7 Rem Mag. Also try the Accubond loads in the 7
Guys, I'm up in Canada, just got my gun license a few months ago, I'm looking at getting my first hunting rifle. Gonna spend as much on glass as the rifle, but while I find it really fun to learn about each caliber, I'm wanting to make the right decision. My budget is ok, but I can only buy one rifle and one scope for a couple of years anyway.
I've shot about every type of gun, but not much, so I have to get 'good' first. Ammo cost is therefore a concern, so 30-06 was the forerunner.
My intent is to hunt deer, likely in Alberta or British Columbia, next year, likely < 200meters (220yards) until I get really good.
But I also want to try some longer range shooting (up to 500yards, targets only). I'm considering the Sako S20 Hunter & the Browning XBolt 2 Speed, A Tikka of some kind, but if money goes ok, the Benelli Lupo BE.S.T.
30-06?
A relative beginner should take advice & focus on being safe & humane, so I don't want to wound something, I of course want an accurate shot with a heavier bullet. Ammo isn't too expensive in comparison to most, I'm told.
I heard about the recoil of the 30-06, but I'm pretty stocky so recoil isn't a big deal to me unless it affects my aim. Since I have to get good, let alone zero the scope, I need to go through a lot of ammo.
308?
I thought of .308, since most outdoor ranges here in eastern Canada limit you to 308 due to noise. All suppressors, even plastic ones on pellet rifles, are illegal here. Don't even get me started, it's ridiculous. I know it's got less recoil than 30-06 & experienced hunters laud the 308 as a fantastic round for deer, but I wonder if I'll want 'more'. I want this to be my one good deer rifle, a 'forever' type of thing.
6.5PRC?
I started reading charts & listening to the pros on UA-cam. The flatness, the recoil, the longer distances, the 6.5 PRC. It's basically ideal for what I *think* I want in a hunting rifle. Ammo would not be cheap. I'm not gonna bargain-basement the whole experience, but I have to be reasonable. If I bought one today, it'd likely be 6.5PRC.
270?
I respect Ron Spomer's advice, as well as WhoTeeWho, and of course, Jim Harmer. Lots of great nuggets of wisdom, especially for me. Mr Spomer mentioned his ideal deer rifle would be the 270. It seems to this greenhorn that the 270 is like a diet version of the 30-06, though they report similar recoil energy. They tend to be cheaper (at least now in Canada) than the 30-06.
So if you guys were me - a beginner looking to get a high quality rifle & scope (likely $1300 on the scope, $1800 on the rifle), need to 'get good' at ranges, can handle recoil, want to hunt as early as next year so I'll need to go through lots of ammo & gun maintenance to get there, a caliber I'll always find capable for both hunting AND long distances - which caliber would be your pick?
You couldn't have opened a Bigger Can of Worms? 😂
I enjoy your videos but I would not compare these two fantastic rounds. If I am a person who hunts varmit, white tail and occasional Elk, the 270. But if I am in Alaska and there is the possibility of a brown bear, 30-06 for sure. Now, 30-06 and 300 WSM is a good comparison.
I would love to see this. According to Hornady, a 165gr CX in 30-06 and 150gr American whitetail on 300WM are basically identical.
I enjoyed the 168 gr in 30-06 and a 140gr bonded in 270 Win.
😜 Yes, A Using A Good Quality Hunting Bullet is the Main Lesson Here, More Than Caliber! 👨🎓
@@ronlowney4700 and putting the bullet in the right spot with a knowledgeable shot. My brother once launched a 470 yard shot at a running cow elk with a 270. I don’t know how he brought her down because that was a serious Hail Mary tug on the trigger. I’d spent time on the range with him and he wasn’t generally able to make shots like that. Sometimes pure dumb luck or the grace of God put meat on the table.
I have both . I like the 30-06 a little better for hunting in wooded area and bigger critters than the 270 . I like the 270 for medium game in open areas. The 270 makes for a great long rang varmit cartridge becase of splat factor.
Great video! I have one of each. Both are plenty medicine for whitetails. I shoot a little better with my 270, so it's my go to deer rifle. However, if I was to get a chance to go elk or moose hunting, I'd probably opt for the 06 and heavier bullets.
130 copper solid or Bonded bullet in the .270 would work as well or better. Suppress it and glass it with a large exit pupil option to see if you can spot your own hit.
I have them all, but as much as I love my Pre-64 Mod 70 in .270 Win, it just sits in the case. My 7yr-old bugged me about taking it out, so I'll let him experience my same childhood joy of blasting water jugs with 130gr SP going Mach 3.
The 30-06 has easy ammo availability around the world compared to the 270 win. Also, the dirty little secret is that handloaders are loading the 30-06 hot....most likely exceeding the 60,000 psi max pressure using high quality cases. You won't hear to much on that due to liability concerns. For all practical purposes the 270 win, 30-06 and 280 rem are pretty much interchangeable. If one wants a slight step up then the 280AI delivers...kinda. If one wants better performance with not too much extra recoil then the 7mm rem mag, 7mm wby mag and 300 win mag would be the next step up.
Beyond that imo would be calibers for dangerous game such as the 375 h&h, 416 rem mag and 416 rigby.
It seems to me that most people favor the .270 because of the flatter shooting, 'longer range' capability of the cartridge over the 30:06. The one qualifier of that argument to me would be, how many of hunters, could reliably, and practically, be able to put the bullet in the correct spot, under hunting conditions. The majority of times, the capabilities and skill of the person firing the rifle, is the biggest limiting factor of distance, and accuracy, of the shot taken.
I’m a 30-06 guy because I can/ (use to) find ammo for it in 174 countries. If I go on a hunting trip and I need ammunition, there’s a greater chance I can find the ammo. Well, not necessarily the same ammo because I shoot a custom load, but what I mean is that I can still find something to work with. The Winchester model 70 in 270 was my first rifle ever, even before a 22. But I never seen a 270 in Africa, nevertheless the ammo.
A couple years ago I built a custom 30-06 for my cousin, Hart 26” 1-9” twist barrel, Weatherby action, AtOne Boyd stock, Basixs trigger 3ounce pull, Barnes 168 grn bullet with 47.5 Varget powder on Lapua with CCI or Winchester primers. I should have kept it for myself.
Ryan might as well go ahead and schedule that root canal now that he’s suffered through admitting that the 270 Winchester “is a fine cartridge.” 😝 Personally my first bolt action rifle is chambered in 270 Winchester but I recently bought a 30-06 …
Ryan 270🤔😳😂
We all can learn something here! 👨🏫
Have both, shot many deer over five decades of hunting, and my Sako finnlight in 270 win is the winner!!! One shot (well placed) will drop, repeat drop any whitetail fast.... Most times they don't even take another step...
I have owned both, still own a 270 and not the 06
My caliber is the 270 all day and my farther for sure he shot a lot of deer and never used more than 1 shot . He liked 130 gr. Sierra bullets.
Yeeeeeeees! Cant wait! Y'all should've made Ryan hold the .270 😂.
😆😆 Would've been like a vampire holding garlic.
Let's talk about the Nosler Partition. 180gr in the 30-06 did a great job on the deer here in PA last year.
Used the 125gr Partition out of a model 7 6.5 creedmoor that was great too
Loving the series. 6 arc vs 6.5 grendel?
Have owned both. Both have always done the job effectively. It really comes down to personal preference.
Definitely 270 great pod cast guys liked this
Been useing a 270 win. Now for 65 years. Usualy use 150 grain bullets but have used 130s. Longest shot i ever attempted was 250 yards. And was sucsesfull. I30s are pron to deflect in brushy areas. Here in oregon the west side is extreamly trees and brush with blacktail deer. When the eastern part of oregon is more openand has the much larger mule deer. My choice for both is 150s. For stopping power and for better brush use. 30 .06 is a fine rifle as well
There is a fast twist 270 available from browning...can you guys test it? Would love to see if it's a "game changer"?
We will have to see if we or Muck has one in the vault!
I think if you are going to get your first rifle and it comes down to to these to cartridges. Which ever model of gun is best for your budget should be your pick. I went with the 270 because My dad shoots that. And I wanted to have interchangeable ammo so there was no confusion.
I used to have a 30-06 , sold it for a 300 win mag as i figured if i ever hunted elk or moose i wanted all the power i could handle. But as i get older I understand that power isn't everything, and recently acquired a deceased family members Remington 700 bdl in 270. I'm more than happy with that rifle and plan to hunt with it for many years to come. I also own a 243 and 30-30 and would like to see those two pitted against each other in a future episode. Only because of the fact they offer similar bullet energy at the muzzle.
Any of the above lol, but that 243 will smash that 30-30 if your trying to stretch it out at all. I used a 102 year old Winchester 94 in 30-30 last year and I guarantee you that whitetail buck didn’t care that it was a old slow cartridge, that hornady leverevolution performed fanatic he didn’t move but 20 foot before dropping.
@@jaydunbar7538 id just like to see a side by side comparison on the gel. i know past 125 yards the 243 wins in terms of speed, energy, drop , etc. but within the 30-30s "range" , are they comparable?
Everything in debates boils down to these elements:
"Shot placement is the only thing that matters!"
So you can pop a deer in the brain with a .22wmr and it will die instantly, vs. a lung shot with a .50 bmg.
"No man, you gotta have a lot of speed! Speed kills!"
So you pop a deer in the CNS with a 220 Swift and it drops right there, vs. a lung shot with a .30-30.
"No man, all you gotta have is adequate penetration and hemorrhaging of vessels!"
So you pop a deer with a .45-70 in the lungs and leaves a gaping hole gushing blood, and the deer runs off 25 yards and falls over dead.
Then they say "See!! See!! shot placement is everything!!"
And the argumentation goes on and on and on, the cartridge-lovers debate on and on and on.
The problem here lies in people who don't understand how to balance a half dozen intrinsically married factors all at the same time and they are trying to take things to divorce court.
.270 kills 150,000 deer in the UK a year. Best TTSX bullet I've used in it. Don't need anything more for a red deer.
30-06. Because I already have one.
No need for anything else. I have used numerous calibers for deer. No round is better.
@@winstonjones7519 Even if I had to replace what I have, I have ammunition and reloading components. I can even use my projectiles for my. 300 blackout, 7.62X51, and 300 win mag. I have bullet weights from 110g-220g, and everything in between.
Have you ever used that 300 Blackout on deer? I bought one but and it shoots well but I haven't hunted with it. I reload too. @@seanomeirs8362
This debate is so old and ridiculous but compared to all the new stuff that everyone's trying to sell they are still the two best cartridges excluding my favorite a 7 mm mag which I think is the perfect but everyone's still continues to watch and love these debates. Go on forever
Hilarious how actually upset they are about the results.
Ya you would think they were talking about each others kids🤔😳😂
I would take the .270! Less recoil, and plenty of gun for Deer
Love your content ,an channel.I'm a .270 win fan.I shoot mine well .
Can I suggest using bullets of equal or approximate SDs when comparing different calibers. I think doing this would make the gel test a more accurate comparison. In this particular comparison of the 270 vs. 30-06 that would be the 130gr @ 0.242 SD against the 165gr @ 0.248 SD.
.270? You spelled .280 Remington wrong.
Exactly, and to your health sir! 🍻
LoL. .280 rem is great!
I have both calibers. But haven't taken anything with the 270 yet. But I've taken deer with my 30/06. But of the two I'm liking the 270 more and more.
I have both and both were given to me. 06' has been in the family for a long time and is a heavier rifle. I'm hoping to get an elk with it. My 06' happens to prefer 165 gr Core-Lokt tipped ammunition, the 270 happens to like 150 gr federal ammunition. Both are responsible for putting venison in the freezer. 😁
I'm a big fan of the Remington core lock tipped 165 gr in my 30-06 it shoots really really well and I've put it out there to 800 yards and grouped really nice 5 shots on a 18" steel target...Granted I was aiming 50' into the sky line but it grouped out of my Mauser 98 action with a 26" Douglas #4 barrel using a EC tuner muzzle break.... Also using the tuner I didn't have to do any adjustments using the Remington ammo.... But all the others that I have used need a little dialing to get the groups tighter but also I believe it has to do with muzzle velocity that did increase with my other options.
That's funny, because my 06' is a Mauser action. It originally came over from Europe when my (technically step grandfather) and his buddy were in WWII. It was originally an 8mm. There was a company out of CA that was converting the rifles to 06' (the US Standard issue). Now I have it. It does not like 150 gr or 180 gr rounds. I can only shoot 165's and it really likes the Core-Lok tipped.