Thread: .270 vs .308

Doesnt really Matter both Great calibers just a longer action on the 270.

270 with 150gn projectiles kicks with an unpleasant and sharp recoil impulse that feels like a 375H&H. The 270 would be my choice past 400m. I've owned both calibres though, and wouldn't go back to a 270.

270 & 308 are both very good. But consider the 30.06, it's betterrer. Lol

I own both.

My sako .270 with a 2.5-16x44 is my tops and bush-edge/farm shooting lightweight carry all day rifle. I've spent the time trying different 140grn factory ammo and ranges to be confident in shooting it, with dial-up, to 500+ yds. It's a 22" barrel and is an absolute tack driver and with a DPT suppressor the kick isn't that bad. It's too long for the bush but that is personal preference.

The savage axis .308 is my bush pig with 3-9x40 on it. It's a 16" barrel "lobber" of 150grn projectiles - having said that I am confident to shoot 350 yds with it as I have again spent time behind the rifle sorting out the hold-over /dial up for it. It uses the sam DPT suppressor with a different rear bush on it.

I am biased but I love the .270 and I'd have that rifle all day - it's beautiful to shoot and carry.

The .308 I could hit tent pegs in with it and it would still do everything that I want it to do.

Buy a .270 as a gun you'll keep forever, then save up and buy a cheap .308 bush pig - they are always for sale on TM for around $1000 bare-rifle around $1500 scoped and suppressed.

Find someone who has both and see if they will let you shoot some rounds with them. Then go to several gunshops if possible and shoulder as many as you can to see what fits you the best.

Originally Posted by Hoover

About to purchase my first rifle. I know there’s lots of old posts on this but interested in hearing people’s opinions for (or against) each calibre?

My first question is how much shooting or experience do you have with a big rifle?

Greetings,
This debate has been on going for 100 years now. At the start it was the .30-06 v .270 with the .308 replacing the .30-06 over time. Initially the flatter trajectory of the .270 tipped the balance in the .270's favour. In those days rifles were often shot with iron sights or basic scope sights and point blank range was an issue. Today with laser rang finders and dial up scopes the .308 has edged slightly ahead. Most .308 rifles with a 10" or faster twist will handle higher BC projectiles than the standard 10" twist in the .270 but the difference is marginal.
Around 50 years ago I was faced with the same decision. In the end the choice was made for a new Remington 700 in .308 for about $240.00 v a Winchester M70 (post 63) for about $30.00 more. Price alone was the decider and the rifle is still here. Dumb luck I suppose. My choice for a NI hunting rifle would be the .308 but I could be biased. If you get into the long range stuff you will almost certainly get a rifle for that purpose and it won't be a .270 and likely not a .308 either.
Best of luck and regards Grandpamac.