Thread: .270WSM Experiences?

EDepends entirely on what bullet you're using. 1800fps won't work for a monolithic, a fully bonded bullet with no cavity and a thick jacket, or some of the mechanically locked bullet designs.

You won't get any argument from me on using numbers to set practical limits - very good idea - but the numbers mustn't be arbitrary, they must be considered relative to the bullet design and the target animal.

In the .270WSM, if you're intending to use it as a longer range cartridge, choose a bullet specific to the application and work on a minimum expansion threshold specified by the manufacturer. A simple question to the manufacturer will usually give you the number you need. The only proper long range bullet I would consider for the .270WSM is 150gr Accubond LR. They list 1300fps as a minimum expansion velocity and I know from experience that they sure as hell work in the 1500-1550fps window having shot long range goats with this bullet. Poleaxer of note. I'd be happy with the ELD-X as long as I wasn't dropping below about 1800fps.

An interesting test for all you Berger fans...

https://www.fieldandstream.com/long-range-shootout/

The problem with the .270 calibre and particularly for the WSM as a long-range option, is the relative lack of high BC but soft bullet options. No TMK, no ELD-M. That's a problem.

After years of mulling over the energy debate I concluded that minimum expansion velocity is the primary consideration. I've killed a few animals with a broadhead arrow, and stabbed a fair few pigs with a knife, and they were all very dead without a great deal of energy involved... for me it's about adequate penetration but more importantly ensuring that the bullet opens and ideally partially fragments.

Originally Posted by Flyblown

EDepends entirely on what bullet you're using. 1800fps won't work for a monolithic, a fully bonded bullet with no cavity and a thick jacket, or some of the mechanically locked bullet designs.

You won't get any argument from me on using numbers to set practical limits - very good idea - but the numbers mustn't be arbitrary, they must be considered relative to the bullet design and the target animal.

In the .270WSM, if you're intending to use it as a longer range cartridge, choose a bullet specific to the application and work on a minimum expansion threshold specified by the manufacturer. A simple question to the manufacturer will usually give you the number you need. The only proper long range bullet I would consider for the .270WSM is 150gr Accubond LR. They list 1300fps as a minimum expansion velocity and I know from experience that they sure as hell work in the 1500-1550fps window having shot long range goats with this bullet. Poleaxer of note. I'd be happy with the ELD-X as long as I wasn't dropping below about 1800fps.

An interesting test for all you Berger fans...

https://www.fieldandstream.com/long-range-shootout/

The problem with the .270 calibre and particularly for the WSM as a long-range option, is the relative lack of high BC but soft bullet options. No TMK, no ELD-M. That's a problem.

After years of mulling over the energy debate I concluded that minimum expansion velocity is the primary consideration. I've killed a few animals with a broadhead arrow, and stabbed a fair few pigs with a knife, and they were all very dead without a great deal of energy involved... for me it's about adequate penetration but more importantly ensuring that the bullet opens and ideally partially fragments.

Correct at 650 yards I would still be seeing speeds of 2087fps and experience in my 270win tells me that is more than enough to stop a good sized red in its tracks, like shooting at any range shot placement is crucial.
There is no magic number of ft pounds or speeds or bullet size that will determine your limit.
It is I mixture of all these factors and the ability of the shooter.
If I was going off the figures alone I could in theory shoot out to 750 yards and still be seeing 1200ish ft/lbs and over 1900fps, but I am not comfortable shooting at that range.
I put a lot of time and effort into load developement and confirming drop charts and working out what numbers I need to make ethical kill shots based on my ability, all before I ever try and shot an animal at any range.
I have gained a lot of experience through this forum from some very knowledgeable shooters and also from friends.
The numbers are a good place to start but along with the performance you need the experience and ability.
Would I take a shot at 650yards if I was able to get closer or if I wasn't comfortable with the conditions ? Absolutely not but I can if I need to.

@superdiver I never said 1400ft/lbs was the minimum just demonstrated that I had more than enough ft/lbs to complete the shot based on my chosen projectiles performance characteristics. Maybe I should've included fps and the performance requirements for 270cal eldx in that statement, but I'm on nightshift and tired and left it for all of you to figure it out....my bad

I know some don't like eldx in the likes of 7mm rem mag and maybe due to the difference in bullet structure on different calibers it may be less than ideal in that cal but for a 270cal it is a bloody outstanding bullet, I have never had an animal run with eldx in 270 cal but thats just my experience.
I will point out (should be obvious just covering all bases) if you want to kill animals at certain ranges you need to put the time in practicing at those ranges and be consistent, at 600+yards close enough isn't good enough.
My thoughts and experiences, take it or leave it.....no hate