Hey guys, I know this is probably stupid, but a buddy of mine says that the 308 win is just as good or better than a 270 win. I says he's wrong (because I'm partial to the 270). I think they both have their good advantages over the other, but he does'nt. What are some common opinions out there. Care to take sides ? (only for fun) Or maybe not........
If your after accuracy and efficency the 308 is tough to beat. Don't know much about the .270 but it has a good reputation but I don't recall ever seeing one on the firing line in a highpower match. In the field...
For target shooting and military applications, the 308 is likely the choice. For hunting in thick cover, it may be a better choice. For general hunting in mixed cover or open terrain, the 270 is the better choice. I've hunted mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep with the 270 and I'm a big fan.
The 270 WSM is on my wishlist, in an accurate rifle, perhaps the Tikka. However, I would agree with the previous posters that the .270 Winchester has ballistic advantages over the .308 in most applications. That is why Jack O'Connor used it so widely, preferring it over the 30-06 and other more popular cartridges 60 years ago.
Hmmm why not split the difference and get my all time favorite the 7-08. Flatter trajectory than the 308 with the same kind of accuracy. Heavier bullets than the 270 and greater bullet selection. I just have a soft spot in my heart for seven milimeters. Now if I could only choose one or the other I would go with the 270. I just like the trajectory better than the 308 and I would even feel better shooting larger game such as elk and moose with a 270 than a 308.
Get a 30.06! Oh, wait that wasn't a choice.
Heck if your only hunting deer buy the one that feels best to you and/or is the best price. Out to 300 yds no deer will no the difference. If your perhaps going for elk or biiig black bears I'd want a 30 cal. 165 or 180 X bullet.
One thing nice about .308 length cartridges is they are available in some short handy rifles- just don't get an old Win. mod 88 in .308-they transmit every foot-lb of recoil to your shoulder in a most unpleasant manner.