looking for a 270 varmint load --- UPDATE

[irold]

Hoping to take my son out varmint hunting this summer.  Only rifle we have to convert is his 270, Ruger.  Right now its sighted in with factory 150 gr. loads.  I have dies for it , just haven't got around to loading anything for it yet.  I was  thinking about the Hornady V-Max bullet, believe I was looking at the 110 gr.  Not sure what powder to use in it, any suggestions?  I have IMR 4895 and 4831 on hand.  They don't look real promosing according to the manuals.  I'm open to all suggestions and thoughts.   Thanks 

regards , irold

[Bob A]

I don't think Hornady offers a VMax in .277, but they do have 100gr and 110 gr SPs that make good varmint bullets. Hodgdon has data for both of the powders you mention. I bet it will work out very well. Load em up.

Bob A

[Bob A]

On the other hand, Sierra has a 90 gr Varminter bullet. This is a really good line of bullets. I use their 110 gr varminter in .308.
Hodgdon has data on line for the Sierra bullet with IMR 4895. Looks like a screemer. It should vaporize coyotes.

Bob A

[PowPow]

The Sierra 90 gr with a max load of H380 worked well in my 270.

[bilmac]

The 110 gr Hornaday HP is my most accurate bullet in my gun. I load it with 4350. I also load 90 grainers behind a light load of blue dot. They are a lot more fun to shoot. I liken it to shooting a 22 hornet. If you make blue dot loads you have to weigh every one, I found out the hard way measuring them ruins the accuracy.

[OR-E-Gun Bill]

Hornady 2011 catalog shows a .277 V-MAX 110 gr. - part number 22721 / with cannelure.


Bill

[Land_Owner]

Speer makes a 100 gr Spitzer "pill" with lead tip that IMR 4350 or IMR 4831 sends screaming down range.

[shot1]

IMR 4350 works really well with the 90 to 110 gr bullets in the 270 Win.

[Grumulkin]

What you should be looking for is the most accurate load for your rifle since your targets will probably be small and possibly at longer ranges.  In my opinion, getting caught up in the "varmint" bullet vs big game bullet issue is pretty worthless.  A big game bullet will kill any varmint; really.  I've even killed a groundhog with a plastic bullet.  If a varmint bullet happens to give you the best accuracy, go for it but if it's something else, use it and don't worry about it.

[irold]

After reading whats been posted , and looking at the manuals again......think I'll try a can of IMR 4350.  Looks like its pretty efficient with the 110 grainers.  I've been at this long enough I realize ya can't use the same powder for everything , though I do try to keep my inventory down by using the same powder for what I can.  Appreciate the info........I'll let ya know how we make out....gonna let him load his own.  ( under direct supervision , of course )  Thanks ,

regards , irold

What you should be looking for is the most accurate load for your rifle since your targets will probably be small and possibly at longer ranges.  In my opinion, getting caught up in the "varmint" bullet vs big game bullet issue is pretty worthless.  A big game bullet will kill any varmint; really.  I've even killed a groundhog with a plastic bullet.  If a varmint bullet happens to give you the best accuracy, go for it but if it's something else, use it and don't worry about it.

Grumulkin,
That's understood, probably a good 130 grainer would work for everything he's going to hunt.  But , we all like to play........Thanks irold

[DANNY-L]

With the 110gr. from my 700 55.6gr. imr 4350 grouped very well.

[irold]

Danny-L    ,  Good , We're gonna give a shot.......the 4350 sounds like the over all winner here.  Thanks

[2ndtimer]

I suggest you consider the Speer 90 gr TNT hollow point and IMR-4064 powder.  The Sierra 90 gr HP might be a touch more accurate, but I think the TNT is a little thinner jacket and is more destructive and less likely to ricochet.  I recall getting very good accuracy and velocity with that combo.  On the plus side, I seem to recall a IMR-4350 load that shot to almost the same point of impact with the 90 gr Sierra as the identical load with a 130 gr bullet, both shared the same powder charge, 55.0 gr.
It didn't get quite the same velocity as the IMR-4064 loads, but 3000 fps is probably fast enough to kill a varmint.

[irold]

Well , the son and I loaded up 15 rounds and went to the range.........started with 58 grains of 4350, went to 60 grains. 

The 58 grains were pretty much scattered over a 3" group at a 100 yds ....the 59 grains..three were clover-leafed with one a half inch out.......the other ruined everything , out about 1 1/2 out.  Kinda think that was him. Tried the 60 grains......none touching , but a nice group of 1 1/4 inch.  Believe we're gonna load up another batch  starting with 59 , with 1/2 grain intervals, to 61 .  According to my Speer manual thats max. 

Forgot to mention , we went with the 100 grain Speer H.P..  Its a flat base.  Again thanks for the info and help.  When we get settled in with a load........I'll scan his target in and post it.  He's really getting into this.....good quality time for Dad and his 16 year old. 

regards , irold