Powder choice for .270 Winchester

[lilabner]

Santa brought me a .270 for Christmas. I've never owned one before but seems to me 4831 was the powder of choice years ago. The internet sites I've visited usually favor RL 22 for both accuracy and velocity. What's your experience? I also get the impression that the cartridge isn't being loaded as hot now. Did they lower the SAAMI on this cartridge or is this another case of the lawyers dictating things?

[ricciardelli]

What bullet?

[Chuck White]

For Whitetails, I like 130 grain Hornady SP pushed with IMR 4350!

[Zeke Menuar]

H4831SC


ZM

[lilabner]

I'll be using 130 gr. Nosler partitions. The rifle will be used only for plains antelope and mule deer, nothing larger. Typically, ranges will be a minimum of 200 yards with shooting opportunities frequently at 3-400 yards. I use either a bipod or shooting sticks for long shots. I would like the longest point blank range possible as with a rangefinder, you still have to consider drop. If I can range the shot as within point blank range I'll be ready to shoot quickly.  Last time I checked, SAAMI was still 65,000 psi for the .270, but RL 22 would get me close to 3,200 fps at under 62,000 psi according to Alliant data.

[Swamp Yankee]

For 300 + yard  shots my choice would be a 130 gr. Sierra Boat Tail Spitzer with IMR 4831 or IMR 4350 both will give you a max of 3,100 fps. RE-22 will as well. It's just that I have always had good luck with the IMR.

[kenscot]

In both of my 270's it's 130 gr nosler partitions and H4831 for sub MOA groups and drop where they stood performance on deer

[Lou270]

H-4831SC would be my first pick.  RL22 and a couple others (notably Magpro) will get you a bit more velocity, but H-4831SC is temperature insensitive, so you won't loose anything at lower temps (i.e. negates the velocity gains of the others) and you should get 3000fps give or take a few fps depending on barrel length/components with 58-60 gr.  

Max velocity is listed between 3000-3200 fps for 130 gr. bullets out of the .270, depending on loading manual.  I would say the average is 3100 fps (assuming 24" barrel).  This is pretty close to the original spec of 3160 fps and a few manuals show pressure tested data that  exceeds the original figures (see Accurate Magpro).  My impression is factory loads have scaled back a bit (from 3160 to 3140 to 3110 to 3060 fps) over the years.

-Lou

[ricciardelli]

For 130's:
RL-19 From 48.4 grains to 60.0 grains
 Winchester WLR Primer

[ihuntbucks]

A buddy of mine has a .270 and I loaded 25 rounds for him;Varget 45gr,w/Speer "Hot Cor" 130 gr. Spitzer,w/CCI 200 primers,Win. brass.Guess they must work cuz he's took 7 deer with them in the last 2 weeks. Called me last night to tell me he needed some more reloaded.I may make him pay for these :grin: ............Rick

[oliverstacy]

I loaded them over 55.5 gr of AA-3100 and had great success with this combo.  At around 2900 ft/sc they are 1.9" high at 100 and only 7" low at 300 and dead on at 200.   The B.C. is much higher on this bullet and the bonded construction is great.  I've taken two nice 8pts with this bullet and love it.

Josh

[TNrifleman]

IMR 4350 and H 4831SC have worked quite well for me with 130 grain bullets from Sierra and Nosler. You won't go wrong with a 130 Partition and IMR 4350.

[tvc15]

I am starting to load my .270 and I am using IMR 4350.

[oliverstacy]

Just wanted to share my 130 gr Speer Grandslam load since it's a simularly shaped bullet.

53.1 gr IMR-4350


Josh

[Slamfire]

I believe the tales you'll read in the Shooting & Blasting mags will now state that the .270 is as capable as ever, in terms of velocity. These things run in cycles as every editor tries to cover what every other mag has most recently published.
With a 24" barrel, the standard length in 1925, you'll certainly be able to reach the 3140 fps of the original loading. I like H4831 because I shot a ton of it when it was a surplus powder. I believe Hogdon's latest load is 62 grains, in Winchester brass...The old Jack O'Connor load.  

[lilabner]

I have the 24 inch barrel which I believe increases velocity 50-100 fps depending on the bullet/powder combo. I have some H4831, 4350 and 7828 and will try them. Think I'll also try RL 22 and MagPro. Magpro will do 3200 well within pressure maximums. Accuracy counts and that will require shooting groups to see what the rifle likes.  Should be fun. Thanks for your input.