Best 270 Win bullet for Elk

[Ag111]

Probably been discussed on here a million times but here is 1,000,001. Can’t find rifles or ammo in 280 AI, 7PRC or 300PRC so I’m going with the old gal this year… 270 Winchester model 70. For a 400 yard maximum self-imposed range, what bullet is ideal? 150 partition, 150/140 Accubond, 136 Terminal Ascent, or the 129/130 monolithics like LRX and CX? Maybe splitting hairs here. But what say ya??

 

[keystone112]

If I had to get it done on elk at 400 with my 270, I would go with the fastest load possible for a 150 grain that was accurate in my rifle.

 

[handwerk]

I'm a big fan of Barnes either the 130 TTSX or 129 LRX, if you or your rifle don't like those then the partition is usually a safe bet.

 

[Ag111]

Is there a discernible difference in terminal performance between TTSX and LRX at close range?

 

[bdan68]

I'd say just whichever one shoots best in your rifle. A heavy Partition would be great, so would an Accubond or other bonded bullet. So would an all copper bullet.

 

[35WhelenAI]

Is there a discernible difference in terminal performance between TTSX and LRX at close range?

I am a mono user, for 30 years and a whole lot of animals. I like the TTSX, but would absolutely use an LRX if I felt there was an advantage at the ranges I shoot which are pretty much your self-imposed ranges. I like to go a weight or two lower with the monos, the 110 TTSX is where I hang my hat for the 270 Win.

A 270 Win at point-blank range (60') with a 110 TTSX at 3350 fps mv straight into the sternum of a lead cow elk says it does alright. Nose dived at a trot into the snow and that was it. Didn't find any bullet/petals in the animal, but it was a 0 deg night and wasn't looking during field dressing. Heart/lung damage was noticed, undoubtedly contributed to by the sternum shrapnel.

My understanding of the LRX is petals shearing off at shorter range but past 100 yds haven't heard much different than a standard TTSX at the ranges you are looking to shoot. Petals coming off is not a negative with respect to internal damage.

I would use either one, whichever shoots best or is available if you choose the 130 gr class of bullets.

 

[DB29]

I have loaded the accubond, accubond LR and partition in 150gr for my .270 model 70. It liked the accubond LR the best. But once I found the right powder all 3 shot well. I landed on the accubond 150s.

 

[Ag111]

Do you give up anything at close range going with the ABLRs vs the regular accubond? In my simple mind if it’s bonded it’s bonded… so similar weight retention?

 

[KineKilla]

150gr anything will do the job at that range. I wouldn't overthink it.

I've seen elk hit the dirt using 130gr Core Lokt ammo multiple times. We tend to overcomplicate these decisions. I am no exception.

Shoot straight and they'll die.

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[V2Pnutrition]

Probably been discussed on here a million times but here is 1,000,001. Can’t find rifles or ammo in 280 AI, 7PRC or 300PRC so I’m going with the old gal this year… 270 Winchester model 70. For a 400 yard maximum self-imposed range, what bullet is ideal? 150 partition, 150/140 Accubond, 136 Terminal Ascent, or the 129/130 monolithics like LRX and CX? Maybe splitting hairs here. But what say ya??

I’ve used a 130 Berger Classic hunter with good success on elk out of a .270 Win. It was a hand load pushing ~3100 fps. I also have used and really like Barnes Vor-tx.

 

[bdan68]

Long Range Accubond is made to expand at lower velocities, so probably not the best choice for shooting elk at shorter distances.

 

[wyojdubya]

I am a mono user, for 30 years and a whole lot of animals. I like the TTSX, but would absolutely use an LRX if I felt there was an advantage at the ranges I shoot which are pretty much your self-imposed ranges. I like to go a weight or two lower with the monos, the 110 TTSX is where I hang my hat for the 270 Win.

A 270 Win at point-blank range (60') with a 110 TTSX at 3350 fps mv straight into the sternum of a lead cow elk says it does alright. Nose dived at a trot into the snow and that was it. Didn't find any bullet/petals in the animal, but it was a 0 deg night and wasn't looking during field dressing. Heart/damage was noticed, undoubtedly contributed to by the sternum shrapnel.

My understanding of the LRX is petals shearing off at shorter range but past 100 yds haven't heard much different than a standard TTSX at the ranges you are looking to shoot. Petals coming off is not a negative with respect to internal damage.

I would use either one, whichever shoots best or is available if you choose the 130 gr class of bullets.

I'm in Whelen's camp of lightweight monos: 117 Hammers for my 270. Fast and flat for under 400 shots. The Hammers have also been silly easy to load across multiple cartridges, and I'm no pro.

After a couple decades pitching 180 SBTs and ABs out of a 300 WM, the effectiveness of the little mono kind of shocked me the first time. A cow, a bull, and couple bucks later, I'd be surprised by something other than a quick kill.

 

[cacklercrazy]

150gr anything will do the job at that range. I wouldn't overthink it.

I've seen elk hit the dirt using 130gr Core Lokt ammo multiple times. We tend to overcomplicate these decisions. I am no exception.

Shoot straight and they'll die.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

I was thinking the same thing

 

[kcm2]

I've killed a lot of elk with the 270/130/partition out to 519 measured yards. Always worked without flaw.

4 elk in the past several years have been with the 130 Hdy GMX and the last two, the GX. They also work very well. I can't comment on anything else besides the 140 AB, which would also work very well, IMO.

I forgot two with the Barnes TTSX out of a 270 Weatherby. Same results, but one did go 10 yards before dropping.

Good luck.

 

[Ag111]

Appreciate all the good feedback folks…Sounds like I’m spoiled for choice in terms of elk killing bullets. Will grab some 140 ABs, 150 partitions, and 129 LRX and just let the rifle decide which it likes best. On another note.. this discussion has me feeling good about using the 270.

I’m trying to kill one with a bow primarily… if that doesn’t work out then hunting with a 270 and 15x scope will still feel like I’m hunting with a nuclear tipped ICBM by comparison haha.

 

[Arcus Venator]

Probably been discussed on here a million times but here is 1,000,001. Can’t find rifles or ammo in 280 AI, 7PRC or 300PRC so I’m going with the old gal this year… 270 Winchester model 70. For a 400 yard maximum self-imposed range, what bullet is ideal? 150 partition, 150/140 Accubond, 136 Terminal Ascent, or the 129/130 monolithics like LRX and CX? Maybe splitting hairs here. But what say ya??

Yes, I would have no issues using any of the above.

My newest 270 WCF has a brand new 1:8 twist. barrel. Been playing with 150gr Badlands Precision, 175gr Nosler ballistic tips, but the Barnes 155gr LRX is going to be my huckleberry.

We have used 150gr Hornady IL, 150gr Grand Slams, 140gr Nosler Partition, 140gr Barnes X, 130gr IL, and 130gr TTSX with much success on elk out of our 270 WCF's.

 

[4rcgoat]

The last 2 elk my son has taken have been with the 270 throwing 140 grain nosler partitions.

 

[5MilesBack]

Another good option is the 130gr Swift Scirocco II's or the Swift A-frame. But out to 400 I'd pick the Scirocco.

 

[AK Troutbum]

No question for me, 100% Barnes 130gr. TTSX….for what it’s worth, I’ve never hunted/killed an elk.


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[KenLee]

I'd take a factory 140 gr Hornady Superformance SST and send it.