Considering switching from 270 win to 6.5 PRC or 6.5 CM

[aman]

270 is back on the menu boys!!

5 shot groups at 3 powder weights for some statistical data. Rounds were shot in round robin method to reduce impact of barrel temperature.

 

[sndmn11]

270 is back on the menu boys!!

5 shot groups at 3 powder weights for some statistical data. Rounds were shot in round robin method to reduce impact of barrel temperature.

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That's eldx and h4350?

 

[aman]

That's eldx and h4350?

that's correct

 

[Gila]

Sweet! I have an “old“ original Tikka T3 in .270 win and it it has been a very accurate and capable rifle. I don’t hand load yet, but going to start next year. That is if I can get the components I want without breaking the bank. My .270 is finicky with factory ammo. i settled on Hornady custom magnum ammunition using 130 gr interbonds. I consistently smoked pronghorn out to 460yds. When Hornady stopped making that product line, I went to the Superformance ammo with 130gr GMX which has proved to be very accurate.

I think the reason it is finicky is because my T3 has a 22 inch barrel and a 1:10” twist. I think the optimal barrel for heavy-for-caliber bulllets with a higher BC would have 1:9.5” or even a 1:9“ twist with a length of 24”. My T3 is compact and light, easy to carry all day so I have no need to change anything. Having said that, If the barrel wears out I will probably re-barrel with a 280AI.

 

[wyo2track]

I've always liked R22 or the 4831 powders in the 270 for 140 gr and above. Just had good luck with powders in that burn region. Last year I finally tried R26 in my Kimber 270 win with 140 accubonds as I read it was like magic fairy dust in the old 270. Ran it all the way up to 63 grains. Settled near 62gr and 5/8" 3 shot group. This is what the magnetospeed said after working up groups. If you can get your hands on some R26 its worth a try. Your H4350 load is mimicking Hornady's factory Precision Hunter offering which is fairly stout for a factory load imo.

 

[aman]

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Some interesting new data. My original ladder test used Federal 270 brass.

I bought some Peterson 270 Win brass and ran the same ladder test. My velocities dropped by about 50 fps!!

 

[MOBowkill]

IMR 4831 is my go to for the 270, the 6.5PRC is just a lot more fun!

 

[Centralcoastca]

Just a thought, but you said that you’re also thinking about elk hunting too, I’d look at a .300 win mag myself. The more I shoot and load for mine the more versatile I’m realizing it is. I got my cow elk with it this year and though I typically use my .280 that I’m very partial to, I’m leaning towards using it for deer season and a pig hunt I have planned. Relatively speaking to the times today, brass and bullets have been reasonable to come by as well. That being said the 6.5 pcr does look pretty cool.

 

[FCCDerek]

Rebarrel to 280 Ackley...

This is my exactly recommendation. Throw a 1-8" twist Bartlein on there and you'll have a hell of a setup.

 

[Drob1260]

I have a Tikka T3x 270 Win that I've been having a hell of a time trying to develop a load it likes.

Given that high BC bullet selection is very limited for .277 and nearly no high quality brass manufacturers create 270 win cases, I am considering just moving away from this rifle.

I am seriously considering either a 6.5 cm or a 6.5 prc. Primarily for hunting mule deer. Maybe occasional elk until I build up a dedicated elk rifle.

I'll be handloading so component quality availability is a consideration.
6.5 CM has nice low recoil which would be a pleasure to shoot and develop shooting fundamentals.
6.5 PRC has extra velocity but cartridge is still relatively young.

54.5 imr4350 or 58.2 RL22 with 130s has worked well in a lot of rifles. 56.4 with 140s is another proven load for me. In fact I think that’s sierras recommended hunting load from their manual.