Elk bullet for a .270

[Wisconsinnate]

What bullet would you guys recommend for taking elk with a .270? I am thinking 150 grains. I'm not hand loading, looking to buy factory ammo.
What do you guys use?
Thanks,
Nathan

 

[Matt Cashell]

In factory ammo, I would recommend the 140 Accubond or 130/140 Barnes TTSX.

 

[Wisconsinnate]

In factory ammo, I would recommend the 140 Accubond or 130/140 Barnes TTSX.

Are you sure 140 is enough for elk? I see Federal loads 140gr Acccubonds. Do you know who loads 140 TSX or TTSX? I can't seem to find any.
Maybe I should just go with the Federal 140 AB? I don't shoot at extreme distances. Probably 400 max if I can even hold steady that far. I have never hunted elk with a rifle.

 

[Jon Boy]

A 140 grain acubond is plenty for elk at that distance. 150 grain partitions is another good one that I've been running lately. Either will do the job just fine. I'd recommend staying away from the shoulder shot on an elk personally though.

 

[Wisconsinnate]

A 140 grain acubond is plenty for elk at that distance. 150 grain partitions is another good one that I've been running lately. Either will do the job just fine. I'd recommend staying away from the shoulder shot on an elk personally though.

I don't plan on shooting a shoulder. I heard Partitions lose half their weight right away and aren't as good with penetration?
I think I will just go with the Federal loaded Accubond. Does Federal load good ammo? I haven't tried them. I shoot 130gr Hornady right now for deer and they are super accurate.

 

[Wisconsinnate]

Another question: Federal loaded: 140grain Accubond OR 150grain Partition?

 

[Beastmode]

130 grain ttsx did a number on my bull this year. Great bullet that holds together well.

 

[Rizzy]

I have been impressed with the Barnes bullets also. The factory loads that I have are a tipped 130 grain, however I have been using reloads with the 140 grain non tipped bullet. In theory I like the non tipped Barnes better.

 

[Buster]

Another factory option to consider is the winchester xp3's. They are offered in 150 grain (as well as 130's) for the 270 caliber. They've done very well for me on a variety of game, including elk. They penetrate deep, with phenomenal retention. On deer/sheep sized game they tend to punch through, but still leave a very nice wound channel.

They group extremely well out of my Tikka 270wsm. (Even better for my father-in-law, who also shoots a tikka T3 lite in 270wsm). There are a few reviews that state they grouped horribly, so you'd have to run a few down the pipe to see how they do in your rig. Just another option for you to think about.

 

[Steve O]

I'd find a nice factory load in a 130 or 140g Barnes X of any persuation. Of you handloaded, I'd suggest a 140g Swift A Frame. I shot this Yukon moose just inside the front shoulder and recovered the bullet just under the hide in the opposite ham. .270 Win with one grain under max of H-4831. The rifle shot the Aframes and 140g Ballistic Tips into the same group and I used the Btips for sheep on the same trip.

 

[Jon Boy]

I've never heard that about the partition but couldn't tell you if it is true or not. I will say te acubonds open rapidly at close range and don't hold together real well in my experience on a few mule deer. That's fine because the shock transferred is devastating to internal organs and they went right down. Either one will do the job just fine

 

[Matt Cashell]

Are you sure 140 is enough for elk?

I am 100% sure.

In fact, a premium 130 grain bullet is plenty.

In fact, a regular 130 grain bullet is plenty.

My uncle has killed something like 30 elk with green box 130 core-lokts. He just tips them over, and I don't know if he has ever taken another shot.

I just prefer the insurance of a little harder bullet for a less-than-perfect shot angle.

 

[5MilesBack]

Barnes, Accubonds, Partitions, A-frames, XP3's.........all great bullets for elk. The A-frames used to be one of my favorites for elk, the 175gr in 7mag, but they've become pretty darn expensive these days. I stick to arrows now, but any of those bullets will work great.

 

[Wisconsinnate]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I think I will just go with the Federal 140 grain Accubonds.

 

[Buster]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I think I will just go with the Federal 140 grain Accubonds.

If you can, ask around and see if you can trade or buy half a dozen bullets off of other guys that shoot the same caliber. If you can go to the range with 3-4 options, you can see which factory ammo will group the best for you. Guys around here are always trading ammo.

 

[Wisconsinnate]

If you can, ask around and see if you can trade or buy half a dozen bullets off of other guys that shoot the same caliber. If you can go to the range with 3-4 options, you can see which factory ammo will group the best for you. Guys around here are always trading ammo.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[handwerk]

My first pick would be a 130g Barnes TTSX

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

My first pick would be a 130g Barnes TTSX

This or Berger VLD.

 

[Wisconsinnate]

Okay, it is between 140gr Accubonds or 130gr TSX or TTSX. I just figured I could save a little money. Seems like the Federal 140 Accubonds are cheaper than anything loaded with 130 TSX.

 

[6mm Remington]

The 140 gr. Accubond or the 150 gr. Partition would work great for you. As would the 130 gr. Partition. The Partitions are a great bullet and penetrate very well. No fear in using either. As BB said 130 grs would also work just fine!