Forums.NitroExpress.com

I think that this is an interesting question. I certainly have pondered this although, wanting to shoot in France, I have not the choice that you have....308, 30-06 and 303 being illegal there as they are "military" calibres. So I have a "light" 243 and a "medium" 270. If I had the choice my "light" rifle would be a 308 and my "medium" a 30-06.

I suppose that one answer is choose the calibre that gives you the best availability and cost of ammunition...unless you are a forty round a year man...and that gives you the greater flexibility on other game. Roos and water buffalo in Australia for example.

The ballistics are approximately:

270 w/130 = 3140fps
270 w/150 = 2800fps 308 w/150 = 2860fps 30-06 w/150 = 2970fps
308 w/180 = 2610fps 30-06 w/180 = 2700fps 303 w/180 =2540fps

By comparison I have tabled these and added 30-06 and 303 and and so there is a difference but is is marginal in regards to velocity. What the tables don't reflect is recoil - a function of the base area of the cartridge, or cartridge length - which affects reloading time and "like for like" rifle weight, or cost and availability.

So, for example, a 308 BRNO ZKK 600 will weigh less, and be "handier" than a 270 BRNO ZKK 601. And have an inch or two less "bolt travel" than its longer actioned brother.

Nor do they give elevation differences.

Personally I think that the 270 although a fine cartridge would have to be used in the 150 grain weight bullet only. It is very much an American cartridge, designed to be able to deal with all game that would have been encountered in the USA including light game. That would give you more recoil as the bullet diameter is smaller and would be at the maximum for the cartridge. However there is an argument that as the 150 grain 270 is "over long" it will give better actual killing power and penetration for its weight compared with a bullet of the same weight but of greater diameter.

The advantages of the 308 are that it can be used in a shorter action rifle...so bolt travel and reloading time is quicker...and the bolt will be lighter! The weight saved can be offset against towards a stiffer barrel or etc., etc.

Also, with the 308, surplus military ammunition at 144 grains will enable you, if you can obtain it in Australia, to practise without regard for cost. The 270 is a fine cartridge with a 130 grain bullet, but in truth in heavier weights, the 308 is probably cheaper.

If you already have a 270, shoot it, it'll be fine! If your thinking of buying maybe the 308 is a better bet? Personally? I would go for a 30-06 in either 150 or 180 loaded to 308 specification...so less pressure and guaranteed extraction!

Post Extras