What do you know about the .270 WSM?

[hawk1]

I'm thinking about making this my new hunting caliber (deer and elk). I don't know anyone that shoots it and the reviews I've read are fairly mixed. People either love it or hate it. I need to find out if it is worth making the change from .308 ot .270 WSM. What do you guys know/ think about it???

I am looking to be persuaded in either direction here.

[buffalobo]

A long time friend and neighbor swore by it for hunting. Took many critters with it. Ammo seems expensive and I have always preferred 30 cal bullets for big game, especially elk.

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[encorehunter]

I hunt with a model 70 featherweight in 300wsm. It consistently shoots 1-1.5" groups at 100 yards. It is a great rifle to pack around. I have a few friends that hunt with the 270wsm, and they have taken several deer and elk with them, along with a couple caribou, a moose and black bear. Use good bullets, bonded or solid copper. The caliber is more than capable of taking any game here in the continental US.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

I killed a few deer with my browning 270 wsm. Brass is expensive.

[Zombie Steve]

It would be fun to play with. Yes, it will be faster, flatter shooting (at hunting distances, it's a pretty minor difference) and have more energy. I'm just not sure it's going to make a huge difference in any category except for ammo price.

[ben4372]

I read an article a few years back that studied throat erosion. I was quite a bit higher than non short magnums. They admitted that for the average hunter the gun would still last a lifetime. My lean against them is the extra case diameter usually means less rounds in the magazine. That and the expensive brass. The idea is fantastic, just not needed for what I do.

[hawk1]

^^^^ I was hoping someone that has one would tell me to either stick with the standard 270 because the short mag doesn't make a huge difference, OR to go with the short mag because it makes all the difference. I've read that they burn barrels, is this true?!? Or is it something I'd only notice if I put thousands of rounds through it?

I dont know why or what it is, but there seems to be something kind if appealing about the short mag! This appeal is generally where I put my blinders on and don't look at everything objectively. This is where I need you guys to give me info and point me in A direction!!!

[laportecharlie]

One thing that has not been mentioned is ammo availability. A lot of the newer whiz-bang short magnums (the 223 wssm and 243wssm come to mind) are disappearing from shelves and will be harder to get as time goes by. 270 Win, 30-06 & 300 Win Mag are almost always available anywhere you go.

[encorehunter]

I forgot about the magazine issue. You can put three rounds in the magazine, but it is extremely difficult to close and you will probably damage the top case. The reason I went with the 300 wsm and not a .30-06 or .300WM was trying to find a model 70 in left hand for a fair price. At the time, standard calibers were bringing $1800-2500 for the LH version.
I find the ballistics to run about like a .300 H&H, right between the 06 and the WM. I see your .270wsm bringing a little above a standard .270, but well below the .270 bee. You will be on a short action, which saves about a pound of weight. I have found .300wsm at most stores, followed by 7wsm then .270wsm. The 325wsm seems to be the hardest to find, but not difficult online.

[Hoser]

Do you reload?