.270 Winchester
Also called: .270 Win, two-seventy
A classic all-around big-game round that has taken deer, sheep, and elk for about a century, with a flat path and moderate recoil.
- Type
- Centerfire Rifle
- Bullet diameter
- .277 in
- Case length
- 2.54 in
- Overall length
- 3.34 in
- Typical bullet weights
- 130 to 150 grains
- Typical muzzle velocity
- About 2,800 to 3,100 fps
- Recoil
- Moderate recoil
- Quarry
- Deer, hogs & pronghorn, Elk & moose
- Typical range
- Deer and pronghorn to about 400 yards; elk with a quality bullet and closer shots
- Availability
- Very common
What it is good for
- Deer, pronghorn, and sheep in open or timbered country.
- Elk when paired with a premium bullet and good shot placement.
- Hunters who want one rifle for most North American big game.
Where it falls short
- It is at the lower end of what many hunters consider appropriate for elk and moose.
- Recoil is more than a .243 or 6.5 Creedmoor, which can bother newer shooters.
- Bullet choice matters: lightweight, fast-opening bullets can fail on large, tough animals.
Easily confused with
- .30-06 Springfield: the parent case; the .270 is a necked-down .30-06 with a narrower bullet.
- .25-06 Remington: another necked-down .30-06 with a slightly smaller bullet.
Field notes
Introduced in 1925, the .270 Winchester has a long record on deer, sheep, and elk. It is a necked-down .30-06 and is known for a flat trajectory and moderate recoil.
Related guides
Numbers are typical factory-load figures, not guarantees. Use only ammunition that matches the cartridge stamped on your firearm and is made by a reputable manufacturer, and follow the manual. Legal game cartridges, minimum calibers, and non-toxic shot rules differ by state and area. Check your state's current regulations; our state resources directory links to each state's official rules. Not sure which rifle to buy? Try our hunting rifle wizard.