Varmint load for .270

English Mike · Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 9:32 pm Post subject: Varmint load for .270

Finally got round to loading up some proper test loads for the 90gr Sierra bullet today: AA2700 from 52 - 56gr with a theoretical max velocity over 3.400fps.
Like all .270 loads I've played with so far, I reckon the most accurate load will be a little shy of the maximum & I'm hoping for five shots into less than 2" @ 300yds if the damn' wind here in NM stops for an hour or two.
If it doesn't, then I've a Hornady XTP/.357mag load to fiddle with: 12.5gr of 2400 behind 140gr should shoot well out of a 6" barrel Ruger GP100.

Damn but I'm having fun back in the US once more - anyone want to adopt me? Very Happy

PaulS · Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 9:45 pm Post subject: Re: Varmint load for .270

This load was chronographed in two security six 6" barrel revolvers and the accuracy was the same but my brother's gun was 200 fps slower:
(if you want a milder load use 18.5 grains)
Reloading Record
357Mag140H110 –19.1
Ruger Security-Six 357 Magnum 6 inch

Weapon make Ruger Bore-to-sight height (inches) .87
Weapon model Security-six Twist rate 1 in 17
Barrel length 6 inch Serial number 156-2XXXX

Case make Remington
Cartridge head stamp 357 Magnum
Cartridge designation 357 Magnum
Trimmed length (inches) 1.29
Over-all length (inches) 1.59

Bullet make Speer
Bullet weight (grains) 140
Bullet type JHP
Ballistic coefficient .152
Bullet diameter .357

Powder make Hodgdon
Powder type H110
Powder charge weight (grains) 19.1
Wad (make and type) None
Primer (make and type) CCI 550

Recorded velocity: (at 5 yards) 1445 Muzzle velocity (FPS) 1453
Standard deviation (FPS) 27 Extreme spread (FPS) 60
Sight-in-range (yards) 73 Group size (at 25 yards) 2.0

NOTE: this load is for revolvers that can handle the original 40000 CUP pressures and not the lightweight Smiths!
Current SAAMI specs have been reduced to 30000 CUP to keep from destroying the Smiths and those built like them.

Bushmaster · Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 6:58 am Post subject: Re: Varmint load for .270

Not sure Mike...You come with a dowry??

English Mike · Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 4:09 pm Post subject: Re: Varmint load for .270

Thanks Paul - there's a couple of lb of H100 in my mate's cupboard, so I'll give it a try.
Had a mild .38 load: 158gr LSWC over 4.2gr Unique that proved to be too weak, with some soot ringed & punctured primers.
Gonna leave off that & try Green Dot next.

Bushmaster wrote:

Not sure Mike...You come with a dowry??

Single Malt Scotch. Very Happy

Vince · Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 6:18 pm Post subject: Re: Varmint load for .270

Pomgolia Mike wrote:

...Had a mild .38 load: 158gr LSWC over 4.2gr Unique that proved to be too weak, with some soot ringed & punctured primers.
Gonna leave off that & try Green Dot next.

For your mild 38 Spl loads Mike, look at Winchester WST. I used this powder for "power factor" loads (had to make 127) in my Service Pistol revolver many years ago...a great powder. Lead 158gn SWC 3.3gns - 3.7gns.

WST Loads 38 Spl

For your 357 Magnum loads, look at H4227 (ADI AR2205), 140gn boolit start load 16.2gn - max load 18gns. I used this powder with it's AR2205 hat on, and I found it to be clean burning and accurate.

H4227 Loads .357 Mangl'em

Suzanne · Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 9:38 pm Post subject: Re: Varmint load for .270

Buy some Indian jewelry while your there!

Dawgdad · Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 10:12 am Post subject: Re: Varmint load for .270

2.2 of WST and a 148gr hollow base wadcutter is a great mild paper cutting load.

slimjim · Posted: Tue May 14, 2013 9:28 pm Post subject: Re: Varmint load for .270

I thought this topic was about .270 loads, not .38/.357?!?!

I get 3400 fps with a 110 Barnes TTSX with the accuracy you are looking for. The BC is better than the 90gr HP so should shoot flatter. There are plenty of good six8 bullets to try, also.

Elvis · Posted: Wed May 15, 2013 12:27 am Post subject: Re: Varmint load for .270

I gave up using the .270 for varmits when I bought a .223!!!! much more civilised better on the shoulder, lighter ammo,cheaper ammo, slightly lighter rifle, less loud on the ears. and when I use ex mil brass heck I dont even pick up my empties. those 110 grain hp hornadies sure do blow a big hole all the same.

English Mike · Posted: Wed May 15, 2013 8:24 pm Post subject: Re: Varmint load for .270

slimjim wrote:

I thought this topic was about .270 loads, not .38/.357?!?!

I get 3400 fps with a 110 Barnes TTSX with the accuracy you are looking for. The BC is better than the 90gr HP so should shoot flatter. There are plenty of good six8 bullets to try, also.

You know what thread drift's like......... Very Happy

I too like Barnes bullets but the price is a little rich for my taste & I acquired 500 of the 90gr Sierras for less than $50 a couple of years back.
Loaded up some 140gr Hornady Interlocks with H4831sc today to work up a 400yd deer load. If they shoot as well as Sierra MatchKings then I'm hoping for sub 6" groups or better & only that big coz I ain't what might be called an eggspurt marksman. Very Happy

Elvis wrote:

I gave up using the .270 for varmits when I bought a .223!!!! much more civilised better on the shoulder, lighter ammo,cheaper ammo, slightly lighter rifle, less loud on the ears. and when I use ex mil brass heck I dont even pick up my empties. those 110 grain hp hornadies sure do blow a big hole all the same.

Trouble is, the only .223ish rifle I can guarantee to be "on" for me is the AR15 I use for 3 Gun & stuff.
Trouble is, it weighs more due to the medium contour barrel & free float handguards. The Eotech's a tad limited in range with my old eyes too.
Now if I had my 22-250 over here.......

slimjim · Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 6:42 pm Post subject: Re: Varmint load for .270

EM, do you use a silencer in the UK when you hunt. Do you miss not using one over here?

English Mike · Posted: Sun May 19, 2013 5:57 pm Post subject: Re: Varmint load for .270

slimjim wrote:

EM, do you use a silencer in the UK when you hunt. Do you miss not using one over here?

Mostly when shooting .22RF subsonics when after bunnies. The only sound is the hammer falling, followed by the bullet hitting the bunny.
Used them on centrefire & it does reduce the report but there's still the supersonic bang.

Aloysius · Posted: Mon May 20, 2013 12:35 am Post subject: Re: Varmint load for .270

EM, there are subsonics in .308 Win...

Elvis · Posted: Mon May 20, 2013 2:55 am Post subject: Re: Varmint load for .270

last write up on those they were using a 170grn speer 30/30 projectile that had been drilled to resemble a pistol round with good results getting some expansion. the trajectory was fine for up close in the bush. but was like hitting with an arrow as no shock on impact, just a hole.

English Mike · Posted: Mon May 20, 2013 10:11 am Post subject: Re: Varmint load for .270

Aloysius wrote:

EM, there are subsonics in .308 Win...

I know but the range is limited & the trajectory resembles a rainbow. Very Happy