Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 30-06 vs 270

What's the difference between these rounds? Which would you suggest?

Specifically I'm looking at the Marlin XL7 you all suggested (THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP).

It will be used for Colorado's 2nd deer/elk combined season. Currently, I'm shooting a .300 Win.Mag.

Thanks as always for your help...

Just see the 7mm-08 vs. .308 threads - ALL of them.

Then the answer will be clear as... mud!

My only concern is whether a thread like this, based on the -06 case, will generate as many pictures of hot chix as the threads on the -08 case do. We can only hope!

FC

Look in the deer hunting forum.Exact same thread going on there

Welcome!

But I must say that if you currently pull the trigger on a .300 winnie you must be able to figure out the difference between the .270 and 30-06

If you hand load for your .300 than I'd buy the 30-06 (same bullets)

Or, drop down to the 25-06 (for something different)

In reality, the race between the two is way too close to call and will make ZERO difference in the way you hunt if you are a "practical" hunter.

With me, it's all about the rifle...then pic a caliber and enjoy.

CLB

Saddlesore,
I am watching that thread, though it is for a deer hunter, not deer/elk combo. I'm just nervous about the 270 vs. a bull elk (or possibly a bear). I will keep watching that thread as well...

CLB,
I have a 300 as my first hunting rifle... Only 3rd season hunting big game, a few more hunting birds... Previously I used my brothers 30-06 savage (for 2 seasons). Last season was the first with my .300. Loved it, but want a back up to have in camp incase...
I don't hand load. So if that's a factor, keep that in mind. Thanks!

You all think a 270 would be enough for a large elk/possibly a bear?

I'm leaning toward the 270 b/c then between brother and I, we'd have 270, 30-06 and .300... but I don't know....

Get the 270. Kicks less, kills elk as well as the 30-06 IMO.

As far as bears, I suppose you're talking blacks? They're not very hard to kill IMO. For grizzlies, I doubt you can ever have too much gun, but then I understand they're not particularly hard to kill either.

All my elk hunting is in grizzly country and I'd not worry with a 270 in hand. I've seen exactly 10 elk piled up with the 270. Worked just fine. Friend Dober has killed several handfulls with his 270 with no problem, including out past 500 yards.

In fact, I'm seriously thinking of getting a Kimber MT in 270 when they're available. I suspect it'll see some use on elk

I used to correspond a bit with the late George Hoffman (African PH and designer of the 416 Rem)... he told me he killed right around 50 elk with the 270 and anyone that thought the 270 wasn't enough for elk needed psychological attention.

IMO, the 270 is a nice compliment to a 300... it's sort of a lighter kicking 300 Mag. Ie, pushes bullets of similar SD/BC at similar speeds for similar trajectories.

End of treatise...

If I've read your threads (not just this one) correctly, you're looking for an inexpensive back-up rifle, that you can leave in camp.

From your tone, using a 270 on deer and elk seems to cause you anxiety. So, go ahead & get the .30-06. Both cartridges will certainly kill elk, but in this case, the '06 gives you more peace of mind. The difference in the field just isn't worth the mental energy or anguish.

You're on the right track with Marlin XL7. I'd throw on a Weaver K4 (unless you can find a decent used scope any cheaper), and call it done. Shoot whatever factory ammo in 165 grains on up that groups the best. Then, leave the rifle and 3 boxes of ammo in camp.

There: you're all set.

FC

If your looking for a backup gun why not go with a classic such as this: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=155167946

a gun with some character rather then one of the newer injected plastic/steel mass produced guns?

06' or 270, either will work for what you want. If you prefer large bullets the 06' has the edge. For deer-size animals at longer range the 270 has the advantage.
270

What Brad said. The least important question about elk hunting is the choice of rifle, but it's perhaps the most common question. Hit in the lungs with a decent bullet from either one, and elk die quickly. Hit poorly, and elk run forever.

I'd go '06 myself. Can't see how more bullet is a bad thing for elk, right? And the trajectory is "close enuff" to what a .270 will do.

As good as .270 is, 30-06 is a teensy bit better.

-jeff

(hastening the onset of babes <grin>)

.30-06 is a little better for up close, the .270 is a little better for out far. Since you already have a .300 Win Mag, I would get a .270 since the trajectory is very similar and as Finn Aagaard said at least 90% of killing power is shot placement.

Lou

I likeeee...

280 Remington trumps both.

My short answer is what Brad said.

My longer answer is that with great bullets they are both redundant with a 300Win already in the safe. If you are talking a 2-gun collection, I would get a 223 or something similar to shoot A LOT, for practice with the 300Win.

Ten cents or a dime.

Ok difference between a .270 Win and a .30-06 is .031�.
The .270 has little less recoil.
The .30-06 will handle bullets up to 220 grain.
I have both and have killed big game with both.
I would use premium bullets in either for any game larger deer.
There is no real diff in the field.
So, IME, I'd pick the rifle that felt best in my hands.

Clearly the choice is obvious...

If you want to sling a 150 gr. bullet with a sectional density of .230 at just under 2900 fps, you can't beat a 30-06.

If you'd rather send a 150 gr bullet with sectional density of .267 downrange at slightly over 2850 fps, go with the .270.

There isn't an elk walking the earth that I wouldn't use a .270 on.

................CH.........If you`re currently shooting a 300 Win, then why consider the `06, unless you really have to have a 30-06. You can always re-load the 300 Win down to `06 levels and be very accurate in doing so. The only difference would be your casings and rifle which are stamped 300 Win Mag on them. But in reality, you`re shooting at 30-06 bullet speeds. If I were you, I`d spend the money better and diversify into another caliber.

The 270 Win is an excellent cartridge for deer and any elk!!

i have both and have used them for over 40 years. i'm reminded of what Jack O'Connor once said, "the 270 is a wonderful cartridge, but the 30-06 is more versatile." there's your answer!