Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles .270 WSM Load

I have a Tikka T3X Lite chambered for .270 WSM - based on Nosler data it looked like Magpro could get me to 3200 fps with a 140 grain Accubond. I ordered a Leupold CDS dial for that combo. I had heard that Tikka T3s in .270 WSM ran somewhat slow, and that seems to be the case with mine. A Hornady factory 130 grain that claims 3240 fps clocked only 3039 in my rifle. I'm using Norma brass instead of Winchester used in the Nosler data, and a Fed 215 primer. Nosler showed a max load of 69.5 grains but that only got me 3128 in my rifle vs 3237 listed by Nosler. 70.5 got me to 3180. 71.5 hit 3228 with only 4 fps ES for 3 shots (I'll shoot more next time I go to the range). I had some 72.0 grain loads and they were only slightly faster at about 3240 and a lot more spread (15 fps for 3 shots). Oddly bolt lift seemed easier at 72 grains than at 71.5. None of the cases showed more than very slight ejector marks, primers weren't excessively flat or cratered, bolt lift seems maybe just a little bit heavier than with factory ammo. I would call the 71.5 grain load maximum for my rifle. I'm at about .020 off the lands. 2 full grains more than the Nosler data, and I don't know what the case capacity differences are between Norma and Winchester. I suspect Norma is a little thicker but again I don't really know. Temp was about 40 degrees at the range today. Anyone think I'm pushing too hard to get the velocity I want? Accuracy seems pretty good with the 71.5 grain load.

The western load data lists 72.9 of MagPro as max with 140 AB, 3,171fps.

Appears you have room to add more powder.

If you’re seeing ejector marks at all, you’re running hot.

All rifles are different, and in my experience, I rarely find hand loads match manual velocities. Frankly, with the exception of Weatherby ammo, factory loads have never matched advertised velocity. Of my 3 Tikkas, one requires 2.5 grains more of powder to match manual velocity. Another requires an additional requires 1.5 grains of additional powder, while a third, hits pressure 2.5grains less than manual max loads. It is true that rifles can have slow or fast barrels. I have a Sako that is really fast. My 3 Tikkas, at least with the relatively few rounds I’ve had through them clearly are not fast. Some have said they pick up velocity after a few hundred rounds..... It would be nice but I really won’t make a difference on game.
FYI, I really like the 140 AB with RL 26. The load averages just under 3200fps.

I appreciate the advice. I agree that a little less velocity isn't going to matter a whole lot in terms of effectiveness on game - I mainly just wanted to find an accurate load that matches up with my CDS dial. I realize I'll have to shoot it at long range to verify the drops. Once I have a load worked up, I don't plan to shoot the rifle a whole lot. It will be a hunting rifle, so I'll probably only be shooting 20-30 rounds a year through it once I have the load I'm satisfied with.

I have been getting good results with both R25 & R26 and a 140 grain bullet in my WSM these run right at 3,200 fps. The thing to keep in mind is the SAAMI pressure at 65.000 PSI is already red lined. It doesn't take much for pressures to exceed the comfort level at this pressure level.

One thing there is no need to push the 270 WSM as the 270 Winchester has been getting her done for decades, some of the Win. loads were only clocking 2,850 fps and they still worked.

I like the 140 Accubonds in my 270 WSM. I use IMR 4350.

If you can find it, try RL-26. Fairly certain it'll get you where you want to be and with out excessive pressure.

I've been on the lookout for RL-26 for a while but have not seen it on the shelf anywhere. I would really like to try it.

Imr 4350 has also been the ticket for a buddy's tikka. I load with a remington mag primer and barnes 130ttsx. That load is impressive at all ranges. It's not uncommon for us to be hunting when it's 110 outside so 26 hasn't been an option.

An older buddy bought this rifle in the past year. Asked me to help him handload. We landed on 145 ELDx and, per Hornady manual, started with Re-19. Our target was around 3050 for no other reason than that's what a) Hornady's manual indicated was possible and b) his custom turret dial was set up for. (Yes, the dial was ordered before he shot it--long story.) Anyhow, Re-19 wasn't getting him close, so we moved to Re-26; objective achieved and, even better, great accuracy. I bought some Magpro, because I read it's "the 270 WSM powder" but haven't tried it due to aforementioned good results.

Yeah I made the same mistake of ordering the CDS dial before I chronographed my handloads. I did hit the 3200 fps I was looking for, using Magpro, and the load is over what Nosler shows for that bullet/powder, but under the Western max load. It might be a little bit hot as I am seeing some slight ejector marks, but at this point I'm inclined to roll with it, as it shows very consistent velocity and good accuracy.

Only cartridge to shoot mag pro worth a chit for me was the 270 wsm. It shot it well enough I stopped load development and just used mag pro

RL19 and Nosler 140 Accubonds is what my Winchester 70 FWT loves!

Running the 130 Accubond winchester brass. 3200 with R 17. Mild load could prob get more speed but has bang flopped everything including a 300# mulie. Once I run out of R17 going to try R26 since I have a bunch. Working good in 7 mag and 6.5 cm.

Tried Mag-Pro but get better results with RL26. I load under book max with RL26 behind a 130gr TTSX and get 3280 fps with excellent accuracy.

405wcf

With my original barrel, MagPro & 130's or 140's gave good velocity but not great accuracy and H4831 worked much better. With the new barrel RL-23 & RL-26 both work good with 145's & 150's with the nod going to RL-26.

Stomatador, what kind of velocity were you able to get with H4831? I have a decent supply of that, and while I hear great things about RL-26, it also seems to have a reputation for pressure spikes at high ambient temperatures, which I would like to avoid. H4831 on the other hand, at least according to Hodgon, is temperature stable.

I was just under a book max load of H4831sc and got 3220 with 130 gr accubond. My notes say that near max loads of IMR 4451 and 4350 were good too.

My rifle is a Ruger M77 with a 22" barrel. With 130gr Accubond 215M primers Win cases I used RL23 and got 3130FPS

With MRP same rifle Bullet, same primer Win case 2.810 OAL I got 3187 FPS.

Using 140gr Accubond RL23 powder and WLRM primers I got 3128 FPS SD 13.3

MagPro with 150gr Ballistic tip Win case 2.845 OAL WLRM this was max load. 3018FPS

MRP with 140gr Hornady interlock 215M primer R/P case 2.820 OAL 3112 FPS SD 5.9

I have a bunch of more loads ready to test at the range. Including RL17, and RL26