.270 WSM

[brijohn]

Looking at a Weatherby Vanguard chambered in .270 WSM, I have no experience with this caliber. Would like opinions from the experts here, pros and cons. Would be using for deer and at some point would like to go after an elk. All input helpful.

[Ske1etor]

Honestly, I wouldn't pick a .270 WSM over a standard .270. You're gaining 150-200 fps. That's the upside. Downsides are increased recoil, increased price for ammo, it's louder, barrel will wear faster, more likely to encounter feeding issues, etc.

[Pathfinder45]

The regular 270 Winchester can be easily handloaded to 3,000 fps with 150 grain bullets in a 24" barrel. My Winchester model 70 Classic Sporter holds 5 rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber. Going to 270WSM, or even 270 Weatherby, will gain but little velocity, while sacrificing barrel life, magazine capacity, and the ability to find ammo almost anywhere. The 270 Winchester is ubiquitous. Though it made its reputation with 130 grain bullets, it's performance is further boosted with 150 grain bullets propelled by the slower burning powders like H-4831, Reloder-22, IMR-7828, and, my favorite, (nyuck, nyuck, nyuck), Norma N-205. I know, I know, they haven't made that stuff for 30 odd years, but I've got plenty along with Norma MRP.
Just get a Winchester model 70, in the regular 270.

[reynolds357]

I have 2 .270WSM's and love both of them. I like them almost as good as my .270 WBY.

[AllenJ]

The pros are: Modern cartridge design, more than enough power for deer and elk.

Cons are: Cost of ammunition is expensive, even to reload for.

The average hunter is never going to see the end of his barrel life so I don't see that as an issue. If it is a cartridge you admire I'd buy it, if later you decide you don't like it you can always sell it.

One more comment: I have a friend who owns a Vanguard S2 in 270WSM and it is an extremely accurate rifle. He shoots 3 shot 3/4 MOA with his regularly.

[Wyoredman]

Since this is the reloading forum.....

I use Reloader 22 and Sierra GameKing 130 grain bullets in my .270WSM. Works great.

The advantage of the 270 WSM = Short action, lighter weight, faster bolt cycle, stiffer action, more velocity, and ... a fun cartridge!

BTW-I like the .270 win as well, and have several. Don't berate a guy for wanting something you don't have or like. Good day!

[Pathfinder45]

The 270WSM and the 270 Weatherby have to be very good cartridges because they aim to be an improvement over an already great cartridge. They are probably better than a 257 Weatherby and perhaps even the 264 Winchester and I have no doubt they are fairly equal to 7mm Weatherby and Remington magnums. So they have to be good. For myself, rather than looking to go beyond my 270 Winchester's excellent performance, I'm going retrograde to rediscover the virtues of the 30WCF in an older levergun. ( I know, I know, it's little better than a spear, right? )

[reynolds357]

They are not in the class with the 7WBY, but they are good.

[jmr40]

They are not in the class with the 7WBY, but they are good.

That depends on your goals. All of the WSM cartridges were designed to offer around 95-99% of the speed possible with traditional belted magnums of the same caliber, not equal or better them. In a nutshell my 300 WSM gives me 98% of a 300 WM's speed, in a 308 size and weight rifle, with 30-06 recoil.

The WSM's were meant to be used in smaller, lighter rifles used in rugged terrain.

The problem is that most rifle manufacturers have not responded with suitable rifles. If you are buying a standard weight rifle, then there is less reason to choose any WSM over a traditional magnum round. Which is the problem with the Vanguard. It is a pretty heavy rifle.

The Kimber's chambered in the WSM's are really the only factory option that is designed around the cartridges. I have a Winchester in 300 WSM with some custom features and a lightweight stock that is almost 2 lbs lighter. About the same weight as the Kimber.

[brijohn]

As always lots of great info, thanks.