.270 vs 7mm mag?

Mastergunner · October 14, 2012, 11:01 PM

So firingline, another question for you.

My brother thinks the 7mm rem mag is a better round than the .270

What's your opinion?
Here's what I'm looking for in a round:

Price
Less recoil
I'm planing on using it for coyote and maybe deer, I was thinking a +243 first but looking around seems like the .270 is liked a little more
Follow up shot, you never know if a pair of coyote will come to your calling

I'll probably reload so easy of reloading would be nice, and cost of reloading.

lefteye · October 14, 2012, 11:10 PM

The .270 :

1. Is cheaper to shoot with factory loads or your own reloads.

2. Has less recoil.

3. Is certainly adequate for coyotes and deer.

The 7mm Rem Mag may be better for long range shots at mule deer and larger game, particularly elk.

Neither is really a better cartridge - the 7mm is simply bigger (bullet diameter and weight, and powder capacity), higher velocity, more powerful, more costly, and recoils more.

warbirdlover · October 14, 2012, 11:12 PM

Look at the ballistics and which has the most energy at the distance you'll be shooting. Then look at the price of factory ammo and you'll find the .270 is the best deal. But they're both excellent rounds. I have the .270 and for my big boomer a .300 Win Mag.

Axelwik · October 14, 2012, 11:20 PM

I really like my 270, but I have never used a 7mm mag.

lefteye · October 14, 2012, 11:21 PM

Quote:

But they're both excellent rounds. I have the .270 and for my big boomer a .300 Win Mag.

Me too, but I also split the difference with my 7mm Rem Mag (which has yet to go on an elk hunt.)

Ridgerunner665 · October 14, 2012, 11:36 PM

Of the 2....I'd vote the 270.

But since you mention coyotes (varmints)...the 243 is unbeatable in that role.

big al hunter · October 14, 2012, 11:44 PM

For your stated purpose of coyote and maybe deer. Neither is the best. Your original idea of 243 is optimum. Least recoil, cheaper ammo, lighter gun. You can get 58 grain bullets at upwards of 4000 fps for coyote. Flat trajectory. Or you can load 100 grain bullets for deer or black bear. Save the 270 for deer or elk. 7mm mag is good for long range deer or general elk hunting, but it has lots of recoil.

Cheapshooter · October 14, 2012, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Neither is really a better cartridge - the 7mm is simply bigger (bullet diameter and weight, and powder capacity), higher velocity, more powerful, more costly, and recoils more.

BINGO!!!

The 270 is a fine cartridge, and completely competent for your needs.
That from someone who does hunt deer with a 7MM Rem. Magnum!

jimbob86 · October 15, 2012, 12:12 AM

Varmit loads:

.270 WIN- 90HP gr @ 3500 w/ BC around .270 and a 59 gr powder charge
.270 WIN 110VMAX @ 3300 w/ BC around .370 and a 52 gr powder charge

7Rem Mag- 110gr HP @ 3500 w/ BC around .200 and a 75gr powder charge
7Rem Mag- 120gr VMAX @ 3400 w/ BC of .365 and 70 gr powder charge

Deer Loads:

.270 WIN 130 gr SST @ 3100 w/ BC of .460 and a 59 gr powder charge
.270 WIN 150gr SGK @2900 w/ BC of around .480 and a 58gr powder charge

7Rem Mag 139gr SST @3200 w/ BC of .486 and a 68gr powder charge
7Rem Mag 160 gr BTSP @ 3000 w/ BC of .514 and 61 gr powder charge

In varmit weights (which, IME, you will shoot many more of), you get little or no increase in performance in exchange for more expensive brass, shorter life thereof, more recoil and 10-15% more powder used (you want 93 loads or 118 out of a lb of powder?)...

Deer weights ..... you get a couple hundred feet a second, and more efficent bullets (which will stretch your MPBR by 35 yards) at the cost of more expensive cases that don't last as long, more recoil, and again, 10%+ more powder.....

The .270 WIN .....WINS.

Dr. Strangelove · October 15, 2012, 12:17 AM

I have both a .270 Win and a 7mm Rem Mag and load for and hunt whitetail deer with both. At the range most GA deer are shot, the 7 mag just kicks harder. If I was going truly long range, I'd pick the 7 mag between the two.

jimbob86 · October 15, 2012, 12:17 AM

Quote:

But since you mention coyotes (varmints)...the 243 is unbeatable in that role.

What is unbeatable is to have one rifle that you use on everything, from grass rats, to coyotes, to deer, even elk.

Familiarity trumps most every other variable. JUst my opinion, but it's be darn hard to build a rapport with a shoulder beating caliber .... I even download my .270 when shooting at grass rats.....110 grains @ 3K pops them just fine.....

Ridgerunner665 · October 15, 2012, 12:33 AM

Quote:

What is unbeatable is to have one rifle that you use on everything, from grass rats, to coyotes, to deer, even elk.

Familiarity trumps most every other variable. JUst my opinion, but it's be darn hard to build a rapport with a shoulder beating caliber .... I even download my .270 when shooting at grass rats.....110 grains @ 3K pops them just fine.....

I can do that with my 30-06 too...110 grain Sierra's at 3,500 fps...but I much prefer the lil 243...less bark, less bite...and it spreads out the shooting (not so many rounds through 1 barrel)

"One gun for everything" is a good idea...but its even better if you break it into "game size"...big game (30-06 for me), varmints (243 for me)...2 guns, but I'm well prepared for either big game or varmints (with either gun, in a pinch)

Mastergunner · October 15, 2012, 12:41 AM

Seems like .270 is still going to be my first choice

Now! .270 VS .243?
Just curious, I like to shoot, so price is important for me
What have you guys paid in the past? (I tried to look online and on the site cabelas all the prices where the same from .223 to .308 so I didn't actually get a price)

I don't want a super loud rifle when I'm shooting coyote, that'll probably make my neighbors mad
What's a good load for less noise?
For the .270 and .243

Ridgerunner665 · October 15, 2012, 12:56 AM

243...

55 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip
42 grains of Varget

Blistering speed and not overly loud.

I use heavier bullets myself...

70 grain BlitzKings
40 grains of Varget

3,350 fps and excellent accuracy

jimbob86 · October 15, 2012, 01:00 AM

I had a .243 when I was a kid.

Nice gun, wish I still had it.

That said, I have seen good sized bucks take center hits from a .270 WIN and wander away as if nothing happened. Oh, they died, alright, just not where I wanted them to.

I hunt in some wide open spaces ..... I've killed more than one deer at 1/4 mile, when there was no other option...... I would not have even attempted those shots with a .243.

That said, you'll burn a lot less powder w/ .243 WIN and 6mm bullets are cheaper than .277 bullets ........TANSTAAFL.

jimbob86 · October 15, 2012, 01:05 AM

.270 WIN, 47.0gr IMR 4064, 110 gr VMAX, WIN case, WLR primer ...... 3K f/sec ...... makes pink mist on prairie dogs.

.270 WIN, 58.0 gr IMR 7828, 150gr SGK, WIN case, CCI 250 primer ..... 2925 f/sec ... flat shooting, and will go through both sides of a broadside deer @ 450 yards...... yet not penetrate past the diaphram of a deer shot facing you at 50 yards.

10-96 · October 15, 2012, 01:19 AM

How did .25-06 not end up in the running?

Anyway, you're way over thinking things if you think the .243 wont cut the mustard for your needs IMHO.

Mastergunner · October 15, 2012, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbob86

...... makes pink mist on prairie dogs.

Always Seemed kinda silly to me to shoot those little guys with a HP rifle like that... But I guess its not much different than going to the range and shooting paper

Mastergunner · October 15, 2012, 01:25 AM

I'll look into the 25-06
Never heard of it before.:what:

trg42wraglefragle · October 15, 2012, 02:21 AM

What sort of range do you intend on shooting both deer and coyotes?
This will be a large factor in whether or not cartridge X will be suitable or not.

hooligan1 · October 15, 2012, 05:34 AM

I own both and shoot them regularly, as far as more recoil goes ,I never noticed when I shot at game, If it's for deer and occaisionally coyotes, then the .270 winny would get the nod but if it's deer and maybe elk, then the 7mm rem mag and I'd start handloading various bullets for it.

Mobuck · October 15, 2012, 07:28 AM

I'm not a fan of the 270. I AM a fan of the 25/06. If you just want to shoot varmints and deer, the 25/06 is one of the best. If you want mostly varmints but an ocassional deer is possible, the 243 Win is a better choice. Either is way better than the 270.
The 7mm RM is a big round creating considerable recoil, noise, and using a lot of powder. I've killed several coyotes with it at some OMG ranges but it wouldn't be my first choice for your described purposes. If you included elk in your hunting, that would move the 7mm RM into the choices.

Mastergunner · October 15, 2012, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trg42wraglefragle

What sort of range do you intend on shooting both deer and coyotes?
This will be a large factor in whether or not cartridge X will be suitable or not.

Both long and short range, I got to eastern wa to hunt deer (archery) and on 3 occasions the coyote have screwed up hunts for me
So eastern Washington is more open, so longer range and western washington where I live its under 80yrd shots in the woods.

trg42wraglefragle · October 15, 2012, 12:49 PM

Is long range 200-300 yards or 500+.
If the max your going to shoot deer is 300yrds Id go for 243.
243 will be good for coyotes and smaller a fair bit longer than that.

Mastergunner · October 15, 2012, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trg42wraglefragle

Is long range 200-300 yards or 500+.
If the max your going to shoot deer is 300yrds Id go for 243.
243 will be good for coyotes and smaller a fair bit longer than that.

Yeah, I probably won't shot over 300yrds.

October 14, 2012, 11:01 PM	#1
Mastergunner Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Location: Washington state Posts: 54	.270 vs 7mm mag? So firingline, another question for you. My brother thinks the 7mm rem mag is a better round than the .270 What's your opinion? Here's what I'm looking for in a round: Price Less recoil I'm planing on using it for coyote and maybe deer, I was thinking a +243 first but looking around seems like the .270 is liked a little more Follow up shot, you never know if a pair of coyote will come to your calling I'll probably reload so easy of reloading would be nice, and cost of reloading.

October 14, 2012, 11:10 PM	#2
lefteye Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2006 Posts: 1,433	The .270 : 1. Is cheaper to shoot with factory loads or your own reloads. 2. Has less recoil. 3. Is certainly adequate for coyotes and deer. The 7mm Rem Mag may be better for long range shots at mule deer and larger game, particularly elk. Neither is really a better cartridge - the 7mm is simply bigger (bullet diameter and weight, and powder capacity), higher velocity, more powerful, more costly, and recoils more. __________________ Vietnam Veteran ('69-'70) NRA Life Member RMEF Life Member Last edited by lefteye; October 14, 2012 at 11:19 PM.

October 14, 2012, 11:36 PM	#6
Ridgerunner665 Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 2007 Location: Upper East Tennessee Posts: 477	Of the 2....I'd vote the 270. But since you mention coyotes (varmints)...the 243 is unbeatable in that role. __________________ Rossi Rifleman forum Winchester Owners forum

October 14, 2012, 11:44 PM	#7
big al hunter Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2011 Location: Washington state Posts: 1,558	For your stated purpose of coyote and maybe deer. Neither is the best. Your original idea of 243 is optimum. Least recoil, cheaper ammo, lighter gun. You can get 58 grain bullets at upwards of 4000 fps for coyote. Flat trajectory. Or you can load 100 grain bullets for deer or black bear. Save the 270 for deer or elk. 7mm mag is good for long range deer or general elk hunting, but it has lots of recoil. __________________ You can't fix stupid....however ignorance can be cured through education!

October 15, 2012, 12:17 AM	#10
Dr. Strangelove Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2008 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 1,436	I have both a .270 Win and a 7mm Rem Mag and load for and hunt whitetail deer with both. At the range most GA deer are shot, the 7 mag just kicks harder. If I was going truly long range, I'd pick the 7 mag between the two. __________________ Just remember, when you pull the trigger, the bullets come out going very, very fast. So make sure to keep the weapon pointing away from you.

October 14, 2012, 11:12 PM	#3
warbirdlover Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2009 Location: central Wisconsin Posts: 2,324	Look at the ballistics and which has the most energy at the distance you'll be shooting. Then look at the price of factory ammo and you'll find the .270 is the best deal. But they're both excellent rounds. I have the .270 and for my big boomer a .300 Win Mag.

October 14, 2012, 11:20 PM	#4
Axelwik Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2012 Location: Land of Enchantment Posts: 436	I really like my 270, but I have never used a 7mm mag.

October 15, 2012, 12:12 AM	#9
jimbob86 Junior member Join Date: October 4, 2007 Location: All the way to NEBRASKA Posts: 8,722	Varmit loads: .270 WIN- 90HP gr @ 3500 w/ BC around .270 and a 59 gr powder charge .270 WIN 110VMAX @ 3300 w/ BC around .370 and a 52 gr powder charge 7Rem Mag- 110gr HP @ 3500 w/ BC around .200 and a 75gr powder charge 7Rem Mag- 120gr VMAX @ 3400 w/ BC of .365 and 70 gr powder charge Deer Loads: .270 WIN 130 gr SST @ 3100 w/ BC of .460 and a 59 gr powder charge .270 WIN 150gr SGK @2900 w/ BC of around .480 and a 58gr powder charge 7Rem Mag 139gr SST @3200 w/ BC of .486 and a 68gr powder charge 7Rem Mag 160 gr BTSP @ 3000 w/ BC of .514 and 61 gr powder charge In varmit weights (which, IME, you will shoot many more of), you get little or no increase in performance in exchange for more expensive brass, shorter life thereof, more recoil and 10-15% more powder used (you want 93 loads or 118 out of a lb of powder?)... Deer weights ..... you get a couple hundred feet a second, and more efficent bullets (which will stretch your MPBR by 35 yards) at the cost of more expensive cases that don't last as long, more recoil, and again, 10%+ more powder..... The .270 WIN .....WINS.

October 15, 2012, 12:41 AM	#13
Mastergunner Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Location: Washington state Posts: 54	Seems like .270 is still going to be my first choice Now! .270 VS .243? Just curious, I like to shoot, so price is important for me What have you guys paid in the past? (I tried to look online and on the site cabelas all the prices where the same from .223 to .308 so I didn't actually get a price) I don't want a super loud rifle when I'm shooting coyote, that'll probably make my neighbors mad What's a good load for less noise? For the .270 and .243

October 15, 2012, 12:56 AM	#14
Ridgerunner665 Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 2007 Location: Upper East Tennessee Posts: 477	243... 55 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip 42 grains of Varget Blistering speed and not overly loud. I use heavier bullets myself... 70 grain BlitzKings 40 grains of Varget 3,350 fps and excellent accuracy __________________ Rossi Rifleman forum Winchester Owners forum

October 15, 2012, 01:00 AM	#15
jimbob86 Junior member Join Date: October 4, 2007 Location: All the way to NEBRASKA Posts: 8,722	I had a .243 when I was a kid. Nice gun, wish I still had it. That said, I have seen good sized bucks take center hits from a .270 WIN and wander away as if nothing happened. Oh, they died, alright, just not where I wanted them to. I hunt in some wide open spaces ..... I've killed more than one deer at 1/4 mile, when there was no other option...... I would not have even attempted those shots with a .243. That said, you'll burn a lot less powder w/ .243 WIN and 6mm bullets are cheaper than .277 bullets ........TANSTAAFL. Last edited by jimbob86; October 15, 2012 at 01:09 AM.

October 15, 2012, 01:05 AM	#16
jimbob86 Junior member Join Date: October 4, 2007 Location: All the way to NEBRASKA Posts: 8,722	.270 WIN, 47.0gr IMR 4064, 110 gr VMAX, WIN case, WLR primer ...... 3K f/sec ...... makes pink mist on prairie dogs. .270 WIN, 58.0 gr IMR 7828, 150gr SGK, WIN case, CCI 250 primer ..... 2925 f/sec ... flat shooting, and will go through both sides of a broadside deer @ 450 yards...... yet not penetrate past the diaphram of a deer shot facing you at 50 yards.

October 15, 2012, 01:19 AM	#17
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	How did .25-06 not end up in the running? Anyway, you're way over thinking things if you think the .243 wont cut the mustard for your needs IMHO. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

October 15, 2012, 01:25 AM	#19
Mastergunner Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Location: Washington state Posts: 54	I'll look into the 25-06 Never heard of it before.:what: Last edited by Mastergunner; October 15, 2012 at 01:33 AM.

October 15, 2012, 02:21 AM	#20
trg42wraglefragle Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2008 Location: new zealand Posts: 856	What sort of range do you intend on shooting both deer and coyotes? This will be a large factor in whether or not cartridge X will be suitable or not.

October 15, 2012, 05:34 AM	#21
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,586	I own both and shoot them regularly, as far as more recoil goes ,I never noticed when I shot at game, If it's for deer and occaisionally coyotes, then the .270 winny would get the nod but if it's deer and maybe elk, then the 7mm rem mag and I'd start handloading various bullets for it. __________________ Keep your Axe sharp and your powder dry.

October 15, 2012, 07:28 AM	#22
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	I'm not a fan of the 270. I AM a fan of the 25/06. If you just want to shoot varmints and deer, the 25/06 is one of the best. If you want mostly varmints but an ocassional deer is possible, the 243 Win is a better choice. Either is way better than the 270. The 7mm RM is a big round creating considerable recoil, noise, and using a lot of powder. I've killed several coyotes with it at some OMG ranges but it wouldn't be my first choice for your described purposes. If you included elk in your hunting, that would move the 7mm RM into the choices.

October 15, 2012, 12:49 PM	#24
trg42wraglefragle Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2008 Location: new zealand Posts: 856	Is long range 200-300 yards or 500+. If the max your going to shoot deer is 300yrds Id go for 243. 243 will be good for coyotes and smaller a fair bit longer than that.