Which Cartridge Is Best? Analyzing .270 Win vs .308 Win

Planning your next hunting trip and torn between .308 and .270 ammunition? Both are trusted choices for hunting deer and other game like hogs, moose, elk, black bears, and exotic species. In this guide, you’ll learn all about the features of these cartridges to help you in making the best choice!

The .270 and .308 cartridges are both popular centerfire rifle options. The .270 boasts a longer case length and overall length, making it suitable for standard or long-action rifles with increased case capacity.

The .308 is favored in short-action rifles, offering a manageable recoil. Both cartridges share a common rim diameter of .473 inches. Review the table for a detailed comparison. These figures may change slightly depending on the brand.

When deciding between the .308 and .270 cartridges, it's essential to understand their unique strengths. The .308 excels in shooting heavier and larger-diameter bullets. However, their recoil is similar. Keep reading to see whether .270 vs .308 excels in the following categories: Recoil, Effective Range, Ammunition Availability, Bullet Drop and Weight, and Price.

Recoil is a smaller factor to consider when choosing between the .270 vs .308 cartridges. Both cartridges offer manageable recoil, as they were designed as lower recoil alternates to the .30-06.

• The .270 cartridge is known for its moderate recoil, making it an excellent choice for hunters of all experience levels. Its recoil is comfortable and allows for accurate follow-up shots in the field.

• The .308 cartridge has a slightly heavier recoil compared to the .270. Despite this, it strikes a balance between power and manageable recoil. The felt recoil may not be noticeable, depending on the person.

Both the .308 and .270 cartridges offer effective performance, with distinctions in range. Your skills and the wind drift can also affect the shooting range.

• The .270 Winchester features an effective range of 400-500 yards with a flatter trajectory. This gives hunters an advantage for longer-distance shots.

• The .308 Winchester has a slightly shorter effective range of 300-400 yards. It’s well-suited for medium to longe-range shots.

Various brands produce ammunition for both the .270 and .308 cartridges. These brands include Hornady, Remington, Sierra, Barnes, and Top Brass. You can find a range of choices at different price points.

• The .270 cartridge provides a wide variety of bullet styles. It's one of the most popular options worldwide.

• The .308 cartridge stands out with an extensive range of factory load options, offering three times as many choices as the .270. This popularity makes it easy to find the right ammunition for your needs.

Bullet drop measures how many inches the bullet will fall during flight. The .308 has more bullet drop than the .270 around 500 yards.

• At 500 yards, the .270 cartridge with a 150-grain bullet experiences a bullet drop of -44.2 inches and maintains 1,241 ft-lbs of energy. The 130-grain bullet has the flattest trajectory at this distance.

• The .308 cartridge firing a 150-grain bullet at 500 yards has a bullet drop of -47.8 inches with a lower energy of 1,053 ft-lbs.

For pricing, the .270 and .308 cartridges generally offer a range of options, catering to various budgets and preferences.

• The .270 ammunition is available at prices ranging from $1.20 to $3.50 per round. This allows hunters and shooters to find options that fit their budget.

• The .308 ammunition comes in a variety of price points, typically ranging from $1.10 to $2.50 per round. This provides flexibility for shooters who want to save on ammo.

Winchester made the .270 in 1925 for the Model 54 bolt action rifle. The .270 was a modification of the older .30-03 case, featuring a reduced cartridge diameter to accommodate 2.77″ bullets. It built upon the success of the 30-06.

Winchester released the .308 in 1952 for Winchester’s Model 70, model 88 lever action, and their semi-automatic 100 rifles. Learn more about these unique cartridges below:

The .270 cartridge is known for its adaptability and mild recoil. It boasts a flat trajectory that is particularly advantageous for hunting mule deer and black bear. It retains energy effectively over extended distances up to 500 yards. However, the .270's energy starts dropping below 1,500 ft-lbs. at 320 yards, so it may not be ideal for elk hunting beyond that distance.

The .308 cartridge is renowned for its exceptional performance in target shooting and is a preferred choice among hunters for game like elk, deer, and other medium to large-sized animals.

Its versatility is evident through the diverse range of available ammunition options, and it's compatible with a wide selection of semi-automatic rifles designed for .308 cartridges.

Whether you're a beginner or experienced hunter, you've probably encountered the .270 and .308 cartridges. While both are suitable for big game hunting, they have distinct characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.

• The .270 cartridge is a suitable option for most hunters due to its lower recoil and flatter trajectory. These qualities can be helpful when learning to shoot.

• The .308 can also be an excellent choice for beginners. It offers affordability, a wide variety of cartridge options, and easy availability. It's ideal for starting at shorter distances and progressing to longer distances (up to 800 yards) with more experience.

Both the .270 and .380 are powerful hunting cartridges. They each have distinct strengths and specific hunting applications. Both are used for larger game, depending on shot placement and the skill of the hunter.

• The .270 cartridge is good for hunting in open terrain. It pairs well with 140 and 150-grain bullets. It offers a flatter trajectory and lighter recoil compared to the .308 and can be used to hunt deer and elk.

• The .308 cartridge is the preferred choice for hunting big game, especially when heavier bullets are required. It proves its effectiveness on larger game within a 400-yard range, making it an ideal choice for hunting moose, elk, and bear.

Enhance your shooting experience with our selection of .308 and .270 ammo. Explore 130-150 grain options for .270 and 150-190 grain for .308. Browse our range of .270 Winchester Rifles and .308 Winchester Rifles to gear up for your next hog, deer, or elk hunting adventure!