Getting ready to start load development for my wifes .270 Winchester. She hunts mainly mule deer and elk. I have settled on the new 140 grain Nosler Accubond as the bullet. I am wondering what powder(s) are your favorites for the .270 with 140 grain bullets.
300: Firstly, the only bullet I use in my .270 Win. is a 150 gr. For a number of years I've been trying to find a consistantly accurate load for it. I tried IMR-4350, H-4831 and a number of others. I even played with seating depth. I got good accuracy with about 50 grs. of IMR-4350 but of course, velocity was quite low. I finally tried Rldr-22 and have decided on 56.0 grs., again, this with a 150 gr. Partition. I'd seriously look at Rldr-22 and I'd then definitely play with seating depth. IMO, seating depth would probably be the second most important thing to work with, being preceeded only by the proper powder. My load gives me about 2880 fps (from the chrono) and single digit standard deviations. My seating depth for the Nosler is 2.823" as measured to the ogive. You might try Steve's Pages for some load ideas. They've been a terrific help to me. Good luck. Bear in Fairbanks
Posts: 1544 | Location: Fairbanks, Ak., USA | Registered: 16 March 2002
RL22 and H4831SC. Up to 58 grains H4831SC and 58 grains RL22. These are max IMO so work up. My guess is one of these loads will work out very well for you. I think in terms of velocity, RL22 will have the upper hand. After people telling me their success stories with RL22 on this site, I use it now for my 150 grain bulets in the 270. I do not shoot anything lighter than 150, thoug I have played around with the 130s and 140s. I have tried a few different 140s in my rifle and one bullet would like one powder and a different one would like another. If the first you try doesn't work, try the other. 150s were just the most accurate in my rifle. I can finally shoot 1" groups consistantly with my ruger M77. No doubt my most finicky rifle.
Posts: 395 | Location: Tremonton, UT | Registered: 20 April 2004
I think for the heavier bullets especially 4831 is the best way to go. This old powder has been turning in superb results in 270s for a long time and STILL works as good as ever. If this doesn't solve your delima, you've got an unusual 270.
Posts: 19677 | Location: New Mexico | Registered: 23 May 2002
I would normally strongly reccommend RL-22, but since you are shooting a BAR I think that it's very important to first check if the BAR has any restrictions on powder burning rates - you may need to use a faster powder. I don't know specifically about BAR's but using a powder as slow as RL-22 could actually damage a M-1 Garand for example (port pressure too high can bend an op-rod on a Garand). That being said 60.0grs of RL-22 with a 140 Accubond shoots sub 1/2 MOA at 300yds in my Berretta Mato 270 (Max Load - WW cases, Fed 210M)
Posts: 3976 | Location: Oklahoma,USA | Registered: 27 February 2004
I am pretty much where Bear is at, but RL22 changes a bit from lot to lot so it goes from 56 to 57 grains RL22 for the 150 grain bullets, and my seating depth is about the same using a stoney point bullet comparator (very slightly off the lands. Not much). Personally, for elk, I would go with this load hands down. Your sectional density is right at the lower acceptable limit with the 150 grain bullets also. And, you don't need a velocity much greater than 2900 FPS. You'll like it. My advice: If you like RL22 and plan on loading up a lot of rounds, buy a large thing of it. Outstanding powder but it changes from lot to lot.
Posts: 395 | Location: Tremonton, UT | Registered: 20 April 2004
