Just wondering what the thoughts are on using a .270 WSM with Barnes 150 gr. TSX flatbase for a baited Leopard hunt? This could also be used for Springbuck and some of the smaller animals encountered. I'll have a 9.3 X 62 along as the primary rifle for most other critters, Zebra, Kudu, Gembok and such and could use this with the Barnes 250 grainer for the cat. Still debating on taking a second rifle and would like the calibur spread to be different enough to avoid duplication, thus the .270. All thoughts appreciated!

Larry Sellers

I have a new 270 WSM and I would not hesitate for a moment to hunt leopard with it.

My choice of bullets would be different, I just do not like Barnes bullets. I shoot the 140 Nosler Partition in my 270 WSM.

I shot three animals with it this year. I shot a wild hog, a black bear, and a mule deer with the 270 WSM this year and none of them took even one more step. They just folded on the spot. The bear was at a dead run pretty much broadside. When the bullet hit the bear it just rolled into a ball.

Larry,

We all know that there is no substitute for shot placement, regardless little error can become a big disaster, a wounded leopard might charge, and in this case I would feel more comfortable with a bigger gun.

Roland

Larry,
Plenty for Leopard, but the X bullet will just put a hole through him. I used a 160gr Accubond in my 7mm, and I would even consider a ballistic tip, since I want a big hole with alot of damage. Leopards are not that big, even a huge one is only 180lbs, so don't use the X bullet!!

What Wolfgar said! Leopards are not a heavy/thick skinned critter. I 140 AB or NP would be about perfect, and work for the other game animals you suggested as well.

Good luck on your hunt.

Thanks guys. My rifle shoots the 140 gr Nosler Partition into consistent 3/8 to 1/2 groups. I have also taken caribou and whitetail with the above set up. My thought on the Barnes X was the 150 gr. weight not neccessarily the performance factor. Sounds like my "normal" 140 NP is the ticket in this case? Anyone else have experience with something heavier than the 140 gr in this round?
In case of a charge a second shot from me and hopefully a good back up shot from my PH would be suffcient??????


Larry Sellers

Larry, big cow elk with 150 and 130 TSX from my 270 Wizzem, and both DRT. Complete pass throughs, one through both shoulders. I have alwayws had complete penetration (pass throughs)with TSX's--Always--over 50 head of different game, including a couple of hogs that went over 400 lbs, these with the 130 gr version.

Larry,
Great choice either way...just make the first shot count and he will be dead at the bottom of the tree like mine was.....charge is another story, as your scoped rifle will be nearly useless. Your PH probably won't let you come anyway, so just make your first shot count!

No telling how many leopard have been taken with 7X57s and 303 Enfields, so the 270WSM will do just fine. I'd use Partitions, but that's just me.

another vote for partitions - the front part falls apart and blows the smitherins out of the chest of the cat. old mr spots just ain't that big a animal