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270WBY MAG. OR 25-06??

20 Jun 2013
@ 06:30 pm (GMT)

Hatchet1

Hi folks, new to the site..was hoping for your thoughts on my upcoming nevada mule deer hunt...in talking with the outfitt im hunting with..they tell me that do to terrain and such..shots may be up to and including the 500-600yd range...both my above mentioned rifle will do it..as i have quality nightforce optics and pratice often...having a hard time determining which one to bring?? the 270wbymag has a 26inch barrel..while the howa 25-06 has a 22inch... i would be shooting 130 spitzers out of the 270..and 115 noslers partions out of the 25-06....im leaning toward the 25-06 as it seems to shoot flatter...what are your guys thoughts on this...apples and oranges?? thanks for any input!!

Replies

21 Jun 2013
@ 05:54 pm (GMT)

Quote this

Nathan Foster

Re: 270WBY MAG. OR 25-06??

Hi Matt, neither of the loads you mention utilize projectiles designed for dedicated long range work. What you have to try and keep in mind, is that we are now often shooting out to ranges that exceed the design paramaters of factory ammunition. It is therefore important to work towards handloading for long range shooting.

Nevertheless, of the loads you mention, the 130gr Weatherby load (Interlock) will suffice without fuss to 600 yards, perhaps a bit further. You need to bear in mind that this bullet disintegrates at close ranges/high velocity and will sometimes give somewhat shallow penetration at close ranges on tough animals. Yet although this particular bullet is highly frangible, its BC is rather low, so it cannot be utilized as a true long range bullet. On your intended hunt, if animals are commonly out at between 300-650 yards, you will be fine with the Weatherby load. Wind drift at 600 yards will be 24" at 10mph.

The .25-06 Partition load is very good, but it lacks the bullet mass and energy to create wide wounding at your intended ranges, even though the Partition will readily expand at 1800fps/600 yards. I seldom use energy figures but they do come into play with lighter, narrow projectiles relative to the promotion of wide wounding. I have covered this in detail in the next book, yet to be released.

It is very important that you make yourself a decent set of printed drop charts with come ups and wind drift. Dial for shots past 300-350 yards and hold off for wind. If you can get this aspect of your kit sorted, it will help the guide a great deal. It will help take pressure off him if you are able to do your part and be able to get on target quickly without mucking around with iphone applications and having the appearance of texting your friends. See printed sample drop chart in Knowledge base.

Practice at 100 yards, you will want to ensure groups are under an inch. Sight the rifle to print 3" high at 100 yards so that you don't have to dial for a 300 yard shot and muck your guide around at this range where game can be very spooky. Shoot confirmation groups from the ground, field position, field kit.

You won't need half inch accuracy if 650 yards is the likely max range. But if there is a chance that you will have to push shots further, you will want to try and have the rifle grouping .5 to .7". Consider 800 yards as a max range for your load with good shot placement. I would prefer 650 yards as a max range for that load, but you may be able to push the load further with care.

Hope that helps. All the best on hunt. Glad to see you discussing this and making a good effort towards prep.