Considering switching from 270 win to 6.5 PRC or 6.5 CM

OP
aman

aman

FNG
Joined
Sep 12, 2020
Messages
60
270 is back on the menu boys!!

5 shot groups at 3 powder weights for some statistical data. Rounds were shot in round robin method to reduce impact of barrel temperature.

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Gila

WKR
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Apr 25, 2020
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1,127
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West
Sweet! I have an “old“ original Tikka T3 in .270 win and it it has been a very accurate and capable rifle. I don’t hand load yet, but going to start next year. That is if I can get the components I want without breaking the bank. My .270 is finicky with factory ammo. i settled on Hornady custom magnum ammunition using 130 gr interbonds. I consistently smoked pronghorn out to 460yds. When Hornady stopped making that product line, I went to the Superformance ammo with 130gr GMX which has proved to be very accurate.

I think the reason it is finicky is because my T3 has a 22 inch barrel and a 1:10” twist. I think the optimal barrel for heavy-for-caliber bulllets with a higher BC would have 1:9.5” or even a 1:9“ twist with a length of 24”. My T3 is compact and light, easy to carry all day so I have no need to change anything. Having said that, If the barrel wears out I will probably re-barrel with a 280AI.
 

wyo2track

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Sep 9, 2015
Messages
213
Location
western WY
I've always liked R22 or the 4831 powders in the 270 for 140 gr and above. Just had good luck with powders in that burn region. Last year I finally tried R26 in my Kimber 270 win with 140 accubonds as I read it was like magic fairy dust in the old 270. Ran it all the way up to 63 grains. Settled near 62gr and 5/8" 3 shot group. This is what the magnetospeed said after working up groups. If you can get your hands on some R26 its worth a try. Your H4350 load is mimicking Hornady's factory Precision Hunter offering which is fairly stout for a factory load imo.
 

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Just a thought, but you said that you’re also thinking about elk hunting too, I’d look at a .300 win mag myself. The more I shoot and load for mine the more versatile I’m realizing it is. I got my cow elk with it this year and though I typically use my .280 that I’m very partial to, I’m leaning towards using it for deer season and a pig hunt I have planned. Relatively speaking to the times today, brass and bullets have been reasonable to come by as well. That being said the 6.5 pcr does look pretty cool.
 

Drob1260

FNG
Joined
Aug 26, 2022
Messages
5
I have a Tikka T3x 270 Win that I've been having a hell of a time trying to develop a load it likes.

Given that high BC bullet selection is very limited for .277 and nearly no high quality brass manufacturers create 270 win cases, I am considering just moving away from this rifle.

I am seriously considering either a 6.5 cm or a 6.5 prc. Primarily for hunting mule deer. Maybe occasional elk until I build up a dedicated elk rifle.

I'll be handloading so component quality availability is a consideration.
6.5 CM has nice low recoil which would be a pleasure to shoot and develop shooting fundamentals.
6.5 PRC has extra velocity but cartridge is still relatively young.
54.5 imr4350 or 58.2 RL22 with 130s has worked well in a lot of rifles. 56.4 with 140s is another proven load for me. In fact I think that’s sierras recommended hunting load from their manual.
 
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