Introduction
The thrill of the hunt, the challenge of precision, and the satisfaction of a well-placed shot are all part of the allure of varmint hunting. From the vast open plains to the rugged mountains, varmint hunting offers diverse landscapes and exciting opportunities. But choosing the right caliber for the job is crucial. The .270 Winchester has long been a favorite among hunters, known for its versatility in various hunting scenarios. But does this cartridge truly shine when it comes to taking down those wily varmints? Let’s delve into the advantages and disadvantages to see if the .270 is a good choice for the discerning varmint hunter.
Varmints, by definition, are considered nuisance animals. The specific species vary depending on the region, but the term often includes groundhogs, prairie dogs, coyotes, foxes, and even certain bird species that can cause significant damage to property, livestock, and crops. Varmint hunting provides an important service by helping to control populations and mitigate the negative impacts of these animals.
This article explores the suitability of the .270 Winchester for varmint hunting, weighing the pros and cons to give you a comprehensive understanding of its potential. We’ll examine its characteristics, performance capabilities, and compare it to other popular cartridges to determine if the .270 earns its place in your varmint hunting arsenal.
Understanding the .270 Winchester
To evaluate the .270 for varmint hunting, we must first understand the cartridge itself. The .270 Winchester, a cartridge born from the successful .30-06 Springfield case, boasts a rich history and a reputation for accuracy and effectiveness.
A Brief History
The .270 Winchester’s origins trace back to the early 1920s. Winchester wanted to develop a flat-shooting cartridge that offered exceptional downrange performance for big-game hunting. Introduced in 1925, the .270 Winchester quickly gained popularity among hunters seeking a versatile round. It was initially designed for the 130-grain bullet, achieving impressive muzzle velocities and providing a flatter trajectory than many competing cartridges of the time. This meant less holdover at longer distances.
Cartridge Specifications
This cartridge typically fires bullets in the .277-inch (7mm) diameter range. Common bullet weights used in .270 Winchester loads typically range from around 90 grains to 160 grains. While lighter bullets in the 90-110 grain range may be considered for varmint hunting, the .270 truly shines with its heavier offerings for big game. The .270’s ballistic performance relies on its ability to propel bullets at high velocities, typically between 2,900 and 3,200 feet per second (fps), depending on the bullet weight and specific load. These speeds translate to a trajectory that is significantly flatter than many other calibers, especially out past several hundred yards.
Rifles Chambered in .270
The .270 Winchester has found its home in numerous rifle designs over the years. The Remington 700, Winchester Model 70, and Browning A-Bolt are just a few examples of the popular bolt-action rifles chambered for the .270. When considering a .270 rifle for varmint hunting, factors such as accuracy, barrel length, and overall weight become important. A rifle with a free-floated barrel, a good trigger, and a high-quality scope will enhance your ability to make accurate shots at varying distances. While the .270 can certainly be used in semi-automatic rifles, the bolt-action design will be more popular because of their accuracy.
Advantages of the .270 for Varmint Hunting
The .270 Winchester offers several advantages that make it a viable option for varmint hunters, especially in certain situations.
One of the most significant strengths of the .270 is its impressive long-range capability. The flat trajectory allows for more precise aiming at extended distances. With the ability to reach out to several hundred yards with relative ease, the .270 is well-suited for hunting varmints in open terrain. The minimal bullet drop at longer ranges means less need for complex calculations or significant adjustments to compensate for the bullet’s arc. Hunters can confidently engage targets at ranges where other cartridges might require excessive holdover.
The .270 also delivers ample energy and stopping power. This is especially relevant for varmint hunters who may encounter larger or tougher species, such as coyotes or bobcats. While varmint hunting often calls for rapid expansion bullets to minimize the chance of a pass through, the energy of the .270 contributes to a decisive impact, potentially dropping the varmint quickly. The .270’s retained energy can be particularly beneficial when facing strong winds, helping to counter the wind’s effect on the bullet’s trajectory.
The .270 Winchester also benefits from its widespread availability and affordability. Both rifles chambered for this cartridge and ammunition are readily accessible. While the ammunition may not be as inexpensive as some smaller varmint rounds, the availability of various bullet weights and types is a significant advantage. Ammunition can be easily found at most sporting goods stores, making it a convenient choice for hunters.
Disadvantages of the .270 for Varmint Hunting
While the .270 has its merits, it is not without its drawbacks when it comes to varmint hunting. Understanding these potential disadvantages is crucial in making an informed decision.
One of the most significant drawbacks is the potential for overkill on smaller varmints. The .270 Winchester is designed for bigger game and the higher energy levels of the cartridge may lead to excessive damage to the pelt and the potential for ricochet risks when hunting small varmints. Rapid expansion bullets can help mitigate this somewhat, but the potential for explosive fragmentation is a consideration. This can be a crucial factor for hunters who intend to preserve the pelts for sale or taxidermy.
Recoil is another factor to consider. The .270, while not punishing, does produce more recoil than smaller varmint cartridges such as the .223 Remington or .22-250 Remington. This can impact follow-up shots and potentially affect accuracy, especially for newer hunters or those sensitive to recoil. Rapid follow-up shots are often critical in varmint hunting, so a cartridge with manageable recoil is an asset.
Ammunition cost and availability are other considerations. While the .270 is readily available, it tends to be more expensive than some other varmint cartridges. Additionally, the availability of certain bullet weights and types specifically designed for varmint hunting may be limited in some locations. Hunters will want to be especially mindful of this factor if they are considering shooting many rounds, as they might with other varmint cartridges.
The barrel life of a .270 rifle can also be a concern. Consistent use of high-velocity cartridges, as is common in varmint hunting, may lead to increased barrel wear. Proper care, maintenance, and, if you are particularly committed, keeping a spare barrel on hand can help mitigate this issue.
Varmint Hunting Applications for the .270
The .270 Winchester is not a one-size-fits-all solution for varmint hunting. Its effectiveness depends on the species, the terrain, and the hunting situation.
The .270 excels when hunting certain varmint species. Coyotes, in particular, are a prime target. The .270’s power and long-range capabilities are well-suited for taking down these often-elusive predators. Other varmints such as larger groundhogs or foxes are also good candidates for the .270, where the added energy of the cartridge becomes an advantage. The .270 is effective when hunting at ranges where a smaller caliber would struggle, and can deal well with windy conditions.
The .270 truly shines in open environments where long-range shots are common. Prairies, agricultural fields, and large areas of sparse vegetation are ideal settings. This caliber’s flat trajectory and energy retention make it effective for tackling varmints in these scenarios. Furthermore, the .270 provides a practical option for hunters who may also be hunting deer, as it allows them to use the same rifle.
However, there are scenarios where other cartridges may be more appropriate. If you are primarily hunting smaller varmints, such as prairie dogs or woodchucks, a smaller, less powerful caliber might be a better choice to minimize damage. Similarly, in areas with dense cover or shorter engagement distances, the .270’s long-range capabilities become less of an advantage, and a smaller caliber might be preferred for its flatter trajectory.
Bullet Selection for Varmint Hunting
Selecting the right bullet type is a crucial aspect of successful varmint hunting. The bullet plays a significant role in how the .270 performs on varmints. The choice of bullet can make the difference between a clean kill and a wounded animal.
Bullet weight significantly influences the trajectory and terminal performance. For varmint hunting with the .270, lighter bullets, typically in the 90-110 grain range, are often preferred to improve velocity and reduce bullet drop. These lighter bullets tend to offer rapid expansion and fragmentation upon impact, which is essential for dispatching varmints efficiently and ethically. The effect of the bullet weight on trajectory, wind drift, and terminal ballistics must all be considered in the selection process.
When it comes to bullet types, rapid expansion bullets are a popular choice. Brands like Hornady, Nosler, and others offer excellent options with varying designs, from varmint-specific to match-grade bullets. Bullets designed for rapid expansion, often with a thin jacket and a soft lead core, are designed to fragment upon impact with smaller varmints, transferring maximum energy and minimizing the chance of a pass-through. Solid copper bullets can also be used, offering deeper penetration and good weight retention, particularly if larger varmints are being targeted.
Comparison with Other Varmint Cartridges
To gain a complete understanding of the .270 Winchester’s suitability for varmint hunting, it is beneficial to compare it with other popular cartridges used for the same purpose.
The .223 Remington
The .223 Remington is a classic varmint cartridge, known for its low recoil, affordability, and effectiveness on smaller targets. The .223 provides impressive accuracy and is ideal for shooting at targets that are closer in range. This cartridge may be a better choice for hunters who want to make a high volume of shots.
The .22-250 Remington
The .22-250 Remington is another popular option that offers a step up in velocity and range compared to the .223 Remington. It is known for its flat trajectory and excellent long-range capabilities, making it suitable for coyote hunting and taking down other animals.
The .243 Winchester
The .243 Winchester is a versatile round that bridges the gap between varmint hunting and big-game hunting. The .243 is known for its good accuracy and range. It offers greater energy than the .223 or .22-250 but still doesn’t have the punch of the .270, which is advantageous in some hunting situations.
The .224 Valkyrie
The .224 Valkyrie is a newer cartridge that has gained popularity in recent years. This round offers exceptional long-range performance with its high ballistic coefficient bullets. The .224 is designed for smaller targets, and is well-suited for hunting small varmints at considerable distances.
The .270 offers greater power and range than some of these cartridges, especially when considering the impact of wind and distance on target. However, it can be considered overkill in certain situations, such as when hunting small varmints or shooting in areas with shorter engagement distances.
Conclusion
So, is the .270 a good choice for varmint hunting? The answer is, as with many aspects of hunting, “it depends.” The .270 Winchester can be a capable varmint cartridge, especially when tackling larger varmints at long distances, and in open environments. However, its potential for excessive damage on smaller varmints and the greater recoil compared to smaller calibers must be considered.
Ultimately, the best varmint hunting cartridge depends on your specific needs, the type of varmint you are hunting, and the terrain where you will be hunting. If your primary goal is to hunt coyotes or other larger varmints in open areas, the .270 is a solid choice. But if you are focusing on smaller varmints or primarily hunt at shorter ranges, a smaller, faster-shooting cartridge might be a better fit.
Before making your decision, consider factors such as range, wind conditions, the size of the varmint, and your personal preferences. By weighing the pros and cons and carefully evaluating your needs, you can choose the ideal cartridge to make your varmint hunting adventures successful and enjoyable. Happy hunting!
