Ruger Forum

Marine Division Two · August 31st, 2012, 07:36 AM

Why would someone prefer one over the other ?

429421Cowboy · August 31st, 2012, 08:26 AM

Around here, the .270 has a much better reputation for being a good all around choice ie; antelope, deer, bear, sheep and elk, than the .308. While this might not actually be deserved, it is not nearly as common to run across a .308 in the field. I like the .270 for its flat shooting and hard hittting abilties over long range. Personally, i would likely choose a .30/06 over the .308, for more top end performance with heavy bullets. I really don't know that for deer a person could see much difference in performance across the board. I know i personally would go with the .270 every time, just because it is a classic game killer and i trust it with all i have. I know someone will show up with ballistic comparisons that make one or the other look better or worse, but the deer won't know which hit him harder!

41 Magnum · August 31st, 2012, 08:45 AM

I have used both extensively. The .270 is ideally better for long-range, open country and not so much for the brush and woods. But any good open shot with the .270 is almost guaranteed deadly. I much prefer the 30-06 to the .308, just for the fact that it can duplicate anything the .308 can do, and then go above & beyond .308 capabilities ! In wooded areas, I much prefer a heavier 180 & up bullet weight in the 30-06.

But, what I actually hunt with is either a 7½" Super Blackhawk or a Blackhawk, in .44mag, or .45Colt, or my favorite, a S&W 657 in 8⅜" .41Mag, .

Tellico · August 31st, 2012, 08:53 AM

Having lived in Missoula MT 35 years (and trying to get back soon) I agree with Cowboy. The .270 is more versatile than the .308 but I think the 30-06 is even better do to the .30 cal bullet selection available. the 308 does not have the case capacity to utilize the heavy .30 cal bullets. Of course this was argued for 40 yrs between O'Conner and Keith. Again a deer or elk won't know the difference if you place the shot properly.

gfw1985 · August 31st, 2012, 08:57 AM

A lot of things go into peoples decisions. For example, I have owned, loaded, and taken many deer with both. still prefer my 308 BLR. My Rem pump 270 was not enjoyable to shoot. My 8mm Rem Mag in a Rem 700 bolt was more pleasant than my 270. Deer still dead.

Mayor Al · August 31st, 2012, 09:04 AM

I use a 308 It replace 30-06 in my deer rifle selection when I hunt out-of-state.. Nothing against the 270, it would do the job also.
Frankly we can't use any of the above in Indiana anyway. I will use a 44 Magnum Ruger Carbine or a Slug-gun here in my homestate.

brimic · August 31st, 2012, 12:41 PM

Put me in the camp that prefers the 30-06 over either.
If I ever run into a good deal on a .280 remington, I'd buy one.
I also prefer 6mms and 6.5mms, have shot them extensively and killed deer with them- they seem to suck the life right out of animals quicker than slower .30s.

Oddly, I hunt with a .308 or a handgun over the last few years mainly.

They are all good.

Ruger Redhawk · August 31st, 2012, 12:54 PM

The 270 Win is my favorite deer cartridge. I've laid many a deer low with the 270. Most drop right in their tracks. The 270 is flatter shooting and capable of longer shots. If you want a little bigger caliber go with the time trusted 30-06.There's nothing wrong with the 308 but I like the 270 and 30-06 better. You'll get all different opinions.

Darkker · August 31st, 2012, 04:51 PM

For the same reasons that someone prefers Vanilla over chocolate.

Unless you want to shoot game at a distance that NEITHER have enough KE for proper bullet upset, NO deer on this planet can tell the difference.

0-600 yards they have the same energy, and VERY similar flight paths.
Choose you flavor of ice cream and eat.

white cloud · August 31st, 2012, 04:53 PM

if you do you part, it won't really matter. right bullet and right spot, job done.

bwinters · August 31st, 2012, 05:53 PM

Either round will kill any deer that ever walked. 308 will be cheaper to get ammo for if you do not reload.

v1rot8 · September 1st, 2012, 02:38 AM

My first non 22 rifle was a 270 and I have had great success over the years with the 270. It is an enjoyable round to shoot for me.

Marine Division Two · September 1st, 2012, 03:39 AM

Thank You all for an informed decision,I shoot alot also so cost of ammo leans me towards the .308 short action round shooting Low-Recoil rounds.Thanks again.

hackdaddy · September 2nd, 2012, 08:06 AM

Either is plenty of gun for deer.

308 is just as cheap and highly available everywhere.

Like mayor Al I can't use either one in my home state.

rantingredneck · September 2nd, 2012, 08:11 AM

Ballistically there's not enough difference to argue over. When it comes to flat shooting either is flat enough and if you know your dope and range then it doesn't matter much.

I tend to prefer the short action rifles personally, mostly because I tend to walk a fairly long distance to my stand and consequently may have a fairly long drag back out. Weight becomes a factor.......

Now I do have a Remington 700 and a Ruger M77MKII in .30-06 and love them both, but more often than not I find myself with the M77MKII .308 or R700 in .243 in my hands around here......

.....or the Rossi 92 in .45 Colt.

.....or the 16" AR

.....or the......ah too many guns, not enough time..............