270 vs 7-08

[GlennGTR1]

I currently own a Remington 700 XCR in 270 win that shoots very nicely. It has a Bell and Carlson stock on it and the factory X Mark Pro trigger in it. I am thinking of making some changes but am torn between keeping the current rifle,changing the stock and upgrading the trigger and scope. The other plan would be to sell the 270.get a 7-08 place it in an upgraded stock,trigger and upgraded optics. I want to be able to use this rig on deer sized game out to 600 yards so accuracy is a must. If you were looking at building a rifle to fit this bill wich of the above two cartridge choices would you pick? This rifle will also be used on elk, but all of my elk have been killed withing 300 yards and most in dark timber so I dont need a long range elk rifle.

 

[sewwhat89]

I think you have a better selection of bullets with the 708, but both will work fine. I would shoot the 150gr Accubonds/Ballistic tips for elk and deer with the .270 that you already have. The Bergers would be a close second if you can get them readily.

 

[oldroper]

I used a lilja barrel for my 270 and been shooting 150gr TSX. I would take the 270 and build a 280AI if I was looking to add elk hunting.

 

[eagleI]

Yeah get the best of both worlds keep the long action and build a .280 remington, or AI.

 

[savageboy]

If you want to shoot elk, any caliber u mentioned will do, however something that starts w/ a .30/ .32/ .33/.35 will do w/ more authority. Why not jump up to a .30 cal or so?
I have a 7-08 custom Mauser and my deer hunting buddy has a .270. We have hunted together for years. I would call them evenly matched out to 300yds on deer sized game- killing power, trajectory, etc. The .270 prob is a little flatter shooting, and has been mentioned the 7mm gives a bit better choice of bullets. I shoot the 139 SST's, SGK 140's, Nos BT and Accubond 140's out of mine at 2910FPS (for the Noslers and Horn- less with the Sierra's) and it hammers everything I have ever shot with it.
I have a .300 win mag and since Elk are not on the menu here in NC, if/ when I ever get a chance to shoot one, I will use the .300 w/ a Premium 180gr. bonded bullet just to be sure!

 

[Rust]

Been using the same .270 for forty some years. Pretty much the same load, a premium 130 gr bullet (currently the Accubond) at 3100 fps. Accurate and has pretty much killed everything first time, every time. Deer, hogs, a few elk, all the same.

Of course I value shot placement above all else, and have seen numerous cripples over the years as a result of folks who couldn't hit a barn from the inside regardless of what they were shooting.

Still, I couldn't see stepping down in horsepower to a 7-08 from a perfectly good .270.

 

[alf]

I wouldn't hardly call it taking a step down.

My 7-08 shoots 120's at 3175.

We're splittin' hairs.

And yes, shot placement still wins.

 

[chrisj]

Yeah get the best of both worlds keep the long action and build a .280 remington, or AI.

Excellent idea. And....just buy a 7mm-08 bbl on Gunbroker for $40-$50 and have it chambered for 280 AI instead of spending $400-$500 or more for a custom bbl. You may as well find an inexpensive 7mm Rem mag. Almost the same performance as a 280 AI and they are a dime a dozen on the net and at gun shops.