270 WIN Hornady 120 grain SST Load Data

[USAFRet]

So, I have some 120 grain .277 Hornady SSTs inbound. I have looked high and low for load data, specifically the COL. I will be doing reduced loads with H4895 and A5744. I think I can cipher the loads between what I have on the 110 and 130 and just split the difference.

Problem is, all load data for a 120 grain .277 for the 270 Win is based on the Barnes XFB. I would assume the COL would be different for a standard lead soft tip.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Jager]

QuickLoad shows COL for the 120gr Hornady SST's at 3.340"

Here's a print of potential powders, sorted by velocity...

 

[USAFRet]

QuickLoad shows COL for the 120gr Hornady SST's at 3.340"

Here's a print of potential powders, sorted by velocity...

View attachment 1409214
View attachment 1409215

Um, I kind of need this software.

 

[Turpentine]

I used 3.21 as I mentioned in the last thread. But if it is that important to you do what I did. I split a case that would hold a bullet tightly but allow a bullet to slide back as it contacted the lands. Yet retain the bullet when you pull the bolt back.
So you have that case. Now over a candle smoke one of your bullets until it is black. You can also use a sharpie if you would like. Now softly seat the bullet into your modified case. Put it in the gun and gently close the bolt. Then slowly and carefully open the bolt and examine your case. Measure the OAL. Check and see if landmarks are on your bullet. Do this procedure 5 times. You now will have a very good idea what OAL puts your bullets into the lands. Subtract .020 . from that number, Then seat your bullet at that length knowing you are 20 thousandths off the lands. Or very very close to it.

Here you see a Hornady 130 SST seated to the bottom of the cannelure at 3.250”.
Next to it is a 120 SST seated to 3.21. The 120 is noticeably a shorter bullet and has more angle above the ogive. I do remember smoking these bullets usingbthe method above and i would bet the farm the 120 is seated .015 to .020 off the lands in my rifle because I do this for every rifle I load for.
The Barnes bullet being all copper will likely build pressure a little quicker. So it gets a reduced max load compared to a cup and core bullet. The 130 Hornadys max load is equal to the 120 Barnes max load. Your simply not going to get into trouble loading a reduced load calculated by hodgdons process using these parameters. Because the boys are bigger now, I would probably go straight to 40 grains and start.

 

[Turpentine]

Also a word of caution here. This is a 120SST seated to 3.21. I have placed a line with a naked bullet beside that case and the line represents 3.34”. If the 120 SST is seated to 3.34 inches, you will only have around .20 inches of bullet bearing surface left in the case neck. Common wisdom calls for a calibers worth of bearing surface for a good purchase on the bullet. I mention this because the OAL used in the above Quickload data uses 3.34 COAL which isn’t going to work.

 

[USAFRet]

View attachment 1409332Also a word of caution here. This is a 120SST seated to 3.21. I have placed a line with a naked bullet beside that case and the line represents 3.34”. If the 120 SST is seated to 3.34 inches, you will only have around .20 inches of bullet bearing surface left in the case neck. Common wisdom calls for a calibers worth of bearing surface for a good purchase on the bullet. I mention this because the OAL used in the above Quickload data uses 3.34 COAL which isn’t going to work

So, long story short, the 120 grain bullet is too short to run at max OAL of 3.34? That makes sense. The 130 grain I have has a listed OAL of 3.21 in load data, as well, and it is a longer bullet. That makes sense. I think the listed data from Jager is just 270 max OAL.
I have a Hornady comparator set and and an OAL gauge to test the action length. I will have to check the bullets for land marks.
As a note, the load data I have for the reduced loads has the OAL for the 130 grain SST at 3.21 as well.
I also have some 125 grain for my 308 and will need to do the same due to it being a shorter bullet, as well.

Great information and I appreciate the pictures. Makes perfect sense.

 

[Turpentine]

I didn’t get to chronograph the 120 sst today but may be able to tomorrow. Woke up with bad migraine as sometimes happens.
I’ve never run 125s in 308 so can’t help you there. My Remington 700 308 has such a long throat I can’t get to the lands with anything unless I single load.
My Sierra manual has a single shot pistol load section with lighter bullets but barrel length is 14-15 inches. But you could add 30fps per inch of barrel and be so close it wouldn’t matter.


Barrel length for these loads is 14.125“ so add 30fps per inch to get the approximate speed for your barrel.

 

[Turpentine]

So, long story short, the 120 grain bullet is too short to run at max OAL of 3.34? That makes sense. The 130 grain I have has a listed OAL of 3.21 in load data, as well, and it is a longer bullet. That makes sense. I think the listed data from Jager is just 270 max OAL.
I have a Hornady comparator set and and an OAL gauge to test the action length. I will have to check the bullets for land marks.
As a note, the load data I have for the reduced loads has the OAL for the 130 grain SST at 3.21 as well.
I also have some 125 grain for my 308 and will need to do the same due to it being a shorter bullet, as well.

Great information and I appreciate the pictures. Makes perfect sense.

3.34 is getting pretty long for many 270 bullets. I looked through 3 different manuals and very few loads are listed at 3.34. I think there was one match bullet load actually listed at that length. Most are considerably shorter. My Hornady manual as you said showed a depth of 3.21. As a matter of fact all of their loads from 130-150 are listed individually at 3.21 so you‘re not going to get in trouble there..
Ive said It before but with really light loads in 270 you get into loading density and powder positioning issues so I like to use a magnum or Winchester LR primer. Accuracy will likely improve as you move up but all rifles are different. I would just load a couple at 40 grains and see what you think.
I’m with you on disability and needing light loads. I broke my back in 2005 and have 11 fused vertebrae and a ton of hardware plus a titanium plate and disk in my neck. I hate muzzle brakes with the muzzle blast, concussion, and noise. I don’t care for suppressors at all.
One of my favorite calibers is 6.5 Grendel. It’s well mannered and easy to shoot. I built an AR for my 7 year old niece to deer hunt with 5 years ago and she’s killed around 25 deer with it. The AR is so adjustable you can fit just about anyone. That, 308, and my 6.5-06 are my favorites.

 

[USAFRet]

3.34 is getting pretty long for many 270 bullets. I looked through 3 different manuals and very few loads are listed at 3.34. I think there was one match bullet load actually listed at that length. Most are considerably shorter. My Hornady manual as you said showed a depth of 3.21. As a matter of fact all of their loads from 130-150 are listed individually at 3.21 so you‘re not going to get in trouble there..
Ive said It before but with really light loads in 270 you get into loading density and powder positioning issues so I like to use a magnum or Winchester LR primer. Accuracy will likely improve as you move up but all rifles are different. I would just load a couple at 40 grains and see what you think.
I’m with you on disability and needing light loads. I broke my back in 2005 and have 11 fused vertebrae and a ton of hardware plus a titanium plate and disk in my neck. I hate muzzle brakes with the muzzle blast, concussion, and noise. I don’t care for suppressors at all.
One of my favorite calibers is 6.5 Grendel. It’s well mannered and easy to shoot. I built an AR for my 7 year old niece to deer hunt with 5 years ago and she’s killed around 25 deer with it. The AR is so adjustable you can fit just about anyone. That, 308, and my 6.5-06 are my favorites.

You know, I am in a similar boat. Fused vertebra in neck with a titanium rod. VA disability for both shoulders. I need surgery, but can;t drive for 8 weeks and with a disabled wife, that is not feasible.

I have a 6.5 Grendel build as well. I have set that aside, but need to start working loads. I have all of the components.

I have a chance to do an elk hunt this year in WY if I can get someone to help my wife while I am gone. I have the 270 and 308. Leaning toward the 270, but practicing with full loads is not fun. Still, may take the 308.

I have a brake on most of my rifles, except the 2 x 270s I have. No threaded barrel and both are light weight.

 

[USAFRet]

3.34 is getting pretty long for many 270 bullets. I looked through 3 different manuals and very few loads are listed at 3.34. I think there was one match bullet load actually listed at that length. Most are considerably shorter. My Hornady manual as you said showed a depth of 3.21. As a matter of fact all of their loads from 130-150 are listed individually at 3.21 so you‘re not going to get in trouble there..
Ive said It before but with really light loads in 270 you get into loading density and powder positioning issues so I like to use a magnum or Winchester LR primer. Accuracy will likely improve as you move up but all rifles are different. I would just load a couple at 40 grains and see what you think.
I’m with you on disability and needing light loads. I broke my back in 2005 and have 11 fused vertebrae and a ton of hardware plus a titanium plate and disk in my neck. I hate muzzle brakes with the muzzle blast, concussion, and noise. I don’t care for suppressors at all.
One of my favorite calibers is 6.5 Grendel. It’s well mannered and easy to shoot. I built an AR for my 7 year old niece to deer hunt with 5 years ago and she’s killed around 25 deer with it. The AR is so adjustable you can fit just about anyone. That, 308, and my 6.5-06 are my favorites.

The one load I have put together calling for 3.34 was Sierrra TGKs 140 grain.

And funny, I just got 2 bricks of WLRs in. So I will use those in my reduced loads.

 

[Turpentine]

Those TGKs are a long bullet. I have some 308 165s but my rifle wasn’t crazy about them. The 165 takes up a lot of case volume in the 308. I like Sierra bullets though.
Not sure what kind of rifle or stock you have but you may be able to add some temporary weight in the hollow of the stock. Limbsaver recoil pads are very good at cutting recoil. Being an instructor and part time gunsmith I’ve done some tinkering and experimenting with these things.
You won’t have an issue with 38-40 grain H4895 loads and recoil. That’s a cream puff to shoot.
I just did a light recoil load in 30-06 for a 12 year old girl. 42 grains of IMR 4895, with a 150sst at 2550, Win LRPs. The rifle was a 7.5 pound Weatherby Vangaurd. 24” barrel I think. 44 grains at 2650 was a tack driver but I stayed lower because she was a new shooter. She and her father were amazed at the absence of recoil and it’s performance on deer

 

[USAFRet]

Those TGKs are a long bullet. I have some 308 165s but my rifle wasn’t crazy about them. The 165 takes up a lot of case volume in the 308. I like Sierra bullets though.
Not sure what kind of rifle or stock you have but you may be able to add some temporary weight in the hollow of the stock. Limbsaver recoil pads are very good at cutting recoil. Being an instructor and part time gunsmith I’ve done some tinkering and experimenting with these things.
You won’t have an issue with 38-40 grain H4895 loads and recoil. That’s a cream puff to shoot.
I just did a light recoil load in 30-06 for a 12 year old girl. 42 grains of IMR 4895, with a 150sst at 2550, Win LRPs. The rifle was a 7.5 pound Weatherby Vangaurd. 24” barrel I think. 44 grains at 2650 was a tack driver but I stayed lower because she was a new shooter. She and her father were amazed at the absence of recoil and it’s performance on deer

I am loading up 38, 39 and 40 and running them through the chrono and doing group testing.

I actually have my Ruger No.1 at the smith right now having 1/2" of LOP taken off and he is adding a Limbsaver. That should help greatly.

 

[Turpentine]

The number 1 is a beautiful rifle. I’ve always liked them. The Limbsaver seems to remove the vibration that really bothers my titanium plate. It’s attenuation is different somehow. Hopefully you’ll find some accuracy in that range. Let us know.
When you start workup with the Grendel, let me know. I can probably save you some time.

 

[USAFRet]

The number 1 is a beautiful rifle. I’ve always liked them. The Limbsaver seems to remove the vibration that really bothers my titanium plate. It’s attenuation is different somehow. Hopefully you’ll find some accuracy in that range. Let us know.
When you start workup with the Grendel, let me know. I can probably save you some time.

Will do. Thank you.

 

[USAFRet]

View attachment 1409332Also a word of caution here. This is a 120SST seated to 3.21. I have placed a line with a naked bullet beside that case and the line represents 3.34”. If the 120 SST is seated to 3.34 inches, you will only have around .20 inches of bullet bearing surface left in the case neck. Common wisdom calls for a calibers worth of bearing surface for a good purchase on the bullet. I mention this because the OAL used in the above Quickload data uses 3.34 COAL which isn’t going to work.

Here is the end product. OAL 3.165.

 

[Turpentine]

Here is the end product. OAL 3.165.

View attachment 1410368

Not bad. I re measured a couple of mine and they were right at 3.20. That little deeper seating may help a little with powder burn.
That is no Elk bullet but at the reduced speed mine were loaded to they gave many deer and some very large hogs, as “Festus Haggen” once said, a serious permanent illness.
Let us know speed and group size for your loads if you get a chance. I’d like to add it into my journal. I’m always getting reduced load requests from friends with 270s for their kids to use.

 

[USAFRet]

Not bad. I re measured a couple of mine and they were right at 3.20. That little deeper seating may help a little with powder burn.
That is no Elk bullet but at the reduced speed mine were loaded to they gave many deer and some very large hogs, as “Festus Haggen” once said, a serious permanent illness.
Let us know speed and group size for your loads if you get a chance. I’d like to add it into my journal. I’m always getting reduced load requests from friends with 270s for their kids to use.

No sir, and elk bullet it is not.

Just for grins I loaded 9 rounds each of 35, 35.5 and 36. I am going to check SD and ES for each and do 5 shot group tests. I am sure someone will say that the 1/2 grain will make no difference, but I want to be on the high end of the A5477 max and just want to check my numbers.

I am taking off to shoot Friday and will provide info when I get back.

My elk rifle will either be my Christensen Arms Mesa or SIG Cross 308 with a 168gr Nosler LRAB. They both have a brake, so it is a bit easier on me. I have some loads worked up for testing on the low end with with IMR4895. Just in case I am able to do the disabled veteran's hunt in WY this year. Keeping any shots I have to within 300 yards.

 

[Turpentine]

No sir, and elk bullet it is not.

Just for grins I loaded 9 rounds each of 35, 35.5 and 36. I am going to check SD and ES for each and do 5 shot group tests. I am sure someone will say that the 1/2 grain will make no difference, but I want to be on the high end of the A5477 max and just want to check my numbers.

I am taking off to shoot Friday and will provide info when I get back.

My elk rifle will either be my Christensen Arms Mesa or SIG Cross 308 with a 168gr Nosler LRAB. They both have a brake, so it is a bit easier on me. I have some loads worked up for testing on the low end with with IMR4895. Just in case I am able to do the disabled veteran's hunt in WY this year. Keeping any shots I have to within 300 yards.

That accubond will do it. Probably around 41.5 to 42 grains for a full house load. Or 42.8 of Imr 4064.
Im not sure I could mail powder. I’d have to figure that out. Possibly through my FFl. But I have some Alliant 2000 MR that would make that Accubond sing from your 308. Around 2840 plus in a 24” barrel. It’ll do 2900 out of my 26” varmint. I’ve got half to 3/4 pound of it I’d gladly give you.

 

[USAFRet]

That accubond will do it. Probably around 41.5 to 42 grains for a full house load. Or 42.8 of Imr 4064.
Im not sure I could mail powder. I’d have to figure that out. Possibly through my FFl. But I have some Alliant 2000 MR that would make that Accubond sing from your 308. Around 2840 plus in a 24” barrel. It’ll do 2900 out of my 26” varmint. I’ve got half to 3/4 pound of it I’d gladly give you.

Sent you a PM.