The .270 Winchester catridge has been around for about a century. Originally developed as an ideal deer hunting cartridge (which it certainly is) by necking down the venerable .30-06.
It is still an effective and widely appraised caliber used by many hunters. But a round is only good as the rifle that fires it. So it is imperative to find a rifle that can match the ballistics and effective range.
So let’s dive deeper into the concepts of .270 Winchester and also check out the best .270 rifles available out there.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for .270 Rifles
- OUR TOP PICK: Browning - X-Bolt Composite Stalker 22IN .270 Winchester 4+1RD
- RUNNER-UP: Remington 700 SPS .270 Win. 24"
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Ruger American .270 Win.
Comparison of the Best 270 Rifles
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What to Watch For When Buying a .270 Rifle
Choosing a rifle is not as simple as it always seems. The same is the case with the .270 rifle. So let’s contemplate over a few important factors to consider when buying one.
Barrel Length and Twist Rate
The length of a barrel has a direct connection with the range and overall accuracy of a rifle. The .270 is mostly used within the 500-yard range. However, it is an effective round for distances up to 1,000 yards. There have been reports (with evidence) of people taking down deer at 900 yards.
A 22 or 24 inches barrel works best for the .270. Additionally, a twist rate of 1:10 or 1:9 is suitable for most common loads. Although, you can also opt for the quite uncommon 1:8 twist when dealing with heavier or custom bullets.
Also, remember that the .270 operates at a muzzle velocity of approximately 3,000 fps. So custom loading your ammo with slow-burning and lighter loads. Plus not letting your barrel heat up will extend its life.
Some rifle manufacturers also provide a sub-MOA guarantee to boast the accuracy of their rifles. If a rifle has one already, it is certainly a more effective piece.
Overall Weight
As evident from common knowledge, the .270 Winchester is a popular deer hunting round that can also handle big game to some extent. But since it is a hunting rifle, its weight plays an important part in the overall handling. Especially when you need a mountain rifle to bring down pronghorns.
Photo credit: wideopenspaces.com
Polymer or Wooden Stock
Wooden stocks have always been an aesthetically pleasing aspect of rifles, but they need quite some servicing to retain their gloss and shape. Especially if your rifle is a collectible item. Polymer composite stocks, on the other hand, are more durable and lightweight. Allowing your rifle to handle more rigorous abuse.
Some manufacturers may also offer glass-bedded stocks which are more stable and help with accuracy.
Easy to Mount Optics
Due to the nature of its intended use, a .270 Winchester rifle must be coupled with a scope. To mount a scope, it should have an easy and solid mounting mechanism. The receiver should be drilled and tapped. Or if not, such operations must be easy to perform.
Some rifles come with a scope mount already attached for quick and easy installation/removal of optics.
Review of the Best .270 Rifles
The following is a list of the five best .270 rifles currently on the market. As you read over each one, take notice of any specific features of each rifle. If you have a good idea of what your dream rifle should look like, then you can select one of these five rifles to be close enough for you.
Remember, close enough is better than nothing at all. Now, let’s begin the list by unveiling our best overall choice:
Best Overall:
Browning - X-Bolt Composite Stalker 22IN .270 Winchester 4+1RD
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most new buyers were looking for a rifle that gave them a better chance at hitting a deer from some impressive ranges. They found the Browning X-Bolt to be that kind of rifle. They were able to hit their targets from various distances, and the scope was reliable and provided a clear image picture. One user said he was able to hit his latest whitetail deer from about 300 yards out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This rifle has all you need for a day of deer hunting. It is a rifle that is powerful enough to knock down your next big trophy. Aside from that, it has a high-quality stock that will absorb all kinds of shock. Plus, it’s built to provide exceptional ergonomics and grip. That means stable shooting and even better accuracy.
Who Will Use This Most
As expected, this is a rifle designed for deer hunters. While many .270 rifles can be used for deer hunting, this one will probably be used the most by both beginner level and seasoned pros alike.
If you want a rifle that provides excellent accuracy and powerful knockdown shooting, this rifle will probably give you the best chance.
What Could Be Improved and Why
A top rail for easy mounting/dismounting of optics would have been good. However, given the accurate performance of this rifle, there's nothing to complain for at this price point.
Bottom Line
The Browning X-Bolt Composite Stalker .270 Rifle might be right up your alley if you’re looking for something with accuracy, power, and the potential to last you years, or even decades. Compared to other .270 rifles, it stands out as the cream-of-the-crop when it comes to deer hunting.
2. Remington 700 .270 Win. 24"
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers were quite pleased with the rifle. The first thing that impressed them was the firepower. They were able to control the rifle, absorb a good deal of recoil, and still feel how powerful the rifle was. One user said that he could quite possibly knock down a deer in one shot with this rifle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This rifle is built to be tough all over. At the same time, it can pack a powerful punch like nothing else. So in short, it’s how a big game hunting rifle should function. Plus, the bolt action is as smooth as butter, which means the feeding ability will be reliable and jam-free almost 100 percent of the time.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a popular rifle that is useful among many hunting circles, especially if you’re more of a deer hunter (or big game hunter, for that matter). If you want something that can handle the rough outdoor environments and delivers a powerful punch like nothing else, the Remington 700 SPS might be exactly what you’re looking for.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Since there are no sights on the rifle itself, a scope mount should be added on. This way, it will allow you to attach whatever rifle scope you desire. As for scopes, it’s entirely up to you to choose. If it's good enough for you and your purposes, go for it.
Bottom Line
The Remington 700 SPS .270 Win proves itself to be one of the best .270 rifles in the business. If you want something that will stand out as one of the longest-lasting rifles you’ll ever own, you may want to consider giving this one a closer look.
3. Ruger American .270 Win.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers were satisfied with this rifle. They were able to use this for hunting big game and even small game targets, like birds and waterfowl. Users were satisfied with the accuracy of close-range shooting. With a scope attached, one user said his reach was slightly better and he was able to hit a target from about 150 yards out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This rifle is the epitome of what a .270 caliber rifle should be. It’s made from high-quality materials, provides excellent shooting ability for hunting purposes, and can take on the abuse and impact of bumping and banging around. So, it can handle the rough terrain and bad weather like a pro. On top of that, it can reach some pretty impressive distances.
Who Will Use This Most
This is an excellent hunting rifle for those who are more apt to hunt for both big game and varmints. No matter what you hunt, this rifle will fulfill all your hunting needs. Power, accuracy, and durability are what you’ll get out of this rifle. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’d be insane to pass on the opportunity to give this rifle a closer look.
What Could Be Improved and Why
A scope mount should already be attached to this rifle. The reason is it will allow you to attach your favorite scope onto the rifle itself. A scope that will give you that boost in accuracy from any distance a .270 can reach.
Bottom Line
The Ruger American .270 Win is the hunting rifle a lot of hunters dream of. And now is your chance to snag this rifle for your use. If you want a rifle that will be your best hunting buddy for a long time, then this is the rifle you’ll want in your arsenal.
4. 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP .270 Win. w/ Nikon Scope
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers were quite satisfied with this rifle. One thing that stuck out was the quality of the scope. They said the image quality was crystal clear and the reticle made the difference in terms of accurate shots. Other than the scope, they were quick to report that the shooting ability was excellent and they were able to hit their targets from 200 to 300 yards out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This rifle is equipped with one of the best rifle scopes in the business. The image quality is excellent and the BDC dead-hold reticle makes this one of the best scopes on the market. It’s a great addition to this heavy-hitting rifle. We expect this to be one of the best when it comes to hunting big game targets.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be used mostly by deer hunters. Plus, it will be used by those who want the total package in one rifle. Accurate, powerful shooting, plus a scope that will allow you to reach out and touch something from some impressive distances is sure to check off some boxes of what you're looking for. If you’re looking for a hunting rifle that can go the distance and take on some seriously big targets, this is the rifle to go with.
What Could Be Improved and Why
While it is quite the powerful rifle, it may be wise to reduce the weight of the rifle a little bit. You wouldn’t have to sacrifice any of the best qualities of this rifle. It could still be a little more lightweight and comfortable for most users, especially when you’re going to be carrying it around hunting all day.
Bottom Line
The Savage 11/11 Trophy Hunter XP 270 Win is probably one of your best choices if you’re looking for a hunting rifle that is tough, powerful, and has one of the best scopes out there. You get clear images, accurate shooting, and knockdown power that no other rifle can match.
5. Savage Axis II XP .270 Win 22" Rifle w/ Bushnell Scope
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers were satisfied with the rifle, in general. Most used this to hunt big game. One user said the scope was clear enough in terms of image quality. On top of that, he was able to make his target and recognize it in a low-light setting. The shooting accuracy was on-point and the firepower was sufficient to knock down many big game targets.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This rifle is equipped with a Bushnell scope. Bushnell is considered to be one of a few favorites for scopes among hunters and target shooters alike. Another feature that stood out was the adjustable trigger. It is easy to adjust pull weights so you can pull the trigger with ease. Adjust the pull weight to your liking and you are good to go.
Who Will Use This Most
Expect this to be widely used by many users across the board. Most will be big game hunters, but this rifle will also gain some steam among those who like to casually shoot targets or even compete in shooting contests where accuracy and timing counts.
What Could Be Improved and Why
A good idea for improvement is to make the windage and adjustment knobs on the scope a little less stiff. A lot of users have complained about not being able to make quick on-the-fly adjustments. That would come in handy if your shots appeared to be a little off-kilter.
Bottom Line
If you want a rifle that will work across a lot of applications without having to break the bank, then the Savage Axi XP II .270 Win will probably be your cup of tea. Not only will you have an excellent rifle for whatever purpose, you will have one of the most reliable scopes in the business helping you land your next big game target.
How Long is a .270 Rifle?
The length of a .270 rifle will depend on some factors. For example, the barrel length will vary. The average barrel will usually measure between 20 to 24 inches in length. In total, it can be around 40 inches long when measured from muzzle to stock.
What is the Range of a .270 Rifle?
The range of a .270 rifle depends on the application. In a hunting setting, most users can hit a big game target from ranges between 300 to 500 yards away. The effectiveness will depend on the type of rifle you use, along with the type of .270 cartridge.
How Accurate is a .270?
As mentioned, the maximum reach of a .270 rifle is up to 500 yards. Again, depending on the rifle used and which .270 cartridge it is paired with, the effective accuracy will vary. Most hunters can knock down their big game targets from well over 300 yards. We also have a 270 rifle scope buyer's guide which you can check out!
Photo credit: theshootersoptics.com
What is a .270 Good for?
There are some applications where a .270 rifle will come in handy. When choosing a rifle of your own, it’s important to know what your intents and purposes are with it. Here are a few common uses where a .270 rifle will come in handy:
Hunting
Of course, we’ll take a look at hunting. More specifically, you’ll be dealing with a rifle that can knock down big game targets like deer or elk. The cartridge is also a sufficient size to rip through hide and crush bones. Indeed, this is perhaps one of the more effective rifle calibers out there.
Target Shooting
You may do it for fun or as a simple tune-up to keep it in tip-top shape. Either way, a great .270 is one of the best rifles you can use for target shooting, especially when you’re dealing with something that has a little bit of “oomph” to its firing ability.
Competitive Shooting
Some people like to compete in contests where the object is to consistently shoot accurate shots from some impressive distances. Granted, the .270 has a good amount of reach, to where you can knock down a paper target from a good 500 yards or more.
Characteristics of Our Favorite Models
To find the best rifle for your use, you’ll need to know the characteristics and features that make one stand out among the rest. We looked at the following characteristics and features in the five .270 rifles we’ve listed and chose them for that "one thing" that stood out. We recommend you follow a similar formula while looking for your rifle. Here’s what you need to look for:
Price
Of course, if you are a budget shopper, there is a good chance you’ll be looking at the price tag first. Keep in mind that it’s OK to have a budget in place.
But it’s not okay to sacrifice quality because you want to save a few dollars. Be sure to invest in the best possible quality you can afford, rather than throw away your money on something cheap.
High-Quality Materials
Photo credit: survival-mastery.com
The best quality rifles are always made of high-quality materials. For example, polymer is one of the more popular materials for buttstocks. That’s because it is proven to absorb a lot more shock than wood stocks. Plus, it can handle all kinds of bad weather and even various amounts of abuse. It’s important to find a rifle that has materials that are made to last and are tough to damage.
Which Purpose Will You Use it For?
Most rifles can be used for general purposes. However, depending on some of the additional characteristics and features, a rifle can excel in one application or another. For example, if the rifle has a much faster velocity than others, it will stand out as a great hunting rifle. The faster you can knock down a big game target, the better.
Conclusion
The best .270 rifle is out there. Whether you’re using it for hunting or target shooting, one of these five rifles will match up with your goals if you want a powerful, accurate, and dependable rifle. If you need to upgrade to a new caliber, why not give the .270 a chance and make the most out of your next hunting or target shooting adventure?
