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> Lighter recoil 270win loads
Lighter recoil 270win loads
@ 02:36 pm (GMT) |
Marc NichollsI'm interested in opinions on bullet selection for a reduced recoil 270win load. I'm wanting an economic projectile that will still be effective on goats, chamois and yearling red deer out to 250-300m with a starting velocity of around 2700-2800fps.After reading through the knowledgebase both of the speer 130gr options (the HotCor and btsp). Both seem like potential options for my needs, but I am open to any other suggestions. I am currently loading the 145gr Eldx in my suppresed 24" barreled Bergara b14, these are going just over 2900fps and have been really effective on Red deer and Tahr over the last 6 years I've used them. The reason for seeking the lighter recoil load is because of several poor shooting performances by myself in the past 18months all resulting in clean misses and lots of frustration. Due to life I haven't been able to practice shooting very much at all and appear to have developed some bad habits. The rifle still shoots fantastic it's shooter error causing the issue. Any suggestions on a load or softer projectile to suit my needs would be greatly appreciated. |
Replies
@ 07:03 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Lighter recoil 270win loadsHi Marc, this is a complex question. Because the rifle is suppressed, recoil is already much lower than it normally would be.Your question involves lowering both velocity and bullet weight. Lowering velocity can sometimes prove effective, but lowering bullet weight in addition to velocity plus bullet weight can greatly reduce energy downrange which may prove undesirable when hunting large game body weights as you are doing. The question is, what is causing you trouble. For example, it may be a trigger control issue in which case downloads won't really solve the problem. If its a trigger issue, you may need to replace the trigger with a Triggertech that can be set to 1.5lb. Bipods can also be a problem, especially when the rifle is sighted in, down in the low soft earth of south island gullies, then used in rocky terrain. Issues are further compounded via the modern shooting methods now common among shooters. Your scope may also have insufficient eye relief. There may well be something that needs addressing and which could be a game changer for you, without resorting to low power. It may be you, but it might also be an equipment issue which prevents you from achieving optimum results. My advice would be to take this very slowly rather than rushing into what may seem to be more obvious solutions. If you must download, try either the 150gr SST or 150gr Speer BTSP. Try 40gr of 2206h powder and see where this gets you. Ideally you want to be around 2600fps. Power will be similar to the Creedmoor (140gr at 2700fps). If you want to load to 2700fps, use 2209. Although 200fps slower than your current load, a 150gr at 2700fps will duplicate factory ammo. So if you find factory ammo is too much for you, a 2700fps 150gr load won't be much use. For standing shot practice, try trail boss and a 110gr (if you can find any Trail boss at this time of writing). Load the case to the bottom of the shoulder, dump the load into your reloading pan and weigh the charge, then note it in your journal. Load up a batch and use this for standing practice. Velocity will be somewhere between 900 and 1300fps. You can use this to plink at the beginning of your actual hunting trip. Suppressed, the noise won't travel far, even if its just supersonic, provided you shoot into a tight gully. If you have not read my book set, perhaps study this if and when you are able to. The Practical Guide To Long Range Shooting has a lot of advice that you may find useful. The LR Rifles book has much information on setting up the rifle including issues surrounding scope eye relief. Understand, manufacturers and consumers are lowering the bar these days. Consumers have lower self expectations, aptitude, belief in self. Shooting methods are based on popular trends rather than actual field skills. Cartridge power is continually being reduced with the likes of the Creedmoors and the mini action cartridges. Much teeters toward the woke side of the scale. But the solution is not simply to 'harden up'. Education and kindness to self are critical elements. Like I say, this might be a trigger letting you down. A good trigger and some basic corrective measures might see you right and may greatly bolster your confidence following those frustrating misses. Hope that helps, All the best. |
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@ 02:44 pm (GMT) |
Marc NichollsRe: Lighter recoil 270win loadsThank you very much for the reply Nathan. Plenty of food for thought in there. I tend to agree about the challenges with bipods, I have been experimenting with different bipods and tripods but have recently returned to just shooting off my pack so that should remove that variable in future.The trigger is not something that I had considered but I can see how that may not be helping. I learnt to shoot with my father's Ruger m77 which had a very light trigger so installing a trigger tech makes sense. If I'm truly honest the rifle is not unpleasant to shoot, it weights over 8lb with the 2-12x44 vx6 ontop. I was just not pleased with how I was shooting it so automatically went to reducing recoil even more to make it easier to shoot. Would bedding the action also be worth doing to remove another variable? I will definitely be keeping the Eldx load as it's performed well so far. I have recently gained access to a large station here in Marlborough which has plenty of goats. If I were to create another cheaper load for goats would you still recommend the speer 150gr btsp? Or in that case could I use the lighter 130gr projectiles I will look into your series of books when funds allow Nathan, it sounds as if I could garner some information on shooting technique. Thankyou for your time Nathan, it is much appreciated |
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@ 07:45 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Lighter recoil 270win loadsHi Marc, good I am glad that went over OK.Regarding the trigger, I want everyone to take note, its getting harder to find decent triggers just now. I have seen a drop in quality lately with Timney and can no longer recommend this brand. The Triggertechs are very good but the trigger shoe is narrow and requires more 'felt effort' to activate it. Ideally, one should opt for a Triggertech that can be adjusted below 1.5lb rather than a trigger which is at its limit when set to 1.5lb and may instead be 1.6 and with the weight born over a narrow cross section. Using a true match style trigger which can be set extra light, featruring a simple curve (no stupid straight / fashion / trend unity), the trigger can then be set to 1.5lb with no concerns that its at its limit. The point is, for anyone wanting a decent trigger just now, you need to be prepared to pay top dollar. You cannot trust the industry / quality as you did prior to 2020. Yes, bedding could help a great deal. But obviously all factors have to be addressed. Ditching the bipod is a good place to start, a good trigger is also imperative. If you have a good set up and shooting methods (braced with sling etc), you can narrow down whether it needs bedding or not. The 150gr BTSP is an excellent choice for goats. No need to adopt a lighter projectile. Doubly so if using soft loads as the heavier bullet (both the 130 and 150 have the same construction) is more able to drive expansion at low speeds. Regarding your regular load, the 145gr ELD-X can be useful, especially with meat saver shots tucked behind the shoulder. But it does have its limits. It can break up quite badly on heavy bone while lacking the weight of (for example) a .30 cal 200 grain ELD-X. The 150gr SST features the same basic construction (jacket thickness) as the ELD-X but the SST has a cannelure which can help to partially arrest expansion and cause the jacket to fold back against the body rather than parachuting and allowing the core to slip forward. Its only a very small measure of insurance but it can make a difference. The 130gr SST is by comparison terrible. The problem is a combination of high speed, light weight and soft construction, making it unable to cope with close range shots. The difference between the 130 and 150 is night and day. Quite incredible how seemingly small changes amount to big differences in the field. All the best. |
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