.270 Weatherby Magnum Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.270 Weatherby Mag: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle Magnum |
| Used For | Big Game Hunting, Long-Range Shooting |
| Case Design | Belted, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 1943 |
.270 Weatherby Mag: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Exceptional long-range performance
- ✔ High velocity and flat trajectory
- ✔ Excellent for medium to large game hunting
- ✔ Good balance of power and recoil
- ✔ Superior ballistic coefficient
Cons
- ✘ Higher recoil compared to standard .270 Winchester
- ✘ More expensive ammunition
- ✘ Shorter barrel life due to high velocities
- ✘ Limited factory ammunition options
- ✘ Overkill for smaller game animals
.270 Weatherby Magnum: A Powerful Long-Range Cartridge
The .270 Weatherby Magnum is a high-performance rifle cartridge developed by Roy Weatherby in 1943. Known for its flat trajectory, high velocity, and excellent long-range performance, this cartridge has become a favorite among big game hunters and long-range shooting enthusiasts. The .270 Weatherby Magnum offers superior ballistics compared to the standard .270 Winchester, making it particularly effective for hunting large game at extended distances.
History and Development
Roy Weatherby developed the .270 Weatherby Magnum in 1943 as part of his series of high-velocity magnum cartridges. It was based on a .300 H&H Magnum case necked down to accept .277-inch diameter bullets. The cartridge was designed to push the limits of velocity and energy, offering hunters and shooters unprecedented performance for its time.
The .270 Weatherby Magnum was officially introduced to the public in 1944 and quickly gained a reputation for its flat trajectory and hard-hitting performance. It became particularly popular among hunters pursuing large game at long ranges, such as elk, mule deer, and various African plains game.
Throughout its history, the .270 Weatherby Magnum has maintained its position as one of the fastest commercial .277 caliber cartridges available. Its high velocity and relatively light recoil for its power level have contributed to its enduring popularity among hunters and long-range shooting enthusiasts.
The cartridge's success led to its inclusion in many rifle manufacturers' lineups, expanding beyond Weatherby's own rifles. Today, the .270 Weatherby Magnum continues to be a popular choice for those seeking high performance in a .277 caliber cartridge, particularly for long-range hunting and shooting applications.
Ballistic Performance
The .270 Weatherby Magnum is known for its exceptional ballistic performance. It typically fires bullets weighing between 100 and 150 grains, with muzzle velocities ranging from 3,200 to 3,500 feet per second, depending on the specific load. This high velocity contributes to the cartridge's flat trajectory and high retained energy at long distances.
At 500 yards, a typical 130-grain bullet fired from a .270 Weatherby Magnum retains over 1,500 ft-lbs of energy, making it effective for taking large game at extended ranges. The cartridge's high ballistic coefficient bullets also help maintain velocity and resist wind drift, enhancing its long-range accuracy.
Timeline of .270 Weatherby Magnum Development:
.270 Weatherby Magnum Performance
The .270 Weatherby Magnum offers exceptional performance characteristics that have made it a popular choice for long-range hunting and shooting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 3,200-3,500 fps (130-grain bullets) Varies based on bullet weight and load type |
| Trajectory | Extremely flat trajectory at long ranges Effective for big game hunting beyond 500 yards |
| Energy | 3,000-3,400 ft-lbs at the muzzle (130-grain bullets) Provides excellent performance for large game at extended ranges |
| Recoil | Moderate to high, depending on rifle weight Manageable for experienced shooters, may be challenging for new shooters |
| Accuracy | Capable of sub-MOA accuracy in quality rifles Excellent for long-range precision shooting and hunting |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .270 Weatherby Mag loads.
.270 Weatherby Magnum: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .270 Weatherby Magnum ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big Game Hunting | 0-600 | Excellent for long-range hunting of deer, elk, and similar-sized game |
| Long-Range Target Shooting | 0-1000 | Capable of extreme long-range accuracy with proper loads |
| Varmint Hunting | 0-800 | Overkill for most varmints, but effective at extended ranges |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .270 Weatherby Magnum is known for its flat trajectory and high velocity, making it particularly effective at long ranges. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .270 Weatherby Magnum
The .270 Weatherby Magnum's high velocity and flat trajectory make it suitable for specific applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .270 Weatherby Mag's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .270 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 8.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .270 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .270 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .270 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .270 Weatherby Mag
The .270 Weatherby Magnum is a high-velocity cartridge known for its flat trajectory and excellent long-range performance. This table compares the sectional densities of various bullet weights for the .270 Weatherby Mag.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .270 Weatherby Mag | 130 | 0.242 |
| .270 Weatherby Mag | 140 | 0.261 |
| .270 Weatherby Mag | 150 | 0.279 |
| .270 Weatherby Mag | 160 | 0.298 |
| .270 Weatherby Mag | 170 | 0.316 |
Note: The .270 Weatherby Mag offers higher sectional densities compared to standard .270 Winchester loads due to its higher velocities and heavier bullet options. This contributes to its superior long-range performance and energy retention.