.270 Weatherby Magnum Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

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: At a Glance: 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:

Year Event
2023 The .270 Weatherby Magnum remains popular among long-range hunters and shooters, with continued production of rifles and ammunition.
1998 Weatherby introduces the Mark V Accumark rifle, offering enhanced accuracy for the .270 Weatherby Magnum.
1963 Weatherby begins large-scale production of .270 Weatherby Magnum ammunition.
1945 The first Weatherby rifle chambered for the .270 Weatherby Magnum is produced.
1944 Roy Weatherby officially introduces the .270 Weatherby Magnum to the public.
1943 Roy Weatherby develops the .270 Weatherby Magnum cartridge.

.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.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

.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:

Big Game Hunting
  • Excellent for long-range hunting of medium to large game
  • High velocity provides deep penetration and expansion
  • Effective for deer, elk, moose, and similar-sized animals
Long-Range Shooting
  • Popular for extreme long-range target shooting
  • Flat trajectory allows for easier distance estimation
  • High ballistic coefficient bullets maintain energy at long ranges
Competitive Shooting
  • Used in long-range shooting competitions
  • High velocity helps overcome wind drift
  • Recoil can be significant, requiring practice for proficiency

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:

.270 Weatherby Mag vs. .270 Winchester ▼

.270 Weatherby Mag vs. 7mm Remington Magnum ▼

.270 Weatherby Mag vs. .300 Winchester Magnum ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .270 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 8.5 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .270 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 200-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .270 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .270 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .270 Weatherby Magnum?

A: The .270 Weatherby Magnum is a high-velocity, flat-shooting cartridge developed by Roy Weatherby in 1943. It's based on a .300 H&H Magnum case necked down to .277 caliber.

Q: How does the .270 Weatherby Mag compare to the .270 Winchester?

A: The .270 Weatherby Mag offers higher velocities and flatter trajectories than the .270 Winchester. It typically pushes a 130-grain bullet at around 3,375 fps, compared to the .270 Winchester's 3,060 fps.

Q: What is the effective range of the .270 Weatherby Mag?

A: The .270 Weatherby Mag is effective for long-range hunting, with an effective range of up to 400 yards for most big game animals. Some skilled shooters can extend this range even further.

Q: What game animals is the .270 Weatherby Mag suitable for?

A: The .270 Weatherby Mag is suitable for a wide range of game, from deer and antelope to elk and moose. It's particularly popular for long-range hunting of medium to large game in open country.

Q: Are there any drawbacks to using the .270 Weatherby Mag?

A: The main drawbacks of the .270 Weatherby Mag include increased recoil compared to standard cartridges, higher ammunition cost, and faster barrel wear due to its high velocities. It also requires a magnum-length action, which can make rifles slightly heavier and longer.