Handloads: .270 Winchester

posted on November 4, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
270win.jpg

Always searching for a step up in performance, I couldn’t help but notice that the Alliant Powder Reloader’s Guide (alliantpowder.com) lists some impressive velocities for the .270 Win. firing 150-gr. bullets handloaded using Reloder 26—Nosler Partitions, Sierra GameKings and Speer BTSP 150-gr. bullets managing slightly more than 3000 f.p.s.

Since only maximum propellant weights are provided, start reloading at least 5 percent below the listed numbers. From the 24" barrel of a Mossberg Patriot Revere, Nosler 150-gr. Partitions reached 3042 f.p.s. The guide lists 60.8 grs. as maximum, but the 60.5-gr. load was too hot for another .270, resulting in flattened primers and stiff bolt lift.

Reloder 26 is manufactured with Extruded Impregnated (EI) technology that produces several advantages over other propellants. One is “extremely high velocities in magnum cartridges.” While the .270 does not wear a magnum label, Reloder 26 fired 150-gr. Partitions a good 100 f.p.s. faster than other propellants I’ve tried over the years. EI technology also produces consistent velocities despite temperature extremes. Reloder 26 loads resulted in velocity spreads of 18 f.p.s. with nine Partitions. The Mossberg .270 fired three-shot groups at 100 yds. that measured 0.39" to 1.50", with a 1.10" average for five groups.

Reloder 26’s cylindrical kernels do fail to meter precise weights from a powder measure; however, dispensing it a few grains below intended weight and dribbling in the last few kernels with a trickler is faster than reading this final sentence.

Latest

Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5" AOS black pistol handgun right-side view
Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5" AOS black pistol handgun right-side view

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS

For this episode, we’re on the range with a double-stack, M1911-style handgun that’s more compact and lightweight than we’re used to seeing. This is the Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS chambered for 9 mm Luger.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 1, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Budget Pistol Rigs With AIM Surplus

It's still possible to pull together a budget-friendly, name-brand pistol rig for $300 to $400, if you play your cards right.

Nextorch Celebrating 20th Anniversary—A Timely Preparedness Reminder

Nextorch North America is celebrating the company’s 20 years of providing lighting solutions for consumers, law enforcement professionals and military forces around the world.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Magnum

One of Smith & Wesson's recent additions to its M&P handgun line is the M&P 22 Magnum, and there's a lot more going on in this gun, technologically, than it appears at first glance.

New For 2025: Beretta BRX1 Ranch

Beretta has expanded its BRX1 straight-pull action into a "ranch rifle" configuration, providing a handy, lightweight platform that still includes some of the groundbreaking features of the original BRX1 rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.