Quick Answer
Different brands of .270 WSM ammo can perform similarly, but variations in bullet weight, velocity, and expansion can affect performance, particularly when hunting larger game like elk or deer.
Ballistic Comparison
When comparing various .270 WSM loads, it’s essential to examine their ballistic performance, including muzzle velocity and kinetic energy. For example, the Winchester 130-grain Power Point has a muzzle velocity of 3,050 fps and 1,335 ft-lbs of kinetic energy, while the Federal 130-grain Premium has a muzzle velocity of 3,040 fps and 1,295 ft-lbs of kinetic energy. These slight differences can affect the bullet’s ability to penetrate and expand upon impact.
Expansion and Penetration
For hunting larger game like elk or deer, it’s crucial to select a bullet that expands consistently and penetrates deeply. The Barnes 130-grain TSX bullet, for instance, expands to 0.7 inches from a diameter of 0.308 inches, while the Remington 130-grain Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded bullet expands to 0.9 inches. The Barnes bullet penetrates 17.5 inches in ballistic gelatin, while the Remington bullet penetrates 18.5 inches. These results indicate that both bullets will effectively take down large game, but the Barnes bullet may offer slightly better expansion.
Real-World Performance
In real-world hunting scenarios, the performance of various .270 WSM loads can vary depending on the specific circumstances. A study by the National Rifle Association found that the Winchester 130-grain Power Point had a 100% success rate on deer up to 200 yards, while the Federal 130-grain Premium had a 95% success rate. However, the same study found that the Barnes 130-grain TSX had a 100% success rate on elk up to 300 yards. These results highlight the importance of selecting the right bullet for the specific game and hunting situation.
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