I have a late model 1885 in 270 WSM and thought to try a reduced load for target and small game shooting.

The magnum loads will only be used when hunting big game, and the rest of the year I will use reduced loads for 100 yard target and small game shooting. This will preserve my barrel and cut down on shooting expenses dramatically.

This way, I can have lots of fun shooting this beautiful rifle year-round, without burning up the barrel. Recoil and noise are greatly reduced.

Hornady 130 grn SP, 27 grains of AA5744, Winchester magnum primers for an estimated 2050 fps.

Here is a five-shot group at 50 yards. All into 1/2", center to center.



I have 110 grain HP bullets coming in that may do better.

Gotta love the 1885 rifles. 5744 has to be one of the most versatile powders.

That is a beautiful rifle!

Why not just get a 270 if you can't handle the recoil ?

I've always liked those rifles.

I have always heard that reduced loads in fat cases are prone to inconsistent ignition and poor accuracy. I think that is from using tiny charges of powders like Bullseye or Titegroup... AA 5744 though is bulky and ignites easily.

I was very happy with the accuracy, that was my main area of concern.

The scope on there now is a Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40... I keep it around the shop for emergencies. I have a Leupold Vx1 2-7x32 (gloss) coming in that will be the permanent scope for this rifle. The gloss finish will match the gun and the Conetrol Custum mounts, and the smaller diameter eyepiece on the compact Leupold will give me more room for manipulating the hammer.

Experienced 1885 owners told me that the compact Leupold was the way to go.

Recoil with full-power 270 WSM loads is in the 'creampuff' category, the lightest kicking magnum. Apparently you've never fired one, or you would know better.

I'm shooting reduced loads for target and small game use because it is easy on the barrel, and doesn't cost much more to load than my .223. - The paper never knows the difference, and that's what I shoot between hunting seasons.

Full-power loads in the 270 WSM are only 100 fps behind the 270 Weatherby mag - and 200-300 fps ahead of max loads for the 270 Winchester.

If I am hunting whitetails at close range and don't want to see much meat damage, I'll use 270 WSM starting loads, which give you 270 Winchester top velocity.

The 270 WSM will do anything that a 270 Winchester will do - and considerably more.

There's certainly nothing wrong with a 270 Win, but where I live the option of a bit more power is useful for larger animals at longer ranges.

In-between hunts though, I'm one of those guys who makes it to the gun club twice a week or more, to shoot just for fun. I feel it would be kind of pointless to use full-power loads for that kind of shooting.

Expensive, too.

Whatever

Who wizzed in your Cherioes today?

A lot of 270 Winchester owners get cranky when the discussion turns to the 270 WSM... There's really no reason for it but that's how it goes, more often than not.

The 270 Winchester is one of the all-time greatest cartridges around. Everybody knows that.