7mm vs. .270

I'm looking to buy a new rifle for deer(70%)/elk(30%) hunting and have narrowed it down to these two calibers. While I recognize that bullet placement is the most critical aspect of a successful shot, I'm attracted to the additional energy provided by the heavier bullet options that the 7mm offers. However, I'm aware that the 7mm has significantly higher recoil and don't want that to get in the way of spending a lot of time practicing on the range.

Please share your personal experiences and recommendations. Thanks!
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TheGreatwhitehunter
I have both a 270 and a 7mm mag, I also have a 7mm STW.

I tend to use my .270 for just about everything and I strictly relaod for all my rifles.

Now if I had to choose one caliber for all my hunting I would simply just go with the 30-06.

But if it was between a 270 and 7mag I would get a 270 Short mag it is the perfect in between for the 2 calibers.
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silvertip-co
I have both. Use both. Like both a lot for diff reasons. My 12# 7mm Rem Mag is set up for long range antelope 600+ yards, the ol 270 is for elk deer etc, a lightweight LH Sav 270 syn rifle equipped for hiking the high country...it weighs 7.2# with 2-7x32 Burris BDC scope.
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sawsman
If recoil could be an issue then I would opt for the 7mm-08. The 7mm-08 wont kick like a mule and will take deer AND elk cleanly. The shorter action is a benefit and will save a little weight vs the mag if you plan on hiking much.

The 270 WSM will have more recoil than a 7mm-08 and it is becoming very popular. Having said that, either one would be a great choice for deer and elk, but the lighter recoil and performance of th 08 for mainly deer would be my choice.

By the way, I own a 7mm mag and have shot the 270 short mag several times.

Good luck with your choice!

sawsman
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AzRednekRabbit
I only have a .270 but it is all I need. It's a great gun and will handle most big game with no problem. Yes, shot placement is critical but I don't think I'd shoot it at a moose, buffalo, or grizz. Other than that I think it will take care of any North American big game animal.
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I sold my 270 Win, 308 Win, 300 Weatherby, and 338 Win mag when I consolidated to one rifle a few years back. My goal was a single rifle that would handle all of my big game needs from antelope to elk. I went with a 7mm Rem mag that I already had in the safe. Was it the perfect choice? Well, for me it was, but I'm still a huge fan of the 270.
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I have a 270 and love it.
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i have a .270and thats all i use . in fact that is what my brother and dad use also .
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southwind
I am a .270 guy but do own a couple 7mm's as well. Really, you can't go wrong either way.
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I have been trying to decide which rifle to get myself. Due to my build a 7mm mag is a bit much for me. I am thinking either the 30.06, 270, or the 7mm.08. I keep getting opposing(sp) opinions from people that I respect about both the .270 and the 7mm.08 abilities to take elk and black bear. I know a lot of elk are taken with a .270. I can't seem to bring myself to believe the 7mm.08 has the punch. The wide variety of bullet sizes available for the 30.06 is a definite plus.

just my ramblings. Bottom line up front pick the rifle that you are most proficient/conmfortable with.

Good luck
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I also use a .270. Best caliber made, IMO. Since im 6'1" and 150lbs lol
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ABert
I hunt with a .270 and have for years. I have taken elk out past 300 yards and dropped them in their tracks. I've taken deer at 125 yards and have them go on for another 50 yards. It is all in shot placement.

Both calibers will do what you want, no two ways about it. However, if you are truly looking for the best all around caliber out there for North American big game, IMHO, you can't beat the 30.06. (my dad and brother will kill me for stating that as we all use the .270!)

In fact, up until I bought a second .270, I brought my 30.06 as my backup gun.

As has been stated, get what works for you. You can get either caliber in the exact same rifle. Just find what you like and can shoot reliably.
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DeadI
I have both and love both but I use my 7mm more than the 270

nice thing about the 7mm is that you can load it a little on the light side and it is just like shooting a 270 or you can load it heavier and have all the gun you need.
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I would lean toward the 7mm over the outstanding .270. I own two 7mmWSM's and four 30-06's and in all candor, the recoil to me is the same. You're not talking the difference between a .243 and a .338. The bullet selection is much better if you reload for the 7mm or 30 calibers but that is nit picking. Both rounds will serve your needs very well. :thumb
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tikkaman
I have always shot a 7mm, so I am bias lol I have seen quite a few animals go down with a .270 and the 7mm, its a coin flip. The range of the 7mm is greater and there are more choices for bullet type and weight. I am not a spokesman for Sako, but I would not buy another brand, in either of the calibers or Mag/WSM.
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treedagain
7MM for me..not that i have anything against a 270..
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I would get a .280 Remington. A little more versatile than the .270 (not much), and is every bit the equal of the 7mm Remington Magnum without the recoil. I shot one for years and all I ever used in it were 140 grain Nosler Partitions or Accubonds.
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BIG R
I also shoot a 280 rem,it is a great cal.Its a little faster than the 270,but a little slower than the 7mm and less recoil,also has a better bullet selection than the 270 :thumb
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