California regulations now mandate that you must use copper projectiles when hunting with a firearm. I’ve been researching possibilities for a while, made some purchases, and customized some ammunition. Months of testing have passed and I now have my final hunting loads for deer, bear, and pigs tested and approved for my Remington .270 Winchester rifle. It took me some time as I wanted to test out a variety of powders, projectiles, cases and hunting conditions. It’s been a fun process that had some surprises.
Rifle: Remington 710 chambered in .270 Winchester
Optic: Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16×42
All loads were tested at 100 yards, shooting flat, and from a seated position. Not that it makes any difference, but I like being open about how I set up.
In the image above, you can see a nice tight group from my custom loads on the first day of testing. The load specifics are as follows: New Winchester case, 50 gr. Hodgdon Hybrid 100V powder, Nosler 130 gr. E-Tip projectile, and a Winchester large rifle primer. There was a slight 5-10 mph cross breeze from R to L and the temperature was 66 degrees. The target above shows one of 30 (yes, 30) different targets from the first testing day. I shot 150 rounds that day. I ran a dry patch through the barrel and let the rifle sit for five minutes with the action open.
The only test I did not run was velocity through my chronograph. For a multitude of reasons, that will be done at another time.
This target shows the results from the final day of testing. After a minor scope adjustment, I had five shots group like this. The load specifics are similar: 2x fired Winchester case, 50 gr. Hodgdon Hybrid 100V powder, Nosler 130 gr. E-Tip projectile, and a Winchester large rifle primer. On this day, the temps were 60 degrees and there was a 10-15 mph breeze R to L. The rgusts were strong when they hit and I waited in between gusts as best I could, but you can see it wasn’t always perfect. I ran a dry patch through the barrel and let the rifle sit for five minutes with the action open.
Overall, I am thrilled with the results. Keep in mind, this custom loads works exceptionally well in my rifle and may not in yours. That being said, this is a great starting point for anyone shooting 130 gr. copper projectiles out of a .270 WIN. If you want my load data sheet, email me and I’ll send it to you. You might find a different load that I tested that works better for you. All in all, I have found the handload I am going to be using from now on for hunting deer, bear, and pigs.
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