.270 (.277) Bullets for Reloading

.270 (.277) bullets for reloading rifle cartridges

Bullets in .270 calibre normally have a diameter of .277 inch. This bullet diameter is used in several well-known rifle cartridges, ranging from the classic .270 Winchester to more modern cartridges such as .270 WSM, .27 Nosler and 6.8 Western.

In this category you will find .277 bullets in different weights and designs. The correct choice depends on the cartridge, barrel twist rate, available cartridge length and intended use.

Which cartridges use .277 bullets?

The designation .270 (.277) refers to the bullet diameter rather than one specific cartridge. This means that .277 bullets are used in several calibres. Always use load data written for the exact cartridge and bullet selected.

• .270 Winchester – the best-known cartridge using a .277 bullet and widely used since the early twentieth century.
• .270 Winchester Short Magnum – usually abbreviated to .270 WSM and developed as a short magnum cartridge.
• .270 Weatherby Magnum – a magnum cartridge with greater case capacity than the .270 Winchester.
• .270 Weatherby RPM – a modern Weatherby cartridge that also uses .277 bullets.
• .27 Nosler – developed for high velocities with long .277 bullets.
• 6.8 Western – designed around longer and heavier .277 bullets with favourable ballistic profiles.
• 6.8 Remington SPC – a more compact cartridge that usually uses lighter .277 bullets.
• .277 Fury / 6.8×51 mm – a modern cartridge with the same nominal bullet diameter.
• .270 REN – a less common cartridge that also uses .277 bullets.

Not every .277 bullet is suitable for all of these cartridges. Bullet length and weight may be limited by barrel twist, chamber dimensions and available magazine space.

What will you find in this category?

The range includes .270 bullets in different weights, profiles and constructions. The available designs are suited to a variety of hunting and shooting applications.

• Lighter bullets for cartridges such as 6.8 Remington SPC and specific loads for other .277 cartridges.
• Common bullet weights of approximately 130 to 150 grain for cartridges such as .270 Winchester and .270 WSM.
• Heavier bullets for modern cartridges such as 6.8 Western and .27 Nosler, provided the barrel twist rate is suitable.
• Spitzer profiles with a streamlined point for favourable flight characteristics.
• Boat-tail designs with a tapered rear section.
• Polymer-tip bullets for a consistent profile and specific terminal performance.
• Traditional soft-point bullets with a partially exposed lead core.
• Monolithic and lead-free bullets made from copper or a copper alloy.

The history of the .270 Winchester

The .270 Winchester was introduced in 1925 and became one of the best-known cartridges to use a .277 bullet. It is based on the .30-03 case and combines a relatively slender bullet with substantial case capacity.

Over time, several other cartridges using the same bullet diameter were introduced. The .270 Weatherby Magnum emphasised greater case capacity, while the .270 WSM applied the magnum concept to a shorter case. More recent cartridges such as 6.8 Western and .27 Nosler were developed around longer and heavier .277 bullets.

Bullet weight and application

Bullet weight is expressed in grain. For the .270 Winchester, bullets of approximately 130, 140 and 150 grain are especially common. Other .277 cartridges may use lighter or considerably heavier bullets.

Lighter bullets can reach higher velocities, while heavier designs generally retain velocity better and often have a higher ballistic coefficient. A heavier bullet is not automatically the right choice, however. The complete combination must suit the cartridge, chamber, barrel twist and available load data.

Barrel twist and stabilisation

The barrel twist rate describes the distance over which the bullet completes one full rotation. Traditional .270 Winchester rifles are often set up for conventional bullet weights. Long and heavy modern bullets may require a faster twist rate.

For this reason, consider not only bullet weight but also bullet length and construction. A long lead-free bullet may be longer than a conventional lead-core bullet of the same weight and can therefore place different demands on stabilisation.

Different bullet shapes and constructions

• Soft Point – a jacketed bullet with an exposed lead tip.
• Polymer Tip – fitted with a plastic tip for a consistent profile.
• Hollow Point – a construction with an opening at the front of the bullet.
• Boat Tail – a tapered rear section that may improve airflow around the bullet.
• Bonded – a construction in which the core and jacket are bonded together.
• Monolithic – made from a single material, usually copper or a copper alloy.

Names and constructions may differ between manufacturers. Always consult the product information for the exact bullet selected.

What should you consider?

• Check that the bullet has a diameter of .277 inch.
• Use only current and reliable load data for the selected cartridge.
• Check whether bullet weight and length suit the barrel twist rate.
• Observe the maximum cartridge overall length and available magazine space.
• Take account of the differences between traditional .270 cartridges and modern 6.8 mm cartridges.
• Do not use load data for another bullet without verification, even when the weight is identical.
• Check whether specific load data is required for lead-free bullets.

Related categories

For reloading rifle cartridges, SEM Jacht & Schietsport also offers cartridge cases, primers, smokeless powder, die sets, shell holders, reloading presses, scales and tools for preparing and measuring cases.

Legal information

Bullets are subject to the Dutch legal requirements for ammunition components. A valid Dutch firearms licence or Dutch hunting licence listing a firearm in a suitable calibre is required for purchase.

These products are sold only to customers who meet the applicable legal requirements. Customers may be asked to present or submit the required documents and valid identification when purchasing.

Why SEM Jacht & Schietsport?

SEM Jacht & Schietsport offers .270 bullets in different weights and constructions for cartridges using a .277-inch bullet. This allows you to compare suitable options for .270 Winchester, .270 WSM, .270 Weatherby Magnum, 6.8 Remington SPC, 6.8 Western and other .277 cartridges.

Are you unsure about the correct bullet diameter, suitable weight or compatibility with your cartridge and barrel twist? Contact us or visit our shop in Bornerbroek for personal advice.