140 gr. Accubonds for .270 & elk

[Vic T]

Hi,

I am getting ready to handload some 140 grain Accubonds for my Ruger MMRL .270 for elh hunting this year. I am planning to use IMR 4831 powder. The Nosler manual gives a range of 49.5 to 53.5 grains for this load. There is both faster muzzle velocity as well as higher load density at 53.5 grains. I don't have a lot of time to devote to working up a load and lots of target shooting, so I am thinking about loading close to the maximum load (maybe 53 grains) to stay safe and get good results a bit more quickly. Any thoughts or suggestions? has anyone loaded this combination? The manual says this is their most accurate powder tested.

By the way, all my elk encounters are within 50 yards though where I hunt offers plenty of 400 yard across the ravine opportunities. Thanks.

Vic

 

[JD338]

Vic,

Load up 1-3 shells at starting load and +1 gr increments to proof that they are safe in your rifle.
The highest velocity is always nice but accuracy kills every time.

JD338

 

[Ol` Joe]

Noslers ballistic table shows the difference in drop at 400 yd with a 100 yd zero (2800 fps vs 2900 fps) as ~0.6". I doubt you or the game will noticed it, nor will it cause you to miss a properly placed shot. The book also shows the most accurate load Nosler found was at starting level. That is a function of the barrels harmonics and could change to any level.

It sometimes pays big to follow the rules and start low. You may get away with starting high but I have had loads show pressure on me before hitting book max more then once, and was glad I started where I did.

I`d follow JD338s advice..............

 

[Richracer1]

My opinion, go buy factory ammo if you can't devote enough time to safely work up a handload. This will keep you safe as well as anyone else around when you decide to take a shot at an animal. Again, just my opinion.

 

[longwinters]

I load for 2 270's with 140 Accubonds. But I use H4831SC. Accuracy in both rifles is 1/2" or better. But given your short time frame go with whatever you feel comfortable with.

Long

 

[YoteSmoker]

Heres what I would do with timeframe considered.

1. Prep and prime 50 cases.
2. Bag up 35 and set aside.
3. Load up your tray 3 deep 5 wide.
4. Charge left to right in .5 grain increments starting at 51.5
5. Make 5 targets on one sheet of paper. Mark charge lowest to highest.
6. Shoot 3 shot groups at each target allowing barrel to cool between targets. (Adjust your scope between targets if necessary)
7. Go home and load up the 35 with the charge that produced the tightest group.
8. Sight in if necessary. (I'd go 2" high at 100 with 150 grain bullets)
9. Go kill an elk!

 

[YoteSmoker]

"8. Sight in if necessary. (I'd go 2" high at 100 with 150 grain bullets)"
Correction...140 accubonds also

 

[Vic T]

Good suggestions. I'll take your advice YoteSmoker ... sounds like a good plan to me.

Thanks.

Vic T

 

[Mighty Peace]

I use the 140gr Accubonds out of my two 270WSM rifles with great success and performance on elk/moose/deer/bear.

Out of your 270Win should do just the same. As for what powders to use, I cant help you with that.

I use Retumbo in my 270WSM's

 

[honkeetonkin]

I just used a 140 AccuBond to take a 125 lb blacktail, the buck was facing quartering towards me and i hit him in tha neck not quite hittng the spine traveling through the body and stopping under the opposite side . it still weighed 115 gr after traveling 30 inches .