.270 Wsm Flash Suppressor

[mj30wilson]

I have shot several deer over the past 2 years and all were bang flops. Problem is after the initial bang and subsiquent flash I lose the deer in the scope. I need an flash suppressor bad that will direct the gases to the sides. Anything out there? I would need a smith to thred the barrel on my winchester 70.

 

[DrMike]

Are you firing at night? I've never witnessed a problem with flash on any of the WSMs I've shot. It sounds as if you need either a longer barrel or a different load that burns most of the powder before the bullet exits the barrel. There is some recoil with the 270 WSM, but I've never lost a deer as result of recoil; and I have shot quite a few deer with either the 300 WSM or the 7mm WSM. I've shot a fair number of moose and elk with the 325 WSM and the 270 WSM. Could you tell us more about the problem? I guess I'm just a little surprised.

 

[mj30wilson]

Yeh, Both shots were last light as I was just about out of time in my area. The biggest problem is with tall grass or brush. I have a 24" Barrel and have down loaded the cartridges with Imr 4350. The manuals do not help out with which powders produce less flash.

 

[DrMike]

In theory, with a 140 grain AB and a charge of 61.0 grains of IMR4350, you should have 99.88% of the powder burned at the point the bullet exits. Give me your bullet and weight and I'll see if I can suggest other powders than may serve you well. IMR4350 is a good one for the WSM, however.

 

[mj30wilson]

140 grain AccuBond

 

[DrMike]

Though IMR4350 should be essentially all burned in your barrel, you might look at VN165, RL22, H100V or IMR 7828 SSC. Any of these should give you somewhat less muzzle flash. I have never found muzzle flash to be a problem in any of my Model 70 WSMs, and I've certainly taken a number of shots at last light or in rapidly fading light while it was just legal to shoot.

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

Dr. Mike I too have seen this and I believe that it is more of a product of the low light situation than an inefficiency with burning the powder. Especially with a hotrod like the 270 WSM you are going to see this when the light gets dim. Scopes are so good these days that they extend our seeing capabilities much longer than older scopes did because their larger objectives and better lenses gather light much better. I have seen times where I could see better through my scope than I could with my naked eyes.

I don't think that a flash suppressor would be necessary and would appear quite unsightly as well as making for an increase in the decibels of muzzle blast you will hear. Maybe take a spotter with you if possible so they can watch the animal and call your shot for you. I shoot 4350 (H or IMR) in a variety of calibers because it is so versatile and accurate and believe that you will be fine as you are. This will be a factor no matter what powder you use in low light situations.