.270 Winchester Ballistics
The .270 Winchester brings classic deer and elk hunting performance to the AR-10 platform. Flat trajectory and proven terminal performance on medium to large game out to 400 yards.
Cartridge Specifications
Common Bullet Weights and Types
Muzzle Velocity by Barrel Length
Muzzle Energy by Barrel Length
Bullet Drop Table
Values in inches. 16-inch barrel reference data. Positive values rise above line of sight, negative values fall below.
| Load | Zero | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130 gr SST | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -5.5 | -15.8 | -31.5 |
| 130 gr SST | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -5.5 | -15.8 | -31.5 |
| 130 gr SST | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -5.5 | -15.8 | -31.5 |
| 140 gr BTSP | 200 yd | 1.4 | 0 | -5.8 | -16.5 | -33 |
| 140 gr BTSP | 200 yd | 1.4 | 0 | -5.8 | -16.5 | -33 |
| 140 gr BTSP | 200 yd | 1.4 | 0 | -5.8 | -16.5 | -33 |
| 150 gr SP | 200 yd | 1.5 | 0 | -6.2 | -18 | -36 |
| 150 gr SP | 200 yd | 1.5 | 0 | -6.2 | -18 | -36 |
| 150 gr SP | 200 yd | 1.5 | 0 | -6.2 | -18 | -36 |
Wind Drift at 10 mph Crosswind
Drift in inches at a 90 degree full value wind. Estimated from muzzle velocity and G1 ballistic coefficient.
| Load | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130 gr SST | 3.6 | 7.2 | 10.9 | 14.5 | 18.1 |
| 130 gr SST | 3.5 | 7.1 | 10.6 | 14.2 | 17.7 |
| 130 gr SST | 3.5 | 7 | 10.5 | 14 | 17.4 |
| 140 gr BTSP | 3.4 | 6.8 | 10.2 | 13.6 | 17 |
| 140 gr BTSP | 3.3 | 6.7 | 10 | 13.3 | 16.7 |
| 140 gr BTSP | 3.3 | 6.6 | 9.8 | 13.1 | 16.4 |
| 150 gr SP | 3.8 | 7.6 | 11.4 | 15.2 | 19 |
| 150 gr SP | 3.7 | 7.4 | 11.1 | 14.9 | 18.6 |
| 150 gr SP | 3.7 | 7.3 | 11 | 14.6 | 18.3 |
Effective Range by Application
Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations
Published Load Data
| Weight | Type | Barrel | MV (fps) | ME (ft-lb) | BC (G1) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130 gr | SST | 20 in | 2,990 | 2,580 | 0.46 | Hornady .270 Win 130gr SST published load data |
| 130 gr | SST | 22 in | 3,050 | 2,685 | 0.46 | Hornady .270 Win 130gr SST published load data |
| 130 gr | SST | 24 in | 3,100 | 2,774 | 0.46 | Hornady .270 Win 130gr SST published load data |
| 140 gr | BTSP | 20 in | 2,890 | 2,596 | 0.486 | Federal Fusion .270 Win 140gr BTSP published data |
| 140 gr | BTSP | 22 in | 2,950 | 2,705 | 0.486 | Federal Fusion .270 Win 140gr BTSP published data |
| 140 gr | BTSP | 24 in | 3,000 | 2,797 | 0.486 | Federal Fusion .270 Win 140gr BTSP published data |
| 150 gr | SP | 20 in | 2,800 | 2,611 | 0.465 | Federal Power-Shok .270 Win 150gr SP published data |
| 150 gr | SP | 22 in | 2,860 | 2,724 | 0.465 | Federal Power-Shok .270 Win 150gr SP published data |
| 150 gr | SP | 24 in | 2,910 | 2,820 | 0.465 | Federal Power-Shok .270 Win 150gr SP published data |
Data Disclaimer
Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from Hornady .270 Win 130gr SST published load data; Federal Fusion .270 Win 140gr BTSP published data; Federal Power-Shok .270 Win 150gr SP published data. Always confirm zero and trajectory with your specific firearm.
Pick the right barrel
Twist rate should match the bullet weights you plan to shoot. See barrel steel grades, profiles, chamber types, and twist rate guidance on the barrel specs page, then jump into the builder to filter barrels chambered in .270 Winchester.