Two popular calibers that are often compared are the 264 Winchester Magnum and the 270 Winchester. Both of these calibers are known for their accuracy and versatility, making them a favorite among hunters. In this article, we will take a look at the differences between these two calibers and which one may be better for your needs.
Here is the short answer:
The 264 Winchester Magnum has a flatter trajectory and higher velocity, making it better for long-range shooting. The 270 Winchester, on the other hand, has a heavier bullet and more energy, making it better for larger game.
With the short answer out of the way, we can look in-depth at each cartridge, their ballistics, which one is better, and when you would want one cartridge over the other.
Detailed Look at the 264 Winchester magnum
Developed in 1959 by Winchester, the 264 Winchester Magnum is a preferred choice for rifle shooters who seek optimal accuracy over long-range distances. However, this case never really gained much popularity due to the superior 7mm Rem Mag being released around the same with better marketing. The 264 has a case length of 2.540” and a case diameter of .515 inches and holds about 83 grains of powder.
The 264 Winchester Magnum is a fairly powerful load that is popular for hunting big game like elk and mule deer. This round has pretty good ballistics and has seen some use among bench rest shooters, but became fairly obsolete due to the 7mm Rem Mag being more popular.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 264 Winchester Magnum with a 140-grain bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3030 | 2854 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2904 | 2622 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.7 | 2782 | 2406 |
| 150 | -0.9 | 1.8 | 2663 | 2205 |
| 200 | -3 | 3.2 | 2548 | 2017 |
| 250 | -6.4 | 5 | 2435 | 1842 |
| 300 | -11.4 | 7.4 | 2325 | 1680 |
| 350 | -17.9 | 10.4 | 2218 | 1529 |
| 400 | -26.2 | 13.9 | 2113 | 1388 |
| 450 | -36.4 | 17.9 | 2012 | 1258 |
| 500 | -48.7 | 22.5 | 1912 | 1137 |
A detailed look at the 270 Winchester
For almost a century, the 270 Winchester has been a beloved rifle cartridge and continues to be so. It was initially manufactured by Winchester in 1925 for use as an efficient hunting round. Owing to its accuracy and versatility, it remains one of the most favored rounds among hunters today; being just as well-suited for game like sheep and elk alike. Derived from .30-06 Springfield’s case necked down to accept .277 caliber bullets, this classic cartridge maintains its reputation amongst shooters around the world.
This particular design gives excellent ballistics out of short barrel rifles, making it a highly desirable choice among hunters in search of an all-around cartridge that can be used for various applications. Additionally, the 270 Winchester is especially suitable for long range shooting due to its high velocity and relatively flat trajectory; with minimal effort or wind compensation, one could easily reach targets at ranges exceeding 500 yards.
The 270 is a popular cartridge primarily among hunters and has seen little use among bench rest shooters. Because of this rounds impressive ballistics, it is popular among sheep hunters who need a round they can shoot at longer range without compensation.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 270 Winchester with a 130-grain jacketed soft point bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3060 | 2703 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2929 | 2477 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.8 | 2803 | 2267 |
| 150 | -0.9 | 1.8 | 2679 | 2072 |
| 200 | -3 | 3.2 | 2560 | 1891 |
| 250 | -6.3 | 5.1 | 2443 | 1722 |
| 300 | -11.2 | 7.6 | 2329 | 1566 |
| 350 | -17.7 | 10.6 | 2219 | 1421 |
| 400 | -25.9 | 14.2 | 2111 | 1286 |
| 450 | -36 | 18.3 | 2006 | 1161 |
| 500 | -48.3 | 23.1 | 1904 | 1046 |
In-depth Examination of the 270 Winchester and 264 Winchester Magnum
Both cartridges are extremely favored by hunters, each of which has its own particular characteristics that make them appealing. The intention of this article is to provide an extensive analysis of both rounds so as to allow one to develop a better understanding as to which would be most suitable for personal needs.
The 270 Winchester usually offers a flatter or the same trajectory as the 264 Winchester Magnum so these cartridges are generally going to have the same performance.
Ballistically, the 264 Winchester has more energy but less velocity than the 270 Winchester. So the 264 Winchester Magnum would be better for hunting bigger game.
Recoil wise, the 264 has more kick than the 270 Winchester so it is less desirable for smaller frame shooters or bench rest shooters who need to keep from developing a flinch when shooting.
One issue with the 264 Winchester Magnum is that it is not a common round. The 270 on the other hand it popular around the world. So if you need a cartridge you can find anywhere you will want the 270.
Conclusion
The 270 Winchester is often preferred by only range shooters due to its lighter recoil. But the 264 Winchester is often preferred by big game hunters because of its higher energy. So if are hunting big game, go with the 264 Winchester Magnum. If you are bench rest shooting or want a more available cartridge, go with the 270 Winchester.