Maximum effective range of a .270 Winchester with 130gr bullets?

Ballistic Characteristics

The .270 Winchester is a versatile rifle cartridge capable of delivering flat trajectories at medium ranges. With a 130gr bullet, it has a muzzle velocity of around 2,900 ft/s and a ballistic coefficient of approximately 0.4. At 400 yards, the bullet will drop around 28 inches, and its velocity will be reduced to about 1,600 ft/s.

Hunting Effective Range

For effective hunting of deer, the .270 Winchester with 130gr bullets can be used up to 400 yards, but the optimal range is between 200-350 yards. This is because the bullet will maintain its kinetic energy and expand consistently, increasing the chances of a clean kill. At longer ranges, the bullet may not expand as consistently, and the deer may not be killed instantly.

Terminal Performance

At 200-350 yards, the 130gr bullet from the .270 Winchester will expand consistently, with a retained weight of around 80-90% and a penetration depth of around 18-20 inches. This makes it suitable for hunting deer with a single shot, especially when aiming for the vitals.