270 Win vs 308 Win: ONE Clear Winner On Mild Steel

Published on September 14, 2023
Duration: 7:56

This guide outlines a ballistics test comparing the .270 Winchester and .308 Winchester against mild steel plates. It details the setup, ammunition, testing procedure, and data analysis, emphasizing the importance of kinetic energy over velocity or sectional density for steel penetration. The test utilizes specialized equipment like the 'Steel Sledge 4.0' and precision measurement tools.

Quick Summary

The .308 Winchester proved superior to the .270 Winchester in penetrating 1/2 inch mild steel plates. This was primarily due to the .308's higher kinetic energy (approx. 200 ft-lbs more at the muzzle), which was the deciding factor for steel penetration, overriding the .270's higher velocity and sectional density.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: .270 Win vs .308 Win
  2. 00:18Ammunition and Velocity Testing
  3. 01:00Testing Rig Upgrade: Steel Sledge 4.0
  4. 01:411/4 & 3/8 Inch Steel Tests
  5. 03:371/2 Inch Steel Test: .270 vs .308
  6. 06:19Data Analysis: Penetration Factors
  7. 07:11Conclusion: Kinetic Energy Decides

Frequently Asked Questions

Which rifle caliber, .270 Winchester or .308 Winchester, performs better against mild steel plates?

.308 Winchester demonstrated superior performance against a 1/2 inch mild steel plate. While the .270 Winchester caused a significant bulge, the .308 Winchester successfully penetrated, attributed to its higher kinetic energy despite lower velocity and sectional density.

What factors determine bullet penetration on steel targets?

Kinetic energy is the primary factor determining bullet penetration on steel targets. While velocity and sectional density are important, the total energy delivered by the projectile at impact is the deciding force, as shown in the comparison between the .270 Winchester and .308 Winchester.

How was the steel plate test conducted by Banana Ballistics?

Banana Ballistics used a custom testing rig called 'Steel Sledge 4.0' with 24-inch barreled rifles firing .270 Winchester (130 gr Interlock) and .308 Winchester (150 gr Interlock) at varying thickness mild steel plates. Velocity was measured with a chronograph, and impact deformation was measured with digital calipers.

Why did the .308 Winchester penetrate the steel plate when the .270 Winchester did not?

The .308 Winchester load possessed approximately 200 ft-lbs more kinetic energy at the muzzle than the .270 Winchester load. This higher energy transfer was the critical factor enabling the .308 to penetrate the 1/2 inch steel plate where the .270 Winchester failed.

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