Written by: James House

For about 115 years, the .30-06 Springfield has been the favorite caliber for many hunters and target shooters. In more recent years, the .308 Winchester and several other calibers have achieved great popularity. Growing up as I did I read all the gun literature that I could find (or afford) and one of the magazines that I read most was Outdoor Life. The shooting editor for that
magazine was none other than Jack O’Connor, perhaps the most famous gun writer of all time.

Although he wrote about numerous topics and calibers, for many years O’Connor’s writing dealt heavily with the .270 Winchester. Introduced in 1925, the .270 Winchester might be considered to be an “old” cartridge, but with a working pressure as high as 65,000 psi the .270 can be loaded to drive a 130-grain bullet over 3000 ft/sec or a 150-grain bullet about 2900 ft/sec.
Such ballistics means that the .270 shoots flat and hits hard. Certainly, the boar that I shot in Tennessee and other animals have responded appropriately. When I was growing up in the middle of nowhere, there was a furniture store in the nearby small town. At one time, the front window of the store displayed a large grizzly that was taken in Alaska by a prominent citizen.
The rifle he used, a Winchester Model 70, and a cartridge, a .270 Winchester, were also on display. Thus began my affection for the rifle and cartridge.

My .270 Winchester is a Model 770 Winchester, a sort of economy grade Model 70, with which I am celebrating a 50 th Anniversary this year. The Model 770, produced from 1969 to 1971, was a “post ’64 Model 70” so it is a push feed model that has a blind magazine. Thus, it is sort of the Winchester equivalent of the Remington 700 ADL. I have never had a problem with
cartridge feeding, firing, or extraction with the rifle, and it gives very good accuracy for a factory rifle.

The factory stock on my Winchester 770 has good proportions and pressed checkering. However, it is not an elegant stock by any means. To celebrate my 50-year relationship with the rifle, it has been fitted with a Boyds Platinum stock of Claro XX walnut with fleur de lis checkering and black grip, and fore-end caps. The performance of my Model 770 has always been quite good and now with the Boyds stock that rifle could vie for the title of Safe Queen with many of today’s much more expensive models.

Current ammunition listings (note that with the current ammunition situation as it is, I did not say availability) in .270 Winchester caliber include loads from every major and many smaller producers. Virtually all list a 130-grain load having a muzzle velocity of 3060 ft/sec with corresponding energy of approximately 2700 ft-lbs. Bullets styles vary from traditional soft points to a polymer-tipped lead-free version from Swift that is described as having a muzzle velocity of 3151 ft/sec and an energy of 2867 ft-lbs. Swift also lists a load utilizing a 150 Swift A-Frame bullet with a muzzle velocity of 2986 ft/sec and an energy of 2971 ft-lbs. Browning produces a load that utilizes a 140-grain bullet that has a nominal muzzle velocity of 2970 ft/sec giving an energy of 2742 ft lbs.

For those who desire the ultimate performance from a .270 Winchester, Hornady offers two loads in the Superformance ® line. One features a 130-grain SST bullet with a muzzle velocity of 3200 ft/sec and an energy of 2955 ft lbs whereas the other utilizes a 140-grain SST bullet with a muzzle velocity of 3090 ft/sec and an energy of 2968 ft-lbs. These loads wring out
as much capability as can be expected for a .270 rifle. There are simply too many factory loadings for the .270 Winchester to list them all, but those described show the general parameters Although the recoil of a .270 Winchester is not really severe, some shooters may wish to avoid part of the recoil associated with full power loads. Reduced recoil loads are available from
Federal (with a 140-grain bullet having a velocity of 2200 ft/sec and energy of 1560 ft-lbs) and HSM (130-grain bullet with a velocity of 2318 ft/sec and energy of 1537 ft-lbs). Such loads are certainly adequate for use on animals the size of deer as long as the range is kept within reason.

Handloaded ammunition can bring out even more versatility from a .270. For example, bullets are readily available in weights from 90 to 180 grains. In the ‘heavy” category are the 170-grain Berger Elite Hunter, the 175-grain Sierra GameChanger, and the 180-grain Woodleigh. For me, such bullets are not of much interest because I have rifles of larger caliber if I need to prepare to hunt a large animal.

In addition, to use on medium game, it has always been the use of my .270 as a varmint rifle that has interested me. For such work, bullets of light weight are appropriate and there are some excellent choices. My first choice has always been the Sierra 90-grain Varminter hollow point because it gives excellent accuracy in my rifle. Much to my dismay, it appears that the
bullet has recently been discontinued as has the 100 Hornady 100 grain soft point. However, other good choices are the 90-grain Speer TNT and Gold Dot, the Speer 100-grain hollow point, and the 110-grain Hornady V-Max.

When it comes to powders for loading .270 ammunition, I have had very good results with IMR 4064 with lighter bullets and with IMR 4350, Winchester 760, and Alliant Reloder 17 with most bullet weights. In particular, the 90-grain Sierra Varminter gives five-shot groups smaller than one inch with appropriate charges of both IMR4350 and Alliant Power Pro 2000MR. The 100-grain Hornady soft point has shown excellent accuracy when propelled by a suitable charge of Alliant Reloder 17.

Having the Winchester 770, I never felt the need for a different .270 on the basis of performance and now I certainly don’t on the basis of appearance. The rifle has shown good accuracy with factory loads and excellent accuracy with certain hand loads. Although relegated to the safe for considerable periods by a .223 Remington and a .243 Winchester, my hope is now to
load up some special .270 ammunition and go after some large predators with the dressed-up Model 770. The rifle will never be offered for sale or trade, and I hope we can celebrate many more anniversaries.

Written by: James House

How do you define hunting when you’re trying to explain the concept to someone who doesn’t partake in it?

When you look in Webster’s Dictionary, hunting is defined as the act of pursuing game for food or sport.  The definition of hunting sounds simple enough, yet we often struggle to find the words that define what hunting truly means to us.  We understand the feeling that it gives us, the adrenaline rush and respect for God’s creation.  Most days we are just happy to be outdoors and are grateful to have the opportunity to take part in it.

Oftentimes, I hear hunting being called a sport, hobby, pastime, or even a way of life.  But what is hunting really?

Is hunting a sport?  Well, let’s check Webster’s Dictionary and define exactly what a sport is.  According to the dictionary, a sport is a physical activity engaged in for pleasure.  This would certainly fit the definition of hunting for some.  Hunting gives me pleasure and provides a sense of release from the outside world and a way to connect with the wildlife around me.  When you think of hunting as a sport, you probably think of practicing with your equipment and training your bodies to scale tall mountains or climb tall trees in search of wild game.  So hunting could be a sport.

Is hunting a hobby?  How does Webster define a hobby?  A hobby is a pursuit outside one’s regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation.  Ok, I can see how this could fit the mold.  We spend our hard-earned money on expensive gear pursuing game each fall and we hope to have success in the field also.  All of the work that we put in during the off-season brings us to the opening day of the season and we find ourselves perched in a treestand as the sunrises, thanking God for all that he’s blessed us with.  Hunting could be defined as a hobby.  But when we turn on our TVs we see people hunting as their occupation and as a result, they make money in advertising certain products or for companies.  For some of us, hunting could be a hobby.  So could sewing too.

Is hunting a pastime?  Back to Webster’s, we go.  A pastime is an activity that you enjoy doing during your free time.  Wow, isn’t that a broad definition that involves multiple activities?  I could think of a million things that fit the definition of a pastime but defining hunting by such a broad definition doesn’t seem right to me.  Some people enjoy mowing their lawns during their free time or, if you’re like me, you like to watch UFC fights.  I can’t define hunting as just a pastime.  Hunting means too much to me.

Is hunting a way of life?  I’ll take it from here Webster!  For many of us, hunting isn’t just a pastime that we partake in only a couple of days a year.  For some, it’s a 365-day-a-year process that blends experience, education, ethics, love, and devotion toward one goal, pursuing game.  Whether you enjoy chasing mule deer in the west or you choose to hunt whitetails from a treestand, you have to admit, there’s something magical about the sport of hunting.  The connection you feel with nature isn’t by mistake.  We’ve evolved as a society to a time where the majority of mankind will never be as connected to mother nature as you are when you’re sitting on top of a mountain, as the sun peaks over the horizon, and listening for the first gobble of the morning!  It’s these experiences that encapsulate us into coming back each season and devoting our lives and our free time to perfecting our craft, whether it be with archery equipment or a firearm, we are HUNTERS, we are CONSERVATIONISTS!

However you define hunting, know this.  Hunting is killing!  Yes, it is the unfortunate side effect of a successful hunt.  Whether you are pursuing deer, bear, or squirrels, the result is still the same if you are successful, you must take one of God’s beautiful creatures from the earth in order to fill your tag.  This is how hunting is defined by a society that doesn’t partake in it.  However, we must find ways to share our hunting experiences with the rest of the world on a positive note and learn to truly define what hunting means to us.

Once we can define hunting for ourselves, only then can we help others connect the benefits of hunting to the act of killing.  When we do this, it will help us recruit new hunters and hopefully convince the anti-hunting community that hunting has its place in our society and is a proven conservation method that we can use to ensure the success of our wildlife for generations to come.

#Huntingisconservation

‘Twas the night before bow season, when all through the house;

Not a hunter was sleeping, not even their spouse.

Anticipation is building for the morning hunt;

The only thing that would make it better is to wake up to a cold front.

You’ve practiced all summer with your recurve, compound, or crossbow;

In hopes that a big buck would show up tomorrow.

Post-season scouting revealed those big buck beds;

And maybe you even got lucky and scored his sheds.

You rise from the bed before the sound of your alarm;

In hopes that the wind is blowing perfectly on your favorite farm.

A quick scent-free shower and you’re ready to roll

But not before you give FaceBook a quick scroll.

Today’s weather forecast should give you a hint;

And help you lay out the perfect blueprint.

You dash out the door and into the truck;

But not before your wife whispers “Good luck!”

Don’t forget all of your gear as you race out the door;

Because opening day has finally arrived once more!

You hurry to the truck while the sky is still dark;

And your favorite podcast is playing before you’re out of park.

The voice of Mark Kenyon helps set the mood;

And before you know it, your drive is about to conclude.

Don’t slam the door when you exit the truck;

The last thing you want to do is scare off that big buck!

Slide on your boots and grab your gear;

Because the morning sun grows near.

Access routes are the key if you want to succeed;

Don’t forget to check the wind with your trusty milkweed.

Sneak quietly through the woods toward your destination;

Go slow, stay calm, and show respect for God’s great creation.

Slip into the blind or climb up a tree;

Either way, you’ve never felt more free!

The morning sun is only moments away;

But don’t forget to stop and pray!

And as you ponder upon what opening day has in store;

Don’t forget to say thank you for the opportunity to hunt once more!

Happy hunting to all, and to all a good season!

AmmoSquared Inc. is transforming the way gun owners accumulate and manage their ammunition inventory with innovative and convenient online-based storage solutions. The service provides gun owners with the ability to set up automatic ammunition replenishments, ensuring that customers never run out of ammunition. Integral to the process is also secure off-site storage of accumulated ammunition until it is shipped.

Understanding the challenges faced by gun owners in maintaining a consistent supply of ammunition, AmmoSquared offers a seamless and hassle-free solution. The company’s automatic inventory replenishment service allows customers to set up personalized recurring “reloads” based on their preferred caliber, use, and budget. Once established, customers have the option to accumulate ammunition over time and then receive regular shipments of their accumulated ammunition, ensuring they are always prepared for their target shooting, defensive, and hunting needs.

“Our service ensures that gun owners always have ammunition available when they need it”, states AmmoSquared CEO Dan Morton. “During the ammo shortage which started without warning in 2020, customers that had been building up a backup supply of ammunition inventory at AmmoSquared, had it available with the click of a button while everyone else was running around finding empty store shelves. It just makes sense to have a backup supply because you never know what could happen.” 

Managing ammunition inventory can be time-consuming and inconvenient for gun owners. AmmoSquared’s automatic replenishment service eliminates the hassle, ensuring that its customers always have the ammunition they need when they want it. They can literally “set it and forget it”. Ammunition is built up over time and then delivered automatically on the customers’ pre-set schedule. 

In addition to providing a consistent supply of ammunition, AmmoSquared offers secure storage for customers who prefer not to keep all of their ammunition inventory at their homes. Also, by rotating stored ammunition multiple times a year, AmmoSquared guarantees that clients receive high-quality, reliable rounds from major manufacturers.

This unique service offers customers peace of mind, knowing that their ammo supply is consistently up-to-date and readily available when needed. AmmoSquared is also a practical solution for those with storage limitations such as apartment dwellers or RVers, environmental hazards, such as floods or tornadoes, or gun owners living in states with oppressive ammunition regulations.

AmmoSquared’s platform combines convenience, security, and exceptional customer service, making it an ideal choice for gun owners looking to simplify ammunition ownership and management.

About AmmoSquared Inc.:

AmmoSquared started in 2015 to provide gun owners with a way to simplify their ammunition inventory management. Offering a wide variety of caliber options, the company’s platform allows customers to set up customized reloads for automatic inventory acquisition and access secure storage services for their accumulated ammunition inventory. AmmoSquared is dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for gun owners, revolutionizing the way they manage and maintain their ammunition supply.

With my obsession with whitetail deer hunting, I’m always looking for hunting gear that will enhance my hunting experience, especially in the toughest conditions. When the temperature drops below freezing, I grab my Sitka Fanatic jacket and bib to keep warm even though I’m sitting all day.

I’ve been wearing Sitka Gear since their second year of production and I haven’t looked back. I’ve seen many hunting brands and clothing options come and go over the years, but nothing quite like Sitka. I’m excited to share my in-depth and unbiased review of the Sitka Gear Fanatic Jacket and Fanatic Bib with you in a future review. Designed for the coldest days, the Fanatic collection is crafted with the utmost precision. The Fanatic Jacket is a testament to Sitka’s commitment to quality and innovation. Here’s my honest review, the good, the bad, and if you should buy it.

Wind Resistance

Even in the freezing cold, the Fanatic Jacket is a virtually indestructible barrier. It’s windproof and warm thanks to a double-layer Gore-Tex Infinium fabric with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. Warmth isn’t an issue with the Fanatic jacket, but keep in mind it’s not waterproof. If so, you’re missing out on the quiet fleece coating that makes this the ultimate cold-weather bow hunter jacket. Here’s what I’ve noticed: When it’s cold enough to wear a Fanatic jacket, it’s usually too cold to rain. Snow clings to a fleece jacket, and over time moisture seeps into the jacket, but not enough to keep it from snowing.

This jacket is great for keeping out the cold, especially in windy weather. The wind chill factor can greatly affect how cold it gets outside, and the Fanatic Jacket does a great job of protecting the body from those cold winds. High-loft jacquard Berber wool and silver Hi-Loft Ultra insulation work together to provide superior insulation technology and maximum warmth. Even in the harshest conditions, we can rely on the Fanatic Jacket to protect us from biting winds and lock in our body heat.

Built to be Quiet

Silence is our best ally when you’re only moments away from drawing your bow to your target buck. The Sitka Gear Fanatic Jacket effortlessly combines ultra-quiet Gore-Tex Infinium technology with an ultra-quiet high-loft Berber wool finish. This strategic combination ensures that your moves will remain undetected even when fully drawn! The jacket’s body-mapping construction uses state-of-the-art noise-canceling fabrics to eliminate layers of noise from the surrounding environment.

Whitetail-Specific Features:

Sitka Gear understands the specific needs of whitetail hunters. The Fanatic Jacket incorporates burr-resistant textiles in key areas to prevent burr pickup and allows for the convenient placement of critical accessories. However, it’s important to note that the entire jacket is not burr-resistant.

To tackle freezing temperatures, I recommend combining the Fanatic Jacket with other Sitka Gear items, such as the Fanatic Bibs, Fanatic Beanie, and Downpour Gloves, for a comprehensive cold-weather clothing system.

Sitka’s attention to detail shows in every aspect of the Fanatic jacket design. The jacket has a diagonal YKK zippered pocket strategically placed to provide easy access to essential gear and ensure we can focus on the field. Low-profile hand warmers and hand warmer pockets provide much-needed warmth on chilly mornings, while the jacket’s raised position allows for comfort and freedom of movement. Plus, integrated harness ports allow for easy integration of key Whitetail accessories for safety and convenience.

Product Improvements Ideas:

While the Fanatic Jacket offers exceptional performance, there are areas for improvement. The price may deter some, and the lack of a hood. The lack of a hood as a built-in feature is a notable drawback of the Fanatic Jacket. Adding a detachable or integrated hood would enhance its functionality, especially in extreme weather conditions. Additionally, incorporating additional ventilation options, such as pit zips, could provide better temperature regulation during periods of physical exertion.

Should You Buy the Sitka Fanatic Jacket?

Overall, the Sitka Gear Fanatic Jacket is a top-tier choice for hunters seeking reliable and warm apparel for cold-weather expeditions. Its innovative design, sound-suppressing fabric, and strategic features make it a worthy investment. While there is room for improvement, particularly in terms of pricing and the inclusion of a hood, the Fanatic Jacket remains an excellent option for serious hunters looking to maximize their comfort and stealth in frigid conditions.

Buying quality hunting gear on a budget may seem like a daunting task but I’m here to help.  Not everyone can afford to buy a new bow every year or chase the latest gear craze that’s sweeping the industry.  However, savvy shoppers know how to maximize their dollars to get high-quality hunting gear at a great price.  In this blog, you’ll learn how and when to save money on hunting, as well as tips and tricks to help your dollar go further.  But first, let me introduce you to HuntingGearDeals.com to get you started.

HuntingGearDeals.com is your best resource for finding great deals on hunting gear all year long.  Every online retailer is fighting for a piece of your hunting budget each year, except for HuntingGearDeals.com.  HuntingGearDeals.com doesn’t sell hunting gear, they simply help you find the best deals on hunting gear from across the web.  If it’s on sale, you’ll find a link to it there.

Interested in knowing when the best time to buy KUIU is?  Hunting Gear Deals can help with that too.   The goal of HuntingGearDeals.com is to help you save money and maximize your hard-earned dollars so that you get more gear for the money.  So, if you’re interested in saving money on hunting gear, the first thing you should do is subscribe to the Hunting Gear Deals Daily Deals email so you never miss a deal!

Creating a Hunting Gear Budget

The first thing you should consider when planning for the upcoming hunting season is how much you’re willing to spend.  Setting a hunting gear budget will help you plan ahead for upcoming expenses.  I start with my intended hunting trips for the year and factor in the cost of licenses and tags.  If you’re planning an out-of-state hunt, you’re most likely going to need more money for your trip than you would if you were hunting the back forty or a local piece of public ground.  Consider the cost of hunting licenses and tags a fixed expense that you’re going to need to plan for.

Once you know where you’re hunting and how much tags are going to cost, then you can start planning on purchasing hunting gear. We will touch on this topic in more detail later.

Make a Hunting Gear Wish List

As one season ends, another begins, so keep note of the hunting gear that you need to replace or add throughout the season.  I keep a note on my phone that identifies hunting-related products that I’m looking to add to my hunting arsenal the following year.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told that I’m the hardest person in the world to buy Christmas Gifts for, so one way to solve this issue is to have a list of items at your disposal that you’re interested in buying for yourself, but don’t tell someone to buy you something for Christmas when you know you’re going to need it two months prior during your next big hunting adventure.

On a side note, if you’re ever having issues on finding a Christmas gift idea for someone that hunts, HuntingGearDeals.com has plenty of gear lists to guide you in the right direction.

• 100 Best Christmas Gift Ideas of Hunters
• 20 Father’s Day Gift Ideas for the Hunter
• 24 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for the Female Hunter
• Best Christmas Gifts for Deer Hunters
• Best Christmas Gifts for Youth Hunters
• The Best Hunting Gear Under You Can Buy Under $50

Item’s that you’re likely to find on my hunting gear wish list include easy-to-find items like Energizer Lithium AA batteries.  I spend hundreds of dollars every year on batteries and getting a few here and there for stocking stuffers is a life-saver.   I also keep a list of specific sizes for clothing-related items that I plan on adding to my collection as well.  Attending local hunting trade shows gives me access to new hunting gear that my local pro shop or box store might not have in stock.  So, I keep a running list, a very large and detailed list of the items that I would like to add.

Now, it’s important to know what size you wear in each product and brand because they’re not all the same.  For instance, my Sitka pants range in sizes depending on the style.

More on Creating a Hunting Gear Budget

We talked about the fixed costs, such as licenses and tags and you should have an idea of what you’re looking to add to your hunting arsenal as soon as hunting season ends.  This is essential because you’ll be able to take advantage of sales throughout the year and get more bang for your buck.

Now you have to factor in how much money you’re willing to spend on hunting gear.  This will vary from person to person depending on your financial situation, as well as your needs.  A new hunter might need a bunch of gear to get started, whereas an experienced hunter might be looking to upgrade some additional gear that they already have.  Either way, planning early will save you money.

For example, if you know your hunting license expenditures are going to cost you $800 this year and your hunting budget is only $2,000, you’re going to have to pick and choose your battles.  Don’t get me wrong, you can get a lot of gear for $1,200, but you can also dump $1,200 in the blink of an eye on a new bow as well, so let’s be smart and plan ahead.  Saving up for these expenditures takes discipline.  For some, you might need to create a PayPal account or separate checking account to help you save money for hunting gear.  Others might be willing to stash cash in the safe all season.  Neither option is wrong, but both are right.  In fact, combining all of these options and more will allow you to save money when it’s time to make a purchase.  (More on that later).

Whatever option you choose for setting aside some money for hunting gear, stick to it.  Don’t blow your budget on a shiny new bow when last year’s model is just as good.  Also, don’t be afraid to find other ways to make money as well.  The goal here is to help you become a savvy shopper, not a cheapskate.

Generating Additional Money for Hunting Gear

Making extra money for hunting gear isn’t hard if you’re creative.  The hardest part is probably devoting the time to make the extra cash to invest in your hunting gear.  I feel strongly that everyone needs a side hustle but not everyone is willing to invest the time and money into it to be profitable.  Here are a few quick ideas to generate cash flow to put towards your hunting gear.

Garage Sale

Chances are, you’ve got a bunch of junk lying around the house that you don’t use anymore.  Instead of throwing it away, have a yard sale.  Timing this at the beginning of the month with a couple of neighbors will help you be more successful usually.  Don’t expect to make a fortune having a yard sale, but it’s worth a shot.

Sell Your Old Hunting Gear

Facebook Marketplace is a tough place to sell hunting gear but there are options out there for you to sell your old hunting gear before replacing it with new hunting gear.  Just don’t be that guy that expects to sell your used hunting boots for more than they’re currently on sale for new somewhere.  I used to be big into trading hunting gear on online forums such as ArcheryTalk but I’ve since given that up after a couple of bad apples ruined the trading process.  Sadly, it’s hard to trust people nowadays.  eBay is an option, but thanks to new IRS laws, you’re going to be taxed on that.

Trade Time and Manual Labor for Money

Who would’ve thought that manual labor could help you make more money?  Cut grass, chop wood, pressure washing, washing cars, and the list goes on and on.  Who knows, a little side hustle like this could replace your day job someday

Sell Your Shed Antlers

Are you a diehard shed hunter?  If so, you could always sell your Antler collection.  Last I heard, $15 per pound was the going rate on antlers that are in good shape.  Big antlers are often sold individually at a higher price.  I’ve never sold my shed antlers but I know people that buy them if you’re interested in selling.

Own land?  

Look into subleasing your land for a week during hunting season.  Maybe you’re not a turkey hunter but your place has turkeys all over it in the spring.  Lease it out.  Just check with your local rules and regulations that pertain to hunting leases in your state first.  A lot of people that I know sublease their hunting leases for a week or two a year to cover the cost of their hunting lease fees each year.

Other ways to make a dollar.

There are a million ways to make money out there but you’re the only one that can decide which option is best for you.  It takes time and effort, but it can be done.  However, if you decide to earn extra money, make sure you do it legally.