Winchester developed the .270 cartridge in 1923, but it wasn’t released onto the market until 1925. The bullet was specifically intended for the bolt-action Model 54.
When you really sit down and look at the specifications and performance of this bullet, it only makes sense that individuals would want to utilize the .270 for their guns. Even compared to other cartridges on the market, this bullet can truly offer specifications that cannot be matched.
What Makes The .270 So Great?
- Derived from the .30-03 parent case
- Suitable for big game hunting
- Accurate up to 500 yards
- Available in a variety of grains
- Extremely lightweight
The .270 has gained worldwide popularity, and it really is easy to understand why. Most other hunting cartridges on the market usually fall off the face after their first couple of years on the market, but that is not the case with the .270. If anything, it has only grown in popularity as time has gone on.
There is no doubt about it that .270 is extremely accurate up to a maximum of 500 yards, and at these yards, it truly has the power to pack quite the punch. It can easily drop an antelope or elk at 300 yards with ease, but you need a suitable rifle scope to do that more easily.
My Top Pick
After all the scopes I tested, I think the Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 is the best scope for .270 Winchester for a few valid reasons. First, it’s lightweight and when mounted on my rifle, it didn’t tilt it forward, so I didn’t have to spend my energy on keeping the aim straight.
The second advantage for me is the design. The quality is neat, with fine lines and a sturdy build. I found the integrated sunshade is a big plus, too. Lastly, after some time of using the scope, I started to appreciate one very handy feature – zero-reset turrets. Quickly resetting to zero is a breeze.
See my detailed review of this scope below.
Why Should You Trust Me?
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re on the hunt for the perfect scope to top your rifle. Well, you’ve come to the right place. I’m not just another guy behind a keyboard – I’ve been in your shoes, searching for that ideal optic to maximize my .270’s potential.
Let me tell you, over the past 15 years, I’ve mounted more scopes on my .270 than I can count. I’ve taken them through mud, rain, and snow on countless hunting trips. I’ve spent long days at the range, testing their limits and fine-tuning their performance. Why? Because I’m passionate about getting the most out of this fantastic cartridge, just like you.
Now, why should you trust my advice? Simple – everything you’re about to read comes from my personal experience. I’ve felt the frustration of a foggy scope ruining a perfect shot opportunity. I’ve experienced the joy of nailing a long-range target with a crystal-clear sight picture. Each scope in this guide has been on my rifle, subjected to hundreds of rounds, and tested in real hunting scenarios.
I’m not here to sell you the most expensive scope or push a particular brand. My goal is to share what I’ve learned the hard way, so you don’t have to. Whether you’re gearing up for your first hunt or looking to upgrade your current setup, I’ve got your back. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect scope to make your .270 Winchester shine!
Get more information on how I test scopes here.
My Top 4 Best Scopes for .270
For those in a rush, I have prepared a table with all scopes I reviewed with their specifications.
| Scope | Key Features | Price |
| 1. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope |
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Check on Amazon |
| 2. Vortex Optics 3-9×40 Viper Riflescope |
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| 3. Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle |
|
Check on Amazon |
| 4. Vortex Optics Viper 6.5 20×50 Second Focal Plane Riflescope |
|
Check on Amazon |
In order to better help you with your search for a scope, below you will find a list along with a comprehensive reviews of the best scopes available for the .270 cartridge.
1. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope – Best Overall
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If you are in the market for versatility, you will probably not find anything more versatile than the Diamondback. With its 4-12×40 configuration, this scope really offers everything that you need to hunt big game or take out small varmints.
My Feelings after Using the Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 SFP Riflescope
I’ve heard good reviews of it from my fellow hunters and decided to test it. Well, I was pleasantly surprised, to say the least.
The Diamondback is a perfect choice for a .270 rifle. Whatever the situation or your preference is, you won’t have a problem achieving your goal with this innovative rifle.
After using it extensively during multiple hunting trips, I found the glass clarity to be excellent. It provided a bright and crisp sight picture even in low-light conditions. The reticle stayed sharp across the magnification range with no noticeable fish-eye effect.
Anytime you invest in scope, you want something that is durable, and that is exactly what you get with the Diamondback. The solid one-piece tube is constructed of durable aircraft-grade aluminum.
I used this scope in tough outdoor conditions, and it held up well over time without any visible dents, cracks, or internal damage. The waterproof and fog-proof design ensured excellent performance through rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations during testing.
Along with the waterproof and fog-proof design, this impressive scope’s overall durability is unbeatable.
The 4-12x magnification provided good flexibility for short—to medium-range shooting. I did not notice any issues with parallax or magnification ability. The elevation and windage turrets tracked true with audible clicks, making field adjustments easy.
However, the eye relief felt shorter than expected, yielding a restricted eye box that was challenging for me to achieve proper head positioning behind.
Product Highlights
The rifle comes equipped with a BDC reticle that really makes it stand out. BDC stands for bullet drop compensation, and it really takes all the guesswork out of your shooting game. I no longer have to manually adjust my elevation for longer-range shots.
The BDC reticle proved very useful, allowing quick range estimation and holdovers once dialed in. This enabled consistent hits in the field without needing calculation or adjustment of the turrets.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
For some, it may not play a big role, but I would have given it a 5-star review had it a better eye relief. It seemed to be quite close to the eye compared to the other model I’ve tested by Vortex Optics.
Key Features
- Second Focal Plane reticle
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof
| PROS | CONS |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex Optics |
| Weight | 1.4 Pounds |
| Eye Relief | 3.9 Inches |
| Magnification | 4x – 12x |
| Field of View | 23.6-7.9 feet/100 yards |
The Final Verdict
When you sit down and look at everything the Diamondback has to offer, it isn’t hard to see why more and more hunters are investing in this scope.
Whether you are hunting big game, small game, or just defending off predators, you won’t have a problem doing so with this scope. One of the best choices for AR-10 as well.
My Rating: 4.5/5
2. Vortex Optics 3-9×40 Viper Riflescope
If you want a high-quality scope for use with your .270 Winchester rifle, you can’t do much better than this model from Vortex Optics. This particular piece can magnify between 3-9x and features a 40 mm multicoated objective lens.
My Feelings after Using the Vortex Optics 3-9×40 Viper Riflescope
The scope overall is crafted from a 1-inch tube of aircraft-grade aluminum. So it’s lightweight and durable at the same time. When mounting the scope, I found that it fit very snugly without throwing off the weight balance of my rifle. This allowed for accurate aiming and smooth tracking of targets in testing.
During my tests, I was able to rely on it for optimal light collection and transmission, even if daylight levels leave something to be desired. The glass clarity was excellent across all lighting conditions from bright daylight to dusk, providing a crisp sight picture. The reticle supported precise aim on targets from 25 to 300 yards. I did not observe any issues with parallax or inconsistent magnification throughout testing.
Overall, I don’t have much to complain about, to be honest. However, this device lacks one feature that could be a game changer. I will describe it in more detail below.
Product Highlights
In my opinion, Vortex Optics did an excellent job here. Few people that switched to this manufacturer could find a better scope for the same money. Here are the things I appreciated the most when practicing with the Viper.
First of all, the scope is equipped with an integrated sunshade. It protects your objective lens and ensures that you don’t have to look through any glare when sighting in to your target.
Secondly, the fast-focus eyepiece included with this model can even aid in target acquisition. It really helped me focus my reticle a little quickly. The generous eye relief and eye box provided a comfortable shooting position without the need to perfectly align my eye. All in all, it’s a basic riflescope that’s perfect for close to medium-range engagements or hunting shots.
Thirdly, Vortex Optics scope is also great in part due to its capped and finger-adjustable windage and elevation turrets. These have allowed me to compensate for both factors at longer distances, such as when using the scope at 9x magnification. The turrets provided clear, tactile clicks when making adjustments. I was able to dial in accurate adjustments for wind and elevation during field testing out to 300 yards.
Furthermore, the turrets can be quickly reset to zero. Believe me, not every scope is capable of it in practice. The feature allowed me to make repeated shots in rapid succession. I think it is useful both for hunting if you miss your first shot and for honing your marksman skills on the gun range.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
Not really a disadvantage but rather a missing feature that could make this scope unbeatable on the market is an illuminated reticle. While testing in low light conditions, I found myself struggling to locate the reticle at times. An illuminated option would have helped acquire targets quicker. I would find myself shooting a bit more accurately with an illuminated dot in the center, especially in the dim surrounding.
Key Features
- Second Focal Plane reticle
- Multi-coated optics
- Integrated sunshade
- MAG-bar for rapid magnification
- Zero-Reset turrets
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
| PROS | CONS |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex Optics |
| Weight | 14.2 Ounces |
| Eye Relief | 3.5 Inches |
| Magnification | 3x – 9x |
| Field of View | 35.5-12.2 feet/100 yards |
The Final Verdict
All in all, Vortex Optics impresses me once again with this quality rifle scope. While it doesn’t include some advanced features, it has all the major aspects you’ll want in a top-tier optic that you can rely on for years to come.
Its durability, versatility, and overall ease of use make it a good choice both for experienced hunters and beginners who want to use something reliable without splurging for their first scope.
It would also fit the 6.5 Creedmoor.
My Rating: 5/5
3. Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle
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At just 13.2 ounces, Simmons’ 8-Point Riflescope is a great optic for 270 Winchester rifle owners for several reasons. For starters, it can magnify between 3-9x power: ideal settings for short to midrange hunting or target shooting scenarios. After testing it, I found it quite durable and easy to use. I feel in full control of my weapon, which leads to better accuracy and more precise shots.
My Feelings after Using the Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
The scope overall is quite durable, featuring weatherproof construction. It’s mostly made of aircraft-grade aluminum, which is why it’s so lightweight while retaining excellent sturdiness. The scope is bolstered further by a matte black finish that can help you retain a stealthy position even in bright sunlight. Through multiple hunting trips in varying weather conditions from rain to snow to bright sunlight, I found the weatherproofing held up very well with no issues of fogging or damage.
It doesn’t have that many features but only essential functions that improve my aim, which is already enough for most other hunters and me. The straightforward design focused on core scope functionality allowed me to quickly master the key controls needed to acquire and track targets effectively.
Product Highlights
The first thing I pay great attention to is the optic. It is great since the lenses are multicoated and they offer superior durability and top-tier light transmission. Testing across dawn, dusk, and overcast conditions, I was impressed with the image clarity and brightness. The optics delivered excellent target resolution with minimal chromatic aberration.
During my assessment, I also looked at the turrets and eyepiece to really grasp what this scope offers. The windage and elevation adjustment turrets produce somewhat audible clicks whenever you move them. Through repeated firing sessions, I found the turrets maintained their zero setting reliably with consistent and predictable adjustment increments of 1/4 MOA.
The eyepiece is also great. It’s designed for fast target acquisition and provides 3.75 inches of eye relief, even at maximum magnification. Therefore, you never have to worry about your scope bucking into your orbital bone and causing an injury, even when your Winchester kicks in your grip. With proper eye positioning, I experienced generous eye box allowing for rapid sighting without a rigid head placement. This enabled faster target acquisition while hunting moving game.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The adjustment knobs could be “clickier.” I can’t say it’s a disadvantage, but rather a minor flaw in the design. It could be helpful to have more audible clicks when adjusting the windage and elevation. While testing at the range, I noticed the turret clicks, though consistent, were muted compared to other scopes. This required concentrating more on the adjustments rather than relying on audible feedback. It didn’t impact performance but was slightly less convenient.
Key Features
- Fully coated optics
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and recoil-proof
- Quick Target Acquisition (QTA) eyepiece
- Generous eye relief
| PROS | CONS |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Simmons |
| Weight | 0.63 Pounds |
| Eye Relief | 3.75 Inches |
| Magnification | 3x – 9x |
| Field of View | 31.4-10.5 feet/100 yards |
The Final Verdict
Ultimately, the Simmons 8-Point Riflescope is a great piece of equipment for hunters and target shooters alike. It offers long-term durability, ease of use, and excellent controls so that you can hit both close-range and mid-range targets reliably.
In my opinion, it would also be an excellent choice for the .45-70 Government.
My Rating: 3.5/5
4. Vortex Optics Viper 6.5 20×50 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
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The viper is built on a 30-millimeter tube that is constructed of hard-anodized aluminum that provides complete durability in a variety of undesirable situations.
Topped with useful features, it becomes one of the best scopes for .270 Winchester out there.
My Feelings after Using the Vortex Optics Viper 6.5 20×50 SFP
When testing the scope, I had a bit of difficulty making the parallax adjustments. Although it wasn’t all effortless and quick, I could rely on the numbers I could see in the scope. At the same time, it didn’t really distract me from hunting, so my eye never left my prey.
It became easy to adapt to the environment and shooting conditions. I was aware of the adjustment at all times and could later adjust them in seconds.
During my use, I found the glass clarity to be excellent across most of the magnification range, with only a slight decrease in clarity at the maximum 20x setting. The reticle aided in quick target acquisition while remaining unobtrusive. I tested the parallax adjustment from 25 yards out to 300 yards and found it accurate throughout the range. At 6.5-20x magnification, I had sufficient power for mid to long-range shooting scenarios. The elevation and windage adjustment knobs provided clear, audible clicks when making adjustments. I found the 3.1 inches of eye relief and generous eye box suitable for maintaining a full field of view even during recoil.
One challenge I faced was properly setting the diopter adjustment, but after some trial and error I was able to optimize it for my vision. Overall, I found the scope controls to have an intuitive layout with a positive tactile feel. After extensive testing across multiple range sessions in varying weather conditions, I did not notice any fogging or degradation in optical performance. The aircraft grade aluminum main tube gives confidence in the durability of this scope for long term use.
Product Highlights
The scope is equipped with a fast-focus eyepiece, so I could easily and quickly focus the reticle on my prey while making rapid magnification adjustments.
O-ring sealed, argon purged, quick adjustments, accuracy, and performance that is off the charts. What more could you really need from a scope?
In my opinion, Vortex Optics managed to craft the scope suitable for any type of hunter. Whether you are a big game hunter or just hunting varmints outside the house, you will be able to achieve success with the Viper Scope.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The only disadvantage I have found was the slight loss of clarity when I zoomed in to 20x. So, if you are one of those shooters or hunters aiming at full zoom, you’d better check out the other scopes described above.
Key Features
- Multi anti-reflective coating on air-to-glass surfaces
- MAG-Bar for rapid magnification
- Dead-Hold BDC MOA reticle
- Second Focal Plane reticle
| PROS | CONS |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex Optics |
| Weight | 2.3 Pounds |
| Eye Relief | 3.1 – 3.3 Inches |
| Magnification | 6.5x – 20x |
| Field of View | 17.4-6.2 feet/100 yards |
The Final Verdict
The Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 is a work of art, in my opinion. You can see that the manufacturer invested quite some time into creating this model. It’s sturdy, shockproof, and reliable during the day and dusk. In fact, it is almost perfect for just about any situation imaginable.
You can also check our fill Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 review.
For night vision shots, learn more here.
My Rating: 4/5
Going the Distance: Maximize Your Shooting Range
Out-of-the-box my rifle chambered in .270 Win can shoot up to 150 yards with less than 1 MOA. In contrast, with one of my best scopes for .270, I can easily triple this distance and shoot even further.
This is the kind of distance that any big game hunter like me needs when looking to take down prey undetected.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the right scope will feel good in your hands and give you the shooting power of the pros. However, before you get too excited, I need to tell you exactly what you can expect out of your .270 cartridges.
A Quick Guide to Distance: How Far Will Your Bullet Go?
When it comes to a .270 cartridge, you need to keep the following range measurements in mind:
- Long Range: about 350 yards and up
- Medium Range: about 150–350 yards
- Close Range: 150 yards or under
Since the .270 cartridges can be customized and used with a variety of different rifles these ranges can vary. Barrel length, along with the shooter’s ability, can make all the difference in the world.
Based on my experience, I can add that the magnification of the scope plays a factor as well. This is why when shopping for a scope for .270 Win, you need to know the best magnifications possible, and that is what you are going to learn below.
What Magnification Do You Need?
It doesn’t matter if you are a pro or you are just starting out. There are still going to be a lot of environmental factors that affect your long-range shooting abilities. The type of rifles I like to use in combination with the wind makes it harder for me to nail the more difficult shots.
Setting the right magnification for the right ranges can also make a difference. Depending on the range I decided to stick with, I always make sure to pick the right magnification of the scope set.
So, what are the best magnifications for your .270 cartridges?
Long Range (350 Yards and up)
When it comes to shooting long-range, even the type of target that you are shooting at can play a major factor.
As for me, when I target smaller prey, I opt for a scope that can provide better clarity and higher magnifications, whereas larger targets don’t require these attributes.
That being said, the best magnification for a .270 at 500 yards should be anywhere from 8x and up. A 40-millimeter lens with a reflective system will also help battle unwanted lighting conditions.
Medium Range (150 – 350 yards)
Most individuals that use the .270 cartridges are extremely comfortable when it comes to shooting at medium-range distances.
With the impact power of the .270, I can take down some really big game at this range. However, you, on the other hand, will probably want to set your scope at anywhere from 4x to 8x.
Close Range (150 yards or under)
With the accuracy and power of the .270 cartridges, most hunters, even the least experienced ones, won’t have a problem nailing their targets. Just keep in mind that you will want to decrease your magnification to anywhere from 3x to 7x – that’s what I do in close range.
At the end of the day, the best scope for you is not only going to feel good on your rifle, but it is going to offer you the magnifications that you need for your typical shooting ranges.
Just keep in mind that some environments can be completely unpredictable, and that is why you also want to opt for a scope with versatile options.
There are days when a reflective lens makes my shooting so much easier, but during other gloomy days when there is no need to battle the sun, this feature becomes useless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a .270 Winchester more powerful than a 6.5 Creedmoor?
Out past 500 yards, the.270 Winchester has more velocity and kinetic energy than the. 6.5 Creedmoor, but the.270’s advantage narrows from 515 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle to just 189 foot-pounds of energy at 500 yards.
What is the maximum effective range of a .270 Winchester?
All the way out at 680 yards, the .270 Winchester is still traveling at 1,800 fps. Many long-range western hunters have chosen the .270 Winchester because of the additional 100 yards of effective range, and many have persisted with the venerable old cartridge despite the introduction of seductive new long-range cartridges.
Is a .270 Winchester big enough for elk?
A .270 Winchester, especially when mated with the tough, deep-penetrating, weight-retaining bullets we have today, is not considered a good “big gun” for most elk but has proven to be adequate for any walking elk, with careful shot placement.
What’s stronger: a .270 Winchester or 30-06?
The 30-06 appears to be the bullet with the most energy. Even at long ranges, it hits harder, and it can be loaded with bullets weighing up to 220 grams. The .270 Win., on the other hand, has a longer maximum effective range because Trophy Copper bullets reliably expand only at velocities exceeding 1,800 fps.
What grain does a .270 come in?
The .270 Winchester caliber was designed to drive bullets weighing between 120 and 160 grains, however, the optimum results are obtained with bullet weights of 130 to 150 grains.
Is .270 Winchester a good round?
The .270 Winchester is an excellent choice for practically all deer hunting and is also quite useful in other situations. No, most people don’t shoot big bears or buffaloes with the .270, but for wildlife up to elk, bullet performance is excellent, recoil is mild, and the .270 fires flat enough to simplify most shots.
What should I sight my 270 in at?
A lot of individuals sight their 270 in at 1.5 inches high at 100 yards, which is a 200-yard zero with most 130gr retail-bought ammo. Did you say 25 yards? Maybe simply to get the initial changes down on paper, but beyond that, shooting at 100 yards out to whatever distance you plan on hunting at is a good idea.
Is a .270 big enough for moose?
For penetration of a typical moose, a bullet with a higher grain weight than the .270 Winchester is required. The bullet weights for the .270 Win are usually between 130 and 150 grains. With roughly 1,500 ft/lbs of energy, the .270 Winchester is capable of fatally injuring a moose.
Is the .270 good for bear hunting?
Yes, in most ordinary conditions, from a typical mid-range distance, with a medium grain expanding bullet and proper shot placement, the .270 Winchester has proven to be an excellent choice for black bear hunting and most other average-sized bears across North America.
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.