Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum and pretty new to deer hunting. This forum has been very helpful in getting started with the huge amount of information, experience, and knowledge available here. I have searched the forum and wanted to add a question with a little more detail for my particular situation.

I shoot a 270 caliber rifle. I'll be hunting for whitetail deer in central and west Texas. Obviously, shot placement is the most important factor. How much does bullet choice, weight, brand, etc. come into play? For example, how much difference does it make using a $40 or higher/box of premium bullets as opposed to a $22/box of Hornady whitetail? 130gr vs. 140gr? I know they can all get the job done, so how much does it matter when choosing a bullet.

Thanks for everyone's help and good luck this season!

I have killed hundreds of animals with a Remington 130 grain Core-Lokt bullet out of my .270 over the years. But I would also try several different ones to see what your rifle likes to shoot the best.

I agree with this. I have used 130 grain corlocks in my 270 a good bit before and they worked great. Being a handloader I shoot something else now, but they performed well if you put them in the right spot. Premium bullets are not needed.

And I've killed a pile with the 150's.

Good bullets don't have to be expensive, and expensive bullets don't have to be good....or ideal for your target. Find a bullet designed for the intended target, then see if your gun likes them.

My opinion is to see what your gun likes best. I'm fortunate in that my deer rifle likes Federal Soft Points that cost about $15/20 rounds. Some guns might favor the $40/20 rounds ammo. You won't know until you compare them on the range.

I started shooting 130 grain hornady interlocks(same bullet loaded in the whitetail hunter line)in my .270 12 years ago and never looked back. in that time I've killed probably 40 deer with that combo and haven't lost one

It's what I've been using for well over 30 years now and they continue to do the job. I shoot Remington Core-Lokt in every deer rifle that I own. IMO, the best value overall.

I'm currently using the Hornady Superformance 140g SST's and pretty pleased with them. I've taken deer to 400 yards and they've performed well.

My only complaint that this particular bullet seems to explode at closer range/higher velocity (inside 150 yards). Shot several deer and hog inside 100 yards that did not have exit wounds. Deer shot beyond 200 yards did have exit wounds, including the deer shot at 400 yards.

I previously used the Hornady Lite Magnums with 140g BTSP, which performed very well on all animals, at all ranges.

I have noticed the same thing out of a 25-06 and a 300 win mag.

Anyone try the federal copper rounds?

Barnes X bullet

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I shoot a 270 in west Texas. I have great luck with the Federal Premium Nosler balistic tip. I have long shot opportunities. I shoot 130 grain sighted in 2" high @ 100 yards. This gives me hold on kill zone accuracy to 250 yards. My rifle groups best with this brand, which gives me confidence, which is what's most important for me.

Thanks everyone for the replies. This helps a lot.