This week we continue our quest to determine who is the greatest bass angler of all time. In the previous article we revealed and made a case for three anglers in Denny Brauer, Aaron Martens and Edwin Evers. Again, our criteria are based off the recent list by B.A.S.S. of the ‘All-Time Money Winners.” But before we get to the top two on this list, we have to take a look at some of the old timers who made bass fishing what it is today. Guys who were around when it all began in the late 1960’s like Bill Dance, Roland Martin and Rick Clunn who all dominated the pro tour in the beginning and took full advantage of their early success.

No name or person in the history of bass fishing is more recognizable than Bill Dance with his University of Tennessee baseball cap. To give you an idea how popular that cap is, I ran into Bill at the International Fishing Show known as ICAST in Orlando a few years ago and his PR director had one of Bill caps in his hand while Bill toured the show. I ask him what the extra hat was for, and he said it’s in case someone comes by and snatches his hat off his head. I asked if that had ever happened, and he said yes quite often. When it comes to marketing, no other cap is as recognized as the one Bill Dance wears. His show “Bill Dance Outdoors” is the longest running fishing TV show in history broadcasting since January 5th,1968. Bill does an outstanding job of introducing new tackle and techniques to the public though his show. He’s not just another pretty face for TV, but in his hay day, he was one of the best anglers to ever wet a hook and dominated the tour early on. But he retired from tournament fishing at a very young age in order to focus more on his TV show and sponsor promotions. He pretty much put Strike King Lures on the map and has help make them the leading tackle company in the world.Let’s look at Roland Martin…another of the all-time greats who many will say IS the greatest angler of all time based on the fact that he won 9 Angler of the Year Titles. No one even comes close to that and the fact he won 19 B.A.S.S. events and 19 runner-up finishes. He was in the money 63% of the time as he accumulated over $1 million in winnings during a time when the money was nothing like it is today. If he would have fished in this new era of today with that kind of dominance, his earnings would have exceeded over $4 million in tournament winnings alone not including endorsements and merchandise sales. The only thing that haunts Roland Martin today, is the fact that he never won the Bassmaster Classic. A tournament that just seemed to elude his grasp time and time again. Just a little info about Roland (who resides in Naples Florida) is he loves to turkey hunt and tarpon fish. His son Elite Series Pro Scott Martin has also been very successful in his own right with an FLW Championship under his belt and a very popular TV show called “The Scott Martin Challenge.”

Rick Clunn is another angler whose name always comes up as the greatest of all time and at one time had the title of the GOAT.. Just like NFL quarterbacks who are judged by the number of Super Bowls they’ve won, bass fishing professionals are judged by how many Bassmaster Classics they’ve won. Rick Clunn and Kevin Van Dam lead that list with four Classic wins to their credit. (More on KVD later) Now Rick is a different bird who has always flown a little different route than most other anglers. When other anglers would zig, Clunn would zag. In the beginning and during most of his career, Rick separated himself completely from other pros and I mean literally by staying at campgrounds outside in a tent. He avoided hotels where he felt anglers talked too much and got into each other’s head. He avoided what he called “dock talk.” Rick’s philosophy included a form of meditation known as zenning. It was his way of becoming one with nature. He always felt like the closer he was with nature, the better he could connect with the bass and as Rick would say “become one with the fish.” Over his career, Rick has accumulated over $2.6 million dollars in winnings.

Now let’s looks at the real GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)…Kevin Van Dam. This guy took bass fishing by storm in 1987 and made his presence felt his first year as a touring professional. Allegedly the story goes that he walked up to Rick Clunn (who was the GOAT at that time) and introduced himself as Kevin Van Dam and that he was the guy who was going to start kicking his a#$. Whether this is true or not, it illustrates Van Dam’s confidence in his abilities to catch fish and win tournaments. His mental toughness has far exceeded all other anglers of his generation. If you look at winnings alone, Van Dam has collected over $6.4 million dollars in winnings which is double his closest competitor. He has won 4 Bassmaster Classics (the Super Bowl of bass fishing) and has won more B.A.S.S. events than any other angler in history with 25 and has 16 runner-up finishes to his credit. Over his career, he has been in the money 80% of the time which is an amazing stat in itself. KVD has also capitalized on the business side of bass fishing as well as the lead spokesperson and bait designer for Strike King Lures. There’s not a bass angler in America that does not have at least one KVD endorsed lure in their tackle box. So, you can debate this all you want, but it’s pretty clear based off statistics alone and money earned that Kevin Van Dam truly is the greatest bass fisherman of all time. I hope you’ve enjoyed this breakdown of bass fishing all-time greats. Whether you choose to agree or disagree, it’s hard to argue against KVD. Till next time, don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve GrafOwner/Co-hostHook’N Up & Track’N Down ShowAnd Tackle Talk Live

Introduction

Hunting coyotes has long been a controversial activity, but understanding what is done with dead coyotes can help shed some light on the truth behind the hunt. Coyotes are wild animals and it is important to understand the implications of hunting them and the ways in which we can both benefit and be harmed by the practice. In this article, we will uncover the truth behind hunting coyotes and explore the different uses of dead coyotes, as well as the ethical debate surrounding the activity.

We will look at fur and body parts, predator control and the benefits and disadvantages of hunting coyotes. In the end, we will summarize the different uses for dead coyotes, as well as the ethical debate around hunting them.

What is a Coyote?

A coyote is a canine animal found in North and Central America. It is a member of the canine family and is similar in size to a small wolf. Coyotes are omnivorous and have adapted to live in a variety of environments, including urban and suburban areas.

They are generally active during the night and have a keen sense of hearing and smell.

Coyotes are known to be resourceful, intelligent and highly adaptive. In the United States, coyotes are hunted for their fur and body parts.

Hunting is regulated by state and federal laws and often requires a hunting license. Hunting allows humans to take advantage of the coyote’s adaptability and natural curiosity. Killing coyotes is also sometimes used as a way to reduce their population and prevent them from competing with other predators for resources.

It is important to note that hunting coyotes is a controversial topic. Proponents argue that it helps protect livestock and prevent overpopulation of coyotes, while opponents contend that hunting is cruel and inhumane, and should be avoided.

It is also important to remember that hunting should be done responsibly, with safety and caution in mind, and not just for sport. Hunting should be done with respect for the animal and its environment.

Overview of the Topic

Hunting coyotes can be a controversial issue but understanding what hunters do with dead coyotes helps shed some light on the matter. Coyotes can be hunted for their fur, body parts, and for predator control.

The fur of a coyote is often used for coats, gloves, and hats, while parts of the coyote like the teeth and claws may be used for jewelry or other decorations. Hunters may also use coyote carcasses to control the population of other predators, such as wolves and bears, that may compete with humans for game.

The ethical debate surrounding coyote hunting still remains. On the one hand, hunting coyotes can help protect livestock and game.

Hunting has caused a decline in the coyote population, which could lead to a decrease in biodiversity in the area. It is up to each individual to decide if they believe hunting coyotes is morally right or not. Understanding all of the possible uses for dead coyotes and the potential consequences of hunting can help inform one’s decision.

What Do Hunters Do With Dead Coyotes?

Hunting coyotes is a controversial issue, with passionate opinions on both sides. Hunters may use dead coyotes for several different purposes, including utilizing their fur and body parts, as well as controlling the coyote population.

Knowing how hunters use dead coyotes can help you make an educated decision on how you feel about the topic. When it comes to utilizing the fur and body parts of coyotes, some hunters do so for commercial purposes such as selling their products, while others use them for their own personal use.

Predator control is another purpose for which hunters use dead coyotes. By controlling the coyote population, hunters reduce competition for food and minimize the chances of coyotes killing livestock. Despite the potential benefits of hunting coyotes, there are several ethical considerations to take into account before making a decision. Taking into consideration the different views of the issue and researching the facts can help you make an informed decision on the contentious topic of hunting coyotes.

Fur and Body Parts

Hunting coyotes for their fur and body parts is a controversial activity. While some people argue that hunting coyotes is necessary for their population management, others believe it is unethical and not necessary. If you are considering hunting coyotes for their fur and body parts, it is important to consider the ethical implications of your actions.

It is important to be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding coyote hunting. Some states require hunters to obtain permits before hunting coyotes, while other states prohibit it outright.

It is also important to practice safety and ethical hunting practices. If you are unsure about the regulations in your area, it is best to check with your local hunting and fish agency.

When hunting coyotes for their fur and body parts, it is essential to use humane trapping and killing methods.

Coyote trapping must be done in a way that does not cause the animal undue stress or pain. There are a variety of humane methods of killing coyotes. The best way to ensure a humane kill is to use a single, swift shot to the head or heart. It is important to always be respectful of the animal you are hunting and to use the appropriate methods to ensure a humane, painless death.

Predator Control

When it comes to a coyote population, hunting can be a great way to keep their numbers down and help protect both their and our safety. Predators like coyotes can cause a lot of damage to livestock, property, and even humans, so it’s important to take active steps to protect ourselves and our communities.

Hunters can help with this by using their catch for predator control, a practice that has been around for centuries. Using hunted coyotes for predator control is a great way to manage the population and ensure that an area is safe. Hunters can use their dead coyotes to scare away other coyotes, helping to keep the animal’s population in check.

They can also be an effective tool for discouraging coyotes from eating livestock and other domesticated animals. Hunting coyotes is an effective way to protect the safety of both humans and animals alike.

Controversy Surrounding Coyotes and Hunting

Hunting coyotes can be controversial, and it’s important to understand why. On one hand, it can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, such as controlling the coyote population, reducing the risk of diseases, and preserving native species.

Hunting coyotes can be detrimental to the environment, can disrupt the coyote’s natural habitat, and can be seen as unethical by some. When making the decision to hunt coyotes, it’s important to do so responsibly.

Make sure you’re aware of the local laws and regulations that come with hunting, and make sure you’re not putting yourself, other hunters, and the environment at risk. It’s also essential to ensure that you’re using the right equipment and that you’re taking the necessary safety precautions.

It’s important to be educated and responsible when hunting coyotes. Do your research and make sure that you’re making the best decision for the environment and for the coyotes. Keep in mind that, while coyote hunting can be beneficial in some cases, it’s important to make sure you’re doing it responsibly and ethically.

Benefits of Hunting Coyotes

Hunting coyotes can be beneficial for various reasons. It is a way to manage the population of these wild animals in order to protect livestock, crops, and other wildlife. Coyote hunting can generate revenue from the sale of their fur and body parts, providing a financial incentive for hunters.

Hunting coyotes can also provide entertainment for some people, who find joy in the challenge of the hunt.

Coyotes are generally perceived as pests in many areas, and hunting them can help to control their numbers. This can help landowners and farmers, as well as other wildlife, who may find themselves competing with coyotes for food or resources. Hunting coyotes can also help to keep their population in check, preventing overcrowding, which can lead to an increase in diseases and a decrease in their overall health.

Hunting coyotes can be beneficial in many ways, from providing a financial incentive, to controlling their population and protecting other wildlife. It’s important to be aware of the potential ethical issues around hunting coyotes and to ensure that any hunting is done in a safe and responsible manner. With the right approach, hunting coyotes can be a beneficial activity for all involved.

Disadvantages of Hunting Coyotes

Hunting coyotes is not without its disadvantages, both for the coyote population and the environment. Coyotes are an essential part of the ecosystem, so if the population of coyotes is reduced, other species may suffer.

Coyotes also help to keep the populations of small mammals and rodents in check. If hunting is overdone, then other species may suffer from having too many of their natural predators removed from their environment. Hunting coyotes can disrupt the natural balance of their habitat and can cause other animals to move away from their natural home.

Overhunting can also have negative economic impacts, as it can lead to decreased tourism and the loss of potential revenue from hunters and wildlife enthusiasts.

Hunting coyotes also has an ethical dimension, as the animals are sentient beings which may suffer. If hunters are not mindful of the stress that hunting can cause, then coyotes may experience fear, pain, and trauma as a result. Hunting regulations should be carefully enforced to ensure that hunting is done responsibly and safely, and that the animals are treated humanely. Hunters should be aware of the potential impacts that their actions may have on the environment and the coyote population, and should take steps to mitigate any potential negative consequences.

Summary

Hunting coyotes is a controversial activity and understanding what hunters do with dead coyotes is essential to understanding the ethical debate that surrounds it. While some hunters use the fur and body parts of coyotes for a variety of reasons, the most common use is for predator control – to limit the number of coyotes in an area.

There are both benefits and disadvantages to hunting coyotes, and it is important to consider both sides of the argument in order to make an informed decision. On one hand, hunting coyotes can lead to healthier natural ecosystems, as they can reduce the amount of native prey animals taken by coyotes. It can also help to reduce the risk of diseases like rabies that are spread by wild coyotes.

Hunting coyotes can lead to a decrease in the overall population of coyotes, which could have a negative impact on the local environment. In the end, it is important to remember that the decision to hunt coyotes is a personal one and should be made with careful consideration. By understanding the different uses for dead coyotes and the ethical implications of hunting them, it is possible to make an informed decision about whether or not to engage in this activity.

The Different Uses for Dead Coyotes

Hunters have been using dead coyotes for different purposes for centuries. The most common use of dead coyotes is for their fur and body parts.

The fur from a dead coyote can be used to make coats, hats, and even blankets. The meat from coyotes is also used for food and can be processed into jerky.

The organs of dead coyotes are often used for medicinal purposes. Coyote hunting is also used as a form of predator control. By hunting coyotes, ranchers can protect their livestock from being attacked by the wild predators.

Coyote hunting helps to protect other animal species from becoming overpopulated. Though coyote hunting has its benefits, it has also faced criticism due to its unethical nature.

Animal rights activists argue that coyote hunting is cruel and unnecessary. The debate around hunting coyotes has been ongoing, but it is clear that both sides must take into consideration the needs of the environment and the animals before deciding on a course of action.

The Ethical Debate Around Hunting Coyotes

Hunting coyotes can be an ethical debate because they have important roles in the environment, such as controlling rodent populations and helping to maintain the balance of ecosystems. Although coyotes can be a nuisance to livestock and wildlife, they also provide a valuable service to the environment by preying on smaller animals and pests.

Some people may argue that hunting coyotes may be necessary to control their populations and protect livestock and wildlife. It is up to the individual to decide what is best for them and their environment.

When deciding if hunting coyotes is ethical, one should consider the coyote’s important role in the environment, as well as the potential risks associated with over-hunting them. It is important to take into account the potential harm done to other animals and the environment when considering the morality of hunting coyotes. Educating oneself on the importance of coyote management and making a conscious effort to be an ethical hunter are important steps in making sure that this ethical debate is resolved in the right direction.

Conclusion

Hunters have traditionally used dead coyotes for their fur and other body parts, as well as for predator control. Although hunting coyotes can have benefits, it is important to consider the ethical implications of hunting such animals. It is important to remember that even if hunting coyotes is done for conservation, the animal still dies.

It is important for hunters to take into account the animal’s overall welfare and not just their own interests when deciding to hunt coyotes. It is up to the hunter to decide whether hunting coyotes is the right thing to do.

If a hunter does decide to hunt coyotes, they should do so responsibly and with respect for the animal. This means ensuring that the animal is killed quickly and humanely, and that their remains are disposed of in a respectful manner. Taking the time to ensure that coyotes are not treated inhumanely is essential in order to ensure that hunting remains a responsible activity.

Maybe you know this, but –

Rem Oil’s been getting a bad rep lately.

More specifically, some people are complaining about:

• The oil being too thin
• Evaporating easily
• Not lubing properly
• Etc.

So, I decided to take a closer look.

• What is is that people are complaining about?
• And is Rem Oil really as bad as people say?

Ready? Let’s jump right in…

What is Rem Oil?

Rem Oil is a superior lubricant for firearms. You use it to lubricate your guns, as well as to protect them from corrosion.

I underlined the word lubricant because people keep comparing Rem Oil to different products:

• Hoppe’s #9 (a solvent)
• Ballistol (a CLP)
• Froglube (lubricant)
• Rmcoil (lubricant)

Rem oil is not a solvent. Rem Oil is not a CLP.

It’s a lubricant – and it works differently from CLP’s and solvents.

But most importantly…

Rem Oil Gets The Job Done

Here’s a fact:

Most gun oils work fine if you use them according to instructions. Including Rem Oil.

Every top brand will be 99% good enough for your needs. Unless you are a competition shooter, or you have unusual weather conditions.

And while Rem Oil may not be the best gun oil on the market…

It gets the job done.

Now you’re probably wondering:

If Rem Oil’s so good then why does it have such a bad reputation?

Look.

I’m certain that the people complaining about Rem Oil are simply using it wrong. There’s no other explanation.

How To Use Rem Oil

Here’s how you use Rem Oil properly:

1. Apply the oil
2. Let it sit for a bit
3. Wipe the oil off completely (Don’t leave a single drop hanging there)

You need to wipe everything off because Rem Oil is a surface treatment.

What this means, is that the only useful part of the oil is the one that sticks to the surface of your gun. Any Rem Oil NOT stuck to the surface is useless.

After proper application, the surface should appear dry. It shouldn’t have a “wax coating”. This may seem unnatural, but that’s the proper way to use this product. You’re basically seasoning the surface as you would do on an iron skillet.

By now you can probably guess that –

The problem that most people have with Rem Oil is that they put TOO MUCH OIL on their gun.

The oil that doesn’t soak in runs off the gun. That’s where the bad rep comes from – that Rem Oil is “runny”.

Rem Oil needs to soak because of how it’s made.

What’s Rem Oil Made Of: The Ingredients

Rem Oil has a mineral oil base. Same as most other gun oils.

What makes it different from some is the added Teflon. Teflon transforms into a super-thin film on your gun’s surfaces. The thin film decreases friction and acts as a barrier against corrosion.

The Teflon membrane sticks to the gun and can’t be wiped away.

It’s the protection factor of Rem Oil. You won’t see it, but it’s there after treatment.

Rem Oil Performance

The real question is:

Is Rem Oil worth the money when compared to other gun oils?

Well, let’s start with the good.

Rust Protection

One thing that Rem’s good for is Rust Protection. There was a comparison I read a few years ago.

Rem Oil received superior ratings for rust inhibition in comparison to Hoppes’s and Breakfree CLP.

Extreme Temperatures

The same test also ranked Rem Oil as #1 gun oil for extreme cold.

I’m talking about minus 20-30 degrees kind of cold. All other oils would gum up and slow the action down.

You’ll probably never shoot your gun under those conditions, but it’s still good to know.

Rem Oil Alternatives

Crosman RMCoil vs Rem Oil

From the specs alone, these two should be equally good.

Both are lubricants, and both are quite thin and runny. Rmcoil doesn’t have Teflon in its formula, so I would pick Rem Oil over it.

Couldn’t find any proper comparison video, so let me know in the comments if you have anything.

Rem Oil vs. Hoppe’s #9

You can see that Hoppe’s No. 9 performs significantly better than Rem Oil when it comes to solvent capability.

Click the play button and see the comparison for yourself.

Side note: I’ve always liked the precision tip bottle of Hoppe’s 9. It makes the oil easy to use. You don’t get that with REM oil.

Rem Oil vs. Froglube

According to the video below, Rem Oil and Froglube perform about the same.

Get whichever is cheapest.

Rem Oil vs. Ballistol

Ballistol is generally regarded as better than Rem Oil.

They’re both mineral oils. But the difference is that:

• Rem Oil doesn’t emulsify in water. It acts like a normal oil – you put it in the water and sticks to the surface.
• Ballistol emulsifies in water. It will spread out in the water, and won’t rise back out on the surface. It becomes a part of the water.

So, Ballistol has an advantage.

It remains on your gun after you clean out the water. Protecting your barrel from corrosion.

Bottom Line: Performance

Rem Oil performs best you use it to wipe down the outside surface of the gun. Even though there are better all-rounder gun oils out there, Rem Oil is one of the best for rust protection.

It’s not that good for lubing the moving parts inside the gun that get heated. For the insides of your gun, you’re better off sticking with a proper CLP (such as Ballistol) or solvent (Hoppe’s #9).

Now, the next bit might be just me, but…

As I’ve mentioned above, it’s normal for Rem Oil to ‘dry’ inside your gun.

I don’t know about you but… I want to know that there is a layer of something inside my gun when I’m shooting.

And that’s just not the case with Rem Oil.

Sorry, Rem.

In a nutshell, here’s what you’re getting with Rem Oil:

• Great friction coefficient score
• Dries on the surface (less dirt and debris on your gun)
• Corrosion protection – passes salt spray test according to Govt. requirements
• Helps remove powder carbon and fouling
• Low viscosity – soaks into small areas and metal pores
• Cheap
• Long-lasting

Frequently Asked Questions

Rem Oil On Wood

Can you use Rem Oil on wood?

No, you can’t use Rem Oil on wood. Be careful around the stock of your gun. What happens is that the oil will soak in and ruin the wood where it meets metal.

Gun oil will ruin the wood. Not at once. But over the years it will soak in and make the wood soft and punky.

It usually happens where the stock meets the receiver. First, the wood gets a dark stain, and then it starts getting soft.

You have to be really careful to keep gun oil off your stock. It’s a common recommendation to store your firearm muzzle-down for that exact reason.

It keeps the gun oil from running into the stock.

Side note: Storing your firearms muzzle-down is a precaution. If your gun oil runs at all, then you’re using too much of it.

Rem Oil Aerosol vs. Wipes vs. Liquid

You can buy Rem Oil in the form of:

• • Rem Oil Aerosol spray
  • Liquid
  • Wipes

All 3 contain the same Teflon formula. The only difference is the form.

Rem Oil Spray

Aerosol spray is the most common.

It’s also the one that I used to spray the outside of my gun.

In my opinion, the spray is the easiest to use.

Rem Oil Liquid

The liquid is the cheapest of the three. Straightforward to use – just put some drops on your gun and you’re set.

Be careful not to put too much.

Rem Oil Wipes

Rem Oil Pop Up Wipes are more convenient for field use. If you’re out hunting and need something to clean your firearms, these are great to keep in your shooting bag.

They’re easy to use – just wipe down your firearm with it. Down the barrel or on the surface – wherever it’s needed.

One pack comes with a dozen wipes or so. One wipe can clean more than one firearm. A common trick is to cut them in half to save money.

Note that the wipes are more expensive than the liquid and the spray.

Which ones should you get? It’s really a matter of preference. If you ask me, I’d say that the spray is the most versatile of the three. Can’t go wrong with the spray.

The Final Word

Rem Oil is alright. It’s not too bad, not too good either.

It gets the job done, but it’s too thin for:

• Any serious firing (say AR-15)
• Performance in hotter temperatures

Most importantly –

Rem Oil is inferior to other gun oils on the market.

So why settle for less?

I’ve used Hoppe’s #9 for years. It’s tried and proven for gun cleaning, removing powder and small amounts of copper residue.

I prefer to use Break-Free CLP for gun cleaning. It’s cheap and a large can will last you a long time.

For heavy-duty stuff, Hoppe’s #9 has never failed me.

Now…

And only after the treatment, that’s when I wipe everything down with Rem Oil.

Let me know in the comments if I missed anything, or if anything needs to be added to the article.

Sincerely Yours, Bud

Mushroom foraging has dramatically increased in popularity in the last few years. More and more people are passionate about getting outside and learning about the land they live and work in. Harvesting wild fungi is one way to participate in your local ecosystem, and if you live in Michigan, you are in a prime mushroom-hunting zone. Mushrooms prefer temperate climates with clear seasonal divisions.

Michigan is a great state for mushroom foraging because it has an abundance of forests, regular rainfall, and well-defined seasons. There are over 2,500 wild mushroom species that live in the state, and between 60 and 100 are edible.

Keep reading this article to learn about edible and toxic mushroom species in Michigan. We’ll talk about their growth habits, the conditions necessary for their flourishing, and, if they’re edible, what you can make with them.

14 Mushrooms in Michigan

This list contains both edible and non-edible mushrooms. When foraging is your responsibility to ensure that you properly identify the mushrooms on this list. They are clearly labeled and described with pictures and indicators of whether they are edible.

If you believe you have ingested a poisonous mushroom, seek immediate medical attention. Some poisonous mushrooms have slow-acting toxins.

Edible Mushrooms

The mushrooms in this section are safe for human consumption. Remember that all mushrooms must be cooked before eating, and that it’s your responsibility to properly identify a mushroom. If you’re in doubt, don’t eat it!

1. Hen-of-the-Woods

• Scientific name: Grifola frondosa
• Average size: 6 to 15.5 inches in diameter
• Can be found: in oak forests
• Edible: Yes

The hen-of-the-woods is a tree-growing mushroom species that shares some traits with its relative, the chicken-of-the-woods. They are two different species, however.

In Michigan, go hunting for hen-of-the-woods in oak and hardwood forests during late summer and fall. They live on dead, dying, and living trees.

The cap of the hen-of-the-woods ranges from 6 to 15.5 inches across. It’s wavy and multi-layered because the caps are clustered.

The texture is smooth and dusky brown. When cut apart, the flesh is solid and white.

2. Oyster Mushroom

• Scientific name: Pleurotus ostreatus
• Average size: 1 to 6.5 inches in diameter
• Can be found: in aspen groves
• Edible: Yes

The Oyster mushrooms are highly visible edible mushrooms that grow in the forests of Michigan. In the state, you’re most likely to see them in aspen forests. They have barely any stem and look like a cap is simply growing right out of the tree’s bark.

The light brown or white cap is 1 to 6.5 inches in diameter and they are relatively smooth to the touch. After harvesting this mushroom, don’t eat the stem. The flesh is white and tastes neutral.

They grow in clusters on living trees. Cooking these mushrooms is a simple task. They make a great side dish, especially as the weather gets colder.

3. Honey Mushroom

• Scientific name: Armillaria mellea
• Average size: 1¼ to 4¾ inches in diameter
• Can be found: hardwood forests
• Edible: Yes

The honey mushroom is a hardwood-reliant, tan or white mushroom that grows in forests. Michigan is the honey mushroom’s western range limit. It grows most often near the Great Lakes region in prolific clusters shaped almost like floral bouquets.

The mushroom’s cap measures between 1¼ to 4¾ inches across. The size changes depending on what part of the cluster the individual fruiting body grows in.

They are mild-tasting and have very pronounced fibrous gills on the underside of the caps. Notice a ring around the stem to identify them.

4. Bear’s Head Tooth Mushroom

• Scientific name: Hericium americanum
• Average size: 6 to 7¾ inches long
• Can be found: on living and dead deciduous trees
• Edible: Yes

In Michigan, the bear’s head tooth mushroom can be found in undisturbed forests. It grows directly from dead trees, stumps, and even living trees. While most recorded specimens were discovered on deciduous trees, others have been found on evergreen trees.

Bear’s head teeth have no circular caps like other mushrooms do. Instead, they grow in a linear pattern similar to a tree branch. Most average between 6 to 7¾ inches long.

On the ‘branch’ are hundreds of tiny frondlike spines. The full effect was similar enough to appear like the jawbone of a bear, which is how the mushroom got its name.

5. Golden Chanterelle

• Scientific name: Cantharellus cibarius
• Average size: 1 to 4 inches in diameter
• Can be found: in forests and near recently burned areas
• Edible: Yes

The Golden chanterelle mushrooms are a great starting point if you’re learning to forage. In Michigan, golden chanterelles grow in forests with abundant deciduous trees, such as the upper peninsula and the northern lower peninsula.

The cap of the golden chanterelle is between 1 and 4 inches across. It has wavy edges and the whole mushroom is funnel-shaped.

When foraging for this fungi, you will probably smell it before you see it. Its primary trait is its strong smell. Observers say the mushroom’s aroma is of apricots and citrus.

6. Dryad’s Saddle

• Scientific name: Polyporus squamosus
• Average size: 2 to 12 inches across
• Can be found: in hardwood forests
• Edible: Yes

The dryad’s saddle is a creatively named mushroom that sprouts from the trunks of dead or living trees in early spring. It’s one of the first mushrooms you’ll see when foraging for fungi in Michigan. While looking for morels, it’s a great idea to keep an eye out for the dryad’s saddle too.

Most of this mushroom consists of a large cap that ranges from 2 inches to up to a foot across! The external texture is scaly and its color is light brown or warm tan. They are pretty thin like a pancake and the flesh is white when cut apart.

7. Black Morel

• Scientific name: Morchella angusticeps
• Average size: 1 to 3 inches tall
• Can be found: in forests near dying hardwood trees
• Edible: Yes

If you aren’t looking for a golden chanterelle, chances are you’re probably looking for a morel. Morels are great mushrooms to cook with. They add a wild, nutty flavor to dishes, not to mention a little luxury too.

In Michigan, hunt for morels in the spring. They grow in high-moisture environments near dying hardwood trees.

The caps are taller than they are wide. Most caps measure about 1 to 3 inches tall, but only 2 inches wide.

They are dusky brown and dark inside all of the folding and honeycomb patterning. The stem is chunky for how small the cap is, and sometimes it looks disproportionate.

8. Short-stemmed Russula

• Scientific name: Russula brevipes
• Average size: 2 ¼ to 7 ¾ inches across
• Can be found: under needles in coniferous forests, esp. Douglas Fir
• Edible: Yes

The short-stemmed russula is a mushroom of variety. It adapts to different tree types, can grow alone or in groups, and grows from summer into late fall and even winter, if it’s warm. In Michigan, it can be found underneath piles of pine needles.

The caps measure from 2 ¼ to 7 ¾ inches in diameter. They’re usually tilted in a saddle-like shape. They’re thick and well supported by a robust stem.

While these mushrooms are edible, they need a lot of seasoning because they can sometimes be bitter. Mushroom hunters often let them alone until they transform into lobster mushrooms thanks to infestations of another fungus.

Non-edible Mushrooms

These mushrooms cannot be eaten. Some are inert and can’t be eaten, but some are toxic and have the potential to cause hallucinations or even death. Do not eat any of the mushrooms on this part of the list.

9. Death Angel Mushroom

• Scientific name: Amanita bisporigera
• Average size: 1 to 4 inches across
• Can be found: growing from the ground in mixed forests
• Edible: No. TOXIC

The death angel mushroom is aptly named; it’s one of the most deadly mushroom species in the world. Consumption of this mushroom results in poisoning from amatoxins, which attack the liver and kidneys. In Michigan, find this mushroom during the summer and fall in coniferous or deciduous forests.

Death angels have a cap averaging 1 to 4 inches in diameter. It is smooth and white, as is the rest of the mushroom.

However, there is a baglike volva around the base of the fungus and a small, scarflike ring near the top. They grow in groups and have many closely spaced gills.

10. Panther Mushroom

• Scientific name: Amanita pantherina
• Average size: 1 to 7 inches in diameter
• Can be found: near conifers and pines
• Edible: No. TOXIC

The Panther mushrooms are common throughout the northern United States, including Michigan. Unfortunately, they’re extremely toxic so they should never be harvested or handled. They grow in Michigan’s pine forests because they have a symbiotic relationship with the fungi in the trees’ roots.

A panther mushroom’s cap feels scaly and measures between 1 and 7 inches across. The small scales fall off when touched. They are somewhat bulbous and form a squat figure against the dirt from where they grow.

11. False Morel Mushroom

• Scientific name: Gyromitra esculenta
• Average size: 2¼ to 6 in diameter
• Can be found: underneath conifers
• Edible: No. TOXIC

The False morel mushrooms look similar to true morels so they were named to tell the two species apart. Unfortunately, false morels are poisonous and pose a health risk to humans. In Michigan, you can find false morels in the springtime in pine forests.

Don’t be scared about telling them apart from true morels. It only takes a little practice. False morels have extremely wrinkled, ‘brainlike’ caps 2¼ to 6 inches across.

Their stems are proportionally very small compared to true morels. Lastly, they are reddish, not cool brown like true morels.

12. Eastern Jack O’Lantern

• Scientific name: Omphalotus illudens
• Average size: 2” to 4” in diameter.
• Can be found: in forests
• Edible: No. TOXIC

The eastern Jack O’Lantern’s creative name comes from its bright orange color. This is a sign for all mushroom foragers to stay away: this mushroom is highly toxic. It contains a poisonous compound called illudin, which destroys the human body’s ability to replicate DNA.

Eastern Jack O’Lanterns grow in highly layered shelf-like aggregates. An individual mushroom’s cap measures between 2 and 4 inches in diameter.

The outer edge is slightly frayed and darker orange. Lastly, the mushroom has another interesting trait: it glows in the dark!

13. Autumn Skullcap

• Scientific name: Galerina marginata
• Average size: ½ to 1 ½ inch in diameter
• Can be found: on dying conifers
• Edible: No. TOXIC

The autumn skullcap is known by many names, including the funeral bell and the deadly galerina. The names all describe the same mushroom, which is extremely poisonous. In Michigan, it can be found in dense forests, especially ones with a high percentage of conifers.

The cap is folded inward so that the outer edge is underneath the umbrella of the mushroom. This edge curls outward as the mushroom ages.

Normally, caps range between ½ to 1½ inches across. Be careful when searching for mushrooms similar to the autumn skullcap. Most deaths have been due to cases of mistaken identity.

14. Death Cap Mushroom

• Scientific name: Amanita phalloides
• Average size: 2.25” to 6” in diameter
• Can be found: Oak forests
• Edible: No. TOXIC

The Death caps are extremely toxic mushroom species that grow in Michigan’s oak-dominated forests. They can grow in groups or alone, but they’re almost always around oak trees. If you see one of these mushrooms, leave it alone.

The mushroom’s white or gray cap is about 2 ¼ to 6 inches across. It drapes down like a small umbrella.

There’s also a growth around the base that looks like a bag; this growth is called a volva. The stem also has a crumpled ring that is level with the outer edge of the umbrella.

While they each have different strengths and weaknesses, .308 and .270 Winchester cartridges are both proven performers. So, the question central to the 270 vs 308 debate remains: which one should you be hunting with?

I think the majority of hunters and shooters would agree that the .270 Winchester and .308 Winchester are outstanding hunting cartridges. Indeed, they’re both consistently among the most popular centerfire rifle cartridges used in the United States each year for good reason.

While each cartridge offers certain benefits to hunters, there is also a pretty big overlap in their capabilities. For those reasons, understanding their true strengths and weaknesses can be pretty confusing at times. The fact that the .270 and .308 each have very devoted fan clubs can also make it difficult to navigate the debate.

Don’t get discouraged though: in today’s blog post, I’m going to discuss the pros and cons of the 270 vs 308 so you can make an informed decision on which one is best for you.

Before we get started, I have a couple of administrative notes:

Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means I will earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to create free content that’s useful to hunters like yourself. Thanks for your support.

Finally, I recorded an entire podcast episode on this exact subject. If you’d rather listen than read, click the appropriate link below to listen to this episode on your preferred podcasting service.

308 vs 270 Podcast

Apple | Google | iHeart | Spotify | Stitcher

270 vs 308: History

Like many other cartridges developed in the United States, the story of the .270 and .308 Winchester begins with the .30-06 Springfield.

The US Army began the search for a new rifle and cartridge after receiving a deadly demonstration of the capabilities of the revolutionary new Mauser rifle and 7mm Mauser cartridge in the hands of Spanish troops in Cuba during 1898. Those efforts bore fruit a few years later with the bolt action 1903 Springfield rifle chambered in the new .30-06 Springfield cartridge.

Using smokeless powder and a 150gr pointed bullet fired at 2,700fps, the .30-06 Springfield was a gigantic improvement over other popular American cartridges used during that era like the .30-30 Winchester and the .45-70 Government.

Not surprisingly, the .30-06 Springfield was an almost instant success in the civilian market.

While many were satisfied with the .30-06 from the start, wildcatters also quickly started modifying the cartridge for more specialized tasks. Some gun designers necked up the .30-06 to develop bigger cartridges like the .35 Whelen and .400 Whelen.

However, the folks at Winchester went the opposite route and necked down the .30-06 (specifically the old .30-03 case, which the .30-06 is descended from) to use .277″ instead of .308″ bullets. They formally released the resulting .270 Winchester cartridge in 1925 with the Winchester Model 54 rifle.

The original .270 Winchester load shot a 130 grain bullet at a velocity of 3,140 feet per second (2,846 ft-lbs of energy).

If you’d like to see how the .270 Winchester compares to its parent case in the .30-06, read the article below:

270 vs 30-06 Debate Settled Once And For All

While the .270 had a very high muzzle velocity compared to other popular cartridges of the day, it was not an instant commercial success. This was due to a number of reasons, one of which was the fact that the .270 Winchester fired unusual size bullets. Instead of .284″ bullets like the 7mm Mauser (and more recently developed cartridges like the 7mm-08, .280 Remington, .280 Ackley Improved, and 7mm Remington Magnum), the .270 Winchester used .277″ bullets which undoubtedly hampered adoption of the cartridge to a certain degree.

It’s unclear exactly why Winchester opted for .277″ instead of the much more popular .284″ bullets. Regardless of their reasons though, the design team at Winchester went with that bullet diameter and the rest is history. Interestingly enough, while the .270 Winchester eventually became a gigantic commercial success for the company, aside from the .270 Winchester Short Magnum (270 WSM), the .270 Weatherby Magnum, and the 6.8 Remington SPC, virtually no other mass produced cartridges use .277″ bullets.

Helped along by Jack O’Connor and the famous articles he wrote for Outdoor Life about the .270 over the years, the cartridge gradually caught on with the hunting community. Though some were reluctant to adopt the cartridge, many American hunters eventually came to appreciate the flat shooting characteristics of the round as well as the fact that it was so effective on thin skinned game. Within a few decades, the .270 Winchester was firmly entrenched as one of the most popular hunting cartridges used in the United States.

While the .30-06 performed very well during both world wars, the US Military again recognized the need for a new rifle and cartridge after World War II. Specifically, the military wanted a new rifle chambered in an intermediate cartridge, capable of automatic fire, and equipped with a detachable magazine.

If you’d like to learn more about the evolution of intermediate cartridges, read the article below.

223/5.56 vs 7.62×39: Everything You Need To Know

After a very controversial selection process, the Army eventually settled on the M-14 rifle and the new 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge.

The original 7.62x51mm NATO M80 ball load fired a 146 grain full metal jacket (FMJ) bullet at 2,750 feet per second (2,469 foot pounds of muzzle energy). The 7.62x51mm NATO had virtually the same ballistics as the original .30-06 Springfield load (150 grain bullet at 2,700 feet per second) and also fired a .308″ bullet. However, the 7.62x51mm achieved that performance with a much shorter case (51mm vs 63mm) due to advances in powder technology that occurred after the development of the .30-06.

Though the 7.62x51mm NATO had a very short lived career as the primary rifle cartridge for the US military, it’s still widely used by the military in machineguns and sniper/designated marksman rifles. Additionally, Winchester recognized serious commercial potential with the 7.62x51mm cartridge and introduced the extremely similar .308 Winchester cartridge for the civilian hunting and shooting markets in the 1950s.

Providing approximately 90% of the power of the .30-06 in a smaller package, the cartridge soon became very popular and is now one of the most widely used big game hunting rounds in North America.

If you’d like to learn more about how the .308 Winchester compares to the .30-06 Springfield, read the article below:

308 vs 30-06 vs 300 Win Mag: Which One Should You Be Hunting With?

270 vs 308: Cartridge Sizes

As you can see in the photo below, the .270 Winchester and .308 Winchester cartridges have very different external dimensions.

The .270 Winchester has a significantly longer case length (2.54″ vs 2.015″) as well as overall length (3.34″ vs 2.81″). For this reason, the .270 Winchester is used in standard/long action rifles, while the .308 Winchester is the poster child for short action rifles.

Both cartridges have the same .473″ rim diameter. However, the .308 has a slightly steeper shoulder angle (20 degrees vs 17.5 degrees). Even so, the .270 Winchester has significantly more case capacity due to the much longer case used by the cartridge.

Finally, the .270 Winchester has a slightly higher maximum average pressure authorized by SAAMI (65,000psi vs 62,000psi for the .308 Win).

Note: while the case capacity figures listed below do give a good indication of the differences between the three cartridges, exact case capacities vary slightly according to the brand of brass used.

270 vs 308 Ballistics

By necking down the .30-06 case to shoot smaller diameter bullets, the designers of the .270 Winchester built a cartridge with a higher velocity, flatter trajectory, and less recoil than the .30-06 Springfield. Since the .308 Winchester is essentially a scaled down .30-06, with the exception of recoil (which we’ll get to in a minute) the .270 Winchester has the same advantages over the .308 as it does over the .30-06.

However, since most modern .30-06 factory loads have a small edge in velocity (usually around 100-200fps) over .308 factory loads shooting the same weight bullet, the advantage in velocity of the .270 Winchester is even more pronounced when compared to the .308.

This is because the smaller diameter .270 Winchester shoots lighter bullets than the .308 and the .30-06.

For instance, though it’s possible to find .308 ammo shooting bullets weighing as little as 110 grains, most .308 Winchester factory loads designed for big game hunting use heavier weight bullets in the 150 grain to 180 grain range. 150 grain, 165 grain, 168 grain, and 180 grain bullets are most popular for that cartridge. On the other hand, the majority of .270 Winchester factory loads shoot bullets in the 120-150 grain range. Of these, 130 grain and 150 grain bullets are by far the most common.

Additionally, everything else being equal, the smaller diameter bullets used by the .270 Winchester have a higher ballistic coefficient than the larger diameter bullets of the same weight from the .308 Winchester.

However, the .308 Winchester can use heavier bullets than .270 Winchester.

This is illustrated below when comparing four different Federal Premium Nosler Partition loads for the two cartridges. Specifically, the table below compares 130gr (.416 BC) and 150gr (.466 BC) loads in .270 Winchester and 150gr (.387 BC) and 180gr (.484 BC) loads in .308 Winchester.

As you can see, the 180gr .308 load uses a slightly more aerodynamic bullet than those used by the .270. However, the 130gr and 150gr Nosler Partition bullets used in this comparison by the .270 are both more aerodynamic than the 150gr .308 bullet.

This data is for Federal factory ammo using a 200 yard zero.

Not surprisingly, there is a significant difference in the bullet trajectories between the two cartridges.

The .270 Winchester has a slight edge over the .308 when both are using 150gr bullets. However, the 130gr .270 load has an even flatter trajectory with 8.9-15.8″ less bullet drop at 500 yards than both .308 Winchester loads.

With regards to energy, the cartridges are fairly evenly matched to start out with. The gap in kinetic energy grows slightly in favor of the .270 when compared to the 150gr .308 Winchester load at all ranges. However, the opposite happens with the more aerodynamic 180gr .308 Winchester load at longer range.

All things considered, the two cartridges are fairly evenly matched in energy.

The chart below compares how much a 10 mile per hour crosswind impacts those same four loads out to 500 yards.

Once again we see that the two cartridges are fairly evenly matched at shorter range, but the .270 has a slight advantage in wind drift that grows as range increases. This is because the .270 Winchester loads shoot more aerodynamic bullets (with the exception of the 180gr .308 load) at a higher velocity.

Now let’s talk about recoil.

The table below compares the recoil produced by 130gr and 150gr .270 loads to 150gr and 180gr .308 loads (all shooting a Nosler Partition bullet) when fired from identical 7 pound rifles.

Felt recoil will vary from shooter to shooter and rifle to rifle, but free recoil energy is still a useful way to compare cartridges.

Interestingly, with the exception of the milder recoiling 150gr .308 load, the two cartridges have almost identical recoil.

However, that makes sense when you consider that the .308 and .270 were designed as lower recoiling alternatives to the .30-06. This fits with the original intent of the designers interested in building a mild shooting and easy to handle cartridge that was still powerful enough for hunting medium sized game at short to moderate range.

So where do we stand with each cartridge?

The .270 Winchester is a very flat shooting and moderately powerful cartridge, especially considering that it’s nearly 100 years old. With moderate recoil that’s roughly comparable to the .308 and noticeably lighter than the .30-06 Springfield, most shooters and hunters can handle it without much trouble.

While recoil is more or less comparable between the two cartridges, typical .308 Winchester loads do not have as flat of a trajectory as typical .270 loads.

However, the .308 is available with heavier bullets than the .270 and is available in a wider range of bullet weights and models.

As we’ll discuss in a minute, this is partly due to the widespread use of the .308 Winchester (and other .30 caliber cartridges like the .30-06, .300 Win Mag, .300 Ultra Mag, and 300 PRC) in long distance shooting competitions. These projectiles quite often take advantage of the latest developments in bullet development and offer advantages in precision and ballistic coefficient compared to the bullets used by the .270.

Additionally, there are a couple of other factors that are also worth discussing though.

First, the .308 Winchester uses larger diameter bullets than the .270 Winchester.

Specifically, the larger diameter .308″ bullets used by the .308 have about 24% more frontal surface area (also known as cross sectional area) than the .277″ bullets used by the .270 (.0745 vs .0603 square inches). All other things being equal, a bigger bullet will make a bigger hole, cause more tissue damage, and result in more blood loss.

This is a definite, though slight, factor in favor of the .308.

On the other hand, many of the .277″ bullets have a higher sectional density (SD) than the most common bullets used in the .308 though.

Sectional density (SD) is a measure of the ratio of the diameter of a projectile to its mass. All other things equal, a heavier projectile of a given caliber will be longer and therefore have a higher sectional density and consequently penetrate deeper than projectiles with a lower mass and sectional density.

Everything else being equal, the smaller diameter .277″ bullets have a higher ballistic coefficient and a higher sectional density than the larger diameter bullets of the same weight from the .308. However, the .308 generally uses heavier bullets than the .270 Winchester.

All that being said, the .270 Winchester still has a slight edge with most bullets in common use, even when compared to heavier .30 caliber bullets.

As an example, 130 grain, 140 grain, and 150 grain .277″ bullets have sectional densities of .242, .261, and .279 respectively. This compares favorably to 150 grain, 168 grain, and 180 grain .308″ bullets which have sectional densities of .226, .253, and .271 respectively.

For the most part, this also applies to ballistic coefficient.

The bullets used in this comparison illustrate those differences well with the .270 Winchester using 130gr (.416 BC) and 150gr (.466 BC) bullets compared to the 150gr (.387 BC) and 180gr (.484 BC) bullets used by the .308.

With the exception of the 180gr .308 bullets, the .270 has the edge across the board with regards to using more aerodynamic bullets in this comparison.

It’s difficult to pick an accuracy winner between the 270 vs 308 though because it’s something of an apples to oranges comparison. Both cartridges are capable of outstanding accuracy, but the .270 Winchester is used almost exclusively as a hunting cartridge. On the other hand, even though the .270 Winchester does shoot flatter in many cases, military and police snipers, hunters, and practical and/or long distance shooting competitors have all used the .308 Winchester extensively over the years.

For that reason, users of the .308 Winchester benefit from the extensive the research and development that has gone into refining .308″ bullets and rifles for long range shooting in the United States over the last century.

All that being said, while the .308 probably has a slight edge here, both cartridges have the potential for excellent accuracy in the right hands.

If you’d like to learn more about the accuracy of the .308 Winchester and how it compares to cartridge purpose built for long range competition shooting, read this article:

6.5 Creedmoor vs 308 Winchester Debate Settled

308 vs 270: Ammunition Selection

The .308 Winchester and .270 Winchester are two of the most popular centerfire rifle cartridges in North America. In fact, I’d wager that they’re both among the Top 10 (if not the Top 5) best selling rifle cartridges in the United States each year.

Not surprisingly, pretty much every ammunition manufacturer of note like Barnes, Black Hills, Browning, Federal Premium, Fiocchi, Hornady, Magtech, Nosler, PMC, PPU, Remington, Swift, and Winchester (just to name a few) produce a wide variety of ammo for both cartridges.

Virtually every major style of bullet is available in .270 and .308 as well like the Barnes TTSX, the Hornady ELD-X, GMX, InterBond, InterLock, SST, and V-Max, the Nosler AccuBond, AccuBond Long Range, Ballistic Tip, E-Tip, and Partition, the Remington Core Lokt, the Swift Scirocco and A-Frame, and the Winchester Power Point (just to name a few).

Prices and availability vary from region to region, but ammunition for both cartridges is widely available. In fact, if a sporting goods store only carried ammo for three different centerfire rifle cartridges, I’d bet money they’d have .270, .308, and .30-06 ammo.

Basically, there is no shortage of quality .270 Win and .308 Win factory ammunition suitable for hunting.

BUY SOME GREAT 270 HUNTING AMMO HERE

BUY SOME GREAT 308 HUNTING AMMO HERE

If you’d like to learn more about some of the various hunting ammunition choices for the .308 Winchester and .270 Winchester cartridges, read the articles below:

Best 270 Ammo For Hunting Elk, Deer, And Other Big Game

Best 308 Ammo For Hunting Deer, Elk, Hogs, & Other Game

Both cartridges are also well suited for handloaders and reloading components for both cartridges are widely available. With regards to bullet selection, .308″ bullets in particular are very easy to find. Though only a few cartridges use .277″ bullets, the .270 is extremely popular and there’s a plethora of quality bullets to choose from.

308 vs 270: Rifle Selection

Similar to the abundant ammunition choices available in .308 Winchester and .270 Winchester, there are also plenty of quality rifles manufactured in the two cartridges. Regardless of the cartridge you choose, finding a good deer rifle shouldn’t be an issue.

Both are very common in bolt-action rifles. Of course Remington and Winchester produce the Model 70 and Model 700 rifles in .270 and .308 Winchester. Additionally, the Browning X-Bolt, Kimber Hunter, Mossberg Patriot, Nosler Liberty, Ruger American, Ruger Hawkeye, Savage Axis, Thompson Center Compass, Tikka T3, and Weatherby Vanguard are available in both calibers.

BUY A GREAT 270 HUNTING RIFLE HERE

BUY AN EXCELLENT 308 HUNTING RIFLE HERE

Read the article below if you’d like to learn more details about some of the various hunting rifle choices for the 270 Winchester.

Best 270 Rifles For Hunting – Ultimate Guide

Aside from the Browning BAR, the .270 Winchester is almost non-existent in semi-automatic rifles. On the other hand, the .308 Winchester is relatively common in semi-automatic sporting rifles like the AR-10 and M1A.

Though there is quite a bit of overlap in barrel lengths, .270 rifles often have slightly longer barrels than .308 rifles. That’s not a hard and fast rule though, and 22″ and 24″ barrels are very common for both cartridges.

All things considered, identical rifles chambered in .270 Winchester tend to be slightly longer, heavier, and more unwieldy than rifles chambered in .308.

The Winchester Model 70 Super Grade illustrates these differences well.

When chambered in .308 Winchester, the rifle has a 22″ barrel, an overall length of 42.25″, and weighs 7.75 pounds. The same rifle chambered in .270 Winchester has a 24″ barrel, is 44.75″ long, and weighs 8.25 pounds.

So, the rifle chambered in .270 Winchester is 2″ longer and weighs about a half pound more than the exact same model chambered in .308 Winchester.

Barrel lengths do vary depending on the manufacturer and exact model.

At the same time though, the .308 Winchester is sometimes available in more compact rifles with shorter 18-20″ barrels.

Having a shorter and lighter rifle is more important on some hunts than on others. So, just keep that in mind.

270 vs 308: Which Is Right For You?

With good shot placement and when using quality bullets, the .270 Winchester and .308 Winchester are ideally suited for hunting medium to large sized game.

They are both incredibly effective (and popular) deer hunting cartridges and hunters armed with the .270 and .308 make up a significant portion of the annual whitetail deer harvest each year in the United States. Both are also great for similarly sized game like black bear, feral hogs, javelina, mule deer, and pronghorn as well as exotic game like axis, sika, and fallow deer.

However, the flat trajectory and resistance to wind drift of the .270 Winchester makes it a really good choice for game that might require a longer shot such as pronghorn or mule deer. The relatively light recoil of the cartridge also makes it easier to handle in a lightweight rifle that’s desirable on a mountain hunt. Jack O’Connor was really onto something with his affinity for the .270 as a sheep hunting cartridge. Those same characteristics also make it a very good choice for mountain goat in Canada or Himalayan Tahr and chamois while hunting in New Zealand.

On the other hand, since it shoots heavier and larger diameter bullets, the .308 Winchester has a clear advantage when hunting larger species like moose, elk, and caribou. Especially when using a heavy bullet (180+ grains), the .308 has a significant advantage when hunting most plains game in Africa like blue wildebeest, kudu, and eland.

Now the .308 Winchester is a perfectly capable long range cartridge and plenty of hunters use it on mountain hunts each year. After all, the recoil of the .308 is very similar to the .270. By the same token, the .270 has taken untold numbers of moose, elk and plains game without any issues. For instance, the 150gr Nosler Partition below really did a number on a big kudu bull in South Africa.

It’s really just a matter of each cartridge having certain strengths and weaknesses.

Do you primarily hunt medium sized game like whitetail deer, feral hogs, or black bear at ranges within 200 yards? Both are extremely effective deer hunting cartridges and will absolutely get the job done on medium sized game if you do your part. Both are great deer hunting cartridges and are among the most popular North American hunting cartridges in general, so it’s really hard to go wrong here.

If you’re going to be hunting in thick brush or in the tight confines of a deer stand, remember what I just mentioned about the size difference with 308 vs 270 rifles. That extra couple of inches in overall length of a rifle can be a real headache to deal with when trying to quickly and quietly maneuver for a shot.

Are you looking for the cartridge better suited for long range hunting for game like mule deer or pronghorn in open country where you might need to take a shot at several hundred yards? Both will work, but the .270 Winchester is probably the better choice for you. With a significantly flatter trajectory and more resistance to wind, the cartridge does very well on longer shots, particularly on thin skinned game like mule deer, pronghorn, sheep, or tahr.

Do you want to hunt larger game animals like kudu, eland, red stag, elk, or moose? Neither would be my first choice for this sort of hunting, but both cartridges will certainly work and lots of people have used them with success on bigger game. In my opinion, the .308 Winchester is probably the better choice in this case since it uses larger diameter and heavier bullets that are well suited for very large or tough animals.

Regardless of which cartridge you choose, use a controlled expansion projectile and a heavier bullet weight for your elk or moose hunt.

Even though they have slightly different strengths and weaknesses, the .270 Winchester and .308 Winchester are outstanding rifle cartridges. While the differences between them (.270 vs 308) are pretty significant in some respects, they’re both acceptable for a wide range of hunting tasks.

Get a nice hunting rifle chambered in the cartridge that you think fits your needs the best, learn to shoot it well, use quality bullets, and you’ll be well prepared for most common hunting situations.

Are you just itching to take a rifle chambered in one of these cartridges on a hunt?

Book an excellent black bear hunt here.

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The Lyman 50th Edition (197-198, p241-245), and Hornady 10th Edition (p251-355, p474-488) reloading manuals were also used as references for the history of the cartridges and provided data to compare their size and recoil. Ballistic data for the original 7.62x51mm military cartridge was obtained from Inetres. The data used to compare the trajectory and wind drift of the cartridges was obtained from Federal. Maximum pressure obtained from SAAMI (p171 and p172). Case capacities for the .270 Win and .308 Win were obtained from Nosler. I used the Federal Ballistic calculator and ShootersCalculator.com to compare wind drift, the range each bullet goes subsonic, and recoil for the cartridges.

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NEXT: 7mm REM MAG vs 300 WIN MAG: WHAT YOU KNOW MAY BE WRONG

NEXT: 101 BEST GIFTS FOR HUNTERS

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TarHunt-Premier “NeoTec” Copper 365gr (green) slug round is the High Performance 20ga Schrifle™ series slug; loaded in both the 2 3/4″ and 3″ standard shot gun hulls. For use in rifled barrels with standard chamber lengths. Order these round by the “length of you slug guns chamber”, period. Performance will be close to equal from one length hull to the other.

Introducing the newest 20ga Schrifle series: “NeoTec Copper 365gr” bore size slug. The facts speak for themselves as seen in the accompanying photos below. Look at the real differences between the new the bore size 20ga NeoTec Copper 365gr (62 caliber diameter slug, before it enters the game) and the industry standard 45 caliber sabot projectile. The picture shows the actual REAL difference between a 62 caliber and the 45 caliber slug. The 26% overall larger diameter of the NeoTec Copper 62 caliber slug vs. a 45 caliber slug is easy to see. The ratio of one to the other remains the same at any magnification.

For comparison purposes this photo shows a 1974 Kennedy .50 cent piece; next to a NeoTec Copper 365gr expanded slug that was fire into a ballistic gelatin block from between 45 and 50 yards away. That range duplicates about 70% of most deer taken with a slug gun. This NeoTec Copper 365gr expanded slug weights 302gr (an 83% weight retention) and it expanded to just over the size of a half a dollar! An expanded slug like the one shown, @1800 fps, and spinning at 54,000 rpm’s (when fired thru a 1-24 twist rate barrel), and weighting over 30 grains, acts just like a hole saw!

“The technology behind the NeoTec Copper 365gr slug”.

The NeoTec 365gr Copper series design is a example of “out of the box thinking .” The “Hollow Bullet with Internal Structure”, patent number US 9,372,05 B2, uses a pressurized elastomer truss that is flexible enough to alow the thin side walls of the hollow copper slug to upset in size, to better fit your barrel diameter. After firing and the upset to the bore has taken place by the bullet side walls, the pressurized elastomer truss remains strong enough to support the thin copper side walls from collapsing inward while the slug is being forced thru the barrel. Correct implementation of these two events, in that order, is critical to insure proper flight requirements and the elimination of flyers. With this new “hollow bullet” design, a full bore size diameter bullet can be maintained, while greatly reducing its overall weight. Making it possible to load the same physical size bullet at higher velocities than its original full density configuration. [A solid copper bullet of the same size & shape could weigh over 750 grains]. Upon impact, the pressurized elastomer truss it allowed to rapidly expand outward thus aiding in the initial amount of fracturing of the o-jive (pointed part of the slug). The area in the nose section where the wall is the thinnest.

The “hollow bullet” design shown here uses an full cavity elastomer truss. This design helps generate real expansion of a 99.9% pure copper bullet that will expand and not just shoot thru or implode on impact projectile! [Sometime, in the near future, we will be hunting with “HOLLOW Bullets” supported entirely by internal metal alloy truss. These projectiles will be made on a 3-D metal printer] at even faster velocities.

The “NeoTec Copper 365gr” Premier Slug

The 365gr NeoTec Copper slug is the newest slug in the TarHunt 20ga Schrifle series. It is a high performance, full expanding, copper slug at 1800fps. It is flying at or near the same velocity as other popular sabot rounds, but it weights a full 100+ grains more!

The all new 20ga Schrifle NeoTec Copper 365 grains at 1800fps will be stable thru all known 20 gauge twist rates. The TarHunt NeoTec Copper slug is a premium full performance, bore size slug, and is on track to be largest diameter, heaviest, fastest, full expanding of all the copper slugs in the industry. While retaining as much as 85% of its original weight when used on thin skin big game. The bore size NeoTec Copper 365gr slug has a unique felt recoil. The slug generates a clock wise torque on the gun and requires two handed gun control, when testing off of a bench rest.

The 20ga NeoTec Copper slug will also qualify as a “Green” non-toxic projectile for the areas that require a non-toxic slug. The current trajectory data for the 20ga Schrifle series NeoTec Copper 365gr slug has been added below, next to the Raptor Alv 270gr data, so a side by side comparison can be made. You may be surprised by the heavier slug. Only a 2″ trajectory arc, either above or below, your aiming point, thru 150 yards when zero at the proper yardage.

Thank You

Thank you for your interest in the 20ga.”Schrifle”series NeoTec 365gr Copper non-sabot slug round. All orders until further notice will be shipped directly from TarHunt. The webmaster has installed a “blue buy now” tab on the opening home page as well as a normal ordering format under the ammo tab and under the hunting ammo drop down.

Accuracy Detail

The new 20ga Schrifle series: NeoTec Copper 365gr @1800fps and the Raptor Alv/Lead 270gr @1975fps slug will work thru all known 20ga twist rates. I feel the NeoTec Copper 365gr is by far the best choice for deer hunting with the 20ga Schrifle series of slugs. It is a very accurate slug, when fired in a SAAMI diameter barrel. A non-lead (a green, non-toxic) maximum expansion slug with a high percentage of weigh retention.

Calculated trajectory: Current indications show the 270gr Raptor Alv/Lead high performance slugs @ 19oo+fps may be the heaviest weight slug usable at those velocities.. Note: the Raptor Alv/Lead 270gr data uses a 150yds zero and the drop looks much better than the 365gr Copper slug at 200yds. But look how high the mid-range trajectory is, using the 270gr**, at 100 yards and it has 15% less energy at 100yds and 17% at 200 yards.

Raptor Alv-lead core 270gr.**

Range-yards

Velocity-fps

Energy-ft/lbs

Trajectory-inches

0

1900+

2338

-1.45 (12% less energy @ muzzle)

50

1730

1794

+2.26

100

1509

1365

3.07 ** (15% less energy @ 100yds)

125

1410

1191

+2.09

150 ZERO

1325

1044

0.0

175

1238

919

-3.31 (what is your aiming point?)

200

1168

818

-8.07 (what is your aiming point; and 17% less energy)

Calculated trajectory: In comparing, the 365gr NeoTec Copper @1800fps to 270gr Raptor Alv slug @1975 fps. Notice that the NeoTec 365gr Copper shoots flatter and has more energy at 150yds.. The increased weigh makes it a much better choice for hunting thin skinned big game in the 150 thru the 200 yard range!

“Why does the 365gr NeoTec Copper slug use a 130yd zero while the 270gr Raptor Alv slug and all brands of sabot ammo, uses a 150 yard zero”? Notice the trajectory’s number highlighted at 50, 100, 150, and 200 yards. When using the NeoTec Copper 365gr it means that for the first 150 yards you have a total of a 4 inch maximum variation in your trajectory curve. In the heat of the battle that means hold center and shoot, no guessing. But look (how low) it is at 200yd. Exactly my point, at 200yds all you have to do it to lay your horizontal cross hair right on top the back bone a squeeze the trigger. The 12″ of drop will place your shot in the heart/lung area.

“No guessing”, EVEN using a scope that has just a standard cross hair. It’s a quick way of accurately taken shots from 50 thru 200 yards when your using the Premier “Schrifle – NeoTec” slug. No confusion trying to remember which cross hair to use. Along with a slug that has the energy to get the job done at 200yds.

NeoTec Copper 365gr.

Range-yards Velocity-fps Energy-ft/lbs Trajectory-inches 0 1800 2650 -1.45 50 1618 2121 +2.10 100

1410

1612

+2.14

130 ZERO 1304 1377 0.0

150

1239

1244

-2.40

175 1169

1107

-6.54 (17% more energy @ 175yds)

200

1110

980

-12.10 (back bone hold) – hit the heart at 200yds

From May-1, 2018 thru how ever long they last— TarHunt will release a 6-ROUND SAMPLE BOX, your choice of a of the 20ga Schrifle series: The 270gr Raptor Alv or the NeoTec Copper 365gr slug rounds in a generic 6-round box. The price is $28.50 for the 270gr Raptor Alv and $32.50 for the 365gr NeoTec Copper, in a sample 6- round box +ups.

Note: The Raptor Alv/Lead in 240 grain and the Raptor Alv 260/265 grain has been discontinued. There are a few boxes of 260 grain for as long as the last.

TarHunt can be reached at: 570-784-6368 (9am-4pm)

Gel-block video

Look at this you tube video of a 8 inch square, 18 inch long, 21 pound gelatin block, (normally used to test rifle bullets). It was hit with the new, reduced load, 20ga Schrifle slug. The slug is a full bore size 62cal, 260gr. slug fired from a full 40 yards away using a 1-23tr. The lower your twist rate number (1-23tr) the more RPM”S the slug has to aid in cutting a bigger wound channel.

The gel block reacts to the impact of the 20ga “Schrifle” by producing 9-10 different severe shock waves patterns as the slug moves thru the 17 inches of the gel block! If you look closely you can see the Raptor HP design separating into 3 peddles, about 120 degrees apart. The peddles then penetrated out ward for Approximately 7 inches. At the end of the video the 21 pound block is stood up on end and is flipped off the table. The multi-shock waves, seen here in this video, of a 20ga “Schrifle” moving thru this gel block is a good representation of the wound channel trauma produced by a 20ga “Schrifle” slug going thru a 16″ thick Deer size animal!

Print Recipe

Making great venison bratwurst, or any sausage for that matter, is an art form, in my opinion, one that begins with precision. While I feel most great wild-game cooking requires little else besides fire and salt, a greater degree of knowledge and patience is necessary for venison sausage. In my head, it’s the difference between a caveman and a chisel, versus an architect and his or her mechanical pencil.

Months ago I stood in awe – like a kid watching a clown making balloon animals – as Joshua Smith, co-owner of the Barred Owl Butcher & Table in Columbia, MO, took a coil of sausage and effortlessly tied and braided 15 pounds.

Later, he shared his bratwurst spice mix recipe with me, and I used it for a blend of whitetail and pork fat. End result: Amazing. Below are his insights:

“I prefer to use metric weights and a good digital scale (bonus points if it is accurate to the half or tenth of a gram) for measurement in my sausage and charcuterie projects,” Smith said, “as I find it to be much more reliable than a system of cups and tablespoons as it is both easily scalable (just move a decimal point) and because volume and weight don’t directly correspond from one brand/style of salt to the next.”

Amount (in grams) Ingredient Charcutier’s Percentage 10,000 g 60:40 Venison to Pork Fat 100% 180 g Fine Sea Salt (or pure Kosher salt) 1.8% 30 g Ground White Pepper 0.3% 20 g Ground Ginger 0.2% 20 g Ground Nutmeg 0.2% 10 g Ground Marjoram 0.1% 10 g Ground Celery Seed 0.1% As needed 29-32mm Hog Casings n/a

Professional meat processors “build” their sausage using the percentage method, as shown in this recipe. Meat is always 100% and ingredients are based on that. For example, if five pounds of ground venison blend (three pounds venison, two pounds pork fat), reads 2,268g on the scale, I would need:

• 40.824g fine sea salt
• 6.804g white pepper
• 4.536g each ginger and nutmeg
• 2.268g each marjoram and celery seed

“I would round all of these to the nearest whole, half or tenth of a gram depending on the capabilities of my scale,” Smith suggested.

Yes, you can “fake it” without a digital scale, and I personally have done that, but you’re risking something being “off.”

Making venison bratwurst is more than just grinding and blending. There are a few rules to follow and some tips that make things easier. While it may look daunting, sausage making is actually easy once you have the basic process down.

Venison Sausage-Making Steps and Tips

• Fat content is up to you. Some folks run with as low as 20%, while I know others go as high as 60% (or higher).

• Inquire with your local butcher about picking up pork fat (not pork meat, but just the fat), as it is a must for quality wild sausage, in my opinion.

• Invest in hog casings, not collagen, for bratwurst.

• Use quality equipment. MEAT! (meatyourmaker.com) sells commercial-grade tools direct to consumers so there are offerings at a lower cost. I have found lower-quality equipment simply leads to quicker frustration.

• Invest in a meat mixer, versus your hands, to mix together ground meat and spices.

• Plan to devote at least a few hours to this process. (Read: have ample beer on hand.)

• Keep the meat VERY COLD throughout the entire process. I personally prefer to grind, mix, and stuff when the meat is still very slightly frozen. Others put thawed meat in freezer for an hour or two before starting, and freeze for an hour between each step.

• If running a commercial-grade grinder (i.e., one with a motor that produces heat), consider freezing all grinder parts that will come in contact with meat (e.g., chute, grinding plates, etc.). Otherwise, if grinding several pounds, the motor can cause parts to heat up and thus potentially turn your meat to mush.

• Some folks spice their meat before grinding. Some of these folks are the same who stuff sausage using their grinder. I opt to grind, then mix thoroughly with a meat mixer. It’s your call. (Meat mixer means you aren’t adding heat from your hands to meat.)

• Follow the directions on your casings for rinsing and soaking and sliding onto stuffing tube.

• After grinding, when meat mixing in mixer, add spices gradually and mix until spices are absorbed and meat is adhesive, almost sticking to your hand (but still, ideally, very cold).

• When it comes to stuffing, sometimes it helps to work with a partner, though this isn’t essential. While one person cranks, the other can concentrate on easing the casing off the stuffing tube and filling at desired speed (this does require communicating with the cranker).

• Leave tag end (one hanging off tube) untied, as air will come out stuffer ahead of the meat, and it needs to escape.

• Error on side of under-stuffing versus over-stuffing casings. With over-stuffing, you risk breaking casings when filling or twisting to tie off links. With under-stuffing, you can always direct meat through casings when it’s time to twist and tie off links.

• Let the meat come out in one long sausage and spin gradually so it settles in a coil.

• When finished stuffing and ready to spin and tie links, tie your tag end with an overhand knot.

• Use a fine needle of some sort to pop air bubbles (I’ve found this also helps prevent casing bursting when twisting).

• Pinch links to size of 6 inches and spin one direction then alternate spinning direction for next link (so not to unravel previous link).

• Tie other end when finished twisting links.

• Ideally, allow sausages to hang without touching for a few hours then place in fridge overnight so casings can tighten. Casings must sit for approximately 24 hours before you can cut links.

• Even if casings burst, don’t fret – those sausages are indeed salvageable, if not a huge burst, and great with this below recipe. (They just won’t look as pretty.)

Wisconsin-Style Venison Brats and Hard-Cider Kraut Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 (6-inch) venison brats
• ½ green cabbage head, core removed
• 36 ounces preferred beer
• 36 ounces preferred hard apple cider
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup malt vinegar
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced

Get the Recipe: Wisconsin-Style Venison Brats and Hard-Cider Kraut

Even if you are just beginning to learn how to butcher a deer, the easy tips in this quick start guide will have you grinding venison like a professional!

Many hunters throw away a lot of money paying someone else to butcher their deer when they could easily do it themselves. I don’t think it is because people don’t want to process it themselves, they just don’t know how. And frankly, there aren’t a lot of good resources online showing you how to do it right.

So with that in mind, I wrote up this very thorough quick start guide. Whether you have been grinding venison for years or looking to do it for the first time, this guide will give you professional results every single time.

Is deer processing equipment expensive?

You can buy a respectable meat grinder for less money than it costs to process one deer, which is all you really need to get started. Tip: When first starting out, each time you harvest a deer use the money saved from not paying a processor to buy another piece of processing equipment (grinder, vacuum sealer, sausage stuffer, smoker, etc…). In no time you will have an enviable setup.

What Grinder Do I Need to Grind Venison?

Any size grinder can do the job, but a larger one will make your life easier. I find the LEM Big Bite #8 .35 HP grinder (affiliate link) to be perfect for processing one deer. You won’t regret getting as large of a grinder as you can reasonably afford, particularly if you are butching multiple deer at once. If you can’t afford a big grinder don’t fret, I also spent years using small el-cheapo models and they did the job too. Heck, our grandparents used hand-crank grinders (affiliate link) and survived just fine!

Other Equipment Needed to Butcher Deer

In a perfect world, you would own a sausage stuffer and a vacuum sealer (affiliate links). The sausage stuffer is great not only for making venison sausage but also for stuffing ground venison into freezer bags. However, if you can’t afford these right away, don’t worry, they are not required.

Adding Fat to Venison

Grinding beef or pork fat with your venison adds flavor, acts as a binder, and most importantly adds moisture to your meat. The amount of fat needed varies depending on what you plan to cook.

How much fat do I need?

• 0-10% Fat – Use for heavily seasoned, loose meat meals such as venison chili, sloppy joes, and tacos.
• 20% Fat – Best for juicy venison burgers, venison meatloaf, and venison meatballs.
• 30% Fat – Ideal for making summer sausage and snack sticks.

Best Fat for Grinding with Venison

Beef fat adds a noticeable ‘beefy’ flavor to your venison. Pork fat has a more neutral flavor but goes rancid quicker in the freezer. I typically use beef fat in my normal grind to get a longer freezer life, but I use pork fat when making venison sausages because the neutral flavor allows the sausage seasonings to shine through better. Honorable mention: Bacon fat – great flavor but pricey.

Where to buy fat

Your local butcher shop (not grocery store) will have beef or pork trim you can purchase for cheap. It is best to call in advance. Every butcher I have spoken to has also been happy to share thoughts, tips, and best practices for grinding meat and sausage making.

Do I have to grind venison with fat?

There are a lot of people who prefer to grind venison without any fat added, for both the cleaner venison flavor and fewer calories. Just don’t invite me over for burgers.

How to Grind Venison

Your grinder has multiple grinding plates that are ideal for different uses.

• All-purpose grind: If you are going to grind all of your meat one way, use this grind. Run meat and fat through the medium grinding plate, alternating between meat and fat for even distribution. Then grind everything through a second time. This grind mimics the texture of store-bought hamburger.
• Chili grind: The all-purpose grind is commonly used for chili, but if you want to grind meat specifically for a great chili, grind the venison once through the coarse grinding plate. No need to add fat. The coarser grind will stand up to a long simmer without getting mushy or falling apart.
• Sausage grind: Grind meat and fat through a medium grinding plate, then run a second time through using a fine grinding plate. Alternatively, using the all-purpose grind method works as well if you prefer a coarser grind to your sausages. A good sausage recipe should specify the best grind for that sausage as well.

Tip: Your meat and fat grinds most easily when semi-frozen. Warm fat smears easily and can get stuck on the grinding plate/blade. Briefly sticking your grinding attachments in the freezer prior to use, also helps keep the meat and fat cold.

How to store venison

Vacuum sealing protects well against freezer burn and extends the freezer life of your meat. However, inexpensive wild game freezer bags (affiliate link) work well too.