Lead free bullets for .270 and .277: the Fox Classic Hunter range
Both Fox Classic Hunter weights in .270 (.277) — 130gr and 145gr — and which one suits red and fallow.
Last updated 28 July 2026
The .270 Winchester has been a mainstay of British deer stalking for decades, and the .277 inch bullets it fires remain a strong choice for the larger species. Fox stocks two Classic Hunter weights at this diameter: 130 grain and 145 grain.
130 grain or 145 grain?
| 130 grain | 145 grain | |
|---|---|---|
| G1 BC | 0.339 | 0.375 |
| Length | 32.8 mm | 35.7 mm |
| Best for | The classic all-rounder | Deepest penetration |
The 130 grain is the classic .270 Winchester weight and the one most stalkers will recognise. It is proven on red and fallow, shoots flat, and at 32.8mm it is a comfortable length for the cartridge. If you are moving from a 130gr lead load, this is the natural substitution.
The 145 grain trades a little velocity for a better ballistic coefficient — 0.375 against 0.339 — and deeper penetration. It is the choice when the quarry is at the larger end: mature red stags, big fallow bucks, or any situation where you want the bullet to keep driving through heavy bone and muscle.
Which cartridges take these bullets
The .270 Winchester overwhelmingly, and the .270 WSM where a shorter, faster case is preferred.
Moving from lead in a .270
The .270 has plenty of case capacity and generally runs a 1:10 twist, which handles both Fox weights without difficulty. The usual monolithic caveats still apply: expect a different point of impact, work up your load from the bottom, and treat the change as a new load rather than a swap.
.270 (.277) Fox Classic Hunter
Projectiles only — no powder, primers or loaded ammunition.
Is 130gr or 145gr better for red deer?
The 145 grain, if you want the deepest penetration and the highest retained energy on a big-bodied animal. The 130 grain is entirely capable on red and shoots flatter, so either is defensible.
Will Fox .270 bullets work in a standard 1:10 twist?
Yes. The .270 Winchester's usual 1:10 twist handles both the 130 and 145 grain lead free bullets.
Do these fit the .270 WSM?
Yes — the WSM uses the same .277 inch bullet diameter. The shorter, wider case means you should pay particular attention to seating depth and case capacity when working up a load.
Read next
Oxon Deer stocks the full Fox Classic Hunter range in 6mm, 6.5mm, .270 and .308, in boxes of 50. Browse the shop.