280 Remington, why not?

[Tophatt]

I came across this statement in another thread.

Originally posted by LouBoyd:
The SAAMI length of the 280 is the same as a 30-06 (3.34") which is not conducive to long range shooting.

I didn't want to hijack the thread, so I thought I would start a new one.
Why is it not conducive to long range shooting? I am considering the 280 rem cartridge for my next back country rifle. I had planned to use it for 500-600 yd shots on mule deer. I wanted to stay away from magnums if possible to reduce recoil, and to extend the life of the barrel, as I would be shooting it a lot.
I had also planned to reload for it and use it for coyote and other varmint hunting during the off season to stay familiar with my rifle.
I realize the cartridge is very close to a 270 win in performance, but I would like to use a 7mm projectile.
I'm not new to guns, but I am new to long range shooting, any input would be much appreciated!

 

[meatyrem]

Hey tophatt

I second that thought. If the 270 is considered longrange, then by all means so is the 280rem. I recently started a thread just a few days ago about the 280 rem. (270win vs 280rem?) I am actually under the impression that the 280 may be a little superior. I don't think the 280 is in adequate for those distances too.

 

[cowboy]

I shot a .280 Rem for 20 plus years and took literally dozens of elk, deer , antelope and bear. Had no reason to ever think I needed anything any bigger. The only thing I have found better than the .280 Rem is the 280AI that I am using now. When it was time to rebarrel the old .280 Rem I went with a little faster twist barrel and went to the 280AI. Try it - if it's the not best non magnum cartridge on the market it's pretty dang close IMO.

 

[meatyrem]

IF and when I ever shoot out one of my 280's I will rebarrel to 280AI.

 

[fj40mojo]

I came across this statement in another thread.
I didn't want to hijack the thread, so I thought I would start a new one.
Why is it not conducive to long range shooting? I am considering the 280 rem cartridge for my next back country rifle. I had planned to use it for 500-600 yd shots on mule deer. I wanted to stay away from magnums if possible to reduce recoil, and to extend the life of the barrel, as I would be shooting it a lot.
I had also planned to reload for it and use it for coyote and other varmint hunting during the off season to stay familiar with my rifle.
I realize the cartridge is very close to a 270 win in performance, but I would like to use a 7mm projectile.
I'm not new to guns, but I am new to long range shooting, any input would be much appreciated!

Case you hadn't noticed there is a large faction of shooters that are under the impression that if you don't shoot the latest greatest uber magnum that kills in front and wounds behind while causing premature balding by kicking you out from under your hair then you are under gunned and completely inadequate as a hunter. The truth is that many game animals have been ethically taken at all sorts of ranges even extended ranges with non magnum cartridges. Buy or build your .280, you will have a wider range of bullets to choose from than the .270 and superior BC to the good ol' 06 and if you spend time learning the tragectory of your rifle and your own ability as a shooter behind it game animals and varmints a plenty will fall in front of it.

Oh, and you'll keep your hair and shoulder intact.

 

[sharktown]

Tophatt,
I've had a 280 Rem for over 20 years and have taken my share of deer and an elk with it. Longest was about 300 yds and I know the rifle and cartridge is capable of much longer shots as I've shot targets at 500-600yds. I questioned my ability at the time to cleanly take game at longer range and didn't want to take the chance of wounding an animal that would run off lost.
I really don't hunt anymore but do target shoot and my 280 Rem can get out there at 400-600yds and do it accurately - and with the same 22" barrel that it came with. I'm thinking of going to a longer barrel of around 26"- 28" and maybe have it chambered to 280 AI then hopefully get another 150-200 yards with a lot of practice and see how it goes. gun)
Sharktown

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

The 280 case is longer than the 30-06. That is why we use it to improve instead of the '06 so we can get a little more powder in it. The JRS cartridges are based on it and are excellent but hard to find now. I would do the 280 AI if I were you for your purpose if you stay with the 7mm. For your purpose the 6.5-06 improved would give you a little better ballistics for a long range deer cartridge and less recoil. That is the one I would do for your purpose.

 

[cfvickers]

I must say that I don't understand any better than you do why 3.34 inches OAL is not conducive to long range shooting. Were they joking?? Go measure a few factory .300 Win Mag rounds. It was purpose built in the 60s to be a long range cartridge. and it is an accurate cartridge as well. True, most will load their heavier bullets longer when reloading, but if you load ammo for your .280 you probably will too. I wouldn't worry about what some people say, just be judicious about who you believe.

 

[midnightmalloy]

i was going through the same process you are about 8 months ago and chose the 280AI. the reason being the I can load up to (nosler online manual) a 160 gr bullet to 3000fps or can load it down to normal 280 pressures ( or even use regular 280 ammo) for less recoil practice. I chose to rebarrel a sako 75 with a benchmark barrel to 25". I want to shoot the 168 gr bergers and get around 2900-3000fps. should be a good all around gun and it sounds like your trying to do the same. I chose the ackley version for these reasons but do what is best for your situation. best of luck to you.

 

[elkaholic]

Saying that the .280 is not a good long range choice is ridiculous, especially in the improved versions. The .280 Sherman will easily push a 160 gr. bullet at 3150' from a 26" barrel and will max out at 3200'+........Rich

 

[midnightmalloy]

Saying that the .280 is not a good long range choice is ridiculous, especially in the improved versions. The .280 Sherman will easily push a 160 gr. bullet at 3150' from a 26" barrel and will max out at 3200'+........Rich

im sorry but i have no clue what a 280 sherman is? could yo please enlighten me?

 

[Birddog75]

I moved away from my 280 ten years ago for the heavy hitters of 7stw and 300 win, but when my fiance decided she wanted to go shooting with me I reached to the back of the safe and pulled out the old 280, dug up some old 140 ballisic tips and headed for the range. She got comfortable with the gun emidiatly and because of the light recoil especially with the brake on it, she began shooting great groups. On the last three factory loads left she posted a .46 @ 100. Long story short I went back home and started loading. Went to the range today with handloads, .1's and .2's till I ran out of ammo. Think I just found my lightweight deer rifle for this hunting season.

 

[elkaholic]

im sorry but i have no clue what a 280 sherman is? could yo please enlighten me?

It's a case that I designed 2-3 years ago which was based on the .270/.280 parent. It is similar to an A.I. only holds approx. 5% more. I recently bumped it up a little by using the 6.5x65 RWS case........Rich

 

[midnightmalloy]

It's a case that I designed 2-3 years ago which was based on the .270/.280 parent. It is similar to an A.I. only holds approx. 5% more. I recently bumped it up a little by using the 6.5x65 RWS case........Rich

i dont understand how you can get 5% more from the 280 AI? its already blown all the way out and has very little body taper. did you push the shoulder forward and shorten the neck?