Would You Use a 280 AI For Elk

[Forrest Ebert]

Hello to everyone and especially the 280 AI shooters my question for the day is "If you would use the 280 AI for Elk say out to 5-600yrds.? Yes I have the Big mags. but was thinking on using my 280 AI with 168 Berger Hunting VLD's. as it has proven deadly on Deer so what are your thoughts?

 

[cowboy]

No problem with a 280AI and 168 VLD's on elk. Been using that combo for years on elk - as well as black bears, sheep, Mtn. goat, deer and antelope here in Montana.

 

[Sully2]

Hello to everyone and especially the 280 AI shooters my question for the day is "If you would use the 280 AI for Elk say out to 5-600yrds.? Yes I have the Big mags. but was thinking on using my 280 AI with 168 Berger Hunting VLD's. as it has proven deadly on Deer so what are your thoughts?

I dont have one but if I did I wouldnt hesitate for a minute to try tackling a elk with it. Its an improved 280 Remmie that was a good elk / moose cartridge in its day. Have at it partner.

 

[gillettehunter]

There are some who think you need something bigger. A good friend of mine has killed over 60 elk. He uses a .270 w/ 130 gr bullets. I've killed over 30 elk. More with a .270 than any other caliber. Usually 140 or 150 gr bullets. The .280 AI will do just fine. Far more important is shot selection and bullet placement. Lots of people have great confidence in the Bergers. I'm still not sold on them. Good hunting. Bruce

 

[Rem700]

Yes, i won't leave home without my 280AI. But (imo) 600yds is pushing it, with the loads i was using and a 168gr berger i was under 1k lbs of energy at 450yds. I like a 140gr bullet out of it, real fast and cares the energy further down range.

 

[TannerGun]

I can't understand ever needing anything more for elk. Sure, more is fun, I use more than that sometimes. But in a LA standard bolt face, it really don't get any better than a nicely thought out 280 A.I. with a mag full of good bullets.

 

[Jordan Smith]

Yes, i won't leave home without my 280AI. But (imo) 600yds is pushing it, with the loads i was using and a 168gr berger i was under 1k lbs of energy at 450yds.

This isn't meant to be inflammatory, but who cares? Is the bullet still travelling 1800-2000fps at 600 yards? If so, then you'll get adequate bullet expansion and do plenty of damage to whatever you hit, whether shoulder, spine, or vitals.

 

[TOM H]

Hello to everyone and especially the 280 AI shooters my question for the day is "If you would use the 280 AI for Elk say out to 5-600yrds.? Yes I have the Big mags. but was thinking on using my 280 AI with 168 Berger Hunting VLD's. as it has proven deadly on Deer so what are your thoughts?

I've never hunted with the Berger VLD bullets so have no first hand experience. I've been using 160gr AB in my 280AI used it last year 4th season elk tag.

I see no reason not to use the 280AI with Berger bullets for elk 5/600yds. I drew 3rd season buck tag and cow elk tag and I plan on taking the 280AI not sure what back up rifle yet. Bull tag this year going to hunt with a bow.

 

[silvercreekguide]

It will do just fine even out past 600. I have used a rem 700 280 mountain rifle on
several elk out to 800 yards.


Mike

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

A bit bigger boiler room or bigger hole in the barrel might help in a bad angle type shot, but the 280 (either one) is one mean cartridge for it's size. Only 2-3 hundred fps down from a 7 stw. Heck, I know at least one person who went back to his 280 because it was faster, more accurate, and burned less powder that his 7mm rem. If you watch your shots and use a proven bullet, it should work fine.

 

[Fiftydriver]

Plenty of gun for elk out to 600 yards if you place your bullets well. I would probably opt for the 160 gr Accubond over the Berger just to ensure proper penetration in the event of a hard bone impact.

 

[rharfo]

I love my 280ai but not sure I would go out past 400 with it....good luck ...

 

[Hornhunter32]

No problem with a 280AI and 168 VLD's on elk. Been using that combo for years on elk - as well as black bears, sheep, Mtn. goat, deer and antelope here in Montana.

I want to build a 280AI and troat it for the 168 Berger. I need to know what your COAL is when the bullet is seated in or very close to the lands so I can choose the bottom metal. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

I have shot critters with the 280 AI, 7mm Gibbs and 7mm JRS which are all similar. With the proper bullets and shot placement I guarantee you are not undergunned. The 280 AI is one of my favorite carry rifles and will dispatch elk. I would recomend a better elk bullet with a stronger jacket and better controled expansion.