.280 Rem "experts" wanted

[Mills]

I have a .280 Rem in the works. I chose this caliber after a long study of articles, reloading manuals, ballistics charts, advice, etc. It seemed to me that it was plenty of rifle for what I needed, very practical and most importantly...not a magnum. I'm making the switch to it from a 7STW. I've scoured this site and others looking for as much .280 load data, praise, advice, etc. that I could find, but I could always use more. I was thinking about loading one bullet (the 154 grain Hornady Interbond) for everything. By everything, I mean 2 or 3 deer every year, an elk or two in my lifetime, and maybe an antelope or two. But, I've also considered going with the 139s and if an elk hunt pops up, load the 154s (or a 160 Partition) then? I live in South Dakota and in my 15 years of deer hunting my shots have ranged from 75 to 315 yards. I know there are some long time shooters of this caliber out there, and anything you can share from your experiences would be greatly appreciated.

[Dutchboy]

In my opinion, the 154 would do you fine for "everything". However, the facts of the matter are that you will be hunting deer, so develop a deer load. Start with the 154, and if that won't shoot, try another in that weight class.

There is very (VERY) little difference in drop between the 154 and the 139 at ranges where drop becomes relevant, and that "disadvantage" is compensated by the fact that the 154 will drift less in the wind. I've been told the wind sometimes blows a little in S.D.?

If you go to www.huntingnut.com, you can download the Pointblank exterior ballistics program for free. Play with it, and you will find that the benefits of using lighter bullets are small, and there are some pretty substantial penalties (the wind drift I mentioned, as well as lower down range energy. HTH, Dutch.

[ghost stalker]

i own a 280rem and it is deadly accurate. killed a dozen whitetail and a few mulies with it. all one shot, drop where they stood shots.. as for elk.. it will do the job well with a fairly well placed bullet. i hit an elk this fall, running in the shoulder. busted the shoulder good but it didn't stop him.it wasn't a real big bull but lost sucks. 1 use factory 140gr remington core- lock. killed deer at over 300yds and at 50yds. don't know if it helps you asa you intend to reload, but what the hell. kicks less than the 06 and has the same knock-down power on a deer, with a lighter, flatter bullet. "at least in my opinion". i've owned em' both and like the 280 more for the deer.

i did buy a 300win mag for elk and moose though...mind you i intend to hunt elk and moose every year at loger range and less than perfect circumstances than i'd like.
best of luck to you.

[Andy L]

Congrats!! Thats one fine caliber. No doubt.

I would start with the 154s and see if it will shoot them. Then go from there. Should shoot them fine, if its a factory bbl. That will make a good bullet for anything you wanna shoot.

Good luck and keep us posted!!

Andy

[FIJI]

I've used mine (A-Bolt w/BOSS) on deer, mulies and antelope (no shots at elk yet ) and have been extremely happy with it.

My only complaint is not yet finding someone who reloads to make me up a batch of varmit loads for it.

[earschplitinloudenboomer]

Far from an expert but I would load some Sierra 150 gr Spitzer Boat tails. Been using them in a 7X57. LIKE 'EM!

[Gil Martin]

Last week, I picked up my fifth .280 Remington which was built on a 1903A3 Springfield sporter action. It shoots 139 grain Hornady Spire Points loaded with IMR4350 powder into groups that are very impressive. Good choice. All the best...
Gil

[echo]

I have a model 70 lightweight .280 and have taken 7 species of game with it (whitetail, mule deer, antelope, elk, caribou, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat). All were taken with Sierra 140 boattails with the exception of elk, for which I used Nosler 150 Partitions. Longest shot was my sheep, which was about 300 yards. The Sierras are very accurate, but I think bullet performance is a little bit lacking for the larger animals. I don't like the partitions for deer size game, as I have punched one right through a deer without opening up. The partition went clear through my elk this year at a ranged 193 yds-he only went about 30 yards before piling up. I can't force myself to get any other big game gun, I like mine so much. I have a Leupold 2X7 on it, and I figure if the 7X isn't enough magnification for the shot then I need to get closer.