I'm trying to decide on a new/different weapon for hunting purposes. I now have a Marlin (old style) 30/30 and a Ruger #1 in 7mm Rem Mag, both of which have put lots of groceries in the freezer. But, as is often the case, it's time for a change.
Have been reading, comparing, etc. and the 280 keeps coming out on top. However, I read an article by Jim Carmichael (sp?) and he kept talking about 'handloads', and yet when I look at the charts the 280 bests the 270 in every catagory.
It's not that I dislike the 270, in fact I think it's a dandy round, but everybody has a 270, and I want to be different, and still have a reliable round.
What are your thoughts about the 280.

Welcome Hawgdawg. There have been many times that I've been tempted to buy a 280 Rem. Among other calibers I already have a 25-06 and a 30-06 so a 280 really isn't necessary, but like you I really like the ballistics etc from the 280. If I was getting a new gun in that caliber range, I would also likely choose it over the 270 for the same reasons you stated. Good Luck.

I own many rifles in a varirty of calibers and have two .280's. They are my "go to" guns for whitetail. One is a Remington 700 classic, and the other is a Remington 7400. I try to use the classic on stand and the auto for the deer drives (never know when you will need that quick second shot). I have shot four deer with this caliber (which isin't many) but they were all one shot kills. The classic on the bench shoots consistent sub-moa with a variety of handloads. The 7400 will shoot a little larger group but I have only been feeding it factory ammo. I love both of these rifles, however my good friend uses a .270 and the deer he shoots are no less dead!

Thanks for the input. For the last few years I've been doing my hunting in West Texas, where the average shot is 100-250 yds, with the every once in a while an 80 or 300 yarder. The other hunters on the lease use everything from a 22/250 to 300wsm. My Ruger is tried and true - you point her and something is going to die, and for the closer shots the ol' Marlin has also proven worthy ( and with the 'Evolutions' being introduced she may well get more work). I could easily hunt out the last of my days with these two, and I just don't see reloading in my future, but something about the 280 just, well - you know!?!

Yes, I know
I've had a 280 for quite a few years now. So far, I've only shot deer with it. I haven't had to work the bolt yet- the first shot gets the job done, and quickly.
I wouldn't consider the 280 a 'combo' deer/varmint caliber, in my mind it's strictly a game caliber- but a darn good game caliber.
Whether it's any better than a 270, well, we could debate that for a long time, but the bottom line is, they are excellent game calibers- very effective, don't kick too much, and easy to reload for.

Hawgdawg wrote:

Thanks for the input. For the last few years I've been doing my hunting in West Texas, where the average shot is 100-250 yds, with the every once in a while an 80 or 300 yarder. The other hunters on the lease use everything from a 22/250 to 300wsm. My Ruger is tried and true - you point her and something is going to die, and for the closer shots the ol' Marlin has also proven worthy ( and with the 'Evolutions' being introduced she may well get more work). I could easily hunt out the last of my days with these two, and I just don't see reloading in my future, but something about the 280 just, well - you know!?!

If you don't want to reload it may not be the caliber for you as I'm not sure how easy it is to get 280 factory ammo.

Great choice! I have too may rifles in this caliber and am about to built another one on a sporterized 1903 Springfield. I like the .270 and .30-06, but the the .280 is my preference. All the best...
Gil

Hawgdawg I as well own two 280 Rem. one is a Ruger M77V that I bought new about 25 years and have taken more deer then I can count from ranges of 50 to 650 yards and it has preformed like a champ. The second is a Custom Rem model 721 with a Shelen 24" number 3 SS barrel and I have had that for the past 5 years. Since the hills are getting steeper and the air thinner and my boots heavier I carry this one almost every time I go after mule deer. You can not go wrong with a .280 Rem.

If you guys don't stop praising the 280 you'll have me buying one before I know it. Not that I haven't always wanted one it's just that I haven't come across one at the right time.

Haven't had the chance to check on 280 availability , but I do have a Gander Mountain and a Bass Pro Shop within driving distance, and a few gun shops that are pretty good about stocking different ammos. And what I read in the 'GENERAL' section, well I'm still leaning toward the 280. I will let you know what happens.

I hope you are aware that the 280 is nothing but a de-tuned 7mm Mag with a standard rim diameter. If you go to the 280 AI it IS the 7mm Mag with a standard rim diameter. If you want a 280, just drop the 7mm Mag load down about 150 FPS. Reloading for the 280 is the key to a wonderful relationship.

I have two 7mm Mags and reload for a buddy that has a 280 AI. I have never seen the reason to own a 280, but then again, who knows, one day the itch may come upon me suddenly.

You might consider the step down or up in caliber.
Ed

Side Note: the 280 Ackley is one of the top chamberings for custom hunting rifles.

"Reloading is the key . . . " wrote Swampfox and I agree. Factory ammo is kept at lower SAAMI standards than necessary for bolt action rifles and handloading can easily boost performance IF you have a modern bolt action. The 280 Rem or AI may be one of the most versatile and underappreciated chamberings available.