.280 Rem (7mm-06 Rem, 7mm Express Rem)

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.280 Remington: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle
Primer Type Large Rifle
Used For Hunting, Long-range Shooting
Case Design Rimless, Bottleneck
Year Introduced 1957

.280 Remington: At a Glance: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Excellent long-range performance
  • ✔ Lower recoil than .30-06 Springfield
  • ✔ Versatile for various game sizes
  • ✔ Good balance of power and trajectory
  • ✔ Suitable for a wide range of rifle actions

Cons

  • ✘ Less popular than some competing cartridges
  • ✘ Factory ammunition can be more expensive
  • ✘ Limited factory load options compared to more common calibers
  • ✘ Not as widely available as .30-06 or .270 Winchester
  • ✘ Slightly more recoil than .270 Winchester

.280 Remington (7mm-06 Rem, 7mm Express Rem): In Depth

The .280 Remington, also known as the 7mm-06 Remington or 7mm Express Remington, is a versatile rifle cartridge that offers an excellent balance of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil. Developed as a 7mm alternative to the popular .30-06 Springfield, this cartridge has gained a dedicated following among hunters and long-range shooters. The .280 Remington provides impressive ballistic performance, making it suitable for a wide range of game animals and target shooting applications.

History and Development

The .280 Remington was introduced by Remington Arms Company in 1957. It was designed to be a more efficient cartridge than the .270 Winchester while offering similar recoil to the .30-06 Springfield. The cartridge was based on the .30-06 case necked down to accept 7mm (.284 inch) bullets.

Initially, the .280 Remington struggled to gain widespread popularity due to the established success of the .270 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield. However, its superior ballistic coefficient and sectional density compared to the .270 Winchester, combined with less recoil than the .30-06 Springfield, gradually attracted a loyal following among hunters and shooters.

In 1979, Remington attempted to boost the cartridge's popularity by renaming it the 7mm Express Remington. This marketing strategy aimed to capitalize on the growing popularity of metric cartridge designations. However, this change led to confusion among consumers, and in 1981, Remington reverted to the original .280 Remington name.

Over the years, the .280 Remington has proven its worth as an excellent all-around hunting cartridge. It is capable of taking a wide range of game animals, from deer and elk to larger species like moose. The cartridge's combination of flat trajectory, high energy retention, and moderate recoil has made it a favorite among hunters who appreciate its versatility and effectiveness.

In recent years, the .280 Remington has seen a resurgence in popularity among long-range shooters and hunters. Advancements in bullet design and loading techniques have further improved its already impressive ballistic performance, solidifying its position as a top choice for those seeking a versatile and capable 7mm cartridge.

Complete Timeline of .280 Remington Development:

Year Event
2020 The .280 Remington continues to gain popularity among long-range shooters and hunters, benefiting from advancements in bullet technology and loading techniques.
2000 Renewed interest in the .280 Remington as hunters and shooters rediscover its versatility and effectiveness.
1981 Remington reverts to the original .280 Remington name due to consumer confusion.
1979 Remington renames the cartridge to 7mm Express Remington in an attempt to boost popularity.
1957 Remington Arms Company introduces the .280 Remington cartridge.

.280 Remington Performance

The .280 Remington offers excellent performance characteristics that have made it a popular choice for hunting and long-range shooting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:

Characteristic Performance
Velocity 2,900-3,100 fps (140-grain bullets) 3,000-3,200 fps (120-grain bullets)
Varies based on barrel length and load type
Trajectory Flat trajectory suitable for long-range shooting
Effective for hunting and target shooting beyond 500 yards
Energy 2,600-2,800 ft-lbs at the muzzle (140-grain bullets)
Provides excellent performance for medium to large game
Recoil Moderate, less than .30-06 Springfield
Manageable in standard weight rifles, allowing for accurate follow-up shots
Accuracy Capable of sub-MOA accuracy in quality rifles
Excellent for precision shooting and long-range hunting

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .280 Remington loads.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

.280 Remington: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .280 Remington ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Big Game Hunting 0-500 Excellent for elk, moose, and large deer species
Medium Game Hunting 0-600 Ideal for deer, antelope, and similar-sized game
Long-Range Target Shooting 0-1000 Capable of extreme accuracy with proper loads and equipment
Competitive Shooting 0-800 Popular in long-range competitions due to flat trajectory

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .280 Remington is known for its excellent ballistic coefficient and versatility across various hunting and shooting applications. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .280 Remington

The .280 Remington's performance profile makes it suitable for a range of applications, particularly in hunting and long-range shooting:

Big Game Hunting
  • Excellent for elk, moose, and large deer species
  • Provides sufficient energy for ethical harvests at extended ranges
  • Versatile enough for a wide range of North American big game
Medium Game Hunting
  • Ideal for deer, antelope, and similar-sized game
  • Flat trajectory allows for precise shot placement at various ranges
  • Lower recoil compared to larger magnum cartridges
Long-Range Target Shooting
  • Popular among long-range enthusiasts for its accuracy potential
  • High ballistic coefficient bullets maintain velocity well at distance
  • Capable of consistent performance out to 1000 yards and beyond
Competitive Shooting
  • Used in various long-range shooting competitions
  • Balanced recoil allows for quick follow-up shots in timed events
  • Wide variety of match-grade ammunition available for optimal performance

Caliber Comparisons: .280 Remington

The .280 Remington, also known as 7mm-06 Remington or 7mm Express Remington, is a versatile cartridge. To understand its place in the rifle world, let's compare it to similar cartridges:

.280 Remington vs. .270 Winchester ▼

.280 Remington vs. .30-06 Springfield ▼

.280 Remington vs. 7mm Remington Magnum ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .280 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .280 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 200-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .280 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .280 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density Comparison for .280 Remington

The .280 Remington, also known as 7mm-06 Rem or 7mm Express Rem, is a versatile cartridge with excellent ballistic properties. This table compares the sectional density of various bullet weights for the .280 Remington.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.280 Remington 120 0.213
.280 Remington 140 0.248
.280 Remington 150 0.266
.280 Remington 160 0.283
.280 Remington 175 0.310

Note: The .280 Remington offers excellent sectional density values, particularly with heavier bullets. This contributes to its reputation for good penetration and energy retention at longer ranges. The cartridge's versatility allows it to be effective for a wide range of game, from deer to elk.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .280 Remington and how does it compare to other cartridges?

A: The .280 Remington, also known as 7mm-06 Remington or 7mm Express Remington, is a rifle cartridge based on the .30-06 Springfield case necked down to accept 7mm bullets. It offers ballistic performance similar to the 7mm Remington Magnum but with less recoil and in a standard-length action.

Q: What are the typical bullet weights for the .280 Remington?

A: The .280 Remington typically uses bullet weights ranging from 120 to 175 grains, with 140 and 150 grain bullets being the most common for hunting applications.

Q: Is the .280 Remington suitable for hunting large game?

A: Yes, the .280 Remington is excellent for hunting large game. It's capable of ethically taking animals up to and including elk at reasonable ranges. Its combination of flat trajectory, good energy retention, and manageable recoil makes it a versatile hunting cartridge.

Q: What is the effective range of the .280 Remington?

A: The .280 Remington is effective for hunting out to 400 yards or more, depending on the specific load and shooter skill. For target shooting, it can be used at even greater distances. Its ballistic performance allows for accurate shots at extended ranges, with some skilled shooters using it effectively beyond 600 yards.

Q: Why did Remington change the name from .280 Remington to 7mm Express Remington and then back again?

A: Remington briefly changed the name to 7mm Express Remington in 1979 to boost sales, hoping to capitalize on the popularity of 7mm cartridges. However, this caused confusion with the 7mm Remington Magnum, so they reverted to .280 Remington in 1981. The cartridge specifications remained the same throughout these name changes.

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