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Remington 28417 Core-Lokt Soft Point Core Lokt 165 Grain .280 Remington 2820 fps
MSRP:Was:Now: $25.86 - $368.81 -
Norma 20171222 Dedicated Hunting Tipstrike Polymer Tip 160 Grain .280 Remington 2789 fps
MSRP:Was:Now: $28.95 - $324.23 -
Hornady .280 Remington Precision Hunter 150gr ELD-X Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $31.56 - $350.28
.280 Rem (7mm-06 Rem, 7mm Express Rem)
Professionally Reviewed by:
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:
.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.
.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:
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:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .280 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .280 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .280 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .280 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
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.