.280 Rem Ackley Imp. (Remington Ackley Improved)
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 Rem Ackley Imp.: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle |
| Used For | Hunting, Long-range Shooting |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck, Improved |
| Year Introduced | 1960s |
.280 Rem Ackley Imp.: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
- ✘ Less common than standard .280 Remington
- ✘ Factory ammunition availability may be limited
- ✘ Requires firearm-specific chamber
- ✘ Higher recoil compared to standard .280 Remington
- ✘ May require handloading for optimal performance
.280 Rem Ackley Improved: A Comprehensive Overview
The .280 Remington Ackley Improved is a wildcat cartridge based on the .280 Remington, modified using the Ackley Improved design principles. This cartridge offers improved ballistics and capacity over the standard .280 Remington, making it popular among long-range shooters and hunters seeking enhanced performance for medium to large game.
History and Development
The .280 Remington Ackley Improved was developed by gunsmith and wildcatter P.O. Ackley in the mid-20th century. Ackley's improvement process involved modifying the case shape to have less taper and a sharper shoulder angle, typically 40 degrees. This modification increased the case capacity and allowed for higher velocities while maintaining safe pressure levels.
The original .280 Remington, introduced in 1957, served as the parent case for this improved version. Ackley's modifications to the .280 Remington case resulted in a cartridge that could push heavier bullets at higher velocities, enhancing its effectiveness for long-range shooting and big game hunting.
The .280 Remington Ackley Improved gained popularity among handloaders and custom rifle builders due to its improved ballistic performance and versatility. It offers a flatter trajectory and higher retained energy at longer ranges compared to the standard .280 Remington, making it particularly appealing for hunters pursuing game at extended distances.
Performance Characteristics
The .280 Remington Ackley Improved offers superior ballistic performance compared to its parent cartridge. It can propel 140-grain bullets at velocities exceeding 3,000 fps from a 24-inch barrel, providing excellent long-range capabilities. The cartridge maintains high energy levels at extended ranges, making it effective for medium to large game hunting at distances beyond 400 yards.
The improved case design allows for an increase in powder capacity of approximately 5% over the standard .280 Remington. This additional capacity translates to higher velocities and flatter trajectories, giving shooters an advantage in long-range applications. The cartridge is known for its accuracy potential, with many custom rifles chambered in .280 AI capable of sub-MOA groups at 100 yards.
Timeline of .280 Remington Ackley Improved:
.280 Remington Ackley Improved Performance
Key performance characteristics of the .280 Remington Ackley Improved cartridge:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 3,000-3,200 fps (140-grain bullets) From a 24-inch barrel |
| Effective Range | 500+ yards For medium to large game hunting |
| Energy | 2,800-3,000 ft-lbs at the muzzle (140-grain bullets) Provides excellent terminal performance on large game |
| Trajectory | Flatter than standard .280 Remington Improved long-range performance |
| Accuracy | Sub-MOA potential In quality rifles with proper handloads |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .280 Rem Ackley Improved loads.
.280 Rem Ackley Imp.: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .280 Rem Ackley Imp. ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big Game Hunting | 0-600 | Excellent for elk, moose, and large deer species |
| Long-Range Shooting | 0-1000 | Capable of extreme accuracy with proper loads and equipment |
| Target Shooting | 0-800 | Popular for long-range target competitions |
| Medium Game Hunting | 0-500 | Highly effective for deer and similar-sized game |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .280 Rem Ackley Imp. is known for its flat trajectory, high velocity, and excellent long-range performance. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .280 Rem Ackley Imp.
The .280 Rem Ackley Imp.'s high performance profile makes it suitable for a range of applications:
Caliber Comparisons: .280 Rem Ackley Imp.
The .280 Remington Ackley Improved is a modified version of the .280 Remington, offering increased case capacity and potentially higher velocities. Let's compare it to similar cartridges:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .280 Rem Ackley Imp. with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 8 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .280 Rem Ackley Imp. with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .280 Rem Ackley Imp. with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .280 Rem Ackley Imp. with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .280 Rem Ackley Imp.
The .280 Remington Ackley Improved is a wildcat cartridge based on the .280 Remington, offering increased case capacity and potentially higher velocities.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .280 Rem Ackley Imp. | 140 | 0.287 |
| .280 Rem Ackley Imp. | 160 | 0.328 |
| .280 Rem Ackley Imp. | 175 | 0.359 |
Note: The .280 Remington Ackley Improved offers improved ballistics over the standard .280 Remington due to its increased case capacity. It can push bullets at higher velocities while maintaining the same sectional densities as the parent cartridge. The improved shoulder angle and reduced body taper contribute to the cartridge's efficiency.