Well I'm thinking about getting a H&R Handi-Rifle and I'm undecided on caliber. I already have a .308, and while looking through the available calibers I started looking into the ballistics on the 280. Do any of you guys have any thoughts, experience, or opinions on this caliber? This isn't a thread on what everyone feels is the best deer round, just interested in the 280. Besides I think we've beat that to death on here. Thanks!

the 280 is the same asa 7mm or (7mm mag?) what ever a 7mm can do i am sure the 280 is rite there with it i would say a great deer gun maybe elk

The .280 is based on the .30-06 cartridge, and is best compared to that and the .270 (also '06-based). It's flatter-shooting (faster) than the .30-06, but doesn't have quite the kinetic energy. It's also not quite as flat-shooting (slower) than the .270, but carries more KE. That makes it a good compromise between those two, and also makes it a great cartridge for deer. It uses .284 bullets - same as the 7mm. Bullet selection is decent - probably better than .277 bullets, but not nearly as good as selection is in the .30 cals.

It is comparable to the 7mm-08, but still bests it in most every category - faster, flatter, and carries more than 1500 ft/lbs of KE past 400 yards (plenty for elk). Recoil is slightly heavier in the .280 than the 7mm-08. Factory loads go from 140-170gr, where the '08 prefers lighter loads and comes in 120-150gr. The .280 is best compared (and almost identical) to the .284 Winchester, which is fast becoming obsolete. Winchester only offers one 150gr load for it. However, .284 brass is still very popular for use in the wildcat 6x284 and 6.5x284 chamberings.

It isn't a terribly popular chambering, but most (or all) manufacturers chamber for it, and it's probably in no danger of becoming obsolete in the near future. I've seen .280 ammo carried in outdoor stores, but I haven't ever noticed if Walmart carries it. It should be easy enough to find though if you look for it.

I don't have any experience with the .280, but I know a lot of people use it. It would be great for anything from speed goats to elk. Personally I'd go on up to the .30-06, but then again I prefer the '06 over most anything else. Hits harder on both ends

I think the 280 is a fine Deer Cal. I personally am a 7-08 fan, every body in my family as killed a bunch of deer with that cal. from as close a 10 yrds, and as far as 400 yrds. If I could not shoot the '08 I would probaly shoots a 280 or something like that.

The 280 Rem. is a fine deer round and a passable elk round for those who don't enjoy getting kicked. The 280 Ackley Improved which is the 280 rem. with the shoulder and body blown out for greater powder capacity has a cult following as a long range deer rifle. The 280 can easily be rechambered for the Ackley round. I think the rifle you're looking at comes with a long heavy barrel for the 280 and may be a pretty decent long range rifle if you have the trigger cleaned up. The 280 will be around a while and if push comes to shove I believe cases can be formed from 270 cases as it is the same length . The 30-06 is somewhat shorter but would do in a pinch and never need trimming.
Mark

never used a .280, but at the last gun show i went to there was a remington model 700 moutain rifle in a .280 for $350!

i love mine i have a rem 700 in a mountain rifle. it likes the 140 gr bullet and theres not one complaint from the freezer dept on killing power. the deer seem to mind though.

Rest asure you won't de disappointed with this caliber. I've had mine since my teenage years. I have the Ruger .280 and LOVE IT! I'd say the only negative with this gun is hunting out West here, the trajectory drops off on long shots. Last year I shot a doe at 289 yards with it and had no problem with trajectory or kE. When it hits an animal, it really hits an animal.
I've shot antelope, deer (both whitetail and mule deer), and plenty of elk with this gun. I highly recommend you getting into this caliber.

I dont have one but i allways wanted one. Let us know what you decide on...

I appreciate the input guys, I think I've made up my mind. Sometime before next season I'll get it.

An excellent choice, especially for whitetails under 300 yards!

Ok so I swear by my 25-06. My dad swears by a 270. Both Ruger might I add. We have both shot 280's and discussed this issue the other day. It is a great gun let me say first. But I wanna compare a couple of thing between the 3 first. Lets start with the 25-06. Very little recoil, extremely flat shooting, but a little less knock down, not much I personally have never had a deer move out of it's tracks. Now for the 270. Not bad recoil, not as flat shooting as the 25 but really good knock down once again dad has never had one move out of it's tracks with the gun he uses now. Lets go 280. Most recoil of the 3 but not much more than the 270, I am saying it shoots as flat as the 270 with a little more knock down, they aren't moving with a good shot. 280 is a great choice, I have shot a couple that have stomped me a little too much though. It depends on what you are wanting, I am not uncomfortable shooting my 25 up to 400 yards. Granted he might run, I can hit him in the kill zone and make a clean kill. I strongly suggest you check out Ruger, we have bought alot of guns from them lately and are highly impressed. Overall 280 is gonna be a good choice for you. Just wanted to give you some specs on some other guns which are strictly MY opinion.

Just my opinion...

I was looking at ballistics not to long ago thinking about a new rifle but I couldn't justify getting a caliber that was (basically) in the same class as my .270 Win. I came to the conclusion that if I was to get a new rifle it would be in a heavier class, like a 300 Win Mag. I am thinking about buying a predator rifle though...probably go with the .223

The 280 Remington is a great round for deer.My girfriend hunts with my Weatherby Mark V in 280 Rem with no problems this round is super accurate I'm going to get a 280 Rem barrel for my Encore prohunter for a deer hunt we have planned down south this year.