Originally Posted by BobinNH
Originally Posted by kciH


The 270 WSM is lucky to get 100fps on the regular old .270, which is what makes the 7Mag a joke also, as it won't even get that over a .280



From the Nosler manual: (Not that I need it having owned multiples of both). Top velocities:

280-150 from 26" Barrel: 2995,2990,2982,2966.

7 Rem Mag-150 from 24" barrel ( hardly even-steven but whatever): 3248,3240,3162,3128.


WE could talk 140's:

280-140 26" barrel 3152,3070,3056,3002.

7 Rem Mag-140 24" barrel: 3340,3318,3282,3263


280-175 from 26" Barrel: 2760

7 Rem Mag-175 from 24" barrel: 2970

I bogged down in math awhile ago,but sure looks like more than 100 fps to me.And all through this we are spotting the 280 2" of barrel.


In real life after 15-20 7 Rem Mags and maybe 6-7 280's (who knows?),and to simplify, the real world difference is the 7 Rem mag will do with a 160 what a 280 will do with a 140 day in and day out, rifle to rifle, and as near as we can guess at home pressure wise,which is somewhere between 3050-3100 fps....and it takes a good shot in the arm to get that velocity with a 280. You better be stomping on it smile


Most popular belted magnum....ever. Top 10 in reloading dies and factory ammo just about every year, far as I know.Used internationally, and the poor old 280 has taken a seat way at the back of the bus since 1962,despite its obvious virtues.Great cartridge.

Gotta think on this a bit and wonder..... what open country North American BG animal can't be taken with a 7 Rem Mag as far as we can hit properly (made easier by moderate recoil and bullets designed to the task). Be right back......























I can't think of any. frown


Overrated? I don't think so. wink


I'll bow to your experience, as I've only had 1 7mag and the two 280's I still have. Loaded to like pressures, unless you go with the heaviest common bullets for the chambering, the difference to 400 yards is virtually nill. The advantages of the 7mag have been somewhat expanded recently, in that we have super high BC hunting bullets in heavier weights, which is where the 7mag will shine against the .280. With the newer bullets, and relatively new super slow powders, the advantages are bigger than ever...and they are still not all that great.

I started playing with bottleneck centerfires in a Contender, about 25 years ago, so I understand the minutiae, squared. smile 7 TCU vs 7-30 Waters vs the 7mm BR in a XP...talk about splitting hairs over slight differences. lol


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"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing". EB