Ok, I've pretty much done all of my deer hunting with various 30's, 6mm, and 25's. That being said, right now I'm building a new 280 Rem. So far, I have a new 1-8 Shilen #5, stainless, that I threaded and chambered yesterday on a stainless 700 donor. I left the barrel 27 inches long. I used a Tubb lug, Timney trigger, and now prepping a Sendero style MPI stock for pillar bedding. I'll hopefully have it ready to shoot sometime next week. Redding dies came yesterday!

Now, this rifle will primarily be used out of a stand over beanfields and pastures. I will probably take it antelope hunting. If it proves to heavy, I'll tote my 7-08 Ti. The stands that I plan on asking this to, offer shots from 50-600 yds. What I need some help with is, bullet selection and a scope.

I have a couple boxes of 162 gr Amax, but Accubonds have shot nicely in the past for me. With my set up, and deer sized game, what bullet/powder combo would you start with?

Same question for glass. My budget is $750.

I'll get some pix posted when I get the stock bedded. It is turning out to be a sweet rig!
Thanks!

Sounds nice.

That Amax would be hard to beat IMO.

162 A-Max and a SWFA SS 10x MilQuad Reticle if I were you.

Good luck!

Ditto, and I would use RL22.

Got a bunch of RL22. Never owned a SWFA. I did find a 4.5-14x50 VX3 with an AO in the safe. I could send it off for turrets and new reticle.

Never used an Amax for hunting before. Guess I could try them on a few hogs before season comes in!

Thoughts on the TTSX?

I would load 168 gr bergers if it were mine.

150 LRAB and any of the scopes mentioned..

I was checking on those today.

+1

Anyone tried the 150 Scenar L-s? Seems like a great bullet for the .280.

Might even consider the SWFA 3x15 if you want to avoid fixed. I keep waiting to shoot out the tube on my .270 so I can rebarrel for a .280.

Having several 280s over many years, my hunting load is 140A/B over RL22, guns shoot 1/2" groups, deer just don't like it at all, bang-flop. Great cal good luck. Dick

Zeiss 3-15 HD5. You can get that as new for $700

As for bullets- no question. Barnes 140 ttsx or 145 LRX. Rl22 is the best bet for those and you can be over 3000 fps.

Will the 140-145's be ok in a 1-8 twist?

Well, to me I would keep to the strengths of what you are building. 27", #5 contour barrel, 7mm (many high BC bullets available). I would go with the heavy VLD bullets. Berger 168 VLD Hunting, or Nosler 168 LRAB.

They would buck the wind better, and you should be able to push them plenty fast with a 27" barrel in a 280 Rem.

More than enough.

That's exactly what I was thinking. I have some heavy Accubonds coming.

180 berger

What he said.

If a 280AI counts then this is how they have been for me. Getting 3040 fps . Thinking about using the 61 grn load just so brass last 25 shots.

I have great accuracy with 150 ttsx and reloader 17.

That 27" fast twist barrel is calling for a 280AI reamer. No flies on the 280, I've used one for twenty years, but the extra weight and barrel length could really be utilized by an
AI. You'd be in a much better position with the 175+ bullets. Either way, I'd go with the 160 AB or 168 Berger to start with. I picked up some 175 LRABs last month and they look interesting too, if thy shoot.

Yes I don't understand why such a long barrel heavy rifle in 280.

For light game such as deer and antelope, I have had great results with 120, 140 and 150 grain ballistic tips over H4831sc powder in a Rem 700 chambered in.280AI. It has a Shilen ss barrel, Bansner stock and trued action. 3.5-10 AO Leupold scope works fine from 50 to 450 yards which is as far as my opportunities have been.

This rifle is built for shooting deer off of sandbags, in blinds, over huge corn and soybean fields. I didn't make it for carrying. Got Kimbers for that task. This rifle is going to be fun to hunt with this year, for sure.

I am about to load the 168 Berger VLD hunting and the 168 VLD classic Hunter in my 280AI. I have a 1-9" twist. RL 22 has been doing well for me lately. You are in the position not to worry about scope weight with that rifle. One of the 30mm tactical style scopes will be perfect. I would stay with 160's and above with that twist and barrel length.

I tried a bunch of different combos with RL22. Just couldnt get it tight. The 160 Accubond and 4831sc seem to be showing promise in mine. Running a Zeiss 3.5-10 on it right now and liking it!

u will need to do some tuning of ammo for the barrel harmonics.it just might work better with a slightly faster burning powder than what is normal. but pressure might be an issue so start low.yes 27 inch will be a tote,and may be hard in stands. i have for years used several different 270s with 24 inch barrels for shots out to 500 yards on deer. u should get several hundred fps more for muzzle velocity with the 27 inch barrel but powder burn rate will be an issue and pressure.

162 amax.

Have you tried the 150grn Scenar L's? I think it's the easiest accuracy I have ever achieved in any of my 7mm rifles. In y limited experience it works very well on deer sized game as well.

David

I'd start with the 160gr AB over H4831.