Originally Posted by Alan_C
Originally Posted by hanco
If there could only be one in your safe, which would you choose? I think I’d go 30-06, because you have to have at least one. I like all three, as well as 25-06 and 6.5-06.
Hanco, have you ever shot a 280ai on game? I’ve read it was Fred Huntingtons favorite cartridge. I’ve hunted with 30-06, and 270. Of those two, I’d pick the 270. I picked up a 1970ish Sako in 270 recently. But! I have a Ruger no1 I bought a few years ago for a project and have all the stuff including the reamer for the 280ai. 26 inch barrel is hot on the heals of a 7mag. Buy yourself one! It’s fun to buy a gun. Hunt with it and let us know of your findings. Cheers, Alan

I have the 280, like it a lot, have 270, 6.5-06 and 25-06. All kill plenty well like Mule Deer stated. I’d really like a 338-06 and a Whelen also. I have a 338 Federal, fine cartridge for my hunting as well. I could ream my 280 out, but never shoot past 300 yards. The regular version does that easy, don’t need the Ethyl an AI 280 gives a shooter.


I remember pulling up to the gas pumps with my Mom on Washington Ave in Houston. They would ask her “Regular or Ethyl?”. 66 or 67 years ago.

Last edited by hanco; 03/20/24.