Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 7-08 20” barrel vs 280 Rem 22” barrel

Just to add to what Chip has suggested,



Respectfully, as far as bullet placement goes, out to sane hunting distances, what's 200 fps.?


I can see, for myself, getting curious if we're talking over 300 fps... (and a harder bullet like some mono metals)
But 200 fps doesn't matter to me in regard to bullet placement.

If we have a 160 NAB leaving said candidates at and velocities 'round about 2600 fps for the 7-08, and 'round 2800 for the 280 then.... that's your 200 fps difference.

Give them both a 200 yard zero and the 7-08 hits about 1 1/2" lower than the 280 at 300 yards, and about 4" lower at 400.


I've ran the 284 Winchester quite a bit (subjective) and killed no small number of Deer when doing so. That cartridge is right in there with the aforementioned 7-08/280.


Were it me, and I realize that not, and I was forced to build on a Remington action, when going "7 mm Something" I'd roll with a 23" barrel on a Short Action given the two options.


You will have other needs, desires and appreciations for what you choose.
I trust you will thoroughly enjoy your 280 Remington, it's all the cartridge a man needs... minus DG.

I just so happened to stumble upon a new unfired Kimber montana 280 Ackley, for not much more than a new hunter model. Now I’m in a pickle lol

+1..

Factory Remington 700 CDL-SF 280 Remington, I get 2860 fps w/160 gr. Nosler A/B and Partitions in Remington brass that lasts multiple loadings.

Has taken 4 of my last 5 elk without hiccup (also mulies and pronghorns...same load with same results.)

Need I say more.

Now if I could find one of these exact models I would leave the AI behind. The CDL SF models were something for sure!

Sounds like a .30-06.




P

Energy? Come on now....

1990's Field and Stream magazine topic and equates to nothing, especially with the post topic....

I’m an 06 whore.
So the 280 in longer barrel with heavier pills for the easy win.

What is the max limit on "sane hunting distances"?

Coyote Hunter,

My good man, as you well know, the answer to your question is ever changing, subjective to every encounter, contingent upon a host of factors.
In that moment, I would say let every ethical hunter do what he deems is right, and that shall be sane.

A 243 win is more than adequate for the majority of hunters in this country. But if more is more, then more power to you

If you want a .280, get one. Simple as that.

While I'm a big .270 fan, you already have one 7mm rifle, so buying another one makes perfect sense logistically. That Kimber sounds nice.

OTOH, I'm down to one long-action rifle, and that one's on thin ice due to its size and weight and the hunting I do (and my age). Short actions make more sense now, and for 400 yards max, a 7-08 with a bit longer fast-twist barrel would be fine as well. If targets are in the mix, 7-08 all the way, as a practical matter, for economy if nothing else, and " mechanics" as someone here likes to say.

I'm a 7mm whore !
Currently stash loading 7-08's with 140 gr AB's, over 48.0 grs of h4350. 22" barrel at a bit over 2800 fps.
My stable includes a 7x64, a 280ai, and a 7mm RM.
Any measurable differences ?
Not much til I get to the 7mm RM.
Different bullets in each.

The .280 vs. 7-08 comparison pretty much mirrors the .30-06 vs. .308.

In my own .280, I have been loading the Hornady 150 gr. ELD-X bullet, which has a high BC (.574) and is very accurate out of my 22" PacNor barrel. MV is 3020 fps, using RL 26 powder. IMO, this load is a near-optimum big game getter for just about anything you would want to hunt with it, and the high-BC bullet at decent velocity makes for less drop and wind drift at longer ranges. Recoil, in my 7.5# all up rifle, is very manageable.

I've had both cartridges, and the only one that remains in the safe is the .280 Rem. It was the first rifle I ever bought, and probably one of the most accurate I ever shot. I have thought about upgrading to a .280 AI, but I just need to get off my ass and reload for the .280.

Pappy,

I've always enjoyed your posts.
I too am a short action fan, though currently my majority is long action.

The 284 Winchester fits perfectly in a short action Winchester model 70.
For mine, I had the bolt stop lengthened and replaced the magazine box with their WSM box, this gave me slightly over 3.10" COAL.

All the juice of the 280 but in a short action.

Ran mostly 120 grain NBT' and TTSX's.
Muzzle velocity was 3260 fps.

It worked.

Wrong answer!

g

Why not compare the 280 to a 7mm-08 with a 22 or 23” barrel? You’ll find the difference to be minimal.

Because my Sako 85 finnlight 7-08 sports a 20” barrel and the Remington 700 MTN rifle has a 22” barrel. That’s the 2 I had originally chosen. I have now found a few great deals on some 24” barrels on the 280 AI chamber that I’m considering. But have not fully decided so it’s up in the air.

Three hours ago this sow enjoyed some of the mind blowing ‘lil 7-08. I could prob sell all the rest and be just fine.