.280 or .270: close decision

[NordicDave]

Yeah, but I'm still left trying to figure out why someone would buy a .270 or .280 over a .308 or 30-06?

I get maybe the .280 is a little flatter shooting, but there has to be more. I've never shot a .270 or .280, and just curious.

[toby]

Yeah, but I'm still left trying to figure out why someone would buy a .270 or .280 over a .308 or 30-06?

I get maybe the .280 is a little flatter shooting, but there has to be more. I've never shot a .270 or .280, and just curious.

A 270 shoots a 130 grain bullet at an average of 3100 fps some about 3200 fps usual is 3000 fps. Great for Deer and black Bear size game, with 140-160 grain bullets it will anything a 30-06 or 308 will do, lets leave out the 200-220 grain nominal Moose bullets that are pretty much history as far as hunting goes. It kicks less then an 06 it was never a military round, it's a very prominent all around cartridge with 130-140-150-160 grain bullets and it's just not your grandpas thuddyotsix

[ar15barrels]

280 offers a wider range of bullet weights which is attractive for hand loading and tuning to a rifle (which I'll do in either case anyway). They are nearly identical ballistically so it's a really close call and it's a difficult decision.

The decision really comes down to if you reload.
270 for the factory ammo shooter.
280 for the shooter who reloads...

[ar15barrels]

Why would someone choose a .270 or .280 over a .308 or .308's ballistic sibling .30-06?

Better BC with similar bullet weights equals flatter shooting, less windage correction and more energy on target.

[NordicDave]

Thanks Toby & Randall. Helpful.

[advocatusdiaboli]

Better BC with similar bullet weights equals flatter shooting, less windage correction and more energy on target.

Exactly. As usual, Randall, you put in one sentence what it takes me a paragraph to get across and took me a lot of study to figure out.

I am looking at rifles in .280 right now. No decision yet since I have to wait for my Federal tax refund to buy anyway. But it will be .280 though.

I am also considering a 7mm-08 and am looking at the Remy 7600 pump if they are as accurate as Remington claims. Of course, at $795 list, it's pricey if not as accurate as a bolt gun. Remy floats the barrel by the way. Anyone know about the 7600 accuracy?

I saw the 7mm-08 on Gun Broker (for over $1,000 anniversary models) and thought they still made it. They now only make it in 243, 270, 308, 30-06. Now eyeing a Browning X-bolt .280 closely. If only that tax refund would get here...

[Wideflange]

My $0.02

I have several calibers including both .270 and .280 For A zone blacktails, coyotes, prairie dogs, teaching youngsters how to shoot rifles I always grab the .270 if I can grab only one gun.

For hogs, Mule deer, Elk, Bear...I grab the .280

All for the reloading reasons and my comfort. The .280 is a Featherweight Win70 and the game I hunt w it means I'm packing/hiking a lot. Sure, I have heavier calibers but I have yet to feel under powered w the .280. Lots of choices and variables in reloading.

280




280


280 Barnes XT recovered from armour plate in the boar hog I killed.

[rm1911]

Both rounds are based on the 30-03 case.



You lose!

Which was an attempt to copy the German 8mm round.

Ha

[ElvenSoul]

This is the last year for the Ruger#1A in .280Rem! Nice 7lb rifle.

[ckline73]

love my 270,,, love my 280,,, but based on bullet selection alone, I am seriously considering selling my 280 or going AI with it... might just start hunting with the 7mm mag and dropping everything else....

[Bhobbs]

Which was an attempt to copy improvement on the German 8mm round.

Ha

Fixed it for you.

[Danodog]

Vote for .270 if you are not a reloader.

[5.56Geo]

My choice would be/is the .270Win and I reload. There are two reasons; there is an abundance of brass everywhere and most sporting goods outfits carry a small verity of .280 or none at all. With the development of the 6.8SPC (.277) round there is now a lot more lighter bullet weights available.

I am currently working up a load with Barnes 85 grain TSX bullets that have a muzzle velocity of 3900+fps that will be devastating on any deer size game in California up to 200 yards. I also reload a Hornady Interlock 140grain that works great.

Which ever you choose you cant go wrong as far as performance. Just be sure to take in consideration the current political climate and future availability of brass and other reloading components. There is a lot more .270Win brass out floating around. ...not trying to got "tin foil hat" on you.

[pennstater]

Both rounds are based on the 30-03 case.

You lose!

Yeah, well, once the cartridge was "standardized" in 1906 and named the"30-06 Gov't., that is what other cartridges in that "family" were named. Just sayin'.
In other words:.270 Win., .280 Rem., .308 Win. etc.

[advocatusdiaboli]

Many thanks all Calgunners. It is a privilege to have access to the collective wisdom of such a great group of firearms aficionados.

Here is where I am:
I really value the advice you all have given. The calibers are so close that it's really just a personal preference—there is no wrong decision. And I can say that thanks to all of you weighing in.

I am currently waiting for my federal and Cal state tax refunds (they are quick to take it, slow to give it back) to buy a .280 bolt gun. Looking at Browning X-bolt and Savage 116 (the Savage has the edge because the barrel bedding is superior and I want an MOA or less out of the box if I can). Saiko is just too pricey though tempting. A friend is buying a Cooper .280 AI (oh I wish I had that kind of dough) but I'll stick with .280 and the 140 or 150 gr bullets until I reload. A man has to know his limitations.

Note to Randall: I might want you to do some custom work on the gun to increase it's accuracy and precision if you do that kind of thing and I think you do.