Loading for Rem 742 in 280 Rem

[roostersgt]

Just picked up a semi-auto rifle, Remington 742 Woodsman in 280 Rem. Anyone load for this? Any issues simply sticking to book loads and FL sizing '06 brass to 280 Rem?

[FLIGHT762]

You do know that the .280 Rem. case has a shoulder about .050" farther forward than the 30/06, 270. Win. and 25/06 Rem.?

This will cause you issues in converting 06 brass into 280. You will need to create a false shoulder on the 06 brass when forming. You need to know what you are doing.

There are ways to do it you can find on the net.

You may be better off just buying new 280 brass. That's what I would do.

[roostersgt]

You do know that the .280 Rem. case has a shoulder about .050" farther forward than the 30/06, 270. Win. and 25/06 Rem.?

This will cause you issues in converting 06 brass into 280. You will need to create a false shoulder on the 06 brass when forming. You need to know what you are doing.

There are ways to do it you can find on the net.

You may be better off just buying new 280 brass. That's what I would do.

Thanks for the info. Everything I've read so far has been that it used to be called the 7mm '06. Thought it would be easy enough just to FL size the '06 brass in 280 and trim, no?

[ar15barrels]

Everything I've read so far has been that it used to be called the 7mm '06.
Thought it would be easy enough just to FL size the '06 brass in 280 and trim, no?

Moving shoulders forward is not that simple.
If you want simple, buy some proper 280 brass.

[roostersgt]

Thanks. Will do. Didn't think it would be all that since the round has the '06 as a parent case. Will buy the 280 brass. Thanks for saving me the headaches and possible loss of fingers etc....

[rg1]

As with other Rem 742 semi-auto calibers, don't use a slow burning powder for the 280. Slow powders tend to over cycle the bolt and damage the bolt guide rails which will ruin the 742 rifle. Also the Rem 742 calibers tend to have very long maximum or more chambers. When sizing brass for your rifle measure fired cases and don't size the shoulders back too far or you'll get case stretching and possible separations. I have a 30-06 Rem 742. Life of the Rem 742 is said to be hundreds of rounds, not thousands. Use it as a once a year hunting rifle and it'll last a lifetime but use it as a blasting range rifle and it will only last a few hundred rounds, maybe 500 rounds. Love my 70's made but it is showing wear to the bolt rails.

[pennstater]

You may need to buy "Small Base" dies for use in your Woodsman. Some semi-auto's need those to full length size to properly chamber. Just a thought.

[roostersgt]

Good suggestions. Thanks to all.