Justification for Existence: .280 Rem.

by
posted on May 13, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ammo2015_fs.jpg (2)

Certainly among the cartridges most deserving of being the subject of “Justification for Existence,” the .280 Rem., I mean 7 mm Rem. Express, never mind, the .280 Rem. could, uniquely, be considered a “niche” and an “all-around” cartridge-all at the same time. For many riflemen, the .280 Rem. offers minimal (if any) appreciable increase in performance over the field-proven .270 Win. and .30-’06 Sprg. chamberings. Furthermore, ammunition in the latter chamberings is universally available and, generally, less costly, too. It’s also worthy of note that newly designed bullets and loads are first offered in .270 Win. and .30-’06 Sprg. and then, sometimes, the technology trickles down to the .280 Rem. That being said, there’s a dedicated following that extols the virtues of the .280 Rem. and places it among the cartridge greats. The cartridge’s proponents generally attribute its greatness to a large selection of 0.284”-diameter bullets-from 110 grs. to 180 grs.-with remarkably high ballistic coefficients, which it propels to respectable velocities. To them, this gives the .280 Rem. an edge over the elder cartridges. So, what’s your take on the .280 Rem.?   

Latest

Stenzel SAK 21 01
Stenzel SAK 21 01

The Stenzel Industries SAK-21: A Uniquely American AK

More than an American-made AK, Stenzel Industries calls the SAK-21 “a modular, purpose-built firearm, developed to meet the demands of special operations forces and professional shooters.”

Review: Browning Citori 825 Field

For hunting and sporting use, Browning’s latest Citori 825 Field shotgun is more than up to the task.

The Armed Citizen® April 27, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Growth in Youth Shooting Sports Signals Bright Future for the 2nd Amendment

Judging by the record number joining clubs and teams, mass-media’s disinformation and political rhetoric are losing their luster with today’s youth, who are making time to head to the range.

Go-Bag Essentials: 5 Key Products for Your Escape Kit

These five products will help you remain comfortable and safe should you need to bug out in a hurry due to natural or man-made disasters.

10 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About The Smith & Wesson Model 29

Without a doubt, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 is one of the 20th century’s most shootable, collectible "superstar" revolvers. Here are a few little-known facts about the gun.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.