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

Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1
Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1

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.

Packable Punch: Discreet Ways to Carry More Firepower

While folding and takedown firearms chambered for full-power rifle cartridges may be niche defensive tools, the dark situations in which they shine brightest aren’t going away anytime soon.

Southpaw Solution: Ruger Introduces Left-Handed American Gen II Ranch Rifles

Traditionally, Ruger has offered a range of left-handed rifle models for the southpaws among us, and now, the company's Gen II American rifles are available in a left-handed variant, starting with the Ranch models.

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

The Armed Citizen® April 24, 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.

Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance

When most shooters think of rifling-twist rates, they mostly think of rifles with their high BC projectiles, but the rpm of a bullet also plays a part in terminal performance.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.