.280 or 6.5x284 for elk

[David Emerson]

Question for the guru's. My .280 load gives 1846 FPS with 1211 ft lbs at 450 yards. I'm shooting a 160 gr partition at 2635 FPS. My 6.5x284 load gives 2092 FPS with 1360 ft lbs at 450 yards. I'm shooting. 140 gr accubond at 2873 FPS. Since the 6.5x284 has more velocity and energy should I use this for my elk hunt? I know some of you will say I need a larger caliper but this is what I have to work with. Please give me your opinions. Thanks!

Be aware that there is more in a 280. Saami pressures were set soft because of the pumps and autos. In a 24 inch model 70 I am getting 3000fps with a 150 with 7828sc. And accurate. Could an elk tell any difference between them? Probably not.

 

[Tikkashooter]

I'd stick with the 280 but try a bullet other than A partition if you expect long range. Dropping to 1800 fps at 450 is insanely terrible performance for a .284 bullet, my 7mm08 with 160 at 2700 mv is doing 2050 at 450 yards and my 7 saum shooting 180s at 2830 is still doing 2400 at 450.

 

[Brtrout2]

I shoot a 165 Berger in my 280 at 2980 . I would get the 280 performing better.

 

[lyle2231]

I've always been partial to the.280. In a pinch you can find store bought ammunition. I've not seen the 6.5-.284 on a shelf.

 

[ddavis5030]

I shoot both, and dearly love them! If you're humping the mountains, or riding horseback, or motorized vehicle, it depends on which one you're most comfortable with carrying and shooting!

 

[Ace Quackhunter]

Question for the guru's. My .280 load gives 1846 FPS with 1211 ft lbs at 450 yards. I'm shooting a 160 gr partition at 2635 FPS. My 6.5x284 load gives 2092 FPS with 1360 ft lbs at 450 yards. I'm shooting. 140 gr accubond at 2873 FPS. Since the 6.5x284 has more velocity and energy should I use this for my elk hunt? I know some of you will say I need a larger caliper but this is what I have to work with. Please give me your opinions. Thanks!

Both will work. I would choose the one that your shoot the best. I have a 6.5 X 284 set up for matches and it will punch paper at 1,000 yards all day long. I now have three rifle set up for Elk, 338 Mag, 7mm Mag. and the 264 Mag, but I prefer the 264 its the one I shoot the best.

 

[dogz]

Either one will work. I would make my decision based on which rifle I shoot better and which one will best fit my needs. Think about ease of carry while in the mountains, stability when shooting longer ranges or even how weather resistant. Anyway, good luck and shoot a big one.

Here, this is your answer!!

Yeepers, the BG (ballistic gack) that people like to toss around like it means anything...........forget about Ft lbs, forget about kinetic energy....!

Get in shape, be intimate with your rifle, have great gear and get in better shape. Have your PMA (positive mental attitude) level high this being if you're doing a DIY it may well be incredibly physically and mentally challenging to you.

Have fun, get in shape and get after it

 

[5gauss]

Either one will work. I would make my decision based on which rifle I shoot better and which one will best fit my needs. Think about ease of carry while in the mountains, stability when shooting longer ranges or even how weather resistant. Anyway, good luck and shoot a big one.

Yes, your chpice......either....

 

[Kaptoe]

I own both. I think the 280 brings slightly more punch but both are fine. Per other posters your velocity seems light on the 280

 

[Flintlock]

I would go with the .280. I drew an Elk Tag and had a Encore .280 rifle barrel made, 26" and 1/9 twist. I built a load with the 140grn Accubond, H4831SC powder and Fed 210 primer. I'm getting 3000-3010 fps average at 60°. I took a nice bull at 405 yards with it in 2010 and loaned it to a couple of guys that was going to Colorado to hunt elk. They took two elk, one cow at 205 yards and a small bull at 300 yards.
All dropped within 10-15 yards with good hits. I did take a small cow elk with a .260 XP100 a few years back but it was only 140 yards using a 140grn Accubond. It did the job but she wasn't too big.
I say stick with the .280 and check your calculations or run it though the chrono again just to check.
Mike

 

[montana west]

The 280 with a 160 should do 2850 or better mine will do 2900 with r=25 26 easy of course remington always loaded the factory 200 fps slower becauld always use a 7mm rem mag.. for elk you talking about an animal that weights is 850 #s some company should load the 280 with the box saying modern bolt action rifles ONLY. With the same pressure the 280 should give the same vel with a 160 as the 270 win with a 150. as the 280 case will hold a bit more powder , because the body of the case is a bit longer with a bit shorter neck as both cases are 64mm in length.

 

[Redslug]

I shot this guy with 6.5 creedmore at 650 yard one shoot and dropped like sack of potatoes 143gr Hornady precision rounds

 

[Overbore 28]

Flip a coin. The last elk I shot was in his bed at 300 yds with a 6.5x284. He never stood up after the 140g Berger entered his ribs and turned his lungs to jelly. Pick your favorite and start hunting.

 

[del2les]

Either cartridge is capable, so the rest is up to you. But I do have to say, your 280 load sounds a little anemic.