.280 or 6.5x284 for elk

[Hand Skills]

I've found the 'use .270 win load data' tip to be spot on with my .280rem if I go one bullet weight down. This compensates for the slightly larger expansion ratio in the .284 bore. For example, the OP is loading 160gr partitions with 55g H4831. This is a max load for a 150gr partition in the .270 win. (Actually over the max for a 160gr in .270win...)

A lot of guys have said rework the load, but I am not sure that is necessary.

I would expect that load (55gr H4831) to be making 2800-2900fps in my .280rem which is why I suggested double checking with chrony, and/or establishing a 'dead on' zero and then measuring the drops at 450-500yd.

 

[ducky]

WRT 270 for 280. Good advice but not surprised. Both are 30-06 hybrid and there data's are in most cases very similar. (within.5gr) when loading 140-160gr.

I think the .280 data has gotten better over the years thanks to the internet, but I'm showing my age. Most of the manuals when I started reloading showed 150-200 fps difference for the same weight bullets and same powders between the two.

 

[26Reload]

Both rifles are capable of what you're looking to do...
I wouldn't hesitate to whack an elk with my 65284's...at 2950fps
And wouldn't hesitate on an elk with my 280ai at that distance...
All these guys tout the fps of "their rifles"...not yours...pushing their limits maybe,isn't in your rifle...
My 280ai is a rechamber of an older mountain rifle...22" noodle barrel....shot 2630fps with 168lrab....
Anything faster ate up my hat brim....
First two shots touch at 100yd...next one is,always,close enough for a follow up if needed.....
Pack whichever you want to shoot an elk with....wont matter...

 

[C S Fever]

Here is another option, if you are interested.
Petersen is now making 280 A.
I. brass which is a big improvement over previously available brass. You could punch your chamber out to an A. I. and have near 7 mag performance. If you dont mind fire forming the A. I. brass, an even better option is the 280 Sherman. It will run a 175-180 class bullet up to 3100' with a 26" barrel. You likely have a 22" so with RL26, and the like, you could still run 2950-3000'. It would be an inexpensive job with big results!
shermanwildcatcartridges. com

Just was finishing up load development yesterday on my Savage 110 ultralite in 280 AI and it's going to be a great hard packing rifle. Loaded 168 Berger's on 59.5 gr of RL19 at 2950. Photo below is on plate at 300 yards wind was was quartering behind R to L at approximately 10mph slightly gusty. Went with RL 19 because of short barrel and previous experience with it in my 280 Rem. This load should deliver the goods on an elk! I agree with previous and do at least the AI you won't regret it!

 

[Bob Wright]

Yeah I agree. Both 4831&4831SC are slower burning the Both IMR/H4350. Well at least in all 6 of my load data manuals. I just happen to have the Berger one here at the bed side (for some light bedtime reading). The latter is 111/112 and 4831/sc is 123 (slower).

Yes, you're correct.
Got it backwards. Good catch.

 

[Wylie1965]

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!

I stumbled upon the 6.5x284 four years ago while elk hunting with a group in Colorado. Shooting one at the range and then during a hunt convinced me that the downrange accuracy and stopping power is beyond impressive. I use the Berger classic hunters. 140 gr. I know my grandfather is probably turning over in his grave. But I'm about to pick up my 6x6 Mount, and I couldn't be happier.

 

[Patton243]

280 gets my vote. I have one and Peterson makes brass for it now too. I use my 280 from Groundhogs up to White Tail Deer. And the 7mm will be a better bullet for Elk over a 6.5 in your case. Also, the 280 is going to get more mileage out of the barrel than the 6.5x284. The 6.5 is a great cartridge, but I think the 280 is better for what you want to do.

 

[Starlite]

280 gets my vote. I have one and Peterson makes brass for it now too. I use my 280 from Groundhogs up to White Tail Deer. And the 7mm will be a better bullet for Elk over a 6.5 in your case. Also, the 280 is going to get more mileage out of the barrel than the 6.5x284. The 6.5 is a great cartridge, but I think the 280 is better for what you want to do.

I respectfully disagree.
by his numbers he certainly isn't going to be burning his throat up any faster on either gun. Besides If you know where your throat is and check it every 300-500 rds you can continue to get great results (for hunting) as long as you can continue to adjust your COAL.

As to the merits of one cartridge to another well, you don't need a bigger cartridge for a bigger animal ( for almost all North American animals ) Nor is a statement of his 280 is better then his 6,5x284. It's all situational which I do realize your comment is trying to directed towards. However, by the OPs own numbers his 6.5x284 has more energy going into the animal; thus great penetration and truer terminal projectile characteristics (likely minimal differences but minimal none the less)
Im a little confused too. Are you trying to say you prefer 7mm over 6.5 regardless of the cartridge? In that case.....well there's always room for debate. Just my 2c.

 

[wbm]

.280 or 6.5x284 for elk

Yes.

 

[olyeller]

IME, my 280AI shoots very close to 7MM Remmag velocities. Like many others have stated in this thread, your 280 REM load seems slow. I shoot 160gr Sierra GameKings as well as 162gr SST out of it up to 3045fps.

Nosler shows over 2900fps with MagPro and the 160gr Partition in the standard 280REM

I would go with the 280 if I were in your shoes, provided it shoots well and you are doing your part consistently.

I saw a fellow pump 4 180gr 30-06 into an elk cow one time. We got him to stop shooting and wait for her to fall over. Shot placement is what it is all about.

 

[dogz]

4 Sure placement is key

We've shot plenty of them with Swifts and 22/250. Just doink them behind the front and it's game over. Wrecking the lungs is like taking the battery out of the old F150. Things just stop when it happens.

Killing only becomes rocket science once we choose to make it so....

But, it is fun to cuss and discuss

 

[Winfwt338-06]

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!

Hey Okla,
I've had a bromance with the 280 since 1991 after purchasing a Rem 700 mtn rifle in 280 and harvesting several critters. Personally, I'd drop to 150 or 140 gr in accubond in 280, should be able to get close to 3000 fps with 140 gr. Equal weight, equal velocity, bigger hole, no brainer to me. Remember my bias!

 

[keithcandler]

Nosler manual #4 shows the 160g partition with a load of 58.5g of IMR 7828, Fed 210, at 2930. Amazing accuracy in my 700, shot this load for years.

 

[Oklahunter1]

Thanks for all the input! I am going to recheck my velocity on the .280, if it Is the same I'll try the Imr 7828 as I have 160 gr partitions but no bullets any lighter. If not satisfied with the 7828 I'll buy some 140 gr and try that. I really appreciate the help!