Which bullet (if any) would you trust at closer range

[FEENIX]

I just narrowed down a good load for 168 Berger HVLD in my 280, and I have found good load combos for 162 Amax and 150 ABLR before trying the HVLD. I have enjoyed playing around with each of them a bit at longer ranges, but I've read about several performance issues for all 3 at closer ranges and higher velocities.

Which of the 3 would you trust most for shots on game under 200 yards? I think I'm starting to come to the realization that most of my shots on game will be 350 yards or less and a high BC bullet may not be a better option than something like a partition or bonded bullet

No hands on experience with the .280 but plenty on other calibers/chamberings. IMHO, any of them will work but with varying result. Shot placement still remains the KEY.

I used the NP for many years before switching to NAB ... Berger is now my go to bullet source.

Having said, I'd go with the following order; 168 VLD Berger, 162 A-Max Hornady, and 150 Nosler ABLR ... but that's just me.

Cheers!

 

[Schnyd112]

My uncle has had great luck with the 162 amax from his .280. Anything from antelope to elk, sprinkling in a black bear or two. I don't know his longest shot, but he has taken shots inside 150 yards.

I am a firm believer in the plain accubonds. Everything I have seen shows then to be a robust bullet, decent bc, and still performs as expected. They suggest keepyou no impact velocities above 1800 fps, but that gets me past 600 yards. I shot one buck as he was getting out of bed at 60 yards with a 25-06, slightly quartering away. Nickel sized exit and he made stumbled for about 10 yards before falling.

 

[TOM H]

I just narrowed down a good load for 168 Berger HVLD in my 280, and I have found good load combos for 162 Amax and 150 ABLR before trying the HVLD. I have enjoyed playing around with each of them a bit at longer ranges, but I've read about several performance issues for all 3 at closer ranges and higher velocities.

Which of the 3 would you trust most for shots on game under 200 yards? I think I'm starting to come to the realization that most of my shots on game will be 350 yards or less and a high BC bullet may not be a better option than something like a partition or bonded bullet

I shot mulie buck here in Co about 200yd with 150gr ABLR in 270 no problem. My 280AI was factory 280 with 24" barrel and I shot elk to antelope with 154gr Hornady SP and I've been hunting with 160AB in 280AI. I've also shot Berger 168gr/180gr VLD ,ELD-X in the 280AI but haven't hunted with them.

I'd like to say every rifle I have is set for LR but since most tags here are draw and 4 choice on them, I may not draw season or unit first/second choice so may need couple rifles set for shorter yardage and I'll use standard type bullet or maybe partiton.

Well good luck

 

[Greyfox]

My 6.5 SS shooting 140 VLDs took 7 deer this fall. Big Canadian Alberta white tails and a few small white tails as well. Longest shot was 250 yards. Closest was 75 yards. Majority was in the 100 yard range. EVERY SINGLE DEER didn't take a step. All dropped right where they stood. I shot a whitetail with the .270 win and 130 gr VLD at 30 yards. That one had a pass through with a fist size exit.

I have had similar results with my 6.5x284 using both 140HVLD Bergers and 140 VLD JLK's(very similar design using the J4 jacket). I have taken dozens of antelope and deer(80# to +300# mulies) over a seven year period from 50 to in excess of 1000 yards. Most DRT, all dead within 50 yards. Generally a 1" entrance, 2" exit with everything in between, mush.