Author Topic: Thoughts on the .280 Handi (Read 590 times)

PA90Ranger · « **on:** February 01, 2005, 10:27:34 AM »

I currently have a .223 handi and I plan on buying another barrel for it sometime this summer. I am very seriously conisdering a .280 barrel since I hear it has alot of the same charactersitics of a 7mm Rem. I'm just looking for thoughts and feedback on accuracy and recoil. I do not reload so what is the best factory load that they shoot? Thanks for any help.

Alex

handirifle · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2005, 12:14:14 PM »

Speaking of the 280, could some of you 280 owners tell me the outside dimensions of the barrel at 22" and 24"?

Brett · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2005, 12:40:51 PM »

I love mine. It will place 5 140gr. Remington Core-lokts into a 1-1/4" group. That's all I need.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2005, 12:44:55 PM »

See'n how I haven't shot my .280 yet, this is about the only thing I can offer about it! .750" @ 22" and .710" @ 24".... :wink:

James B · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2005, 12:55:47 PM »

Mine is an older one but it shoots very well. Recoil is noticable but not fierce. I have not taken time to work up a load suited just to this gun but I have used two loads that work well. One is the 120 grain Sierra Pro-Hunter and the other the Nosler 140 grain Ballistic tip. I shoot both about 2800 fps. All the deer I have hit with it so far dropped in their tracks.

allcamo · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2005, 01:57:12 PM »

I just got a .280 Handi also. I shot a box of 140 corelokts out of it and managed about a 2" 5 shot group at 100 yards. The only thing i did to it was give it a good cleaning and polish the bore with some JB. I wasn't excited about the grouping but it was really cold that day (15 deg. f) and my shooting finger was numb! :wink: I plan on reloading for this gun anyway so I'm sure i can get those groups tighter. I still have not decided on how to "free float" the barrel, some say rubber o-ring, some say a gasket made from a coffee can lid. I'll do some experimenting to see if one works better than the other.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #6 on:** February 01, 2005, 02:26:48 PM »

Sorry I can't give you those measurements buddy, my .280 Handi barrel("ThunderBoomer") is only 19" long!!!....<><.... :-D

wtxbadger · « **Reply #7 on:** February 01, 2005, 03:09:40 PM »

Recoil is not bad at all. I have had decent 1.5" groups with Remington 150 grain core lokts at 100 yards. Have not had a chance to try other ammo yet, and have not tried floating the barrel.

PA90Ranger · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2005, 03:19:56 PM »

How does the .280 match up with the 30-06 in terms of accuracy at 100yds. Most of my shots are generally inside of 150yds so I'm just tryin to get an idea which would best suit me. Thanks for your help so far.

Alex

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #9 on:** February 01, 2005, 04:15:20 PM »

My 280 is my go anywhere,shoot anything,at any distance gun. It never fails when I put the 45 70 barrel on,I will allways have a 250 to 300 yd shot at a very large boar hog and have to pass on it. Mine likes the 150 gr. Corloks at 2975 fps. and 1.25" to 1.50" at 100 yds.The 26" barrel helps the velocity to slighty beat the 30 06 and the smaller dia. bullet helps it shoot a little flatter. The extra weight of the barrel helps in the recoil department,and is easier to hold steady on the long shots. As you have probably guessed by now I really like the 280 . Digger

handirifle · « **Reply #10 on:** February 01, 2005, 05:35:42 PM »

Thanks Quick! :grin: