Author Topic: .280 vs. 30-06? (Read 2891 times)

22rimfan · « **on:** November 10, 2005, 05:56:59 PM »

Ok everyone, I am not trying to start a fight or anything, just looking for information. I am really considering getting a 280 Handi rifle and was wondering how it would compare to my Rem. 700 30-06, not the rifle just the cartridge. How well does the 280 shoot? Is it any improvement over the ol '06 or are they simmilar? What are the pros and cons of the 280? Is there any advantage to having the 280? I have heard that the 280 is enough gun for anything in the U.S., but the same is true for the '06. I didn't want to compare the round to the 270 since I have no experiance with it. I do not reload yet, but should be set up for it before the end of the year. Like I said I'm just looking for info. Any responses would be appreciated. Thanks.
Aaron

victorcharlie · « **Reply #1 on:** November 11, 2005, 01:17:46 AM »

Probably not much difference between the 2......and thinking off the top of my head, believe the 30.06 to have 5 "pro's"...

1. 30.06 factory cartridges are probably one of the 3 most common centerfire rounds available. You can find them anywhere that sells ammo.

2. 30.06 factory loads are available in a large variety of weights, thus, something for most every situation.

3. 30.06 can shoot a heavier bullet........220 grain commonly available while the 280 a 175 grain is the largest I've seen on the shelves locally.

4. Military surplus ammunition is available at low cost for the 06.

5. Because of the above, if you don't handload, the 30.06 will be cheaper to shoot so you can practice more with it for the same money.

Darn.......I've about talked myself into a 30.06!!!!! The old round really has a lot to offer doesn't it?

jro45 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 11, 2005, 05:28:48 AM »

I have one and everything you said is true about the 30/06.

dharvey · « **Reply #3 on:** November 11, 2005, 06:07:18 AM »

I have both and prefer the .280 due to a slightly lighter recoil and flatter trajectory translating to higher downrange velocity and energy. Other than that, there's not a whole lot of difference. Besides, I like being a little different. Everybody and there dog has an '06. :grin:

longwinters · « **Reply #4 on:** November 11, 2005, 10:40:00 AM »

If you compare the 270, 280 and 30-06 shooting the same weight bullets there isnt a pinch of difference between them velocity wise. The 06 will shoot heavier bullets but then how often are you going to shoot a heavier bullet than the 180? If you reload the 280 is a fantastic caliber. If not, and you want to be able to use a wide variety of ammo, then go with the 06. The 270 also has a lot of ammo out there but it is all in 130 and 150 gn. Of course there is nothing wrong with those bullet choices if that is what you want.

Personally I love the 280. But the 1st one I ever got was a great shooter so I am kind of attached. I do think they have a bit less recoil than the 06, dont know why except perhaps the smaller diameter bullet. But in a handi rifle I would get the lowest recoil caliber I could that would fit what I wanted to hunt with it.

Long

victorcharlie · « **Reply #5 on:** November 11, 2005, 11:20:49 AM »

Without a doubt, the .280 is a great round and I'll have one in the future......I'd much rather have a .280 than a 7mm mag for my needs........however, the versitility of the 30.06 is unmatched by any cartridge past or present IMHO.......There has probably been more math and science applied to the 30.06 over it's 100 year history than any other round.......I'd expect there is little new to be learned about this great round.....yea, everyone has one, and that's part of the reason everyone needs one...........It's well known and widely loved........

kombi1976 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 12, 2005, 01:34:43 AM »

Quote from: victorcharlie

4. Military surplus ammunition is available at low cost for the 06.

Where can you find mil-surp for 30-06 these days?

Would've thought it would've been gone years ago!
As far as 280 goes, it's an excellent round more flexible than 270 really.

longwinters · « **Reply #7 on:** November 12, 2005, 02:53:09 AM »

I don't know if it is mil-surp but Cabelas and other large retailers sell 30-06, 308 and 223 ammo bulk quite cheap out of their catalogs and websites.

Long.

kombi1976 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 12, 2005, 03:39:26 AM »

Quote from: longwinters

I don't know if it is mil-surp but Cabelas and other large retailers sell 30-06, 308 and 223 ammo bulk quite cheap out of their catalogs and websites.

Long.

Sure, they do, but it isn't mil-surp.

Ramrod · « **Reply #9 on:** November 12, 2005, 04:35:45 AM »

I believe there is still some mil-surp ammo available for the .30-06, check ads in "Shotgun News" and similar publications.

kombi1976 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 12, 2005, 10:09:54 PM »

What is it?
South American stuff?

Ramrod · « **Reply #11 on:** November 13, 2005, 01:05:15 AM »

I have seen Korean ammo for sale. The thing about the '06, though, is much of the military ammo is loaded with corrosive primers. American made ammo is readily identified by headstamp, as to what primers were used. I don't know how one would tell with foriegn made.

High Brass · « **Reply #12 on:** November 14, 2005, 03:01:09 AM »

I think for most applications you'll see little to no difference with the 270,280, or 30-06. If you don't handload, the 270 or 30-06 would probably be a better choice since ammo is more available and there are more options. I have both the 280 and 30-06 and don't favor one over the other.

22rimfan · « **Reply #13 on:** November 14, 2005, 02:05:35 PM »

Thanks to everyone for their responses. I was just wondering if there would be any advantage to me getting the 280 to go along with my 06. I guess I was wanting to try something a little different, everyone in my family shoots either a 30-06 or a 44 Mag. I may still get the 280, but it may be after Christmas. Till then I guess the deer and wild hog will have to fear me and my '06. Again thanks.
Aaron

kombi1976 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 14, 2005, 06:12:08 PM »

The truth is that the 280 is the capabilities of the 270 Win with a 7mm bullet.
The extra 2" to 4" gained by buying the 26" barreled Handi-Rifle in this cartridge will really give you a knee up if you are reloading this cartridge.
The other strength is at the lower bullet weight end of the spectrum.
Light 7mm bullets aren't really appropriate for the 7mm Rem Mag but the 280 isn't too much, is very accurate and in the upper end it's not far behind of the Rem Mag.
In all honesty it's a handloader's delight because of the huge range of bullets.
I'd say the 280 Rem has more over all finesse than the 30-06 even though it may not have the clobber at the top end.
If you're interested in some REAL fun though, get a 280 Ackley Imp. :wink: :twisted: