280rem vs 7-08

[tgschu18]

Looked in the archives and really did'nt get my question answered.  I already own a handi 243 and absolutely love it.  People ask me why I want a single shot,  I shoot better knowing that I only have one shot.  My question is I am looking to get a barrel for big game hunting and was wondering should I go with the 280 or 7-08?  I reload my own shells or I could shoot factory.  Thanks for the help, awesome guns and awesome web site!!  Keep up the good work.

[canon6]

This is the same argument ie: 30-06 vs 308,Speer #13
7mm08 145 gr SBT  51 gs RL 19 for 2933 out of a 24inch barrel
280      145  "   "     57 "   "   "    "  2973  "    "  " "   "    "

I have never had a 280 but have had 7mm08, they are both great rounds   hth   Doug

[PartsMan]

The biggest difference is the 22" vs 26" barrel.
By the way my 7mm-08 has DROPPED two white tails this year.

[Mac11700]

The biggest difference is the 22" vs 26" barrel.
By the way my 7mm-08 has DROPPED two white tails this year.

Actually there is another major difference between them...The 280 is downloaded to lower pressures & velocities unless your buying HV or HE loads...the 7-08 isn't and is pretty much loaded up.....same too for the 308 vs 30-06 arguments...The 280 can do a-lot more in a Handi than the 7-08 can...due to it's much larger case capacity...and still remain with in the pressures for the case & for the Handi rifle...Factory ammo it is about equal though...so if you don't reload...you won't be able to take advantage of this...

My question is I am looking to get a barrel for big game hunting and was wondering should I go with the 280 or 7-08?

...Big Game hunting...well...if your only talking about whitetail...the 7-08 will work well for you...same as it has for Partsman and others.....it is a great round for this...If your talking about something larger...then I would opt for the 280...and invest in some of the premium ammo available for it...or reload for it...Since your talking about a Handi rifle which isn't limited like a bolt gun for over all cartridge  length...you will be able to seat the bullet out much further...which increases case capacity and lowers pressures...



Mac

[jwv]

About 2 months ago I bought a 7mm-08 and I found it to be a very accurate round. With Remington 140 grain core-locks I got 3 shots slightly in under 1" MOA. I tried a box of 139 grain light magnum Hornadys and got 3 shots nearly touching each other.As for recoil I find it to be about the same as my 25-06, no problem at all. The 7mm-08 is hard to beat, but you did mention  big game. If you are talking elk the 280 would be a better choice in IMHO. Good luck,  Jack

[Ditchdigger]

I've had the Rem. factory 150's go through the chrono at 2975 avg.in the 26" handi barrel.The 139 gr. Hornady's went through at 3100 +fps.with a nearly full house load of Rel. 22. The 26" barrel really make's the 280 shine.  Digger

[Graybeard]

There is NO BETTER round for white tail deer hunting than the 7-08. The .280 will add perhaps 100 fps velocity with most bullets in barrels of same length. Does that make it better? No but it doesn't make it worse either. You'll find a better assortment of factory loads for the 7-08 but if you reload it really matters not. Get the one you want/like best and regardless of which you chose you made the right choice.

[snmann]

Why not just get a .308??

1)  Cheap factory ammo
2)  You can reload it to kick like a 7mm-08 or you reload it heavy for that extra thump


I had a 7mm-08 but was going broke on ammo.  I now have a 30-30 barrel & can get the Federal Blue box ammo at Cabela's for $7.99

[tgschu18]

Thanks guys probably will go with the 280. 

[MSP Ret]

good choice, I have 2 and they are great!!!....<><....

[gr8ful]

if you handload the 280 gets the edge, but if you stick to factory loads there is no practical difference. good luck

[quickdtoo]

but if you stick to factory loads there is no practical difference. good luck

That's not true, specially with Rem ammo, the 26" barrel of the 280 will net 2975fps with the 150gr Rem ammo, the 22" 7mm-08 will never get close to that.

Tim

http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/ballistics/comparative_ballistics_results.aspx?data=R7M081*R280R3*R280R1

I've had the Rem. factory 150's go through the chrono at 2975 avg.in the 26" handi barrel.The 139 gr. Hornady's went through at 3100 +fps.with a nearly full house load of Rel. 22. The 26" barrel really make's the 280 shine.  Digger