7-08 vs 280 in Handi

[Handi 7 Point]

Im thinking about getting a barrel for my 45/70.  I am interested in the 7-08, however I wondered if I was better off with the 280 since there is 4 inches more of barrel.  Aren't the 2 calibers the same diameter (.284)?  Are they interchangeable (I can put 7-08 ammo in a 280, vice versa)?  100% of my shots are under 200 yards and 98% of my shots are under 80 yards.  I'm looking for an excellent 300-350 yard gun with light recoil.  One day I may be invited to hunt where there is a longer range of shooting.  I need help making up my mind.  What performance/ammo from the market are you getting?  Thanks for the replies!

[dpe.ahoy]

They are the same caliber, but way different cartridges.  7mm-08 is based on the 308 case and the 280 is based on the 30-06 case with the shoulder moved forward.  NEVER try to fire a 7mm-08 in a 280 chamber.  The 280 will be faster due to more powder as well as the longer barrel. the 7mm-08 does it's job very well and with little kick.  It and the 7x57 Mauser kill better than the paper stats would lead you to believe.  I have both in several different rifles, and there isn't much the 280 will do that the 7mm-08 won't do.  DP

[Handi 7 Point]

Thanks for info.  Sounds as if the 7-08 would do what I want.  On paper, is there anyone who has shot factory ammo that can share groups and drop under 400 yds.  Personally, I can never imagine myself shooting past 300yds.

[krod47nw]

I have a soft spot for the 280.  It is one of my favorite rounds, but I have to agree with the others.  The 7mm-08 will fit your needs better.  You said all of your shots are less than 200yds, and most are less than 80yds.  I don't think you will find any advantage to the 280, or the longer barrel at these ranges.  At the longer ranges 300-350 the 280 will have a slight advantage, but more due to the longer barrel.  The 280 really doesn't shine unless you handload for it.  The factory loads are somewhat mild.  7mm-08 ammo is easier to find. 
Kevin

[Handi 7 Point]

Does most everyone use the 139 or 140 grain ammo for the 7-08?  I am strictly a whitetail deer hunter.

[cbourbeau32]

My Handi 7mm 08 is very accurate with 140 grain bullet handloads. I don't know how it compares to the 280 at distances above 300 yards but it should have sufficient energy to cleanly take a whitetail at those distances. Charlie

[dpe.ahoy]

I've got 3-7mm-08s and 3-280 rem., and all of them shoot the 139-140 bullets good.  The Nosler ABs and Hornady IBs shot nice small groups in all of them.  One may prefer the ABs and another may like the IBs better, but over all they shoot good.  For whitetail, I wouldn't spend to much money of high class bullets any of the core-cup bullets will do the job fine, just pick the one your gun likes.  DP

[BBF]

In case you are concerned with the 7mm-08 at close range causing a lot of meat damage you could look at the Speer 145 gr Grand Slam or the 160 gr Mag Point if you have some way of re loading.

[tn_junk]

My first Handi was a .280. Sold the barrel because I had a Howa .270.
The .280 was accurate, but I agree with everyone that the 7mm-08 will do
almost anything the .280 will with a lot less powder and kick.

alan

[LaOtto222]

I really like the 280 because you can load it down to 7mm-08 levels or up to near 7mm mag levels. But for the kind of shooting you are going to be doing, you will never need the near 7mm Mag levels. Since you do not reload - it is all the more reason to get a 7mm-08 because they are more readily found than the 280 and overall -cheaper to buy. Good Luck and Good Shooting

[Jamison]

If you don't reload, its a no-brainer to go with the 7-08. All factory .280 loads are light, as it was chambered in the Remington 7400 and the SAAMI loads are spec'd for a gas operated semi-auto. There are many GOOD 7-08 factory loads, with the 140 gr bullet dominating the pack. I have used the 7-08 for several years and killed a doe last year with mine at 325 yards. She was a bang/flop kill, and didn't even kick. It will more than fill your needs as a 300 yard rifle. I have killed deer and antelope with my .308 out to 604 yds, and wouldn't hesitate to do the same with my 7-08.

[gldprimr]

I've personally used both the 7mm-08 and 280 in bolt action rifles.  Loved the 280 but have to tell you that my M70 Fwt in 7mm-08 is without a doubt my favorite hunting rifle of all that I've owned.

I personally load 120 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips for my 7mm-08 though I've killed deer with 140 gr bullets as well.

Do yourself a favor and go with the 7mm-08.  Less recoil, less barrel to lug around and I've not yet shot a deer that did not drop in its tracks...

[tykempster]

If you do reload I'd definitely get the 280.  4 more inches of barrel=100 fps, and 280 should already get 200 fps more than the 7mm-08.  And you can always load down a bit to 7mm-08 levels.

[quickdtoo]

Do yourself a favor and go with the 7mm-08.  Less recoil, less barrel to lug around and I've not yet shot a deer that did not drop in its tracks...

The 26" barreled .280 is shorter than most 22" barreled bolt rifles, so that makes it a moot issue for the most part, while not as handy as a 22" Handi, IMO it's not cumbersome either. 

Tim