280 rem popularity

Longwalker said:
Neither the .280 or the .270 should exist IMHO. the 7x46 predates them both, and got the concept right from the beginning. The 7x64 has always been loaded to full pressure and speed unlike the .280, and did not suffer from a "re-naming" attempt just to get attention. The 7x64 shoots 140 grain bullets a touch faster than a .270, and can be loaded with a better selection of bullets for larger heavier game, unlike the .270 which is limited to 160 grains max. I have two 7x64s, never owned a .270 or .280 but have used some. They're good, just not as good.
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While almost all things you said above are true, a 160Gr Nosler Partition @ 2800fps out of a 270 vs a 280/7x64 160-175gr Partitions @ 2700-2800fps will kill just as good on large game like Moose and elk. Its just a matter of preference when choosing from these calibers. 270 vs 280 is like comparing Chevy Vs Ford...both will do the job.
 
Jim Carmichael spoke highly of the 280 Rem in his book, the "Book of the Rifle". For those of you who remember Jim Carmichael I believe he once wrote for "Field and Stream".
 
I remember first reading about the 280 in the 1966 Gun digest I studied cover to cover when I was 12 and decided then that it was the best overall calibre to have. Mentioned that to a friend several years ago and last year, nearly 50 years after deciding I wanted a 280 one day, he gave me one, a nice custom rifle on a Brno Mauser 98 action. Yes, good calibre to have. I don't handload so I use Federal Fusion cartridges with 140 grain bullets..
 
interesting comments to the 280 rem I have a sako AV in 280 rem I was thinking of flogging but maybe ill hold on to it and give it another go.
 
This year will be the 50 th year I've hunted. I've used a wide variety of calibres but have always had a "go to" rifle. To start that was a 30-06 (never a bad choice). I switched to a 270 when Tikka started to market rifles in Canada. I picked up a Ruger 77 in 280. With good handloads and 139 gr Hornady's that rifle shoots as flat as a 270 and hits like a 30-06. I had a chance to pick up another Tikka M-65 that had the barrel ruined. I promptly rebarreled that rifle to 280. It does everything the Ruger would do plus the added convienience of a detachable magazine. That rifle is topped with a 3-9 Leupold and has been my go to rifle for the last 20 + yrs. If I could only have 1 rifle the 280 Tikka would be it.
 
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