Can't decide .280 or 7mm-08

kaiviti

kaiviti

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So I finally have enough money to buy my first hunting rifle. I've done a lot of reading and had settled on a Remington 700 Mountain LSS in a .280. I went to Wholesales sports today to purchase and found out they are on back order and they can't tell me when it would be in. In stock they have a 7mm-08 Rem 700 Mountain LSS and they also have a Browning X-bolt Hunter in a .280 Walnut, blued barrel.

From what I've read I would really prefer the .280 but I also wanted a Lam stock with stainless steel barrel

I was hoping some of you with more experience could weigh out some of the pros and cons of the two different rifles. If it makes a difference I am thinking of getting a leupold vx-3 3.5-10x40 duplex.

Looking for whatever you can tell me as I don't have any real life experience with either rifle. Also I hope to go tomorrow night which is Friday to buy it.

Thanks for whatever you can tell me.
 
I have a .280 in a ruger m77 and i have killed everything from gophers to bears and averything in between with it. I just recently bought a .280 AI in a Cooper jackson hunter. Sweetest gun ever. They just plain work awesome and with the right handloads they are deadly to way out there. Get a .280. Try getting a hold of Clay at Prophet river, bet he can hook you up.
 
I would stick with the 280 rem over the 7-08 for an all around cartridge has a little better specs. as far as rifles the x bolts are built very well good triggers nice feel I would shop some of the other outlets to see what they have in stock excellent choice in a scope.
 
go with the rifle you want. 7-08 only gives up 150 fps to the 280, not a big deal. You'll really like it. My first NEW centerfire was a 700 LSS mtn in 260 Rem.
 
todbartell said:
go with the rifle you want. 7-08 only gives up 150 fps to the 280, not a big deal. You'll really like it. My first NEW centerfire was a 700 LSS mtn in 260 Rem.
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shortaction said:
Buy the rifle you wanted. Otherwise you will always wish you had.
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I agree with the above. The cartridges you mention ballistically overlap, so just concentrate on choosing the model of rifle that most appeals to you.
 
GEt the mountain rifle LSS in 7-08. ANything you can kill with a 280, you can kill with a 7-08. I had the same rifle as Tod above and it was awesome, I should never have sold my 260 LSS.
 
I think you should get a Remington 700 Mountain LSS in a .280, since that is what you say you wanted. If you get something else, you will still want it. Be patient. Look around. If that is the gun you want in the caliber you want, wait until you find one. You may have it for the rest of your life. It might as well be the one you really want.

As for the caliber issue, the .280 does everything the 7m-08 does and a bit more (just a bit, but it is "better" at everything) Don't settle. Get what you really like, even if it takes some searching.
 
rral22 said:
As for the caliber issue, the .280 does everything the 7m-08 does and a bit more (just a bit, but it is "better" at everything) Don't settle. Get what you really like, even if it takes some searching.
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I agree with the above. The 7-08 starts to loose out in perf when your loading long slim heavy bullets in that short case.

I have a 280 in Ruger 77 & it's my most comfortable go to gun...& I have a few to choose from ;)
 
Whatever fits your body and feel comfy at the store. Both cartriges work well, you can load anything you want in them. SA has some benfits, LA has some also. But if it isn't comfortable for you it isn't the gun for you. Don't worry about speed of bullets. Animals don't have built it chronographs.
 
To each his own. Of the choices given, it would take me about ten seconds to decide on the Browning 280. To me, walnut and blue combine to make a dream rifle. I have to admit, though, that I have had nothing to do with a Browning X bolt.
Of the two calibre's, I would prefer the 280 to the 7-308. I happen to think the parent cartridge is superior in 30-06.
 
Kaiviti:
Are you a handloader? If you're not, then get the Mtn rifle in 30-06. Myself, I'd prefer that over the 7-08. I have an x-bolt in composite, blued. It is a very nice rifle and my most accurate rifle. Mine is in 7WSM. That is another one to consider if you're a handloader, and you really want .284 caliber. I've also got a blued and walnut 700 Mtn rifle in 280. It is a sweet gun to carry, and really not much recoil. If you're shooting the .280 with factory loads, it's kind of anemic, and you might as well be shooting the 7-08, but if you handload, then the difference is more like 200-300 fps.
Really, though, if you've got your heart set on something in particular, then don't compromise. Look harder and contact the dealers that are supporters of this site. And be patient. Have you tried Bass Pro?
If you want the rifle tonight, I'd say get the 700 mtn rifle in 30-06. If you're not a handloader and shoot factory ammo, then get it in 7-08, you'll never see the difference.
If you're willing to wait, then hold out for exactly what you want.
But if you do choose the x-bolt, you won't be disappointed. It is a very light and accurate rifle.
 
I too have a 280 in a Ruger. You have decided you want a 280 so get one. 3 years from now you will still be questioning yourself. You will keep the rifle for many years so get what you want.
 
So I want to thank everyone who took the time to reply. I have now purchased my first rifle. In the end I went with a Browning Xbolt Hunter in a .280

In my mind I wanted the laminate stock and stainless steel barrel but when I held both of them I just like the way the Xbolt felt in my hands better. The reason I went with a .280 is because it seemed like there were more options in terms of grains for factory ammo.

I feel I must also mention that I was helped by a fellow named Klaus from Wholesale Sports who actually saw my post on here and recognized me from the store the previous day. He then went above and beyond and when I returned today he had already spent time trying to locate the rifle I wanted. While I was in the store he was really patient and helpful while I was making my decisions. The help was really appreciated.

Also thanks to the member shortaction who took the time to do some checking online and PM'ed me with a rifle he found. Even though I didn't up going that route the extra effort is greatly appreciated.

Thanks again to everyone who replied, I'm very much looking forward to my first hunting season.
 
280

Great caliber, and a super gun. I have owned two 280'3 and they are sweet !! I also have an X-bolt in 270 WSM. You will not be disappointed with your choice !!
 
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