Looking at building a lightweight rifle for when I go guiding. Rifle is rem 700 in 280 rem with 22" barrel. Yes I do reload. I was thinking maybe a 20-24" barrel about a #6 contour. I have that idea in my head and that's not the problem. The problem I'm having is what darn cartridge do I go with. I really like the 280 and think it's great for all around game. So what do you guys think would be the best cartridge for that? Was almost thinking 6.5x284 6.5-06 good ol 30-06 or stay with 280. Give me your inputs.
what do you think the best long action large rifle case is?
- Thread starter bear cat
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I've always had a .270, and never thought I needed anything bigger or smaller. The .280 is a TINY bit better because of bullet selection for the reloader, and ballistics advantages (B.C. and S.D.). The 6.5-06 is the next step down from the 270, very similar to the 25-06. (6.5mm vs 6.8mm vs 7.0mm / .257 vs .277 vs .284.)
Unless your looking for something unique, or plan to shoot really long distance, the 30-06 is the safest bet. It has the most bullet variety, brass and data available for reloading, you can buy factory ammo everywhere, and easier to sell/trade eventually.
Since your already into the .280, you should stick with it. If I every re barrelled my 270 for something different it would just be longer, heavier with fluting and muzzle thread, just like your talking about. I already have everything and it's ideal for the big game hunting I do.
Unless your looking for something unique, or plan to shoot really long distance, the 30-06 is the safest bet. It has the most bullet variety, brass and data available for reloading, you can buy factory ammo everywhere, and easier to sell/trade eventually.
Since your already into the .280, you should stick with it. If I every re barrelled my 270 for something different it would just be longer, heavier with fluting and muzzle thread, just like your talking about. I already have everything and it's ideal for the big game hunting I do.
My next dedicated hunting rifle will be the 280 AI. Good enough speed with excellent bullet selection. There are faster 7 mm choices but none are required for good long range performance. This calibre is easily capable of 1000 meter shooting, not that you need that range for game.
And the kicker for me is the improved shoulder so no trimming brass. Brass is a bit expensive but for a hunting rig you wouldn't need much, a hundred would be sufficient for a long time.
Realistically, almost any 7mm will do the trick quite nicely like the Rem, STW... I just love the Ackley calibres.
And the kicker for me is the improved shoulder so no trimming brass. Brass is a bit expensive but for a hunting rig you wouldn't need much, a hundred would be sufficient for a long time.
Realistically, almost any 7mm will do the trick quite nicely like the Rem, STW... I just love the Ackley calibres.
280 is a good round and your likely already set up with the reloading dies and components. I use a 6.5-06 and really like it with 140 bergers or partitions at almost 3000fps with a 24 inch tube and h-1000 but your not going to have the heavier bullets that a 7mm can offer if that is a concern to you.
hometownhero
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280AI would be my choice.
I'd say to go BIGGER, since you mention guiding. As a guide, you should be able to provide backup shots if needed. The shots at long range are the responsibility of the paying customers. The guide should help with the shots closer up if necessary. So I vote .358win. Nice and short with lots of horsepower.
Non magnum bolt face, guiding in bear country 338-06 or 35 Whelen, any of the improved versions. - dan
I just finished a 280AI build that will be my primary do every hunting rifle. I think it is phenomenal general purpose round comes in just shy of 7rem mag velocity with 168gr Berger (I am getting 2900fps out of a 24in barrel) with less felt recoil. My opinion inside normal hunting distances 400m ish there is no need for a magnum.
