which cal to choose

A

arich

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I'm torn between 7mm-08 and 280 rem as my next rifle.
this rifle will mostly shoot targets, but occasionally hunt deer.
also I'm just venturing into reloading.
Any & all help with this will be much appreciated.

Thanks
Al R
 
There's not enough difference, for hunting, for it to even be a discussion. The 7mm-08 is short action, the .280 is long action. Just choose a gun that suits you. FYI - I shoot a .270. Had the 7mm-08 been common, back when I was rifle shopping, I may have chosen it for the short action. All the best:)
 
The 280 will give u 100- 200 foot pounds more energy than the 7-08 with the same bullet weights . If u r getting into reloading u can load a 280 down to a 7-08 but u can 't load a 7-08 up to a 280. Both r excellent cartridges
 
I have a 280 and my wife a 7-08 and the 280 kills my deer deader. :) Seriously with today's bullets there is no real difference in performance at regular ranges though the 7-08 is a bit more popular and easier to find but if you want something a little different the 280 is a fine option. Find a rifle in either caliber that you like and you'll be well served.
 
either or are fine calibers
I have several friends that have 7mm-08 and none are disappointed with hand loads it does very well from br and very mild to shoot so for that purpose I would suggest it
 
I was shooting four 7mm calibers... 7mm-08, .280, 7X57 and 7 RM... I am now down to just 7mm-08 and 7X57... they do everything I need...
 
I was shooting four 7mm calibers... 7mm-08, .280, 7X57 and 7 RM... I am now down to just 7mm-08 and 7X57... they do everything I need...
Click to expand...

Correction, you were shooting one caliber, and you are still shooting one caliber:p.
 
the 280 is a very similar (nearly twins) caliber to the 7x64 brenneke that is considered one of the best all round cartridges in the world
 
Pick one, it is irrelevant which one as there is no practical difference in them ballistically. It is more likely to come down to which rifle do you want and which cartridge is offered. I have both and like both, but in vastly different platforms.
 
I see more (not a LOT more though) 7/08 ammunition in stores than 280 or 7mm Express etc - for that reason alone its worth a few extra points. The short action of a 7/08 (when so equipped) also provide more latitude for scope position. There seem to be more bits and pieces showing up on EE for short action Remingtons than L/A .. if that's the rifle of choice. I have a 7/08 with little trigger time but an experienced friend has only one gun - a 7/08 and it does everything very well for him!
 
I used to own a 280 but sold it when I starter shooting the 7mm-08. I found that there was the same performance with less recoil. For targets, and deer the 7-08 was my choice. Also FWIW I have packed moose out of the bush shot with the 7-08 so don't be afraid to step up if you need to. Let us know what you pick Jed
 
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