.280 Rem.

The .280 Remington, also known as the 7mm Express Remington, is a classic American rifle cartridge developed by Remington Arms in 1957. Designed to offer a middle ground between the hard-hitting .30-06 Springfield and the mild-recoiling .270 Winchester, the .280 Remington is based on the .30-06 case necked down to accept a 7mm (.284-inch) diameter bullet. Although it initially struggled for popularity due to fierce market competition and Remington’s own inconsistent naming conventions, the .280 Rem. has gained a dedicated following among reloaders and hunting enthusiasts. The cartridge’s balanced ballistics and versatility have enabled it to carve out a respected niche, especially as more shooters recognize its potential in long-range and hunting applications.

When it comes to applications, the .280 Remington is renowned for its versatility. It excels as a medium to long-range hunting cartridge, easily capable of taking North American game from deer and pronghorn to elk and black bear, provided the correct bullet and load are chosen. The .280 Remington’s inherent ballistic efficiency and moderate recoil make it suitable for shooters interested in target shooting, as well as big game hunting. In recent years, long-range shooting enthusiasts have revisited the .280 Remington due to its ability to drive high ballistic coefficient bullets at respectable velocities, which translates into excellent downrange performance and retained energy.

For reloaders targeting specific wildlife, the .280 Remington is incredibly adaptable. Whitetail and mule deer are often cited as the perfect quarry for this caliber, especially when loaded with lighter 120-140 grain soft points for minimal meat damage and optimal expansion. For larger game like elk or bear, stepping up to 150- to 175-grain premium bullets—such as bonded or partition projectiles—provides the necessary penetration and energy transfer. The .280 Rem’s 7mm bullet diameter delivers flat trajectories and high sectional density, ensuring deep penetration even at extended ranges. This flexibility allows reloaders to tailor loads for specific species and hunting environments, from open plains to dense woodland.

In terms of technical caliber characteristics, the .280 Remington shines for reloaders due to its broad bullet weight range, typically from 120 grains all the way up to 175 grains. Lighter bullets achieve velocities in the 3,100+ fps range, making them suitable for varmints or smaller deer, while heavier bullets used for elk or larger game can be launched at velocities around 2,700-2,900 fps, balancing power and manageable recoil. The caliber performs well with a range of powders, particularly medium-slow burn rates like IMR-4350 or H4831, enabling optimal case fill and consistent velocities. Case life is generally excellent, especially when proper load development and neck sizing practices are followed. The .280 Remington’s blend of moderate recoil, accuracy potential, and adaptability across game and shooting disciplines make it a rewarding, underappreciated cartridge for reloaders seeking both performance and versatility in the field.