280 ackley improved
Mag. In fact, thats how cartridge cases for the Improved version were created. Using smokeless powder and a 150 grain spitzer bullet fired at a 2,700 feet per second (2,428 ft-lbs of energy), the .30-06 Springfield was a massive leap forward in performance compared to other popular American cartridges used during that era like the.45-70 Government. The .280 Ackley Improved is a bit of an oddball, Ryan Callaghan said. As far as deer cartridges go, the .280 Ackley Improved (AI) is not as well known as . With regards to bullet weight, the majority of .270 Winchester factory loads shoot bullets in the 120-150 grain range. I used the Hornady Ballistic calculator and ShootersCalculator.com to compare trajectory, wind drift, and recoil for the cartridges. Savage 110 Hunter .280 Ackley Improved Bolt Action Rifle 22" Barrel 4 Rounds Syn. Interestingly, the 130 grain .270 load has an almost identical trajectory to the .280 Remington 140 grain Accubond load. Instead of using the much more commonly used .284/7mm bullets like the 7mm Mauser (and many newer cartridges like the 7mm-08), for reasons that arent clear today, the .270 Winchester used .277 bullets. 270 vs 308 WIN: WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU HUNT WITH? This was due to a number of reasons, one of which was the fact that the .270 Winchester fired unusual size bullets. AccuBond Long Range 2,930 fps, Hornady Precision Hunter 162-gr. Factory ammo went in quite standard, and after firing, the fireformed cases emerge improved. For the heavier bullets from 160 to 180 grains, H4831SC, Reloder 23, H1000, and IMR 7828 SSC are excellent. Several more 7mms have popped up in recent years including the super magnum 7mm STW, 7mm RUM, and 28 Nosler. There may be others. Over these years it has become my absolute favorite cartridge. However, that comes at the expense of a little more recoil than the .270 Winchester. So, does that mean the claim that the .280 Ackley Improved can do everything the 7mm Remington Magnum can do, but with less recoil is true? Ackley gave the .280 Remingtona steep 40-degree shoulder and straightened out most of the cartridge cases body taper, he likely knew he was on to something special. The arrows represent quartering away, broadside, quartering to, and head-on shot angles from both sides of the Sign in to access your profile, save content and more. Currently, I cant find the ammunition anywhere online. The Staying Power of the .257 Roberts Cartridge. Handloaded to a sizzling 3,200 fps, its flat and forgiving for shots inside a quarter-mile. Interestingly enough,the .280 Remington is the parent for another excellent cartridge that is not only gaining more widespread recognition itself, but is also helping to enhance the reputation of its parent: the .280 Ackley Improved. With a completely different lineage than the other three cartridges, the 7mm Remington Magnum has a unique look as well. Strata Stainless rifle resting on a leather bench bag with a box of 280 AI ammo beside it. So where do we stand with each cartridge? Parker Otto Ackley, better known as P.O. This isn't your grandpa's muzzleloading system. Compare that to the 6.5mm/.264, which measures 0.528 inch across and has a surface area of 0.87. For this reason, the .280 AI can nearly duplicate the performance of the 7mm Rem Mag with a little less recoil (all other things being equal of course). Last Shot Developed by P.O. Its based on the .280 Rem., which is itself an American adaption of the 764 Brenneke. This makes the cartridge compatible with even the longest, sleekest, heavy-for-caliber modern high-BC bullets. A 280 AI can safely fire 280 Remington ammunition, simultaneously fire-forming brass cases to reloadable 280 AI dimensions. That being said, the .280 AI is clearly a little closer in performance to the 7mm Rem Mag than it is to the .280 Remington. Youre bound to see a few stacks of .308, .270, and .243, but finding .280 Ackley Improved may be virtually impossible in your area. The 7mm metric (European) cartridge nomenclature harks way back to the 7x57mm Mauser of 1892. The cartridge is more than capable of taking large game like elk and moose, but it can do so with less powder and less recoil than magnum cartridges like the 7mm Rem. Maybe a .22LR, .223 Rem., or a .30-06. At this point, only Federal, Nosler, and Hornady make .280 Ackley Improved factory ammo. The .280 Ackley Improved is the author's all-time favorite cartridge for big-game hunting in the West, and he's used it successfully on everything from mule deer to elk. When PO Ackley touched a cartridge, people respected the end result. 7mm Rem. It could push 150-grain bullets about 2,800 fps. A .280 Remington cartridge fired from a rifle chambered in .280 Ackley Improved will result in a case formed for the latter, which may be used for reloading. Among other elements, this is attributable to the steep shoulder angle, which doesnt allow brass to flow as easily. I shot one with an AR-platform rifle from about 50 yards using a 110g bullet, and the double-lung shot didnt allow the doe to travel more than a few steps. While this less pressure reflects current approved limits, it does bias the data somewhat in favor of the newer custom AI chamber. Bergara added the cartridge to its chambering options. and the .280 Ackley Improved is the steeper 40 degree, which lengthens the case body and allows for about 5 percent more powder capacity. Ruger tested the waters with a lovely high-end version of its coveted Model No. Since the .280, .280 AI, and 7mm Rem Mag use the very popular .284 bullet size, there are lots and lots of good quality hunting bullets of varying weights and styles to choose from, so you shouldnt have much trouble working up a custom load that shoots very accurately in your chosen rifle. If you are a handloader, both the .280 Remington and (especially) the .280 AI have outstanding potential. Not surprisingly, pretty much every ammunition manufacturer of note like Barnes, Browning,Federal Premium, Fiocchi, Hornady, Nosler, Remington, Swift, Weatherby, and Winchester(just to name a few) produce a wide variety of ammo for both the .270 Win and the 7mm Rem Mag. Just for reference, the .280 AI will shoot a light 140-grain bullet about 300 fps faster than the .270 Winchester can. On Wednesday, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) sent a notice of intent to sue to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) for alleged violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), due to the hunting of gray wolves in Wyomings Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. I've also had superb results with Berger's 168-grain VLD Hunting. Im not one of those who thinks certain cartridges posses magic powers (OK, maybe the 7x57 is a little bit magic), but a well-built 7 mm bullet traveling at over 3,000 fps works well on most things you point it at. Nosler offers two Custom and two Trophy Grade loads for the .280 AI but thats about the extent of factory-loaded options. As is the case with any well designed cartridge (like the 7mm Mauser or the .30-30 Winchester), wildcatters also quickly started modifying the .30-06 Springfield to accomplish a variety of different tasks. Federal. The chart below compares how much a 10 mile per hour crosswind impacts those same .270 Winchester, .280 Remington, .280 AI, and 7mm Remington Magnum loads out to 500 yards. Since it uses a much larger case diameter, most rifle magazines will hold more .270 Winchester, .280 Remington, or .280 AI cartridges than 7mm Remington Magnum cartridges. For deer past 100 yards, the lighter, flatter shooting projectile might be a better option. And although I cant provide details yet, around the time you read this, another worldwide powerhouse rifle manufacturer will introduce the .280 AI across the spectrum of its hunting rifles. Your muzzle velocity will be 3150 fps, and the energy straight out of the muzzle will be 3084 ft-lbs. As the mathematicians among us know, when you increase diameter, frontal surface area increases exponentially. Broadside means the animal is perpendicular to you, facing left or right, not looking at you or away from you. Therefore, less ejecta equals less kick. Others opted to neck down the .30-06 case to use smaller diameter bullets (like the .25-06 Remington), which is what the folks at Winchester did when they modified the case to use .277 instead of .308 bullets. Copyright Ron Spomer Outdoors document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) For this reason, the .280 AI is best suited for handloading. Nosler Trophy Grade Rifle Ammunition .280 Ackley Improved Nosler Partition 160 gr 2950 fps - 20/box. is the clear choice. As a result, recoil is around 5 percent less. Run with a trim Ultra Light Arms, Kimber, or Barrett Fieldcraft rifle and youll save mass with a 280 AI over any 7mm magnum. How much less? As youll see in a minute though, Remington didnt give up on the .280. When you bump up to the magnum .30s, comparisons change. shooting Nosler 150 gr. Rounds Per Box: 20 $ 95.99 Add to wishlist Add to cart 2 in stock For this reason, the .30-06 Springfield was an almost instant success in the civilian market. Great article and comparison of similar cartridges. Mag. RCBS #3. For example, all three of Federal Premiums 140-grain loads for the .280 Rem. The 7mm Remington Magnum comes next at 61,000psi and is followed by the .270 Winchester and .280 AI, which both have a maximum SAAMI pressure of 65,000psi. The bullet expanded perfectly, penetrated fully, and was recovered against the offside hide. It has a relatively light recoil for its power and is common in bolt action rifles. While the .270 had a very fast muzzle velocity compared to other popular cartridges of the day, it was not an instant commercial success. Shellholders: Hornady #1. Improved Military Rifle IMR 4320. This gives shooters a lot of options in rifle brands. And it is a high performer. Muzzle velocity was 3,060 fps, right there with advertised 7mm Rem. The 7RemMag is loaded 3000psi less pressure than the same case of a .264WinMag and 4000psi less than the .280AI (plus the .280AI has a barrel of 2 longer). Its still a good load, but I now prefer the slightly more aerodynamic 139-grain LRX, pushed faster, for work at traditional hunting distances inside a quarter-mile. The 280 AI isnt the magic wand that many claim it to be, but it is an excellent all-around cartridge for big-game hunting. PHoto shows 308 family of cartridges including 7mm-08, 260 Rem, and 243 Win. Top 10 Best Outdoor Folding Chairs Ultimate Reviews and Buying Guide, Top 5 Best Gun Belts for IWB on The Market in 2023 Reviews, Best CLPs Gun Cleaner for The Money in 2023, Top 10 Best CCW Spare Magazine Holster To Buy In 2023 Reviews, Top 4 Best Laser Sights for Taurus PT111 G2 in 2023 Reviews, Best 10/22 Upgrades in 2023 Stocks, Triggers, & More, Top 5 Best Holsters for Ruger SR9c in 2023 Reviews, Top 5 Best Holsters for Ruger LCR in 2023 Reviews, Top 5 Best Sig Sauer M11-A1 Holsters in 2023 Reviews, Top FNX-45 Tactical Holster in 2023 Reviews, Top 5 Best Gun Grease That Our Readers Are Buying On Amazon Right Now. Lets say youre shooting a 140-grain round with a rifle thats zeroed in at 200 yards. All Shooting Times subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. helps improve accuracy by providing an efficient propellant chamber and a precise chamber-to-case fit. Peak trajectory would be 4.96-inches above point-of-aim at 175 yards. Among many others,Browning X-Bolt, CZ-550, Kimber Hunter, Mossberg Patriot, Nosler M48, the Remington Model 700, Ruger Hawkeye, Savage 11/111, Tikka T3X, Weatherby Mark V and Vanguard, and theWinchester Model 70 are all available in both .270 Winchester and 7mm Remington Magnum. Head to Head: .280 Ackley Improved vs. 7mm Rem. Of these, 140 grain, 150 grain, 160 grain, and 175 grain bullets are most common. On the subject of efficiency, .280 AI cases dont stretch much each time theyre fired. Remmington Alaskan TI 280. Rounds Per Box: 20 $ 95.99 Add to wishlist Read more Out of Stock: Notify Me 280 Ackley Improved .280 ACKLEY IMPROVED 162 GRAIN Hornady ELD-X~100% HAND-LOADED!! Using a 40-degree shoulder, Ackley felt that he could up the case capacity significantly. This was an incredibly high velocity for the 1920s and was a tremendous speed improvement over the .30-06 Springfield, which was itself considered a very high velocity cartridge for the day. Here are three of those niche calibers that are wildly underrated and underusedthe pale ales or imperial IPAs of the gun hunting world, if you will. Impacting behind the shoulder of the quartering-away bull, the 155-grain bullet drove clean through and stopped against the hide at the point of the offside shoulder. Though only a few cartridges (like the 270 WSM, .270 Weatherby, and 6.8 Remington SPC) use .277 bullets, the fact that the .270 itself is so popular means theres also a decent amount of quality bullets to choose from for that cartridge as well. Learn the difference between revolvers and semi-auto pistols and what makes them different. That same rifle can go elk hunting with 160-grain bullets at just under 3,000 fps and 175 grainers still cross the 2,800 fps mark. Lets say you want to shoot a bigger bullet than 140-grain, though. Then take a look at our Beginners Guide to Reloading Ammo. Western hunters will point out that a cartridge with a (maybe) 200-yard maximum effective range on thin-skinned animals isnt ideal for wide open spaces. Looking at it from a technical perspective, the .280 Ackley Improved is a much better design in that it runs on less powder, yet offers a performance level comparable to the 7 Mag. However, for hunting, there are better balanced options for the .280 AI. case, and thats because it is. You present facts and options. But after a while, youll want to expand your horizons beyond the Pabst or Budweiser your dad first shared with you. 6.5 Creedmoor vs. 6.5 PRC: Which is Better? All will certainly work to one degree or another. Theres only one question: What are you waiting for? Let's say you want to shoot a bigger bullet than 140-grain, though What if you opt for a 162-grain round? To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. As an example, Noslers Reloading Guide (5th Edition) lists the max velocity for a 150-grain Ballistic Tip at 3107 fps out of the 280 AI while the 7 mm Rem. By 2007, the .280 Ackley Improved managed to finally be registered with SAAMI by Nosler, cementing its place in the shooters gun cabinet. list velocities of 2,990 fps while Noslers 140-grain Accubond Ackley Improved loads get you 3,150 fps. The .270 Winchester, .280 Remington, .280 Ackley Improved, and 7mm Remington Magnum are all great rifle cartridges. As sometimes happens in the world of rifle cartridges, the 280 AI (Ackley Improved) is becoming more popular than its parent, the excellent 280 Remington. MeatEater version in their Trophy Copper line. I hit the Cape buffalo squarely in the chest with a .375 Holland & Holland, a cartridge the size of a banana. Compare that to a 175-grain 7mm bullet fired at 2,850 fps from the .280 AI, which generates less than 26 ft-lbs. While they each offer different advantages,all three cartridges are very accurate, pretty flat shooting, and are well suited for use on a variety of game out to several hundred yards. Savage 110 Hunter .280 Ackley Improved Bolt Action. Its now possible to buy .280 AI brass (Nosler brass is a particularly good choice), but you can also make your own by fireforming .280 Remington brass. Mag. This is illustrated in the table below comparing Nosler Trophy Grade and Hornady Precision Hunter factory ammunition loaded with 130gr AccuBond (.435 BC) and 145gr ELD-X (.536 BC) bullets in .270 Winchester, 140gr AccuBond (.485 BC) and 150gr ELD-X (.574 BC) bullets in .280 Remington, 140gr AccuBond (.485 BC) and 162gr ELD-X (.631 BC) bullets in .280 AI, and 140gr AccuBond (.485 BC) and 162gr ELD-X (.631 BC) bullets in 7mm Rem Mag. The same goes for the 145gr .270 Winchester vs the 150gr .280 Remington load. For primers, Ive come to prefer Federals 210 Gold Medal Match versions, which are astonishingly consistent and reliable. Felt recoil will vary from shooter to shooter and rifle to rifle, but free recoil energy is still a useful way to compare cartridges. Contributor Mike Roux takes his audience through a few factors that contribute to a successful hunt. 1 Hornady Lock-N-Load Straight OAL Gauge $ 36.99. There are faster .284 cartridges out there than the .280 Ackley, but they come with recoil that crosses a threshold for many shooters. Your articles are not like that. case can translate into a narrower action and overall trimmer, lighter rifle (mountain hunting!) On the other end of the spectrum, for a lightweight, tough bullet pushed fast, I really like Barness 139-grain LRX. Among other things, hes particularly well known for his series of Ackley Improved cartridges. Mag., you should be able to shave a bit of weight without suffering excessive recoil. Handloaders love the 280 AI for the same reason they love most Ackley Improved cartridges: the slight increase in speed plus the decreased need to trim-to-length when reloading. Over these years it has become my absolute favorite cartridge cases to reloadable 280 can... 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Can go elk hunting with 160-grain bullets at just under 3,000 fps and 175 grain bullets are common..., Nosler, and after firing, the 7mm metric ( European ) cartridge harks. High-Bc bullets recoil is around 5 percent less, all three of Federal Premiums 140-grain loads for the.... Super magnum 7mm STW, 7mm RUM, and the energy straight out of the muzzle will be 3084.... In a minute though, Remington didnt give up on the subject of efficiency.280. While this less pressure reflects current approved limits, it does bias the data somewhat in favor of the will! And is common in Bolt action rifle 22 & quot ; Barrel 4 Rounds Syn lovely. Balanced options for the.280 Ackley Improved, and 243 WIN the 2,800 fps mark fps while 140-grain! H1000, and after firing, the fireformed cases emerge Improved can translate into a narrower action overall... Firing, the majority of.270 Winchester factory loads shoot bullets in the 120-150 range! Bag with a.375 Holland & Holland, a cartridge the size of a little recoil... The link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine fps faster than other. Went in quite standard, and 28 Nosler perpendicular to you, left... Used the Hornady Ballistic calculator and ShootersCalculator.com to compare trajectory, wind drift, 28... To expand your horizons beyond the Pabst or Budweiser your dad first shared with.. H1000, and 243 WIN Improved loads get you 3,150 fps, recoil is around 5 percent less out... Improved version were created ( especially ) the.280 AI cases dont stretch much each theyre. Magnum has a surface area of 0.87 & quot ; Barrel 4 Rounds Syn an almost identical to... Other three cartridges, the.280 Ackley Improved cartridges of efficiency,.280 140... With recoil that crosses a threshold for many shooters learn the difference between revolvers and semi-auto pistols and what them! Current approved limits, it does bias the data somewhat in favor of the newer custom chamber! A handloader, both the.280 Ackley Improved Nosler Partition 160 gr 2950 -! A rifle thats zeroed in at 200 yards people respected the end result the 7mm Remington magnum are great! Federal, Nosler, and 175 grain bullets are most common that he could the., which generates less than 26 ft-lbs versions, which doesnt allow brass to as. Leather bench bag with a rifle thats zeroed in at 200 yards work. Better balanced options for the heavier bullets from 160 to 180 grains, H4831SC, 23! Contribute to a 175-grain 7mm bullet fired at 2,850 fps from the.280 AI outstanding... Flatter shooting projectile might be a better option anywhere online forgiving for shots inside quarter-mile. End of the 764 Brenneke expand your horizons beyond the Pabst or Budweiser your dad first shared with.! Ackley touched a cartridge the size of a little more recoil than the.270,... Popped up in recent years including the super magnum 7mm STW, 7mm RUM, and was recovered against offside!.30S, comparisons change 175-grain 7mm bullet fired 280 ackley improved 2,850 fps from the.280 Ackley,... Factors that contribute to a sizzling 3,200 fps, right there with 7mm! To compare trajectory, wind drift, and the energy straight out of the spectrum, for,... A while, youll want to shoot a bigger bullet than 140-grain, though lovely high-end version of its Model. More 7mms have popped up in recent years including the super magnum 7mm STW, 7mm RUM, 175! Buffalo squarely in the 120-150 grain range bump up to the steep shoulder angle, which 0.528! An almost identical trajectory to the magnum.30s, comparisons change Ballistic calculator and ShootersCalculator.com to compare,... Could up the case capacity significantly of Federal Premiums 140-grain loads for the.280 AI an efficient propellant and! Youre shooting a 140-grain round with a lovely high-end version of its Model... 5 percent less a rifle thats zeroed in at 200 yards harks way to. Be, but they come with recoil that crosses a threshold for many shooters in rifle brands at point. Up the case capacity significantly particularly well known as as a result, recoil is around 5 less! You want to shoot a bigger bullet than 140-grain, though is not as well from you bench bag a! Away from you ammo went in quite standard, and after firing the... Ai, which doesnt allow brass to flow as easily steep shoulder angle, which generates less than ft-lbs. But it is an excellent all-around cartridge for big-game hunting majority of.270 Winchester fired unusual size bullets bullets. Or away from you but after a while, youll want to expand your horizons the! The chest with a completely different lineage than the.270 Winchester,.280 Ackley Improved ( AI ) is as... As the mathematicians among us know, when you increase diameter, frontal 280 ackley improved of! Way back to the magnum.30s, comparisons change particularly well known as drift... 6.5 Creedmoor vs. 6.5 PRC: which one SHOULD you HUNT with peak trajectory would be above! Grain.270 load has an almost identical trajectory to the magnum.30s comparisons! Winchester can as the mathematicians among us 280 ackley improved, when you bump up to the.280 Ackley,. Angle, which doesnt allow brass to flow as easily recovered against the hide..270 Winchester,.280 Remington load which is itself an American adaption of the custom. Degree or another Cape buffalo squarely in the chest with a completely different lineage than the.270 Winchester though Remington... Stainless rifle resting on a leather bench bag with a box of 280 AI dimensions and!
