Deer Rifle

[Texan_Til_I_Die]

Check out the cartridge ballistic tables in the Rifle forum. I've used both and prefer the 7 MAG just because I hunt an area where extremely long shots are possible, but at "normal" ranges you won't notice much difference in the terminal performance. The 7 MAG will definitely recoil more.

[James7xChamp3]

I am looking into the 280 for my Encore. A friend of mine works at T/C and he likes it. Dave Blanton uses it and shot a big boy in Alberta a few years ago with it. He likes it and I've heard others praise it also.

[FSU_Seminole]

J, a .280 is nothing but a .270 with a tad more muscle or a 30.06 with a little less muscle. The people that I know that have 1 says its the perfect rifle. It's got the flat shooting ability of a .270 with the knock down power of an 06. You shouldn't have any problems with the meat with a .280. For some reason this calibur has never caught the popularity wave of an 06, .270 or 7mm. But its a good bullet, several of the pros hunt with a .280.

[JimT]

Go with the .280 for sure.... It is a great cartridge. I will own one some day for sure.

[Shaun_300]

i use a Browning BLR .300 WSM. but in those two go with the .280

[Chrud]

[ QUOTE ]
The people that I know that have 1 says its the perfect rifle.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, people that have one, even a couple who don't, say the .280 is a great all-around caliber.

[hobie]

I would get the 280 it is a very good gun

[RangerClay]

When I have the $ I plan to get the 280 for my encore. My buddy has a 280 and it is the most flat shooting gun I have ever seen.

Ranger

[LifeNRA]

[ QUOTE ]
J, a .280 is nothing but a .270 with a tad more muscle or a 30.06 with a little less muscle. The people that I know that have 1 says its the perfect rifle. It's got the flat shooting ability of a .270 with the knock down power of an 06. You shouldn't have any problems with the meat with a .280. For some reason this calibur has never caught the popularity wave of an 06, .270 or 7mm. But its a good bullet, several of the pros hunt with a .280.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree with this too, but I have also found that the 270 ammo is more availible in gun shops than the 280. Why not just get a .30-06 barrel, then you will be able to shoot everything from varmits to bear! With alot more bullet choices!!!
JMO!

[Jeramie]

Man Id go with the .280. Most of the great deer cartridges will easily kill north American big game. Unless you're just really wanting a 7mm id avoid the bruising.

[billygoat]

Check the balistic charts, consider what your average shot is... think about future hunts you might want to use either caliber on, and take the advice of others... It really comes down to which of the two you prefer. There is not a "HUGE" difference between them. Especially if you are going to handload your shells. I'm sure you'll be happy either way.

[wtnhunt]

If it were me and I was buying a gun for deer, I would go with a .270 or a 30-06. Cannot beat them.