I am looking for an accurate hunting rifle to be my go-to, one-gun-for-it-all, big-game-getter. I'm pretty well sold on the .280 Rem but am having trouble finding a high-quality factory rifle so-chambered. It's understandable why this cartridge never gained much popularity with the venerable .270 on one side and the timeless 30-06 on the other, but it's my contention that the .280 is a perfect balance between the two. I'm not looking to discuss the merits of the cartridges, but am looking for a rifle in this chambering for around $1500.00. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

As to factory offerings, Ruger does the 77 MkII in their SS/synthetic, Remington did the 700 CDL in 280 at one time, and they are currently doing the Mtn LSS in .280. The CDLs in .280 are still around on the gun auction/list sites.

If you have a favorite model rifle, i.e. Sako, M700, M77, M70, Ruger No1 etc. pick one up in 25-06, 270 Win, 30-06 and re-barrel to 280 Remington. Should be able to stay in budget.

Or perhaps (if about $200 over budget): Hill Country Rifles

Alternatively, buy a barreled action from MRC and have a good smith bed it for you in a McMillan stock.

- mike

Donor action: $450
Pac-Nor Barreling: $450
Mcmillian: $450
Bedding $100
Total: $1450
The donor is a little high, if you have one even better, and if you can bed, you can have a functional custom for alot less than $1500.

The .280 is one of my favorites. I couldn't find what I wanted so bought a used M70 & had it rebarreled & restocked. The cost was a bit more than $1500, but I have exactly the rifle I want. Like Buli said, if you have a favorite manuf. buy a 270 & have it rebarreled for $500.

My first custom was a 280. It will always have a place in my safe.

Like others have said there were several rifles chambered in the 280.

Browning A-bolt
WBY
Ruger
Remington
Blaser?
I thought the Sako 75 at one time

I'm sure others. Or go custom.

I was thinking I may have to go the custom route. I am not a fan of Ruger and Remington rifles but love my Sako 75 Hunter. Sako, however, does not list the .280 in their current offerings. I've had several Weatherby Mk V's and I am also partial to that action. Wby does indeed chamber the .280 in the Synthetic and Ultra Light Weight as well as the Outfitter-the latter being well over budget. I am looking for something with a medium contour barrel of premium quality. Well, I guess it's off to the gunshop insearch of a donor.

You might want to do a search on gunsamerica there are a couple Sako 75s in 280 Rem listed. New and used.

Juggernaught... You got PM

Nevermind!

JN76

Consider a Remington 700KS. I load for one that is a tack driver with RL-22. There have been some for sale here and on some of the auction sites.

WN

Taking a Rem 700 or M70 or whatever basic rifle design suits You...and rebarreling is a viable option. I took a Rem 700 Classic years ago and rebarreled to .280 Rem.

Is Weatherby still making the Ultra Lt Wt in .280 Rem?? I've got one of them and it's a real shooter. The whitey below fell vicitm a few years ago at well over 350 yds.MY go-to gun for deer and elk.

I've killed several mature bulls with the .280 and 150 gr NP's. ZERO problems with proper placement.

Seems to me your on the right track here.

FN in MT

Juggernaught.. I found one you might be interested in and sent you a pm.. Let me know

Never Mind!

Yahhttp://www.hunting-rifles.com/index.htm might want a look at ARH.

Here ya-go Exactly what your looking for at half your budget!

http://www.gunsamerica.com/classifieds/none/_976829035.aspx

Here is a Sako listing, and it is reasonably priced.

The only rifle I would have more confidence in buying new than a Sako would be a Steyr, (if you can find one, this is an old listing). After Steyr, Sako then a Remington.

I know what you said about Remington, But I love my Mountain Rifle. The kid next door needed money AGAIN and I took it off his hands. Did the job on a nice 10 point this last season. Yes I'm sold on the 280.