In your opinion. Long range deer on the flats. Close shots in the tree's. Elk and moose with a chance of sheep in the forecast. This rifle will be carried up mountains, through river bottoms, set up on the edges of fields, and fired alot at the range. Deer will be the primary hairy target. 9 times out of 10. But it will go on the occasional hunt for the bigger critters. This rifle will also be fired by large men, smaller women and teens getting into shooting. If you could name the perfect caliber for that one rifle, would you select a 25-06, .270, or the .280? Why? I'm not interested in actions or brands, just the caliber. What makes this THE caliber for asking so much of it?
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Of the three choices given, the 280 wins hands down. Why: all three have the case capacity to do great work, however 2 of the 3 lack the bullet choices for the heavier big game, therefore they're out of contention. Only the .30 calibre offers more and beter bullet choices. P.S. How could one overlook the obvious...30-06?
Since you have thrown in Moose and Elk of your listed 3 my choice would be the .280 rem. Why, b/c it uses the .284 bullet diameter which affords you more choice's, in particular in the larger grained offerings (ie: 160-175 gr for larger game). It also allows you to drop down to the 140gr range for a flatter trajectory for those sheep, deer and pronghorn hunts where range is a definate consideration.
270 win would also get it done but is more limited for moose and elk application in terms of bullet/shot selection.
No need to limit yourself to those cartridges listed. I would go for a 7mm Rem Mag. I would be ideal for your requirements, without any comprimise.
This caliber is extremely flat shooting with 140 gr bullets for those long range shots on the flats and yet load it with 175 grain premiums and you are ready for the bigger stuff.
Recoil is about like the '06. Everyone should be able to handle it. If you really don't want to go to the 7mm RM, then go with the 280 Rem.
Posts: 8352 | Location: Jennings Louisiana, Arkansas by way of Alabama by way of South Carloina by way of County Antrim Irland by way of Lanarkshire Scotland. | Registered: 02 November 2001
The 270 will shoot flatter and have better sectional density in the 130 to 140 class bullets for smaller game but still be capable for large game with 150's in a good bullet like Swift A-frame or TBBC
The 280 has the bullet selection of 160 to 175 whick is better for large game.
MHO
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After re-reading your post/question - I may have to change my responce or at least qualify it.
My wife shoots/hunts with .a 7mmMag, 30/06 and 375H&H (her recoil limit) without any problem. She is a somewhat experienced hunter been to Alaska and Africa twice, but recoil is recoil. As far as teens, my first big game rifle was a 30/06 - I was 14 years old.
My choice would be the 300 WSM. I just picked one up about 7 months ago and it loves 180 gr Noslers at 3000 fps + change. The recoil is in the 30/06 - 7mmMag class. For a younger shooter, I would use 150/165 gr bullets or download some 180 grainers, depending on the individuals needs.
Based on those parameters, I'd say 7mm Rem. Mag., 7mm WSM, or 7mm Wby. Mag.
For MY purposes, I'd go with my ol' favorites, the 300 Win. Mag. or 338 Win. Mag., but the various seven-mags offer approx. 30-06 recoil with a flatter trajectory, and these cartridges are easily mastered by those with possibly lower recoil tolerance. Plenty of power for elk, flat enough trajectory for any hunting, fine accuracy, etc.........
Long range deer on the flats. Close shots in the tree's. Elk and moose with a chance of sheep in the forecast. This rifle will be carried up mountains, through river bottoms, set up on the edges of fields, and fired alot at the range. Deer will be the primary hairy target. 9 times out of 10. But it will go on the occasional hunt for the bigger critters. This rifle will also be fired by large men, smaller women and teens getting into shooting.
With elk and moose as game and teens just getting into shooting you have boxed us in!
I would say to forget the really heavy game and get a cartridge for just deer sized animals. If going after the heavy stuff get enough gun.
My vote is for the 270 Win in factory loads and if you handload the 30-06 will do it all including the big stuff. The thing is that for beginners I would load the 06 down for deer to reduce the recoil.
No doubt...270 Winchester. Sounds perfect for what you described. Load up a stongly constructed 140 gr and you can handle any situation you described with one load. Even with a .270, recoil may be bothersome for new or inexperienced shooters, but even if you don't reload you can try some of the managed recoil products for deer hunting/practice.
-Lou
Posts: 333 | Location: Dallas, TX, USA | Registered: 15 January 2001
Forget the 25-06. Good cartridge, but a bit light for the heavier stuff you noted (elk/moose). I like the 270Win., and it can handle everything you noted. Recoil is moderate, and it's flat shooting. Also available in a wide selection of rifles, and ammo can be found about anywhere. However, despite my fondness for the 270Win., I'd have to pick the 280Rem. Recoil is only slightly more than that of a 270Win. Again, a flat shooting cartridge, too. Rifle selection and ammo availability is more limited, but I think the 280Rem. would be just a little better for use on the bigger critters - the elk & moose. If you'll be handloading ammo then the 280 is an even better choice as the selection of bullets in 7mm caliber is greater, and heavier slugs are available for the bigger game. And, don't worry about the 7mm magnums. When properly loaded the 280Rem. doesn't give up much to 'em.
Posts: 60 | Location: SW Virginia | Registered: 14 December 2004
Based on those three carts. the .280 is a pretty clear winner (why I have one). 175gr bullets @ 2700fps for heavy stuff close & 140gr bullets @ 2950fps for longer shots on smaller critters, or just load a good 160gr NP @ 2800fps & shoot everything. The .25-06 is too light for the occasional trip for elk or moose, maybe in the hands of a skilled local but , same for the .270 IMHO, just not quite enough mass & dia. for big game in close. The .30-06 might be a bit better up close, it's also a good choice (boring but good) given the guidelines you set.
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Posts: 7752 | Location: kalif.,usa | Registered: 08 March 2001
Actually folks, I'm not looking for a new cartridge. My mind is set on what I like. I am just curious as to which of these three cartridges you would pick for the scenerios I listed. I find it facinating how different folks view these cartridges. I intentionaly left out the 30-06. It has been heralded the most versitile non-magnum cartridge by most folks. Same goes for the various magnums. I wanted to know your views on the three most popular full length '06 knock offs. I could open a whole new can of worms if I threw in the .30, .35 Whelen and .338-06, but they aren't quite as 'practical' for the intentions I listed. My peramiters are based on the hunting I do, and most folks I know do as well. It seems like a far stretch for one gun, but I don't come from a rich family. Everyone I have the pleasure of calling friend works hard for his or her money, and aren't as fortunate to have a full rifle battery. Typically one .22, one hunting rifle and one shotgun per household. Upon conversation with some friends, this topic came up, and the fires began. My curiosity peaked when the concept of hearing what the rest of the world had to say on this topic. Thank you all for your responses and comments. And please, by all means keep them coming. I'm always interested in hearing what others have to say.
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"It's not how hard you hit 'em, it's where you hit 'em." The 30-06 will, with the right bullet, successfully take any game animal in North America up to 300yds. Get closer!
Posts: 655 | Location: South Texas | Registered: 11 January 2004
With those three I would go with the 280. But I think a 270 would do fine also. I would prefer the 175 grain 280 over the 150 grain 270 for the heavier game.
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Posts: 9823 | Location: Montana | Registered: 25 June 2001
Of the three you listed, I'd take the .280, but using handloaded ammo only! The .280 is the most versatile of the three, and can be loaded to outperform both the .25/'06 and .270 at long ranges, as well as in the woods at the shorter ranges. I would use 130 or 140-grain bullets for long-range deer shooting in the .280, and the 175-grain Nosler 7mm Partition bullet at 2700+ FPS for ALL larger game with the .280.
Since I prefer the Ruger No.1 and this rifle is not made in .280, I use the 7mm Rem. Mag. This round will essentially do about the same things the .280 will do, if the same bullets are used in each caliber.....
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Posts: 4386 | Location: New Woodstock, Madison County, Central NY | Registered: 04 January 2005
You didn't list it but 30 cal is tops, followed by 7mm.
Tier below this is, 270 and 6.5 mm, neither are in top tier because of availaibilty. Both are good, but just don't compare to the above.
Anything smaller or heavier, start being limited applications, sucjh as the 25 cals, or the 338 cals, both very good calibers, but again nowhere near the flexibility of the 7mm and 30.
Posts: 1486 | Location: Idaho | Registered: 28 May 2004
When you asked "the most practical caliber" I suppose you meant "the most practical cartridge."
Since half the responses gave something other than what you asked, I'll try to stick to the question and answer "270."
With today's great bullets it's possible to view the 270 as a sort of "light kicking 300 Mag." By that I mean it'll push a 130 or 140 X or Failsafe at or above 3,000 fps for a flat trajectory while giving all the pentration needed for elk sized game yet do so in a package that need not be overly heavy or have a barrel longer than 22"... the 270 is better today than it was 80 years ago and factory ammo can be had world-wide which isn't the case of the 25-06 or 280.
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Brad's is a very valid point and I have owned a pile of .270s, have a pair now and use 150 NPs over RE-22. Yet, for the purposes outlined and especially for a handloader, I would pick the .280, my favourite standard cartridge. I would just load 160 NPGMFs over Ramshot Magnum for 2800 fps-mv. and hunt everything with that load.
Then, when I saved enough money, I would get a matching rifle in .338 Win. Mag. With handloads, these are my two favourite cartridges and all I really need............well, almost all?......
Posts: 1379 | Location: British Columbia | Registered: 02 October 2004
I own 4 custom 280's and would avoid them and go with the 270...why..1. Factory 280 ammo is impossible to find.2. My 280's are 1 load only rifles ie 1 shoots 139 hornadys only another 160's only.3.My 280's are basically bad luck rifles-i have killed only 3 deer with the bunch.
Posts: 1125 | Location: near atlanta,ga,usa | Registered: 26 September 2001
Originally posted by tom ga hunter: I own 4 custom 280's and would avoid them and go with the 270...why..1. Factory 280 ammo is impossible to find.
This is only an advantage to people who use factory ammo - which I don't, and never have, in 51 years of shooting, reloading & hunting throughout North America. Anywhere you can take a rifle, you can take 40 rounds of ammunition for it!
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Posts: 4386 | Location: New Woodstock, Madison County, Central NY | Registered: 04 January 2005
, same for the .270 IMHO, just not quite enough mass & dia. for big game in close. The .30-06 might be a bit better up close, it's also a good choice (boring but good) given the guidelines you set.
