280 REM

[jmoyer2]

Anyone ever used this caliber for elk? I am taking the 280 to Utah this year for elk. I usually just use 140 ballistic tips for deer, but I was wondering if anyone has any recommended loads for elk.

[jackelope]

virtually the same as a 7mm.

[bobcat]

It will work just the same as the 30-06, 270, 7mm Rem. Mag., etc.

There are lots of good bullets available that would be better than the 140 ballistic tips for elk. Try Nosler Partitions and Barnes, then go with whichever is most accurate in your rifle. Bullet weight anywhere from 140 to 160.

[littlebuf]

i don't know much about the 280 but i cant say enough good things about Barnes bullets

[Intruder]

280 is just fine for elk.  I'd suggest a different bullet though... balistic tips are too light of a jacket IMO. Go with a Barnes or one of the bonded bullets.  Should be fine out to 300 yards.   

[jackelope]

a former co worker has killed  3 elk in 3 years with a 280.
for whatever thats worth...i don't know what bullet though, but i agree the ballistic tip won't hold up.

[270Shooter]

.280 will be plenty for elk, but a ballistic tip is a bit on the light side for elk, mainly because of it rapid expansion. The Accubond is a better choice since it is bonded and has a little bit thicker jacket. But any bonded bullet would work, so would partitions, and barnes X-bullets.

[finnman]

Fine for elk, I have owned 4 different rifles in .280 Rem.

[popeshawnpaul]

160 grains would be better...   

[bobcat]

I agree with the 160 being better, with one exception, and that is with the Barnes bullets. With a Barnes bullet a 140 or 150 would do just as well, if not better, because of the higher velocity and the  fact that it will retain at least 90% of its weight.

[280ackley]

My brother shot his moose a couple of years ago with his .280.  He was using 160gr Nosler AccuBond.  I agree with Bobcat about the Barnes bullets, especially the TSX.

[jmoyer2]

Thanks guys. I cant find the accubonds in 280 anymore so i think i am going to go with the federal 160 trophy bonded tips

[finnman]

Awesome choice! Those Bearclaw bullets retain from 95-100% of their weight. John Welcher at Welchers gun shop has a 180 gr. from his .300 Win mag, he shot a friends caribou after his friend shot and wounded it, he said it was heading for timber in Grizz country so he put one up the tail pipe, found the bullet under the skin in the neck, he weighed the bullet in the shop at 176 gr., great bullets!
My wife used them on her moose last year, found it under the hide in front of the back hip, mushroomed perfect, I need to weigh it....