NEF Ultra Hunter.243 to .280???

Roger46982 · 03-26-2006, 04:09 AM

Just picked up my Ultra Friday and to say I am impressed with this $250 rifle is an understatement. After cleaning the barrel my first three shot group with 100gr. Green box remingtons was less than .75" @ 100yds.
Now am am looking at another barrel for it in either 25-06, 7mm-08 or 280. Little worried about the recoil with the .280 in such a lite rifle. How does the .280 compare to a 30.06? How about the recoil of the 7mm-08

Paul L Mohr · 03-26-2006, 11:22 AM

I have an Ultra Slug Hunter and am pretty happy with it as well. It is a bit on the heavy side though

. I wouldn't mind getting a H&R in .243 as well.

Paul

Pawildman · 03-28-2006, 07:28 AM

You should find the recoil from the 7mm-08 to be less than that of the larger capacity cases shooting bullets that weigh the same or nearly the same. Field performance on deer-sized animals should be virtually identical. The 7mm-08 has become one of my personal favorites. Have yet to have a deer go over about 30 yds., most have dropped in their tracks when shot unawares. Great little caliber. Takes to handloading well.

Duckbutter48 · 03-28-2006, 07:30 AM

Recoil between the '06 and 280 is the same with same bullet weight.(or at least close enough you wont feel a difference.) They have the same casings.

ejpaul1 · 03-28-2006, 08:53 AM

I have an 06 and I have shot my pals 280. The recoil is a bit less with the 280, but as the other fella mentioned, grain for grain, they will be similar. EJ

James B · 03-28-2006, 12:59 PM

The 280 will have a bit more recoil than the 7MM-08 BUT the NEF 280 barrel is 26 inches long and adds some serious weight to the rifle. I don't think the recoil will be an issue. I have the 280 barrel and shoot the 120 Grain Sierra pro-hunter bullets. I had the 30-06 barrel as well but the recoil was a bit stiff on that one as its just a 22 inch barrel. My 280 shoots really well.I have shot three shot groups from 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches. Nothing over 2 '" with anything I tried. I never tried to work up a special load for it. I have used it for Mule deer out to 225 yards or so.

Roger46982 · 04-08-2006, 02:26 AM

I have seen used barrels for sale on different sites, Will they fit my frame or is some fitting required?

James B · 04-08-2006, 12:35 PM

Fitting is required according to the company. However a lot of guys fit them themselves.

sandilands · 04-09-2006, 02:21 AM

I used to work at a sorting goods store that carried these little treasures. Single shot, scope mounted on the barrel. Safety, U can't beat the single shot for youngsters. .280 pretty much the same as the .30-06, 7mm-08 compare it to a hot 7x57mm Mauser w/factory loads. Worried about recoil, check out the H&R single shots same basic rifle but they had a laminated stock and some come w/heavy barrel, both should help dampen recoil.