280 Rem. bullet suggestions for elk
 

I handload for my 280 Rem and plan to use it for an upcoming elk hunt this fall. My question is should I go with the flatter shooting 139 gr. Hornady Interbond or the heavier 160 gr. Nosler Accubond. Bothare very accurate, but the 160's do group better. I was told to expect shots out to 300 yards or slightly farther. Need some opinions. Thanks in advance for any replies.

RE: 280 Rem. bullet suggestions for elk
 

IMO---bigger is better. I would go with the 160 grain----the 139 can't be that much flatter shooting. The 280 isn't in my circle of friends----the 7Mag is everyone uses 160 grain. 30/06--everyone I know uses 180 grain. I don't have much experience with the newer bonded bullets------I would recommend the old tried & true Nolser Partition. CB

RE: 280 Rem. bullet suggestions for elk
 

You've said that the accubond is more accurate...

How much flatter is the lighter bullet ..?? Perhaps an inch or two at 300 yards..??.. You'd never see that difference under field conditions...Hardly a significant advantage...

Either bullet, applied to the ribcage of an elk, will get the job done, but the more accurate, heavier, bonded core bullet would logically be the better choice...

A handloaded .280 with 160 grain bullets probably would match the performance of some 160 grain 7mm Mag factory loads...

RE: 280 Rem. bullet suggestions for elk
 

Having owned several 280 rems,I would say 140 Nosler,but then again you not losing much by going to the 160.
I would shoot wichever one shoots best IN YOUR RIFLE.
Practice,practice practice.
BBJ

RE: 280 Rem. bullet suggestions for elk
 

Thanks for the feedback guys. I am leaning toward the 160's. Ireceived a chronograph as a gift from a friend and I plan to run some velocity tests later this summer and see how much the 140 and 160 gr differ. I like the idea of a heavier bullet even if it shoots a little less flat.

RE: 280 Rem. bullet suggestions for elk
 

145 gr. Grand Slam...

RE: 280 Rem. bullet suggestions for elk
 

I would suggest the 140 Barnes Triple Shock, haven't shot this caliber but would not hessitate from the performance I have seen with the bullet.

RE: 280 Rem. bullet suggestions for elk
 

try a 140 gr. triple schock X-bullet. i use them for deer and they are somewhat overkill!

RE: 280 Rem. bullet suggestions for elk
 

From personal experience with my own 280 I can tell you that there isn't an animal that can withstand a 140 gr. bullet through the vitals. That being said I would go with the most accurate load for your rifle.

RE: 280 Rem. bullet suggestions for elk
 

I've harvested a lot of big game with my 280, and i'd use the 150 or 160 Nosler partitions... I like the way they penetrate deeper than 140's do, and they will easily out perform granslams on game...

DM

RE: 280 Rem. bullet suggestions for elk
 

Out of the people I know that use 280's, most use the 140's. But then again, they aren't shooting anything bigger then deer. I would say use which one your gun likes the best.

RE: 280 Rem. bullet suggestions for elk
 

Ifyou want a 140 gr bulletI'd suggest the Barnes TSX. I use the 140 tsx in a 7mm rem mag, performed awesome on both elk and moose. In the .284 cal. I have also used Nosler part, AB, Hornady Interloc SP and Failsafes on elk/moose with good results. Other then a barnes I'd be looking to a150gr +premium bullet.

As mentioned prior pick the best accuracy and bullet for the job, IMHO the 160 AB is better suited then a 139 IB and would give up some to use it or equiv. Since it is the better grouper it makes the desicion a lot easier and will also help in weighing;) the results of your chrony testing.

RE: 280 Rem. bullet suggestions for elk
 

My choice would be the 140gr tsx.It out penetrates partitions of 160gr and 175gr..

RE: 280 Rem. bullet suggestions for elk
 

Just about any bullet will work on "deer sized" game including elk, as far as the .280 Rem. I've had good results with the Winchester Fail Safe's over the Nosler Partitions. I had Federal premium in N.P. on my first hunt with my .280 and the deer ran off with a broadside hit behind the shoulder. I racked the rifle the rest of the season. The following year I switched to Win. Fail Safe's and dropped an 8pt where he stood. Every deer since then has either dropped in their tracks or not ran over35-40yds.
The Fail Safe's or the Grand Slams would be a better choice over the N.P.'s, also the Swift A-Frames are a good choice.