The .280 Remington is a hunter’s round with a quiet fan base. It sits between the .270 Winchester and the .30-06, shoots flat and kicks less than most magnums. This guide covers 280 Remington ballistics for every load we stock, using the makers’ published speed and energy. It also explains how to read those numbers and which bullet fits which game.
A Quick Look at the .280
Remington introduced the .280 in 1957. It is the .30-06 case necked down to hold a .284-inch, or 7mm, bullet. That makes it a long-action round. In the late 1970s Remington sold it for a short time as the 7mm Express Remington, then went back to the .280 name.
The .280 shares its bullet size with the 7mm-08, 7mm Rem Mag and 7mm PRC. It also has a close cousin, the 280 Ackley Improved, which uses a blown-out version of the same case. These rounds are not interchangeable. Fire only ammo that matches the stamp on your barrel.
280 Remington Ballistics Table
Published muzzle data for our 280 Remington ammo, sorted by bullet weight:
| Load | Bullet | Grain | Muzzle velocity (fps) | Muzzle energy (ft-lbs) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nosler AccuBond 280 Remington 140 Grain Trophy Grade | Nosler AccuBond Bonded Polymer Tip | 140 | 3,000 | 2,797 | 20-round box |
| Remington Core-Lokt Tipped 280 140 Grain Polymer Tip | Polymer Tip | 140 | 3,020 | 2,835 | 20-round box |
| Nosler Ballistic Tip 280 Remington 140 Grain | Nosler Ballistic Tip Polymer Tip | 140 | 3,000 | 2,797 | 20-round box |
| Remington Core-Lokt 280 140 Grain Soft Point | Core-Lokt Jacketed Soft Point | 140 | 3,000 | 2,797 | 20-round box |
| Nosler E-Tip 280 Remington 140 Grain Lead-Free | Nosler E-Tip Polymer Tip (lead-free) | 140 | 3,000 | 2,797 | 20-round box |
| Federal Premium 280 Remington 140 Grain Bonded Tip | Bonded Polymer Tip | 140 | 2,950 | 2,705 | 20-round box |
| Federal Fusion 280 Remington 140 Grain Bonded | Bonded Round Nose | 140 | 2,990 | 2,780 | 20-round box |
| HSM Trophy Gold 280 Remington 140 Grain Berger VLD | Berger Hunting VLD Jacketed Hollow Point | 140 | 2,806 | 2,447 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Precision Hunter 280 Remington 150 Grain ELD-X | Hornady ELD-X Polymer Tip | 150 | 2,925 | 2,849 | 20-round box |
| Remington Core-Lokt 280 150 Grain Soft Point | Core-Lokt Jacketed Soft Point | 150 | 2,890 | 2,781 | 20-round box |
| Federal Power-Shok 280 Remington 150 Grain Soft Point | Jacketed Soft Point | 150 | 2,890 | 2,782 | 20-round box |
| Norma TipStrike 280 Remington 160 Grain Polymer Tip | Polymer Tip | 160 | 2,789 | 2,764 | 20-round box |
| Nosler Partition 280 Remington 160 Grain Custom | Nosler Partition Jacketed Soft Point | 160 | 2,775 | 2,736 | 20-round box |
| Remington Core-Lokt 280 165 Grain Soft Point | Core-Lokt Jacketed Soft Point | 165 | 2,820 | 2,913 | 20-round box |
The spread is tight. Most 140 grain loads list about 3,000 feet per second. The Remington Core-Lokt Tipped 140 grain lists 3,020 fps and 2,835 ft-lbs. At the heavy end, the Remington Core-Lokt 165 grain soft point lists 2,820 fps but carries 2,913 ft-lbs, the most energy here.
How to Read These Numbers
Velocity
Speed at the muzzle, in feet per second. More speed means a flatter path out to normal hunting range. Makers test in a set barrel. Your rifle may run a little faster or slower.
Energy
Foot-pounds, figured from speed and weight. It helps you compare loads. It does not tell you how a bullet behaves inside an animal. Bullet build matters more.
Ballistic coefficient
BC shows how well a bullet keeps its speed. The Hornady Precision Hunter 150 grain ELD-X lists 2,925 fps and 2,849 ft-lbs, and its sleek shape holds that speed far out. A round-nose or flat-base soft point slows down sooner, even if it starts at the same speed.
Which .280 Load for Which Game?
Deer and pronghorn
Choose 140 to 150 grain soft points or polymer tips. The Core-Lokt, Ballistic Tip and Power-Shok loads open fast on deer-sized game. The HSM Trophy Gold 140 grain Berger VLD suits longer shots.
Elk and black bear
Step up to tougher bullets. Bonded designs such as the Federal Fusion and Federal bonded tip loads, or the Nosler AccuBond and Partition, hold together on heavy bone. The 160 to 165 grain loads add weight for deep shots.
Lead-free hunts
The Nosler E-Tip 140 grain is our lead-free .280 option. It lists 3,000 fps and 2,797 ft-lbs. Check your state’s rules on bullet type.
Field Caveats
Speed shifts with barrel length. Altitude and temperature also change the path, so real 280 Remington ballistics in the mountains will differ from a sea-level chart. Chronograph your load, enter it in a ballistic app and confirm your holds on paper.
Want more speed from the same bullet? Read our 280 Ackley Improved ballistic data guide.
Shop 280 Remington Ammo
Compare every load in our 280 Remington ammo section and pick the bullet that fits your hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 280 Remington compared to?
It sits between the .270 Winchester and the .30-06 Springfield. It fires a 7mm bullet, slightly larger than the .270, from a .30-06 based case. It kicks less than a 7mm Rem Mag and shoots a bit flatter than a .30-06 with similar bullet weights.
What is the 280 Remington used for?
It is a big game hunting round. Hunters use 140 to 150 grain bullets for deer and pronghorn, and tougher 150 to 165 grain bullets for elk and black bear. It also works for long shots in open country. Check your state’s hunting rules.
When did the 7mm Express Remington name change back to .280?
Remington used the 7mm Express Remington name for a short time in the late 1970s. Confusion with the 7mm Rem Mag led the company to return to the .280 Remington name. Ammo marked either way is the same cartridge.
Who makes a 280 Remington rifle?
Several major bolt-action makers offer rifles chambered in .280 Remington, and older models are common on the used market. Model lists change often, so check current maker catalogs. Confirm the barrel stamp before buying ammo, since the 280 Ackley Improved is a different cartridge.
