7 mm Express (280 Remington)

[Greg Nolan]

Just offhand I'd say you have a winner based on the replies. I've never owned one but I've hunted with 280 cult members that swear it's "THE" cartridge for all occasions. They proceeded to prove it on mule deer and an elk. I wouldn't modify it because it's rare and increasing value but I would shoot it. Congrats on all accounts. :grin:
Greg

 

[BK]

Mine is a Rem 700 Mtn Rifle

That is exactly what I was going to get... then Remington disco'd first the blue/walnut, then the SS/laminate. I even bought a couple of McMillan stocks inlet for an LA 700 with the MR contour. All I seem to be able to find are .270s and '06s.

 

[Desert Fox]

My first ever bolt rifle. Mine was built, with the help of a friend, on an Argentine Model 1909 action. It wears the no. 4 Douglas XX that I purchased from Midway. The rifle shoots really well and I killed several deer with it. I still use the load I developed after I received the rifle. Actually, it's embedded in my head. 55.5 grain of IMR 4831 to push the 150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip at around 2900 fps. The 280 is an excellent cartridge. You won't be disappointed.

 

[negeorgia]

How about a new 700 CDL SF for $865?

 

[tecumseh]

The 280 is my go to rifle for most of the hunting I do, I've got great results with 140 gr Ballistic Tips, AccuBond's, 140 gr sierra pro-hunters and 160 gr sierra Gamekings.

As far as powders I'm using H4831sc, IMR4831, RL-22 with CCI and Fed 210 primers

 

[PJGunner]

My .280 is built on a 1909 Argentine, Douglas barrel and very nice piece of walnut. Kind of a strange story on how I came about having a .280 in the first place. I guy was selling the components to build the rifle. The barrel had been installed, blueing done and all that really needed to be done was the stock which was sitll an uninletted hunk of wood that was so rough It was difficult to judge the grain. He wanted $600 and I offered $300. I was concerned about the quality of the work done and there was the stock that had to be carved That was on Saturday. About closing time on Sunday. I saw he still had it. He said he was seling for the widow of a friend and supposedly that was what all the stuff was worth. I again offered him $300. He took it and the parts came home with my. Frankly, I didn't believe the widow of a friend story which is why I stayed low. I dug up the scope, bases and rings, Neidner style trap door buttplate and grip cap The end result after a wait I thought would never end and I finally got the rifle in hand and my wallet $3,000 lighter. I've only done some limited load work up for the rifle as every time I got to the range, everybody and his couson have to look at it and hopefully get to hold it. Yes, it is that nice. Seems my gunsmith hurt his back and farmed the gun out to Sterling Davenport and $3K is his standard price. I'm not complaining. The three starting load work ups have all been one inch or less.I still have a bunch of load work to do but maybe I'll take it hunting this year, if I can draw a tag. I wish Mr. Davenport hadn't retired. I'd dearly love to have him do another rifle for me.
Paul b.

 

[Oldtrader3]

Pictures, pictures!

 

[JD338]

PJGunner

Try these loads for your 280 Rem.....

140 gr BT and PT
57.0 grs RL 19
52.5 grs IMR 4350

160 gr PT
54.0 grs IMR 4831

R-P case and Federal GM210M primers.
Remember to start low and work up. These loads are safe in my rifle and shot well under MOA.

JD338

 

[C.Smith]

Wow that widow story sounds familiar. Was at a gun show and guy had just a Mauser action said he was selling everything for a widow. Wonder if it was the same guy. Sounds like a great rifle though, pictures would awsome.

Corey

 

[glane5910]

I really love the 280. The only thing better IMHO is the 280 AI for this class of cartridges. I've had one in my Win 70 Featherweight for over 20 years and just re-barrelled it to 280 AI. I'd like to have a Browning BLR take-down rifle in 280..

 

[6mm Remington]

Mine is a Rem 700 Mtn Rifle

That is exactly what I was going to get... then Remington disco'd first the blue/walnut, then the SS/laminate. I even bought a couple of McMillan stocks inlet for an LA 700 with the MR contour. All I seem to be able to find are .270s and '06s.

BK that's because people know how good they are and they keep them, except for those rare times when a moment of insanity happens and one is sold, as what happened to me. I sold it though with full intentions of replacing it because I love it so much. Now I got Scotty telling me I need to get a 35 Whelen or a 338-06, and then there is the whole parade of folks who think I need a Marlin 45-70, which I do, but that's a whole nother story.

The 280 Remington is one of the best if not the best! :wink:

 

[Powerstroke]

Mine is a Rem 700 Mtn Rifle

That is exactly what I was going to get... then Remington disco'd first the blue/walnut, then the SS/laminate. I even bought a couple of McMillan stocks inlet for an LA 700 with the MR contour. All I seem to be able to find are .270s and '06s.

BK that's because people know how good they are and they keep them, except for those rare times when a moment of insanity happens and one is sold, as what happened to me. I sold it though with full intentions of replacing it because I love it so much. Now I got Scotty telling me I need to get a 35 Whelen or a 338-06, and then there is the whole parade of folks who think I need a Marlin 45-70, which I do, but that's a whole nother story.

The 280 Remington is one of the best if not the best! :wink:

BK -
Mine pre-dates those that you speak of. It's a stainless synthetic version - can't say for sure, but think it was only a one or two year run on these. ADL type action - B&C I believe makes a drop in Alaskan for it.

 

[BK]

People are a little goofy about Mountain Rifles... tracking each and every change in manufacturing... bolt handle contouring/checkering, changes in finish, barrel markings... I thought I was OCD, but man! (I say this, knowing I'm about two steps from being the same way.)

 

[caribouhunter]

wonderful caliber!
i've been looking to find one in left hand config. for years so i can have it AIed. with no luck
finally settled on a 7mm wsm and i love it. but i would have liked the 280 AI better.

 

[DaveA37]

Thanks for all the input. Indeed, I do have a great cousin. He and I have hunted together for many years. He is aging now (in his 80's) and has a tremendous collection of firearms having collected for many, many years. He is WAY TOO generous but that is the way he is. He also gave a beautiful .243 to a young woman who hunts but did not have her own rifle. (She does now!)

As a side note, I hate to see him disposing of his collection even though I have received two now but know that he wants the guns to go to someone whom he know and will really appreciate them. It's like he is planning to step aside from hunting which saddens me as he has been a great partner for many years afield. We are still planning our annual Wyoming elk, antelope and mule deer hunt for this fall. Hope it will continue for many more years.

I'm not "savy" in the ways of posting pictures but willing to learn.

Dave

 

[Oldtrader3]

I give stuff away, mostly to family or in-laws. I am nearly 70, have poor health and more guns and fishing tackle than I will ever need. I go by the 3 year law, if I haven't used it in 3 years, is is gone! I have given away several rifles, shotguns and revolvers in the past 5 years. This, plus a bunch of expensive salt water big game fishing tackle that I do not use anymore. Also, I have given away a lot of reloading stuff for calibers that I do not have.

I still have enough to tide me over and leave the rest to my kids. What the heck, this hobby needs somebody to pass it on with a country of nuclear families whose children are taught to be afraid of guns by their liberal school system. I help those whom I know and do not have what they need to get started. It is better to make someone happy than getting ripped off by the local (sorry-jerk), high volume, gun dealer (skoff) who will try to rip me off and then laugh at me and mock me behind my back, when I have sold something to him too cheap! Then have him turn around and mark it up to more than a new gun costs.

 

[glane5910]

I give stuff away, mostly to family or in-laws. I am nearly 70, have poor health and more guns and fishing tackle than I will ever need. I go by the 3 year law, if I haven't used it in 3 years, is is gone! I have given away several rifles, shotguns and revolvers in the past 5 years. This, plus a bunch of expensive salt water big game fishing tackle that I do not use anymore. Also, I have given away a lot of reloading stuff for calibers that I do not have.

I still have enough to tide me over and leave the rest to my kids. What the heck, this hobby needs somebody to pass it on with a country of nuclear families whose children are taught to be afraid of guns by their liberal school system. I help those whom I know and do not have what they need to get started. It is better to make someone happy than getting ripped off by the local (sorry-jerk), high volume, gun dealer (skoff) who will try to rip me off and then laugh at me and mock me behind my back, when I have sold something to him too cheap! Then have him turn around and mark it up to more than a new gun costs.

Aren't we long lost cousins??

 

[boolit]

My cousin is downsizing his gun room (big collection) and asked if I would like a Remington 700 in 7 mm Express (280 Remington). Certainly I said "yes" cause you can never have enough guns. Right? (my wife woud argue that point) :grin: What's your take on this caliber? I've read that it is supposed to be superior to the 270 Remington but have nothing to back that up. Anyone have any experience with this caliber or pet loads?

This is the second rifle he has given me in the past years. Previous one I mentioned here a few years back is a custom 300 H&H magnum he had made up a number of years ago. Though a bit on the heavy side, that rifle shoots like a dream with great accuracy. I'm taking it to Wyoming and Alaska again this year as a back-up to my 300 Win magnum.

I've read that it is supposed to be superior to the 270 Remington

First of all, get it right, .270 Winchester.... and second it's just another caliber dude.

Oh wait.... the moose said as he or she is hit,"That must have been a 280 Remington, GASP...
I hope It's enough, I wonder if it has enough sectional density, or maybe enough frontal area? Maybe the hunter should have used a .338 RUM or a .416 Rigby.... Oh that's too big.... a .30-06 killed my sisters and brothers for ever.... what's this .280 doing in the mix?"

 

[DaveA37]

boolit.........

First of all, get it right, .270 Winchester.... and second it's just another caliber dude.


Sorry for the mis-typing, I KNOW the difference..........

And, my name is NOT 'dude".

 

[mkcj]

You have a great gun there! When I was 16 I worked all summer and bought a new "7mm express"w/2x7 redfield widefield and then a few years later I needed more $ for girls and parties and sold it So now that I am better off money wise I have a whole safe of just "7mm express" 700 BDL's ADL's a model 4 and 7400 still need to find the carbine model. Then later in the 80's by mistake when they were making the 700RS some one stamped the first 280's 7mm express and rather then melt them down they double stamped them 7mm exp/280 they came in grey and camo stocks of which only about 50 camo stocked guns were made. Of all my guns the 700RS guns shoot the best. Sorry for the long post But I to am just getting into reloading and this being my 1st post I would like to say this is by far the best site I have found for reloading