New rifle build ideas

[laylandad]

I recently purchased a Remington 700 action to do my first custom rifle. I'm trying to decide on which caliber to go with. I've narrowed it down to two. 25-06 or 280 Remington. It is purely a deer rifle and paper puncher.

Anyways, do you guys have any pros or cons, advice on the build? Is there a smith that comes highly recommended?

Thanks in advance!

 

[IdahoCTD]

If it was me I'd do a .280 AI before a standard .280. 7rm type performance for very little additional powder over a .280. Also 7mm's have better bullet selections and the new LR AB's are available in 7mm but not .25.

Just my .02

 

[gerry]

I would do a 280 before a 280 AI myself, loaded to the same pressure there isn't much difference between them IMO. Since you want a gun for deer and punch some paper I would do a 25-06 and not look back, it would be perfect for that.

 

[BK]

While I love my .25-06, bullet selection is so much better in 6.5 and 7 mm, that's the way I would go...

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

The 280 is the much more versatile of the two even where deer hunting is concerned, its a better all-around choice. That 160 grain AB is THE hunting bullet in my opinion for the .284s. Still a 25-06 is not exactly a poor choice either.

I LOVE my 25-06, its a laser with 75 grain V-max bullets for coyotes and a great deer load with anything Nosler 100-120 grain.

Youre in great company with both but as Kurt said, the 280 has more choices in bullets and I believe it to be the better choice of the two as you will have more big game hunting opportunities that it is suited for.

 

[DrMike]

I cast my vote for the .280. Either rifle will please you, I have no doubt. The .280, however, is just cool. I'm biased, as it could easily qualify as my favourite cartridge.

 

[JD338]

Both the 25-06 and the 280 Rem are great deer rounds and easy recoil for target shooting.
As a hunting round, the 280 has the advantage of more bullet options covering everything from mice to moose.

IMHO, I would get a 280 AI.

JD338

 

[usmc 89]

I would split the two and adopt the best of both worlds, build a 6"5-284 or a 6.5-06. Great velocity high bc low recoil and excellent accuracy.

 

[atmoshpere]

I would split the two and adopt the best of both worlds, build a 6"5-284 or a 6.5-06. Great velocity high bc low recoil and excellent accuracy.

+1 I was thinking something very similar.

 

[shoots_5]

What is the maximum range desired for the gun? If its beyond 500 yards I'd go with the 280AI, if its under that either would be fine. Not that you can't shoot a 25-06 beyond 500 but the higher BC bullets available for the 280 start to shine at extended distance over the .25 caliber selection. That might help with your selection.

 

[PJGunner]

When I decided to do a build a while back, I went with the .280 remington and haven't looked back or had any regrets. So far it has been MOA or sub-MOA with everything I've run through it.
I have a 25-06 and it's nice but it's been staying home. Guess i should do something about that but the .280 is more fun. :wink:
Paul B.

 

[SJB358]

I would split the two and adopt the best of both worlds, build a 6"5-284 or a 6.5-06. Great velocity high bc low recoil and excellent accuracy.

That'd be a great pick. Hard to beat the 264's and their bullets.

 

[usmc 89]

I have heard tales the 6.5-284 is effective to the 1k mark on deer withe the right guy behind it???

 

[SJB358]

I have heard tales the 6.5-284 is effective to the 1k mark on deer withe the right guy behind it???

Where'd you hear that Jeff? Cabelas? 8)

 

[laylandad]

My Max range is in the neighborhood of 350-400 yds. Occasionally there may be a longer shot, but I tend to stay within my limits.

 

[Guest]

Either will easily perform the desired task. First question I'd ask is, what else do you have in the safe right now? If you have a 243Win, or a 7mmRemMag or some other "close" rounds to either of your choices, that might influence your decision.

I would likely choose the 280 but only because I see it as more utilitarian than the 25-06. But it would really depend on what else you have in the safe.

 

[laylandad]

I've got rifles on both sides! I have a 243, 7mm-08, 7mm Rem Mag, 270, 308, 30-06, and both 300 shorts! I guess I want something a little different!

 

[Elkman]

I like the idea of more powder, the 6.5-06 I think would be a great combination. With the right barrel and some "long" high BC bullets. !!

 

[IdahoCTD]

I'd probably do a 6.5mm to go with the rifles you have. a 6.5-06, 6.5-06 Imp., 6.5-.280 AI, 6.5 Sherman or .264wm

 

[usmc 89]

As a matter of it was cabelas, guy said he held two feet of daylight and let fly at 1000 yards dead deer. :lol: :lol: :lol: i was stunned, usually this story is coupled to a 270 win.