Are there any downsides to using .280 Remington on big game?

Limited Penetration

The .280 Remington has a relatively low bullet weight and velocity compared to other calibers, resulting in limited penetration. For example, a 140-grain .280 Remington bullet traveling at 2,900 feet per second may only penetrate 12-15 inches of bone and muscle, which can be inadequate for larger animals like mule deer. This can lead to poor performance on animals that are not immediately dropped by the initial shot.

Stopping Power and Expansion

The .280 Remington’s smaller case size and lower pressure also contribute to reduced stopping power. At close range, the bullet may expand poorly or not at all, potentially allowing the animal to continue moving and making follow-up shots necessary. This can be particularly problematic when hunting mule deer, as they can travel significant distances before succumbing to a wound. In contrast, larger calibers like the .30-06 or .300 Winchester Magnum are more likely to provide reliable expansion and stopping power.

Range and Shot Placement

While the .280 Remington can be effective at close range, its limitations become more apparent at longer ranges. At 400 yards or more, the bullet’s trajectory can become increasingly inaccurate, and the animal may not be dropped by the initial shot. To compensate for this, hunters must be highly skilled in shot placement and trajectory estimation, taking into account factors like wind, elevation, and bullet drop. This can be challenging, particularly for inexperienced hunters, and may result in wounding rather than killing the animal.