Quick Answer
The .280 Remington is a preferred round for some hunters due to its flat shooting trajectory, moderate recoil, and effective range of up to 500 yards. It's particularly suited for medium to large-sized game like mule deer. The cartridge's performance also makes it a suitable choice for hunting in hilly or mountainous terrain.
Optimal Range and Ballistic Performance
The .280 Remington’s 130-grain and 140-grain bullets offer a flat trajectory and effective range of up to 500 yards, making it an ideal choice for hunting mule deer in open or rolling terrain. The cartridge’s muzzle velocity of around 2,800-2,900 feet per second and bullet kinetic energy of 2,250-2,500 ft-lbs enable it to take down deer with a single shot. In hilly terrain, the .280 Remington’s moderate recoil and manageable wind deflection make it a more appealing choice than larger magnums.
Hunting Mule Deer with the .280 Remington
When hunting mule deer, it’s essential to understand the cartridge’s capabilities and limitations. The .280 Remington’s effective range and bullet performance make it suitable for shots up to 200-250 yards. When shooting at longer ranges, it’s crucial to compensate for wind deflection and bullet drop using a ballistic calculator or rangefinder. For shots beyond 300 yards, consider using a heavier bullet weight, such as 140-150 grains, to maintain kinetic energy and ensure a quick kill.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.