Quick Answer
The .280 Remington cartridge is a capable long-range hunting round, but its effectiveness at dropping a mule deer at 500 yards largely depends on the specific rifle and bullet setup used.
Cartridge Overview
The .280 Remington is a .30-caliber cartridge that was introduced in the 1950s. It’s based on the .30-06 Springfield case and has a slightly shorter length. The .280 Remington has a maximum case capacity of around 58-60 grains of water. When loaded with the right bullet, it can achieve velocities and energies that make it suitable for hunting large game at longer ranges.
Bullet Selection and Performance
To effectively hunt mule deer at 500 yards, you’ll need a bullet that can maintain its velocity and deliver a high amount of kinetic energy on impact. A 140-150 grain bullet with a ballistic coefficient (BC) of at least .4 is a good starting point. Some examples of bullets that fit this criterion are the Berger 140 VLD (BC = .505) and the Sierra 140 MatchKing (BC = .457). When fired from a properly tuned rifle, these bullets can achieve velocities over 2,600 ft/s and deliver a minimum of 1,100 ft-lbs of energy at 500 yards.
Rifle and Ballistic Considerations
To hit a mule deer at 500 yards, you’ll need a rifle that can consistently shoot within 1 MOA (minute of angle) or less. A rifle with a high-quality scope and a good ballistic drop calculator or app will also be essential for making accurate shots at long range. Additionally, you’ll need to consider the effects of wind and other environmental factors that can affect the bullet’s trajectory. By carefully selecting the right bullet and rifle, and using proper ballistic calculations, you can increase your chances of making a clean shot on a mule deer at 500 yards.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.