Bullet/load for cow elk/mule deer

[Random 8]

Might get a chance for a cow or mule deer hunt next year, so I'm starting to look at loads.

I have a .280 rem, with one minor issue. It is built on a Mauser 98 military action, so I'm limited to a 3.300" COL to function effectively through the mag. I've been using relatively light to midweight for caliber bullets on MN deer with a low BC to get around this. Speer 145 grand slam has been my go-to. This bullet would certainly be tough enough for elk, but the BC is on the low side to push it to 300 yards. Wondering what is out there that might fit in my envelope. Considering the 150 Nos Part or the 140 AB, or perhaps a conventional Speer Hot core 160 or the Hornady 162 BTSP or 175 flat base. I think either of these will be "short" enough to load without seating too deeply and still have the ballistics for 300+. Also curious about the heavier Accubonds. I've been able to run a speer 160BTSP to peak velocities without pressure signs, wonder if one of those would work also. I've been able to get near or better than 1" accuracy with nearly every bullet I've tried in this rifle, so not worried about working up an effective load with any of the above.

 

[troy fairweather]

i would u a 160 to 175 in the 280 the older style bullets seem to be shorter then some newer one per the weight.

 

[cheygriz]

The 139-140 would be more than adequate for mule deer and elk.

I've taken two moose and many elk with Speer 150s in my .30-06.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Why not work up a load using the Speer 160gr Hot-Cor bullet? Since your rifle likes the Speer bullets stick with them.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

It is built on a Mauser 98 military action, so I'm limited to a 2.330" COL to function effectively through the mag.

Wait, did you make a mistake when writing the COAL? I never heard a Mauser action magazine being that short. I just checked the Lyman manual specific to Historic Military Calibers and the 8mm Mauser ammo has an OAL of between 2.850" and 3 .010" .

I don't know how you can load so short when the trim length in the 8mm case is 2.230" and the ammo is designed specifically for the Modem 98 Mauser. I know you are shooting a .280 Rem but the magazine didn't change. The case length of the .280 Rem is 2.540" .

 

[LoonWulf]

I'm assuming he ment 3.3ish?
Maybe run a bonded 140?

 

[Random 8]

Yep, my bad. 3.300, now corrected up top. Fat fingers and keyboards don't mix.

 

[jmr40]

The primary reason for using longer bullets is better performance downrange. Those heavy bullets do tend to give good penetration as well,but tougher bullet will penetrate well even in a lighter weight. A 140 gr Partition, or Accubond will do the job as will most any other bonded bullet.

Another option is a 120 gr Barnes copper bullet.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Yep, my bad. 3.300, now corrected up top. Fat fingers and keyboards don't mix.

I feel your pain brother lol...

I see no problem here since the OAL for the .280 Rem is supposed to be 3.330" and your magazine requires only three one-hundreds of an inch shorter. I'm guessing the only bullets you really can't use are the new mono bullets which are very long. If you're looking for a slightly heavier bullet look at the Speer 160gr Hot-Cor bullet instead of the 145gr Hot-Cor you're now using. (like I mentioned above)