The Versatile & Efficient 280 Ackley Improved: A Rifle Cartridge Review

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is the 280 Ackley Improved?
3. The History of the 280 Ackley Improved
4. How the 280 Ackley Improved Works
5. Benefits of the 280 Ackley Improved
6. Comparison to Other Cartridges
7. Ideal Uses for the 280 Ackley Improved
8. Availability of Rifles and Ammunition
9. User Experiences with the 280 Ackley Improved
10. Conclusion

What is the 280 Ackley Improved?

The 280 Ackley Improved is a rifle cartridge that is Based on the 280 Remington, which was introduced in 1957. The 280 Ackley Improved is essentially a 30.6 case that has been necked down to 7 millimeters, making it very similar to a 270 but with a slightly larger diameter of 0.284 inches. In 2008, Nosler standardized the 280 Ackley Improved, which was originally a wildcat cartridge developed by gunsmith P.O. Ackley.

The History of the 280 Ackley Improved

P.O. Ackley was a gunsmith who began improving certain cartridges in the 1940s and 1950s. He noticed that by straightening out the walls and increasing the shoulder angle of certain cartridges, he could increase their case capacity and improve their performance without inventing a new cartridge. He did this with many calibers and cartridges, and the design philosophy could be applied to any cartridge.

The 280 Ackley Improved was one of Ackley's most successful improvements. It caught on quickly and became very popular. In 2008, Nosler standardized the cartridge to SAAMI specs, making it even more accessible to hunters and shooters.

How the 280 Ackley Improved Works

The 280 Ackley Improved works by increasing the case capacity of the original 280 Remington cartridge. This allows for more powder to be used, which in turn increases velocity and energy. The sharper shoulder angle of the 280 Ackley Improved also reduces case stretch, which can lead to longer case life and more firings before the case cracks or breaks.

Benefits of the 280 Ackley Improved

The 280 Ackley Improved offers several benefits over the original 280 Remington cartridge. It provides a slight increase in velocity and energy, making it a flatter-shooting cartridge. It also has less recoil than some other cartridges with similar performance, making it more comfortable to shoot. The reduced case stretch also means that handloaded cartridges can last longer and take more firings before needing to be replaced.

Comparison to Other Cartridges

When compared to other cartridges, the 280 Ackley Improved falls somewhere in the middle in terms of performance. It offers a slight increase in velocity and energy over the original 280 Remington, but is not as powerful as some other cartridges like the 7mm Remington Magnum. However, the 280 Ackley Improved is more efficient than some other cartridges, meaning that it can achieve similar performance with less powder and recoil.

Ideal Uses for the 280 Ackley Improved

The 280 Ackley Improved is an ideal cartridge for western hunting, where shots can be long and the terrain can be challenging. It is also a good choice for hunters who want a cartridge that offers good performance without excessive recoil. The 280 Ackley Improved is versatile enough to handle a wide range of game, from deer and antelope to elk and moose.

Availability of Rifles and Ammunition

While the 280 Ackley Improved is not as popular as some other cartridges, it is becoming more widely available. Savage offers a rifle chambered in the 280 Ackley Improved, and other manufacturers are likely to follow suit. Ammunition can be harder to find, but shooters can always use standard 280 Remington cartridges in a 280 Ackley Improved chamber.

User Experiences with the 280 Ackley Improved

Users of the 280 Ackley Improved generally report positive experiences with the cartridge. It offers good performance without excessive recoil, making it a comfortable cartridge to shoot. The reduced case stretch also means that handloaded cartridges can last longer and take more firings before needing to be replaced.

Conclusion

The 280 Ackley Improved is a versatile and efficient cartridge that offers good performance without excessive recoil. It is becoming more widely available and is a good choice for western hunting and other applications where long shots may be necessary. While it may not be as popular as some other cartridges, the 280 Ackley Improved has a loyal following and is likely to Continue to grow in popularity in the coming years.

Highlights

• The 280 Ackley Improved is a rifle cartridge based on the 280 Remington.
• It was developed by gunsmith P.O. Ackley in the 1940s and 1950s.
• The 280 Ackley Improved offers a slight increase in velocity and energy over the original 280 Remington.
• It is more efficient than some other cartridges, meaning that it can achieve similar performance with less powder and recoil.
• The 280 Ackley Improved is versatile enough to handle a wide range of game, from deer and antelope to elk and moose.
• Users generally report positive experiences with the cartridge, citing its good performance and reduced case stretch.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between the 280 Remington and the 280 Ackley Improved? A: The 280 Ackley Improved is essentially a 30.6 case that has been necked down to 7 millimeters, making it very similar to a 270 but with a slightly larger diameter of 0.284 inches. The sharper shoulder angle of the 280 Ackley Improved also reduces case stretch, which can lead to longer case life and more firings before the case cracks or breaks.

Q: Is the 280 Ackley Improved a good cartridge for hunting? A: Yes, the 280 Ackley Improved is a good cartridge for hunting. It offers good performance without excessive recoil, making it a comfortable cartridge to shoot. The reduced case stretch also means that handloaded cartridges can last longer and take more firings before needing to be replaced.

Q: Is the 280 Ackley Improved more powerful than the 7mm Remington Magnum? A: No, the 280 Ackley Improved is not as powerful as the 7mm Remington Magnum. However, it is more efficient, meaning that it can achieve similar performance with less powder and recoil.