the 280 Remington and the 30-06 are two cartridges that use the same case just in a different caliber. But does the size of the caliber matter? Which is better ballistically? Which is more versatile? In this article, we will answer all those questions and all questions surrounding the 280 Remington and the 30-06.
Here is the short answer:
If you are looking for a cartridge that is versatile and has a wide range of ammunition choices, the 30-06 is an excellent choice. If you are looking for a cartridge that has a flatter trajectory and higher velocity, the 280 Remington may be the better option.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look at each cartridge in depth like their ballistics, what they are best used for, and how they compare to each other.
An in-depth look at the 30-06
For decades, the 30-06 rifle cartridge has been a popular choice among hunters. Hailed as one of the most versatile cartridges ever created, it is effective in taking down game ranging from bison to whitetail deer. With an extensive history in the United States serving as primary ammunition for World War I and II soldiers, its long-range accuracy and power remain undisputed today; although modern takes such as 280 Remington have gained popularity over recent years.
The 30-06 is often considered the most versatile cartridge in the short because it is considered to be the lightest calibe you can see to hunt all game in North America. The 30-06 can also shoot bullet weights ranging from 110-grains to 220-grains giving it a wide array of ballistics.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 30-06 with a 180-grain soft point bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2700 | 2913 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.2 | 2584 | 2668 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.9 | 2470 | 2439 |
| 150 | -1.3 | 2 | 2359 | 2225 |
| 200 | -4.2 | 3.7 | 2252 | 2026 |
| 250 | -8.8 | 6 | 2147 | 1842 |
| 300 | -15.3 | 8.8 | 2045 | 1671 |
| 350 | -23.8 | 12.1 | 1945 | 1512 |
| 400 | -34.6 | 16.2 | 1848 | 1365 |
| 450 | -48.1 | 21.2 | 1756 | 1232 |
| 500 | -64.6 | 27 | 1667 | 1111 |
An in-depth look at the 280 Remington
The 280 Remington, designed in 1957 by the Remington Arms Company with the aim of bridging the gap between 25-06 and 7mm Magnum cartridges, is one of two widely respected cartridges for hunting big game in North America. Both are known to be powerful enough to take down large animals and have similar accuracy ranges as well as bullet drops. Nevertheless, there exist certain disparities that render any one cartridge more suitable than others for particular types of hunting.
The 280 Remington is a popular cartridge for hunting game as big as elk to as small as coyotes. It has a relatively wide range of bullet weights due to the popularity of the 284 caliber but nothing like that of the 30-06.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 280 Remington with a 150-grain soft point bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2890 | 2782 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2777 | 2569 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.8 | 2667 | 2369 |
| 150 | -1 | 1.8 | 2560 | 2183 |
| 200 | -3.4 | 3.1 | 2455 | 2008 |
| 250 | -7.2 | 4.9 | 2353 | 1844 |
| 300 | -12.6 | 7.3 | 2253 | 1690 |
| 350 | -19.7 | 10.2 | 2156 | 1547 |
| 400 | -28.6 | 13.6 | 2060 | 1414 |
| 450 | -39.6 | 17.5 | 1968 | 1289 |
| 500 | -52.6 | 22 | 1877 | 1173 |
which cartridge is truly better?
Concerning their differences, let us begin with the ballistics of these two cartridges. The 30-06 has a muzzle velocity of about 2700-2800 feet per second (fps) while its counterpart generates around 3050 fps when fired with factory ammunition loads from an average 22-inch barrel rifle; this higher speed gives it better trajectory capabilities compared to the 30-06 as well as flatter shooting characteristics over longer distances which would be advantageous should hunters pursue larger species in more open countrysides or mountainous regions where shots may need to reach out beyond 300 yards away.
In terms of cost and availability, there isn’t much difference between the two cartridges since they can both usually be found through most retailers who carry firearms supplies. However, many reloads will choose the 30-06 for its wider array of bullet weights.
In terms of energy, the 30-06 is a more powerful cartridge at ranges inside of 500 yards however, the 280 does eventually overtake the 30-06 in energy. So if you need a heavy hitting cartridge for game such as elk or moose the 30-06 is the better choice
The first disparity is in terms of recoil – although they generate corresponding energy when shot, 30-06 creates more felt recoil due to its larger case capacity and higher pressures caused by burning powder at a faster rate than what its smaller counterpart does with decreased amounts of powder.
Conclusion
The 30-06 is better for hunter going after big game such as elk or moose, or those who are after a versatile cartridge. But the 280 Remington is better for those who want to shoot at extended ranges.