When it comes to hunting and shooting, the selection of a cartridge is a crucial factor. among two of the most popular big game hunting cartridges are the 308 WIncheser and the 280 Remington. Both cartridges are excellent performers in the field and have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
Here is the short answer:
The 308 is a wider-spread cartridge that is used for a wider array of uses from hunting to tactical shooting. The 280 Remington is a less popular cartridge that is better used for big game hunting. If you want a high-power cartridge go with the 280, if you want a popular cartridge go with the 308.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each cartridge, their ballistics, and see how the two calibers compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 308 Winchester
The 308 Winchester was introduced in 1952 as a commercial version of the military 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. It quickly became popular among hunters and shooters due to its versatility and reliability. The 308 Winchester is a short-action cartridge that is a popular choice for hunting deer, elk, and other big game animals.
The 308 Winchester has a reputation for accuracy and reliability, which is why it is widely used for tactical shooting and competition shooting. It has a moderate recoil that is manageable for most shooters, and it can be loaded with a wide range of bullet weights and styles. The cartridge can be loaded with bullets weighing from 110 grains to 200 grains, with the most common bullet weight being 150 grains.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 308 Winchester with a 150-grain jacketed soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2820 | 2648 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.3 | 2673 | 2380 |
| 100 | 0 | 1.1 | 2532 | 2134 |
| 150 | -1.2 | 2.4 | 2394 | 1909 |
| 200 | -3.9 | 4.4 | 2261 | 1702 |
| 250 | -8.4 | 7.1 | 2132 | 1514 |
| 300 | -14.7 | 10.4 | 2007 | 1341 |
| 350 | -23.1 | 14.6 | 1886 | 1184 |
| 400 | -34.2 | 19.7 | 1771 | 1044 |
| 450 | -48.1 | 25.9 | 1661 | 919 |
| 500 | -65 | 32.9 | 1557 | 807 |
In-Depth Look at the 280 Remington
The 280 Remington was introduced in 1957 as a response to the popular 270 Winchester cartridge. It was designed by taking a 30-06 case and necking it down to use a 28-caliber bullet. The 280 Remington is a long-action cartridge that is best used for hunting game like elk and deer at long range.
The 280 Remington is a powerful cartridge that is ideal for big game hunting. It is a cartridge known for its long range energy retention and good long range trajectory. The cartridge can be loaded with a wide range of bullet weights and styles, from 120 to 175 grains. The most common bullet weight for the 280 Remington is 140 grains.
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 |
In-Depth Comparison
When comparing the 308 Winchester and the 280 Remington, there are several factors to consider.
The first factor is ballistics. The 280 Remington has a higher muzzle velocity and energy than the 308 Winchester, making it a better choice for long-range shooting. The 308 Winchester, on the other hand, has a flatter trajectory and less recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately at shorter ranges.
The second factor to consider is the availability of ammunition. The 308 Winchester is a more common cartridge than the 280 Remington, which means that ammunition is more widely available and less expensive. The 280 Remington can be harder to find, and it is often more expensive than the 308 Winchester.
The third factor to consider is the suitability for different types of game. The 308 Winchester is a versatile cartridge that is suitable for hunting a wide range of game animals, from small game to large game. The 280 Remington is more powerful and is better suited for big game hunting, such as elk, moose, and bear.
Conclusion
The 308 is a popular choice due to its versatility, availability, and widespread use in both hunting and military applications. It’s an excellent choice for medium-range shooting and performs well in a variety of rifles. On the other hand, the 280 Remington offers a slightly flatter trajectory and better long-range performance, making it a great option for hunters who require greater accuracy at longer distances.