Not the usual calibre debate.......this time it is 7x64 or .280 Rem

[3595wilk]

I currently have a couple of barrels for my Sauer 404 - one of which is the good old .308. I've shot this calibre as my main deer rifle for a while - but have a hankering to try a different one calibre which is a bit more left field. Why? Because I can. Yes its not a well balanced argument - but do like left field choices and less run of the mill calibres. Hence choosing .222 and 6.5x55 and 6mm BRA over some more mainstream ones........

I'd look to get the current .308 re-barrelled, using the existing tenon and threading it; so a new barrel can be spun on. While Blaser group do the 7x64 the wait time is stupid. They don't do a .280.

I handload all calibres so developing something and sourcing dies/brass isn't an issue for me - part of the fun really in going a bit more left field. FEO is fine with a variation - just won't allow me to add another calibre to the 7 I have already...........

My question is anyone shoot either calibre day to day in the UK for the 6 species? Any real life experiences and any pros and cons you have from doing so that I should consider?

My use would be predominantly over here - but used in Europe a couple of times a year too - with an ambition for a mountain trip for some longer range use before I get too old and any fatter.

TIA.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

7x64 it is an easy European wide calibre to get ammunition for on the continent for the incontinent

 

[MilesW]

280AI. Not really left field, but a cracker of a cartridge. Gives up very little little to the 7mm RM, but a much nicer experience. Easier on powder, and the ear.
Feeding issues are rarely an issue, but I am not familiar with the Sauer so you would need to do a bit of research.

 

[VIGILAIRE]

+ 1 for 7x64

 

[3595wilk]

7x64 it is an easy European wide calibre to get ammunition for on the continent for the incontinent

don't need ammunition as mentioned above...... as I'm handloading.

 

[3595wilk]

280AI. Not really left field, but a cracker of a cartridge. Gives up very little little to the 7mm RM, but a much nicer experience. Easier on powder, and the ear.
Feeding issues are rarely an issue, but I am not familiar with the Sauer so you would need to do a bit of research.

My 6mm BRA is Ackley so know the benefits and potential. Guess it's just fire forming with . 280 cases?

 

[alberta boy]

280AI. Not really left field, but a cracker of a cartridge. Gives up very little little to the 7mm RM, but a much nicer experience. Easier on powder, and the ear.
Feeding issues are rarely an issue, but I am not familiar with the Sauer so you would need to do a bit of research.

I built a 280AI on a 98 Mauser 5 years ago , it's become one of my favourite cartridges .
AB

 

[Border]

Not much in it with the standard 280 rem. I would go 7x64. I have only shot roe with one but they all died on the spot.

 

[jcampbellsmith]

don't need ammunition as mentioned above...... as I'm handloading.

But, in the future how/where are you going to test your handloads?

Regards

JCS

 

[3595wilk]

But, in the future how/where are you going to test your handloads?

Regards

JCS

Where I normally do? Think I may be missing the point of your point here......

 

[enfieldspares]

I have had both. For anyone in Europe 7x64 is the more realistic from off the shelf purchase. The old "military calibre" laws in France and Belgium that had somne substitute .280 Remington for .30/06 had long gone so you see it less there and, in any case, what you did often see it in the Remington 740 and 760 are illegal here because of Margaret Thatcher's 1988 ban. In practical terms the 7x74 of 1912 uses old technology of a taper bodied case to supposedly give better extraction whereas the .280 Remington of 1957 follows its parent .30/06 and has a near parallel sided case. That maybe means slightly extra powder capacityin the .280? Whatever you select the deer will know no different.

 

[NullMac]

Whichever one you can get stuff for ....

 

[3595wilk]

Whichever one you can get stuff for ....

Aftab has brass and dies for both....and the AI version of the .280 so not really an issue........

 

[jcampbellsmith]

Where I normally do? Think I may be missing the point of your point here......

What is the bullet recovery process for your testing location?

Regards

JCS

 

[3595wilk]

What is the bullet recovery process for your testing location?

Regards

JCS

Still lost me.......why do I need to recover them?

 

[enfieldspares]

My use would be predominantly over here - but used in Europe a couple of times a year too - with an ambition for a mountain trip for some longer range use before I get too old and any fatter.

I hate to say it, as my own preference is .280 Remington and a cartridge "born" in the same year as myself (despite the wildcat 7mm-06) but this last paragraph seals the question. For whatiffery and whataboutery that you can transport the rifle OK but not the ammunition? The rifle is metal and wood or plastic. The ammunition is "explosives" so that may restrict if you canb carry it at all by some ferries, tunnels or 'planes. With then the need to buy the cartridges "in resort" in Europe 7x64 is the only sensible advice. Head, here, must rule heart.

The .280 AI and or the 7mm Remington Magnum I'd discount as I don't like cases with sharp shoulders less they hang up in rapid reloading and I don't like belted cases for the same reason. If either shape were 110% reliable to feed under stress they'd have likely long been adopted (the .55 Boyes notwitstanding) as a case shape for service rounds...there's a reason that the 8.6x70 aka .338 Lapua doesn't have a belt! You really don't want to halfway up a scree covered slope on that mouflon hunt and have a cartridge hang up.

Efficiency of feeding and feeding under stress or when presented with that "once in a lifetime" shot or any need for a rapid and certain follow up shot beats hands down and all ways any supposed efficiency of burning of powder IMHO. The most powder efficient shaped cartridge is useless if it's square shoulder gets stuck on the edge of your barrel's feed ramp or its belt gets hooked the belt of the cartridge below it. Leave the AI to Mr Ackley. The 280 is a cartridge that performs well enough that it doesn't need it.

 

[3595wilk]

Ah understand the context now - thank you

 

[French David]

I've been shooting 7x64 for 20 years. It is by far my preferred calibre.
Roe, Muntjac, CWD usually drop on the spot. Red never go far, the longest tracking I've done on a red stag here in Norfolk was 84 steps.
I've dropped roes at 200m, it is a very accurate and deadly ammunition.
If you go to the continent and for any reason you can't take your reloaded amo, you will find 7x64 in every gun shop.
One small advantage: if ever you go to a cinema shoot. They have 7x64 available specially for cinema shoot and last time I paid 20€ for a box of 20 rounds. lots of fun for very low price !

 

[Kalahari]

Another vote for the 7 x 64. Not used it on Sika or CWD but it is fine on the other four. Lovely round, originally designed as a sniper round but never adopted. Mine seems to be both very accurate and not very picky about different ammunitions.

The 280 is pretty much a copy of the 7 x 64 so why not go for the original?

David.

 

[enfieldspares]

One small advantage: if ever you go to a cinema shoot. They have 7x64 available specially for cinema shoot and last time I paid 20€ for a box of 20 rounds. lots of fun for very low price !

An advantage not to be dismissed. I tried the Sauer 101 and Sauer 404 at a French hunting fair on running boar doubles with straw bales as a backstop. Using 7x64 plastic bullet ammunition. I liked one rifle but didn't at all like the other. Unfortunately I don't remember which one was OK and the which one wasn't!