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.280 Remington Ackley Improved Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.280 Rem Ackley Imp.: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle
Primer Type Large Rifle
Used For Hunting, Long-range Shooting
Case Design Rimless, Bottleneck, Improved
Year Introduced 1960s

.280 Rem Ackley Imp.: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Improved ballistics over standard .280 Remington
  • ✔ Excellent long-range performance
  • ✔ Suitable for medium to large game hunting
  • ✔ Reduced body taper for increased powder capacity
  • ✔ Better case life due to improved design

Cons

  • ✘ Less common than standard .280 Remington
  • ✘ Factory ammunition availability may be limited
  • ✘ Requires firearm-specific chamber
  • ✘ Higher recoil compared to standard .280 Remington
  • ✘ May require handloading for optimal performance

.280 Rem Ackley Improved: A Comprehensive Overview

The .280 Remington Ackley Improved is a wildcat cartridge based on the .280 Remington, modified using the Ackley Improved design principles. This cartridge offers improved ballistics and capacity over the standard .280 Remington, making it popular among long-range shooters and hunters seeking enhanced performance for medium to large game.

History and Development

The .280 Remington Ackley Improved was developed by gunsmith and wildcatter P.O. Ackley in the mid-20th century. Ackley's improvement process involved modifying the case shape to have less taper and a sharper shoulder angle, typically 40 degrees. This modification increased the case capacity and allowed for higher velocities while maintaining safe pressure levels.

The original .280 Remington, introduced in 1957, served as the parent case for this improved version. Ackley's modifications to the .280 Remington case resulted in a cartridge that could push heavier bullets at higher velocities, enhancing its effectiveness for long-range shooting and big game hunting.

The .280 Remington Ackley Improved gained popularity among handloaders and custom rifle builders due to its improved ballistic performance and versatility. It offers a flatter trajectory and higher retained energy at longer ranges compared to the standard .280 Remington, making it particularly appealing for hunters pursuing game at extended distances.

Performance Characteristics

The .280 Remington Ackley Improved offers superior ballistic performance compared to its parent cartridge. It can propel 140-grain bullets at velocities exceeding 3,000 fps from a 24-inch barrel, providing excellent long-range capabilities. The cartridge maintains high energy levels at extended ranges, making it effective for medium to large game hunting at distances beyond 400 yards.

The improved case design allows for an increase in powder capacity of approximately 5% over the standard .280 Remington. This additional capacity translates to higher velocities and flatter trajectories, giving shooters an advantage in long-range applications. The cartridge is known for its accuracy potential, with many custom rifles chambered in .280 AI capable of sub-MOA groups at 100 yards.

Timeline of .280 Remington Ackley Improved:

Year Event
2020 Continued popularity among long-range hunters and precision shooters.
2013 Nosler introduces factory ammunition for the .280 Ackley Improved, increasing its accessibility.
2007 SAAMI standardizes the .280 Ackley Improved, officially recognizing it as a commercial cartridge.
1960s P.O. Ackley develops the .280 Remington Ackley Improved wildcat cartridge.
1957 Introduction of the parent cartridge, the .280 Remington, by Remington Arms.

.280 Remington Ackley Improved Performance

Key performance characteristics of the .280 Remington Ackley Improved cartridge:

Characteristic Performance
Velocity 3,000-3,200 fps (140-grain bullets)
From a 24-inch barrel
Effective Range 500+ yards
For medium to large game hunting
Energy 2,800-3,000 ft-lbs at the muzzle (140-grain bullets)
Provides excellent terminal performance on large game
Trajectory Flatter than standard .280 Remington
Improved long-range performance
Accuracy Sub-MOA potential
In quality rifles with proper handloads

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .280 Rem Ackley Improved loads.

Note: These values are based on standard loads for the .280 Rem Ackley Improved. Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors.

.280 Rem Ackley Imp.: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .280 Rem Ackley Imp. ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Big Game Hunting 0-600 Excellent for elk, moose, and large deer species
Long-Range Shooting 0-1000 Capable of extreme accuracy with proper loads and equipment
Target Shooting 0-800 Popular for long-range target competitions
Medium Game Hunting 0-500 Highly effective for deer and similar-sized game

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .280 Rem Ackley Imp. is known for its flat trajectory, high velocity, and excellent long-range performance. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .280 Rem Ackley Imp.

The .280 Rem Ackley Imp.'s high performance profile makes it suitable for a range of applications:

Big Game Hunting
  • Excellent for large game such as elk, moose, and bear
  • High energy retention at long ranges
  • Capable of ethical kills at extended distances
Long-Range Shooting
  • Popular among long-range enthusiasts and competitors
  • Flat trajectory and high ballistic coefficient
  • Capable of sub-MOA accuracy at 1000 yards with proper loads
Target Shooting and Competition
  • Used in long-range precision rifle competitions
  • Moderate recoil allows for extended practice sessions
  • Wide variety of match-grade ammunition and components available
Medium Game Hunting
  • Highly effective for deer, antelope, and similar-sized game
  • Overkill for smaller game, but versatile for mixed-bag hunts
  • Excellent accuracy and energy delivery at typical hunting ranges

Caliber Comparisons: .280 Rem Ackley Imp.

The .280 Remington Ackley Improved is a modified version of the .280 Remington, offering increased case capacity and potentially higher velocities. Let's compare it to similar cartridges:

.280 Rem Ackley Imp. vs. .280 Remington ▼

.280 Rem Ackley Imp. vs. 7mm Remington Magnum ▼

.280 Rem Ackley Imp. vs. .30-06 Springfield ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .280 Rem Ackley Imp. with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 8 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .280 Rem Ackley Imp. with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 200-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .280 Rem Ackley Imp. with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .280 Rem Ackley Imp. with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density Comparison for .280 Rem Ackley Imp.

The .280 Remington Ackley Improved is a wildcat cartridge based on the .280 Remington, offering increased case capacity and potentially higher velocities.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.280 Rem Ackley Imp. 140 0.287
.280 Rem Ackley Imp. 160 0.328
.280 Rem Ackley Imp. 175 0.359

Note: The .280 Remington Ackley Improved offers improved ballistics over the standard .280 Remington due to its increased case capacity. It can push bullets at higher velocities while maintaining the same sectional densities as the parent cartridge. The improved shoulder angle and reduced body taper contribute to the cartridge's efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .280 Rem Ackley Improved?

A: The .280 Rem Ackley Improved is a wildcat cartridge based on the .280 Remington case. It features a 40-degree shoulder angle and less body taper, resulting in increased case capacity and potentially higher velocities compared to the standard .280 Remington.

Q: What are the advantages of the .280 Rem Ackley Improved over the standard .280 Remington?

A: The .280 Rem Ackley Improved offers approximately 100-150 fps velocity increase over the standard .280 Remington with the same bullet weight. It also has improved feeding and extraction due to the sharper shoulder angle.

Q: Can I shoot standard .280 Remington ammunition in a .280 Rem Ackley Improved chamber?

A: Yes, you can safely fire standard .280 Remington ammunition in a .280 Rem Ackley Improved chamber. The case will fire-form to the Ackley Improved dimensions upon shooting.

Q: What is the typical bullet weight range for the .280 Rem Ackley Improved?

A: The .280 Rem Ackley Improved typically uses bullets ranging from 140 to 175 grains, with 150 and 160-grain bullets being popular choices for hunting applications.

Q: Is the .280 Rem Ackley Improved suitable for long-range shooting?

A: Yes, the .280 Rem Ackley Improved is well-suited for long-range shooting. Its improved ballistics over the standard .280 Remington, combined with the ability to use high-BC bullets, make it an excellent choice for long-range hunting and target shooting out to 1000 yards and beyond.

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