270 wsm or 280 ackley

[PJgunner]

Originally posted by Mike Moss
PJ Gunner,

The 270 WSM is already more popular than the 280 Remington. Anything can go obsolete and the 280 is on the verge.

The 280 AI is not a wildcat but an improved cartridge and fires factory 280 Rem ammo!

Have you pressure tested your 3000 fps 150 gr 270 load? Whatever. The 270 WSM holds more powder than the 270 Win and will launch bullets about 150 fps faster with the same pressure. It also comes in some nice light rifles. Whats not to like? Don't you like new things that are better?

Sorry Mike, but the 280 AI is a wildcat. Period. All AI rounds are made by fireforming factory ammo in them with a bit of a velocity loss while doing so. Bit no AI round is factory chambered with specifications by SAAMI.

Yes, I have had my .270 load pressure tested by the H.P. White laboratory. A bit pricey but worth it. The load has also proven safe in three different rifles.

You might want to check out the latest issue of HANDLOADER MAGAZINE. Interesting article on the .270 Winchester. On page 64, he show a chart where he compared the .270 Win. vs the .270 WSM. The relevant part for me is the comparison between 150 gr. bullets as that is all I use in my .270s.
.270 WSM with 24" barrel.........3,011 FPS
.270 Win. with 22" barrel..........2,988 FPS

WOW! A whole 23 FPS faster in favor of the WSM. Doesn't seem to be all that much better to me. At least not with the weight bullet I prefer. FWIW, my .270 Win. rifle has a 24" barrel.

I agree that the .280 is not doing well, but I feel that is Remington's fault for sticking in a semiautomatic in the first place where chamber pressures had to be kept lower than what could decently be loaded in a proper bolt action. But that's Remington's screw up, not the fault of the cartridge.

I have nothing against some of the new cartridges. I just personally see no real need to buy one. I currently have more rifles than I'll ever need for whatever that's worth. Why should I dump what I have in order to get the "new and improved" when I don't see that much improvement?

I go along with the late Elmer Keith's philosiphy in that, "I believe that every man should be allowed to scratch his own fleas in what ever manner pleases him."

There will always be people who will run out and buy the latest in firearms and new cartridges. I've done that for more years than I care to count. I feel I've learned a thing or three in the 55 plus years I've been shooting and just don't get too thrilled over the newest and greatest (?) wonder round to come down the pike. I feel I've done my share in keeping remchester and Winnington solvent. I'll leave it to you younger guys to carry one.
Paul B.