How does .280 Remington compare with .308 Winchester for deer?

Ballistic Comparison

The .308 Winchester has an average kinetic energy of 1,600 ft-lbs at 200 yards, while the .280 Remington has an average kinetic energy of 1,400 ft-lbs at the same distance. This means that the .308 Winchester is better suited for larger deer, such as whitetail, where a deeper wound channel can be beneficial. However, for mule deer, the .280 Remington’s flatter trajectory and less recoil may make it a better choice, especially for hunters with smaller frames or those who prefer a more manageable rifle.

Rifle and Ammunition Selection

When choosing a rifle and ammunition for deer hunting with either caliber, it’s essential to select a load with a suitable bullet weight and velocity. For the .280 Remington, a 139-grain bullet traveling at 2,800 ft/s is a popular choice for mule deer. This load provides a good balance between kinetic energy and expansion, making it suitable for shots out to 200 yards. Similarly, for the .308 Winchester, a 150-grain bullet traveling at 2,900 ft/s is a popular choice for larger deer. This load provides a deeper wound channel and is suitable for shots out to 250 yards.

Real-World Performance

In real-world hunting scenarios, the .280 Remington and .308 Winchester have both been used successfully to harvest mule deer. A study by the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife found that hunters using the .280 Remington had a 95% success rate, while hunters using the .308 Winchester had a 90% success rate. While the .308 Winchester may have a slight edge in terms of kinetic energy, the .280 Remington’s flatter trajectory and less recoil make it a more manageable choice for smaller or more agile deer.