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Quick Look

The .280 Ackley Improved is a wildcat cartridge refined by gunsmith P.O. Ackley in the mid-20th century. It improves on the classic .280 Remington by increasing powder capacity and enhancing velocity. Today, it enjoys a dedicated following among long-range hunters and precision shooters.

Why It's a Top Choice

Flatter trajectory than standard .280 Remington
Excellent long-range hunting capability
Reduced recoil compared to magnum calibers
High ballistic efficiency with modern bullets
Handloaders benefit from abundant brass options

Key Variants

Many rifles are chambered in .280 Ackley Improved by leading manufacturers. Variants depend on stock material, barrel length, and action type.

Nosler M48 .280 Ackley

A premium rifle built for Western hunting -- known for tight tolerances and accuracy.

Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Hunter .280 Ackley

Combines long-range precision with a rugged field-ready design for mountain hunts.

Christensen Arms Ridgeline .280 Ackley

Carbon-fiber barrel option for lightweight carry without sacrificing performance.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	280 Ackley	30-06 Springfield	7mm Rem Mag
MSRP	$1,000–$2,400	$700–$1,800	$800–$2,300
Capacity	3–5 rounds	4–5 rounds	3–5 rounds
Weight	6.5–8.5 lbs	7.5–9 lbs	8–9.5 lbs
Optics-Ready	Yes	Yes	Yes
Trigger Type	Single-stage, adjustable	Varies by model	Varies by model
Notable Pro	Superior velocity for moderate recoil	Widely available ammo and guns	High energy for long-range kills
Notable Con	Limited factory ammo availability	More recoil than mid-sized calibers	Barrel wear with heavy use

Best Use Cases

Backcountry big-game hunting
Long-range shooting matches
Precision hunting scenarios
Western elk or mule deer hunts
Enthusiast rifle collections

FAQs

Can I buy factory ammo for a .280 Ackley rifle?

Yes, several manufacturers including Nosler, Hornady, and Federal offer factory-loaded .280 Ackley Improved cartridges.

What is the ballistic advantage of 280 Ackley?

It offers 100–150 fps more velocity over the .280 Remington, with flatter trajectory and better wind resistance.

How does 280 Ackley compare to 7mm Rem Mag?

The 280 Ackley offers near-magnum performance with less recoil and improved barrel life.

280 ACKLEY for Sale