Thread: .280ai on Red Deer

A little update on my .280ai.

I went for that hunt in South Australia. We did not see Reds or have any confirmation they were on the place my mate has access too but they might travel through or be around.

We saw, hunted and shot Fallow. It seems Fallow are the fastest spreading Deer species in Australia. They might well be spreading and increasing in number.

Having a proven load with Woodleigh 140gn ppsp projectiles I used those initially.

I heart shot a Doe and headshot a couple of smaller ones for meat.

I also shot 2 others with Hammer Projectiles. Causing major damage and clean kills.

I was able to meet another fella I met through a forum and hunted with him. He suggested we meet at a Fallow deer spot he knows well. (Public Land )

I shot the only Deer we saw. A spiker. I gave Russell one of the backstrap s and it all he wanted from the meat.

We hope to get together in Sambar country sometime.

I have faith in the .280ai, I would like to hunt NZ with it being it is a lightweight rifle. Sadly it means the .308 and .300wm haven't been out in a while.

Plan is to start hunting a bit more or at least get back out and cull some pigs.

I just saw this.

I built a 280 AI more than 15 years ago on a Sako Finbear L61R action with Douglas barrel 24 inches.

It shoots very well with anything from 140 gr to 160 bullets. Velocity of 140gr is round 3200 fps and with 160 gr Nosler Accubond & N560 I get 3000 fps as per Nosler book load.

I have shot fallow deer at over 300 meters and finished a mate's wounded animal at over 400 meters.

A 280ai is a great round, I run 143gr bullets at 3100 fps and can kill elk at 400 yards without issue. Shoots flat and doesn't kick the crap out of you.