The 280 Remington is a centerfire rifle cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 60,000 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 24.000 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 10.00 in. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 280 Remington with the 270 Winchester on the same basis.
280 ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 120 gr | 3,135 fps | 2,618 ft-lb |
| 139 gr | 3,100 fps | 2,966 ft-lb |
| 140 gr | 2,985 fps | 2,769 ft-lb |
| 150 gr | 2,875–2,975 fps | 2,753–2,947 ft-lb |
| 165 gr | 2,800 fps | 2,872 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists 5 reference bullet weights for the 280 Remington, from 120 to 165 grains. The lightest, 120 grains, is listed at 3,135 fps, which computes to 2,618 ft-lb. The heaviest, 165 grains, is listed at 2,800 fps, or 2,872 ft-lb. The most energetic reference load is the 139-grain at 3,100 fps: 2,966 ft-lb computed.
SAAMI lists more than one reference velocity for 150 grains. Its own note says this is because a weight can carry several introductions meeting different market needs, such as reduced-recoil loads, or because propellant and loading advances allowed higher velocities after the original load appeared.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 280 ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 280 Remington is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 10.00 in, with a .2837 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your rifle: a shorter production barrel will usually give lower velocity, and a twist slower than a bullet needs will not stabilise it. The maximum average pressure is 60,000 psi. Fire 280 Remington ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
280 vs 270: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 280 Remington | 270 Winchester |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 60,000 psi | 65,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 24.000 in | 24.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 10.00 in | 1 turn in 10.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .2837 in | .277 in |
| Lightest reference load | 120 gr — 3,135 fps / 2,618 ft-lb | 100 gr — 3,300 fps / 2,418 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 150 gr — 2,875–2,975 fps / 2,753–2,947 ft-lb | 150 gr — 2,830–3,000 fps / 2,667–2,997 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 165 gr — 2,800 fps / 2,872 ft-lb | 160 gr — 2,650 fps / 2,494 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 280 Remington at 60,000 psi and the 270 Winchester at 65,000 psi, so the 280 Remington runs 5,000 psi lower. At 150 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 280 Remington reference load is 2,975 fps and 2,947 ft-lb computed, against 3,000 fps and 2,997 ft-lb for the 270 Winchester. On that row the 270 Winchester carries the more energy.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 270 ammo.
280 ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 280 Remington?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 280 Remington at 60,000 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 280 Remington?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 280 Remington is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 10.00 in. Your own rifle may differ, and a twist slower than a long, heavy bullet needs will not stabilise it.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 280 Remington?
SAAMI lists 5 reference weights, from 120 to 165 grains: 120, 139, 140, 150 and 165.
Is the 280 Remington more powerful than the 270 Winchester?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 150 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 280 Remington reference load is 2,975 fps and 2,947 ft-lb computed, against 3,000 fps and 2,997 ft-lb for the 270 Winchester.
How much does the 280 Remington drop at 300 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
What is the effective range of the 280 Remington?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 280 ammunition from Nosler, Remington, Federal, Hornady, HSM Ammunition and Norma. Browse the full 280 ammo range.
