Shilen Mauser 98 barrel .280 REM

Shame I didn't jump on this barrel sooner. I have a bare Santa Barbara Mauser action that's never been built into a rifle sitting in my gun safe. For several years the idea of a 280 has been floating around in my mind, as I already have plenty of other calibers, but not a 280/7mm.

The selection of 280/7mm bullets for reloading is just one great reason to have a rifle in this caliber.
 
I have no vices or bad habits. I’m to tight.

I haven’t owned a .270, a .30-06 or a .35Whelen

.30’s have there place and I will probably always have a .308 although I think the .280a.i is a sweet looking case and great performer. But like our Victorian friend I also have a .300wm because I think it’s another readily available cartridge that has its place.

I think the 7mm range of projectiles are well supported and cover a good range of weight.

Now, ha hmm, I’ve been thinking. The .308 makes sense in Australia. All day, every day. But, well if I wanted to simplify things and just have one hunting rifle in a standard chambering the maybe I would consider the .30-06 in a decent rifle and it would cover most hunting needs in Australia and would be a good plains game rifle.

Back to your question “if the .35 Whelen just gets the job done what’s not to like?”

Well, it seems to be getting its own fanboy club now, is it the next trendy best offering
@CBH Australia
Chris
There's nought wrong with a 308
My son has one and handloaded with CFE223 it leaves noting to be desired.
An ought six loaded with a 150gn you can get 3,000 fps. The 308 with the same projectiles can be loaded safely to 2,950 fps. Where the 06 shines is with 220s the 08 can't match that.
For general hunting of 99% of Australian game either a 25-06 or a 308 will do just fine.
It not that I don't like the 30 cals it's just they do nothing for me. You know I just like to be different.
Bob
 

Forum statistics

Threads
61,339
Messages
1,342,252
Members
115,381
Latest member
Dtaradisc
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

Franco wrote on rnovi's profile.
Here's the target for the NorthForks - 25yds off a bag, iron sights. Hunting leopards over dogs the range won't be more than that.

Flew in an airshow in Smyrna years ago, beautiful country.

Best regards,

Franco

IMG_1476.jpeg
Sighting in rifles before the hunt commences.
WhatsApp Image 2025-06-03 at 10.13.28.jpeg
patr wrote on M. Horst's profile.
Thanks for the awesome post my friend - much appreciated, when you coming back with Tiff.
NIGHTHAWK wrote on NZ Jack's profile.
Introduce yourself Buddy…
 
Top