.280 Ackley Improved Ammo: Overview, Ballistics, Best Uses & Factory Ammo
Overview of the .280 Ackley Improved
The .280 Ackley Improved (AI) is a high-performance, long-range hunting cartridge that offers significant ballistic advantages over its parent cartridge, the .280 Remington. Designed by Parker Otto Ackley, this cartridge was later standardized by SAAMI in 2008 due to its rising popularity among hunters and precision shooters.
By reshaping the shoulder angle to 40 degrees, the .280 Ackley Improved increases case capacity, leading to higher velocities, flatter trajectories, and improved downrange energy while maintaining moderate recoil. The .280 AI is often compared to the .30-06 Springfield and 7mm Rem Mag, offering similar ballistic performance with less powder consumption and recoil.
Best .280 Ackley Improved Ammo We Sell at ProArmory
At ProArmory, we offer a selection of top-quality .280 Ackley Improved ammunition to meet your shooting needs:
History of the .280 Ackley Improved
The .280 Ackley Improved was developed by P.O. Ackley, a renowned gunsmith and cartridge designer, as part of his series of improved wildcat cartridges. The design was based on the .280 Remington, but with a steeper 40-degree shoulder angle and reduced body taper, leading to increased case capacity and improved velocity.
Key Development Goals:
- Increase velocity and energy while maintaining manageable recoil.
- Improve ballistic efficiency by reducing case taper and shoulder angle.
- Retain compatibility with standard .280 Remington rifles, allowing shooters to fire .280 Remington ammo in a .280 AI chamber, with the brass fire-forming to the improved shape.
Due to its outstanding performance in hunting and long-range shooting, Nosler pushed for SAAMI standardization in 2008, making factory-loaded .280 Ackley Improved ammo widely available.
Best Purposes for the .280 Ackley Improved
The .280 AI is an excellent choice for a variety of shooting applications:
- Big-Game Hunting – Its high velocity and energy retention make it ideal for elk, deer, moose, and mountain game.
- Long-Range Precision Shooting – With high ballistic coefficient bullets and flat trajectories, the .280 AI is a top-tier choice for hunters and long-range target shooters.
- Backcountry Hunting – Its lighter recoil compared to .300 Win Mag or 7mm Rem Mag, combined with powerful ballistics, makes it an excellent lightweight rifle option for mountain and backcountry hunters.
Why Choose .280 Ackley Improved?
The .280 Ackley Improved has several advantages that make it one of the best modern hunting cartridges:
- Higher Velocities with Less Powder – Achieves 100-150 fps faster velocities than .280 Remington, approaching 7mm Rem Mag performance.
- Flatter Trajectory & Less Wind Drift – Ideal for long-range hunting, with high BC bullets that retain energy efficiently.
- Better Barrel Life – Compared to 7mm Rem Mag, the .280 AI produces less throat erosion, extending rifle longevity.
- Compatible with .280 Remington Chambers – Shooters can fire .280 Rem ammo in a .280 AI chamber, allowing them to fire-form brass for reloading.
Ballistics of the .280 Ackley Improved
Factory-loaded .280 AI ammo typically fires 140- to 168-grain bullets at speeds between 2,850 and 3,150 fps, offering exceptional accuracy and energy retention.
.280 Ackley Improved Ballistics Table
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Bullet Weight
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Muzzle Velocity (fps)
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Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs)
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Drop @ 300 yds (inches)
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Energy @ 300 yds (ft-lbs)
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Drop @ 500 yds (inches)
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Energy @ 500 yds (ft-lbs)
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|
140 gr AccuBond
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3,150 fps
|
3,000 ft-lbs
|
-7.1
|
2,100
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-21.8
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1,550
|
|
155 gr Terminal Ascent
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3,000 fps
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3,100 ft-lbs
|
-7.8
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2,150
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-23.5
|
1,600
|
|
162 gr ELD-X
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2,900 fps
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3,035 ft-lbs
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-8.5
|
2,200
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-24.9
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1,650
|
|
168 gr Hybrid Hunter
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2,850 fps
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2,995 ft-lbs
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-9.1
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2,250
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-26.5
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1,700
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Note: Ballistic performance may vary based on rifle barrel length, environmental conditions, and bullet selection.
Differences Between .280 Ackley Improved, 7mm Rem Mag, and .30-06 Springfield
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Feature
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.280 Ackley Improved
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7mm Remington Magnum
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.30-06 Springfield
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Bullet Diameter
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.284 inches
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.284 inches
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.308 inches
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Muzzle Velocity
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2,850-3,150 fps
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2,900-3,200 fps
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2,700-2,900 fps
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|
Muzzle Energy
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2,995-3,100 ft-lbs
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3,100-3,300 ft-lbs
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2,700-3,000 ft-lbs
|
|
Effective Range
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1,000+ yards
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1,200+ yards
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800-1,000 yards
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Recoil
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Moderate
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Higher
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Moderate
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Best Use
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Long-range hunting, precision shooting
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Long-range hunting, target shooting
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Big-game hunting, general use
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Which One Should You Choose?
- .280 Ackley Improved – Best for long-range hunting with lighter recoil, making it a great alternative to 7mm Rem Mag.
- 7mm Rem Mag – More power at long distances, but heavier recoil and barrel wear make it less forgiving for extended shooting.
- .30-06 Springfield – A versatile classic for big-game hunting, but with a slightly more curved trajectory compared to the .280 AI.
Best Factory Ammo for .280 Ackley Improved
Hornady Precision Hunter .280 AI 162gr ELD-X
- Best Use: Long-range big-game hunting
- Recommended Barrel Twist: 1:8” or 1:9”
- Why Choose This Ammo?: High-BC ELD-X bullets provide long-range accuracy, controlled expansion, and deep penetration, making it ideal for elk, deer, and mountain game.
Nosler Trophy Grade .280 AI 140gr AccuBond
- Best Use: Versatile big-game hunting
- Recommended Barrel Twist: 1:9” or 1:10”
- Why Choose This Ammo?: The AccuBond bullet retains weight well and expands reliably, making it effective for moose, caribou, and deer.
Federal Premium Terminal Ascent .280 AI 155gr
- Best Use: Extended-range hunting and precision shooting
- Recommended Barrel Twist: 1:8” or 1:9”
- Why Choose This Ammo?: High weight retention, bonded-core design, and long-range effectiveness make this a top-tier hunting round.
Berger Hybrid Hunter .280 AI 168gr
- Best Use: Extreme long-range hunting
- Recommended Barrel Twist: 1:8”
- Why Choose This Ammo?: Designed for high ballistic performance, Berger’s Hybrid bullets offer superior aerodynamics and devastating terminal performance.
Final Thoughts on .280 Ackley Improved
The .280 Ackley Improved is a highly efficient, versatile hunting cartridge, offering flat trajectories, high retained energy, and moderate recoil. Whether you need a long-range elk rifle or a lightweight backcountry setup, .280 AI ammo delivers elite performance.
