The .280 Ackley Improved (AI) is a versatile, high-performance cartridge that has gained a strong following among hunters and precision shooters. Designed to push the limits of the standard .280 Remington, this improved cartridge delivers higher velocity, better energy retention, and flatter trajectories—all with manageable recoil.
Whether you're hunting elk in the backcountry, whitetail in open fields, or dialing in precision shots at long range, choosing the right .280 AI ammunition is critical to getting the most out of your rifle.
To help you find the perfect round, we’ve compiled the top five .280 Ackley Improved ammo options, each carefully selected for its ballistic performance, stopping power, and consistency in the field.
Top .280 Ackley Improved Ammo Picks
- Nosler .280 Ackley Improved 160gr AccuBond - Best Overall
- Nosler .280 Ackley Improved 140gr Ballistic Tip - Best for Medium Game
- Hornady Precision Hunter .280 AI 162gr ELD-X - Best for Long-Range Precision
- Federal Premium .280 AI 155gr Terminal Ascent - Best for All-Around Hunting
- Barnes VOR-TX .280 AI 152gr - Best Lead-Free Option
Best Overall: Nosler .280 Ackley Improved 160gr AccuBond
Nosler 280 Ackley Improved 160gr Accubond
Pros:
- Bonded-core projectile ensures deep penetration and high weight retention
- High ballistic coefficient (BC) for long-range accuracy
- Excellent stopping power for big game
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to standard hunting rounds
Why We Selected This Product:
The Nosler .280 AI 160gr AccuBond is the ultimate all-purpose hunting round, delivering devastating terminal performance on big game while maintaining exceptional long-range accuracy.
Designed with a bonded core and tapered jacket, this projectile expands reliably while retaining weight, ensuring deep penetration—even on large-bodied animals like elk, moose, and black bear. The high BC allows it to resist wind drift and maintain velocity at extended distances, making it an excellent choice for hunters who regularly take shots beyond 300 yards.
If you need a versatile hunting round that excels in multiple scenarios, this is it.
Best for Medium Game: Nosler .280 Ackley Improved 140gr Ballistic Tip
Nosler 280 Ackley Improved 140gr Ballistic Tip
Pros:
- Polymer tip promotes rapid expansion for quick, humane kills
- Flatter trajectory for long-range shooting
- Outstanding accuracy and energy transfer
Cons:
- Not ideal for larger game due to rapid expansion
Why We Selected This Product:
If you’re targeting deer, antelope, or similar-sized game, the Nosler .280 AI 140gr Ballistic Tip is an exceptional choice.
The polymer-tipped projectile design enhances long-range ballistic efficiency while ensuring explosive expansion upon impact, delivering massive energy transfer for a quick kill. This round excels in open terrain where precise shot placement matters, as its lighter weight and higher velocity provide a flatter trajectory and minimal bullet drop.
If you prefer high-speed, long-range precision hunting, this is the best option for medium game.
Best for Long-Range Precision: Hornady Precision Hunter .280 AI 162gr ELD-X
Hornady Precision Hunter 280 Ackley Improved 162g Eld-x
Pros:
- Heat Shield Tip prevents deformation for consistent accuracy
- High BC minimizes wind drift
- Expands reliably at both close and long ranges
Cons:
- Slightly higher recoil than lighter projectiles
Why We Selected This Product:
For long-range hunters and competitive shooters, the Hornady 162gr ELD-X is an outstanding choice.
The Heat Shield Tip eliminates aerodynamic heating issues, ensuring consistent expansion at all distances. The high BC makes it one of the best options for precision shooting, as it resists wind drift and maintains velocity exceptionally well.
Whether you’re hunting in open country or mountainous terrain, this round delivers deadly accuracy and terminal ballistics, making it a top choice for precision-minded hunters.
Best for All-Around Hunting: Federal Premium .280 AI 155gr Terminal Ascent
Federal Premium 280 Ackley Improved 155gr Terminal Ascent
Pros:
- Bonded construction ensures deep penetration
- Nickel-plated case prevents corrosion
- Reliable expansion across a wide range of distances
Cons:
- Slightly lower BC than other long-range options
Why We Selected This Product:
The Federal Premium .280 AI 155gr Terminal Ascent is one of the most versatile hunting rounds available, providing exceptional performance in both short and long-range hunting scenarios.
This projectile’s bonded-core construction ensures high weight retention and deep penetration, making it an excellent choice for deer, elk, and other big game. The nickel-plated case enhances reliability, even in harsh environmental conditions.
If you want one round that can handle diverse hunting conditions, this is the best all-around option.
Best Lead-Free Option: Barnes VOR-TX .280 AI 152gr
Barnes VOR-TX .280 Ackley Improved 152gr
Pros:
- Lead-free all-copper projectile for eco-friendly hunting
- High weight retention for deep penetration
- Legal in areas with lead restrictions
Cons:
- Slightly less expansion than lead-core bullets
Why We Selected This Product:
For hunters in lead-restricted areas, the Barnes VOR-TX .280 AI 152gr is the best lead-free hunting option.
The solid copper projectile provides near-total weight retention, ensuring deep penetration and consistent expansion. This round performs exceptionally well on larger game like elk, moose, and black bear, making it an excellent non-toxic alternative to traditional lead-core ammunition.
If you need a premium lead-free hunting round, Barnes has you covered.
Final Thoughts
The .280 Ackley Improved is one of the best long-range hunting cartridges available, combining high velocity, flat trajectories, and excellent stopping power. Choosing the right ammunition ensures better accuracy, deeper penetration, and ethical kills.
For big game hunting, the Nosler 160gr AccuBond and Federal 155gr Terminal Ascent are top choices. If you're after mid-sized game, the Nosler 140gr Ballistic Tip provides rapid expansion and energy transfer. For long-range precision, Hornady’s 162 gr ELD-X offers exceptional ballistic efficiency. And if you need a lead-free alternative, the Barnes 152 gr VOR-TX ensures deep penetration while remaining environmentally friendly.
Stock up on high-quality .280 AI ammo today to make sure you're prepared for your next hunt!
Frequently Asked Questions
- 140-150 gr for deer, antelope, and smaller game
- 155-162 gr for versatile all-around hunting
- 160-165 gr for elk, moose, and larger game
The .280 AI offers a flatter trajectory and less recoil than the .30-06, while still delivering comparable energy and terminal performance.
The .280 AI is effective well beyond 500 yards, with ethical hunting shots typically taken within 600 yards.
Yes! The .280 AI has an excellent ballistic coefficient, making it extremely effective for precision shooting at extended distances.
Many states have regulations restricting lead-core bullets due to environmental concerns. The Barnes VOR-TX offers outstanding penetration, weight retention, and reliable expansion, making it one of the best non-toxic hunting options available.
Stock up on premium .280 Ackley Improved ammo today at Pro Armory and take your hunting and shooting game to the next level!
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