280 REMINGTON AND BULK 280 REM AMMO

About 28 Remington Ammo

28 Remington ammo is a rare and historically significant rifle cartridge that was first introduced in the early 20th century by Remington Arms Company, one of America's oldest and most respected firearm manufacturers.

Developed as a wildcat cartridge before being standardized, the 28 Remington was designed for use in Remington’s Model 8 autoloading rifle, a groundbreaking semi-automatic sporting rifle created by legendary firearms designer John Moses Browning.

While not as widely adopted as other centerfire rifle cartridges, 28 Remington ammunition made its mark during an era when hunters and sport shooters were exploring new autoloading technologies.

The cartridge featured a rimless bottleneck case and fired a .284-inch (7mm) diameter bullet, offering respectable ballistics for medium game hunting and target shooting.

It struck a balance between manageable recoil and solid performance, especially in brush and woodland environments.

Though now largely considered obsolete, the 28 Remington cartridge holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of collectors, vintage firearm enthusiasts, and those who appreciate early 20th-century ballistic innovation.

It also helped pave the way for future developments in rimless rifle cartridge design, influencing the evolution of semi-automatic hunting rifles.

Today, while factory-loaded 28 Remington ammunition is extremely scarce, handloaders and antique firearm aficionados continue to keep the cartridge alive. Its legacy endures through its connection to the Model 8 platform and the early adoption of rimless, high-performance cartridges in American shooting sports.

Whether you're a collector, a reloader, or a historical firearms enthusiast, 28 Remington ammo represents a fascinating chapter in ammunition history and the pioneering spirit of early American gun innovation.

28 Remington Ammunition Features

28 Remington ammunition is known for its unique combination of classic design and effective ballistic performance, particularly for vintage rifle enthusiasts and handloaders.

Though no longer mass-produced, this classic cartridge still stands out for several key features that made it a reliable choice for hunters and early adopters of semi-automatic rifles.

Classic Rimless Bottleneck Design
One of the standout features of 28 Remington ammo is its rimless bottleneck case, which allows for smoother feeding and extraction—especially in semi-automatic platforms like the Remington Model 8. This design was innovative for its time and laid the groundwork for modern autoloading cartridges.

Moderate Recoil with Solid Energy
The 28 Remington cartridge delivers a balanced shooting experience, combining moderate recoil with sufficient energy for medium game hunting. This makes it ideal for quick follow-up shots in semi-automatic rifles, especially in dense brush or wooded terrain.

.284 Caliber Bullet
Chambered in .284-inch (7mm) diameter bullets, 28 Remington ammo offers good sectional density and ballistic efficiency. It is effective for short to mid-range shooting, giving hunters the ability to take clean, ethical shots on whitetail deer and similar-sized game.

Ideal for Vintage Rifles
While not commonly found in modern firearms, 28 Remington ammunition is a perfect match for collectors and shooters of classic rifles, particularly the iconic Remington Model 8. It is a niche round that keeps vintage firearms functional and historically accurate.

Custom Reloading Potential
Because factory-loaded 28 Remington rounds are rare, the cartridge is highly valued among handloaders and ammunition customizers. Its case dimensions and performance potential make it an exciting project for those who enjoy loading their own rounds tailored to specific shooting needs.

Common 28 Remington Ammo Types

Originally designed in the early 20th century, the 28 Remington (not to be confused with 28 Gauge shotgun shells) was created for use in early semi-automatic rifles like the Remington Model 8.

Despite its limited commercial availability today, the cartridge has seen a variety of load types over the years.

Soft Point (SP)
One of the most common bullet styles for 28 Remington ammo is the soft point (SP). These bullets feature an exposed lead tip that allows for controlled expansion on impact, making them highly effective for medium game hunting, such as whitetail deer. Soft point loads were ideal for hunters seeking a balance of penetration and terminal performance.

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
While less common in factory loads, FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) bullets have occasionally been produced for 28 Remington, primarily for target shooting and range practice. These rounds feature a lead core encased in a copper or metal jacket, offering smooth feeding and reduced barrel fouling, although they are not ideal for hunting due to limited expansion.

Handloaded Variants
Given the rarity of factory-manufactured 28 Remington cartridges today, custom handloaded ammo has become the go-to solution for most shooters. These can range from low-recoil practice rounds to high-performance hunting loads, with bullet weights typically ranging from 120 to 150 grains. Handloaders often use popular .284" bullets, giving them access to a wide selection of projectiles for their specific shooting needs.

Vintage Factory Loads
Historical factory offerings from companies like Remington and Peters included standard lead core soft point loads designed for short- to mid-range accuracy. These vintage rounds are now mostly collectibles, but they also offer insight into the original ballistic intentions behind the cartridge.

Popular 28 Remington Brands

Though no longer widely produced as a commercial cartridge, 28 Remington ammo still holds a nostalgic and practical appeal for vintage firearm enthusiasts and collectors.

Originally designed by Remington for its groundbreaking Model 8 semi-automatic rifle, this classic cartridge saw limited production from major ammunition brands in its prime.

Here are some of the most notable and sought-after names associated with 28 Remington ammunition:

Remington Ammunition
As the original developer of the cartridge, Remington remains the most iconic name associated with 28 Remington ammo. Vintage factory loads from Remington are highly collectible and occasionally available through specialty dealers or online auctions. While new production is limited, Remington brass cases and bullets for reloading still help keep the legacy alive.

Buffalo Arms Company
Buffalo Arms is a favorite among enthusiasts of discontinued or obscure calibers, and it often offers custom-loaded or re-manufactured 28 Remington ammunition. Known for quality craftsmanship and attention to historical accuracy, Buffalo Arms is a go-to source for those keeping classic rifles in the field.

Steinel Ammunition
Steinel Ammunition is another boutique brand that caters to rare and vintage cartridges. Their dedication to producing small-batch ammo ensures that calibers like 28 Remington continue to be functional for collectors and hunters who prefer original chamberings.

Handloaders and Custom Reloading Shops
In the modern era, custom reloading shops and skilled handloaders play a crucial role in the availability of 28 Remington ammunition. Using new or once-fired brass, they tailor loads to the specifications of historical firearms—often surpassing the performance of factory loads from decades past.

Popular Uses for 28 Remington Ammunition

Despite limited modern production, shooters and collectors alike still appreciate 28 Remington ammunition for several key applications:

Hunting Medium Game
The 28 Remington was designed with hunting in mind—specifically for medium-sized game like deer and wild hogs. When loaded with properly constructed soft-point bullets, the cartridge delivers ample energy and accuracy for ethical kills within moderate ranges. It remains a practical and historically authentic choice for those hunting with vintage rifles.

Vintage Rifle Collecting and Shooting
28 Remington ammo is most commonly used by enthusiasts who own classic firearms, particularly the Remington Model 8 or Model 81. These rifles are cherished for their historical value and mechanical innovation. Finding or handloading 28 Rem ammo allows collectors to not only preserve their firearms but also keep them in functional shooting condition.

Recreational and Historical Shooting
For those interested in traditional firearms and old-school cartridge designs, 28 Remington ammo offers a unique shooting experience. Whether it's used for casual target practice or historical reenactments, this round provides shooters with a satisfying connection to early 20th-century American firearms engineering.

Handloading and Ammunition Crafting
Given its limited commercial availability, 28 Remington ammunition is also a favorite among handloaders. It offers a rewarding challenge for reloaders who enjoy working with obsolete or hard-to-find calibers. Reloading this cartridge helps maintain its legacy while allowing shooters to fine-tune loads for accuracy and performance.

28 Remington Ammo FAQs

Question: What is 28 Remington ammo?
Answer: 28 Remington ammo is a rimless centerfire rifle cartridge introduced by Remington Arms in the early 20th century. Originally chambered in the Remington Model 8 semi-automatic rifle, it was designed for hunting medium-sized game and remains a sought-after round among vintage firearm collectors and enthusiasts.

Question: Is 28 Remington ammunition still manufactured?
Answer: Commercial production of 28 Remington ammunition is extremely limited today. Most shooters rely on custom ammo manufacturers or handload their own rounds using specialty components. Despite its rarity, 28 Remington ammo is still available through niche retailers and collectors’ networks.

Question: What firearms are chambered in 28 Remington?
Answer: The most well-known firearm chambered for 28 Remington is the Remington Model 8, a groundbreaking semi-automatic rifle designed by John Browning. Later, the Remington Model 81 also offered compatibility with 28 Remington ammunition.

Question: What is 28 Remington ammo used for?
Answer: 28 Remington ammo is primarily used for medium game hunting, vintage rifle shooting, firearm collecting, and historical reenactments. It’s especially favored by enthusiasts who appreciate the craftsmanship and legacy of early 20th-century rifles.

Question: Can I buy 28 Remington ammo in bulk?
Answer: Bulk 28 Remington ammo is rare due to its limited production, but some custom manufacturers and reloading services may offer it in larger quantities. Reloading is often the best way to obtain bulk 28 Remington ammunition tailored to your firearm.

Question: Is 28 Remington ammo good for hunting?
Answer: Yes, 28 Remington ammunition is suitable for hunting deer, hogs, and other medium-sized game. When loaded with proper soft-point or controlled-expansion bullets, it delivers sufficient power and penetration at moderate ranges.

Question: How does 28 Remington compare to other hunting cartridges?
Answer: 28 Remington offers performance similar to other early 20th-century cartridges like the .30 Remington or .30-30 Winchester. While it may not match modern magnums, its manageable recoil and reliable ballistics make it a solid choice for traditional hunters using vintage firearms.

Question: Where can I find 28 Remington ammo for sale?
Answer: You can find 28 Remington ammo through specialty ammo retailers, collector forums, online marketplaces, or by purchasing handloaded cartridges from trusted reloaders. Some vendors also offer custom-made 28 Remington ammunition in small or bulk orders.

Question: Can I reload 28 Remington ammunition?
Answer: Absolutely. Handloading is the most common way to obtain 28 Remington ammo today. Reloaders can use .25 Remington or other similar cases as parent brass, then resize and load to fit the 28 Rem specs.