“federal trophy bonded tip”

Before fall big-game seasons begin, it’s important to build confidence in your rifle, ammo and optics—and how you perform with them in hand. To do so, it pays to put in practical range time, shooting not only from field positions but also building skill at quick, accurate follow-up shots.

Understanding the intended purpose of a bullet and its effect on the body of your quarry is vitally important for making ethical, one-shot-kills. But with so many bullet styles, brands, calibers and game animals of varying sizes, the process can be confusing. Here’s a primer to get you started.

Between the .280 Remington and the .280 Ackley Improved, which better suits a hunter? Contributor Philip Massaro examines the pros and cons of each.

Both offer similar power levels, are suitable for similar-sized game and make a perfect all-around rifle for nearly all hunting scenarios. What makes or breaks the deal in choosing one over the other? Contributor Philip Massaro investigates.

If you want something a bit unique with a definite cool factor, give the .280 Ackley Improved a long look.

It’s no secret that premium hunting bullets offer greater accuracy, higher ballistic coefficients and better terminal performance, but they’re typically about twice as expensive as standard bullets. Is the extra cost justified? 

Although you may not recognize the name, chances are you have seen and even shot the handiwork produced by Bergara. Following its success in the barrel market, Bergara recently moved into building complete rifles, including the Custom Mountain Hunter.