Weatherby Mark V Camilla Deluxe .280 Ackley Improved 24″
About this product
The Weatherby Mark V Camilla Deluxe .280 Ackley Improved 24″ is a precision-engineered bolt-action hunting rifle that blends classic walnut craftsmanship with modern threaded-barrel capability for advanced shooters. This rifle represents a specific intersection of traditional Weatherby quality and the modern push for improved ballistic efficiency. As chambered, it occupies a niche between standard .280 Remington and magnum cartridges, requiring a shooter who understands handloading protocols.
What is the Weatherby Mark V Camilla Deluxe used for?
This rifle is designed for ethical, long-range hunting of medium and large game in open terrain where shots may exceed 300 yards. Its .280 Ackley Improved chambering is optimized for handloaders seeking higher velocity with standard cartridge length, making it ideal for hunters pursuing elk, mule deer, or pronghorn across Western states. The 24-inch barrel maximizes powder burn for the improved cartridge, while the threaded muzzle and Accubrake ST provide options for recoil management or suppressor mounting, aligning with modern precision hunting practices.
How does the Weatherby Mark V Camilla Deluxe compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win, 20in?
The Weatherby is a superior choice for experienced handloaders seeking maximum ballistic performance, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is better for hunters who prioritize readily available factory ammunition and compact maneuverability. The .280 Ackley Improved offers roughly 300-400 fps more muzzle velocity with proper handloads compared to .308 Winchester, translating to flatter trajectories beyond 400 yards. However, this comes with the mandatory requirement of handloading or sourcing specialized ammunition, whereas .308 Winchester ammunition is available at virtually any sporting goods store.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.45 pounds unloaded, with an overall length of approximately 44.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle thread crown. Its 24-inch barrel features a 1:9 twist rate, which stabilizes bullets from 140 to 175 grains effectively for the .280 Ackley Improved cartridge. The 4+1 internal magazine capacity is standard for a hunting platform, and the barrel is threaded 1/2-28 TPI, a common pattern for muzzle devices and some suppressor mounts.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for first-time hunters or shooters unwilling to handload ammunition. The .280 Ackley Improved is a wildcat cartridge, meaning factory ammunition is scarce, expensive, and often performs below the chambering's potential. It's also a poor choice for dense brush hunting where the 44.5-inch overall length and 8.45-pound weight become hindrances; a shorter, lighter option like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win would be more practical in those conditions.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the factory-installed Accubrake ST muzzle device, one 4-round internal box magazine, and basic owner's documentation. It does not include scope mounts, a bipod, or a hard case—those are separate purchases. Verify that the included thread protector for the 1/2-28 muzzle threads is present, as this protects the crown during transport if you remove the muzzle brake.
Is the Weatherby Mark V Camilla Deluxe worth it at $2,799?
At $2,799, this rifle is worth the investment for the specialized shooter who values the Mark V's legendary strength, the aesthetic of a AA-grade walnut stock, and the ballistic ceiling of the .280 Ackley Improved. You are paying for a controlled-round-feed action, a premium TriggerTech trigger, and a finish level that's a significant step above more utilitarian rifles. If your hunting is done inside 250 yards with factory ammo, a rifle at half this price will perform identically, making this a tool for a specific, demanding user.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Mark V controlled-round-feed action — stronger than push-feed designs for reliable extraction under pressure
- TriggerTech trigger — user-adjustable pull weight from 1.5 to 4 pounds for precise shot control
- 24-inch barrel with 1:9 twist — ideal for stabilizing long, high-BC bullets in the .280 AI cartridge
- 1/2-28 threaded muzzle — direct compatibility with common muzzle devices without adapters
Trade-offs
- Chambered in .280 Ackley Improved — requires handloading or sourcing expensive, limited-availability factory ammo
- High-gloss blued finish and walnut stock — show scratches and wear more readily than modern coatings and synthetic stocks
- 8.45-pound weight — heavier than many modern composite-stock hunting rifles by nearly 1.5 pounds
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 747115441617 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MCD01N280AR6B |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .280 Ackley Improved |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| length | 48.25 |
| package height | 2.75 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.45 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the threaded barrel compatible with suppressors?
- Yes, the 1/2-28 thread pattern is a standard for .22 caliber and many pistol-caliber suppressors. However, for a .28 caliber rifle, you must use a suppressor rated for the .280 Ackley Improved's pressure and muzzle energy. Always consult with your suppressor manufacturer, such as SilencerCo or Dead Air, for specific compatibility and mounting system requirements before purchasing.
- Does it come with a scope mount installed?
- No, the rifle does not include scope bases or rings. The Mark V action uses a specific 8-40 thread pattern for scope bases, which differs from the more common 6-48 or M3.5 patterns. You will need to purchase separate bases from manufacturers like Talley, Leupold, or Warne, which typically add $40 to $100 to your initial setup cost.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3 to 5 business days from our warehouse to your selected FFL dealer. Transit time varies by carrier and destination. You will receive tracking information via email once your order is processed. Remember, you must contact your FFL dealer in advance to provide them with your shipping details and arrange for transfer.
- Can I return it if I haven't fired it?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired, unmodified items in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee. All returns must be initiated through our customer service portal. Once the rifle has been transferred to your FFL and you have taken possession, you cannot return it directly to us; it must be shipped back through a licensed dealer, incurring additional transfer fees.