.280 Rem.vs .280AI

[Dskiper]

I' considering a build of a .280. Since you can shoot .280 rem. in a .280AI chamber I'm told, would'nt it be wiser to chamber for the AI? Would a 24 or 26"barrel be ok? I'd be shooting 140-160gr. bullets. What rifling twist is best? This will be a 3 to 5 wt. barrel on a 700 action. Thanks experts! Dskiper

[muleyman]

I really like the 280 AI caliber. Mine is off a 700, 26" barrel, #4 contour and a 1-9 twist. I am getting just shy of 3000fps with 160 Nosler Accubonds (I'm still putting together loads and have gotten faster with different powders). I have been using the Nosler brass but I also have quite a collection of fireformed brass from factory 280.

[ddyrcz06]

I considered the two long and hard and finally decided on the 280 straight up. I will only speak to what I know. I have a 30 inch barrel 1 in 8 twist for the heavies, in 280 rem on a savage action. I did some load testing today with the 162 AMAX. I am using H1000 powder, seated 10 thousandths off the lands puts me 3.395 C.O.L. I started well below maximum loads and worked up to a nice sweet spot that is fast for a 280. my avg speed was 3,090fps and was shooting .3 groups with zero pressure signs. The final load was above max by the book but since I am seating long it was not a problem. I guess I will never know what the 280 AI would have done but I am more than happy with my 280 rem. I think you will enjoy building your rifle I know I had a blast and could care less now that I am shooting it.

[ol mike]

Originally Posted by Dskiper

I' considering a build of a .280. Since you can shoot .280 rem. in a .280AI chamber I'm told, would'nt it be wiser to chamber for the AI? Would a 24 or 26"barrel be ok? I'd be shooting 140-160gr. bullets. What rifling twist is best? This will be a 3 to 5 wt. barrel on a 700 action. Thanks experts! Dskiper

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The 280 is an underrated cartridge -although I shoot a 280AI -brass lasts a long time and all but no brass trimming.
Go w/a 280 if you're not a reloader -if you're going to get into the long range game -you more less have to reload ammo.
A 24 or 26" barrel will be fine just match the length and weight to fit the guns purpose -lots of carrying time 24" -#3 would be nice etc..
If you are building a long range gun to hunt over fields from a stand a 26 to 28" #5 w/a 1-9tw would be nice.
Mine is a rem 700 28" broughton -#4 w/break -throated for 160 class bullets and shoots like a dream -I recoil is about like a sporter 22-250.

That tube gun 280 is cool -really like that !