Best long range cartridge for a .473 bolt face LA

[J E Custom]

Originally Posted by midgetorama32

Does the 280 AI typically present any feeding issues? Thanks.

In the realy big cases the 40o shoulder can be troublesome if not set up correctly and I recommend
the 35 to 37.5 degree shoulder for better feeding.

But with the 280 AI , A 40o shoulder is OK because of the case diameter (Small) and the OD at the shoulder to body junction.

It will be fine and you will be impressed with the 280 AI if you decide to go that route.

J E CUSTOM

[Long Time Long Ranger]

The 280 AI is a good cartridge along with any of the other blown out 7mm's off that case. I shoot three variations and prefer them to the 7mm rem mag. But I don't shoot elk with them. The best elk cartridge I have found for a standard bolt face is the 338 Gibbs. I have two of them and they shoot the same numbers as the reloading manuals give for the 338 win mag. But you can push the 338 win mag 100 fps faster than the books say. Many cartridges off that bolt face will take an elk at long range with the perfect shot. The 338 gibbs will give you a better opportunity if you don't get that perfect shot. Use 35 Whelen brass for it. You can always take deer with an elk cartridge, but don't use deer cartridges on elk. I have never killed an animal to dead, but I have seen many elk run a long ways and never found when shot with small calibers like the 7mm.

[BUNDUKI]

The .280AI would be my prefered chambering. Loaded with 160gn accubond I don't think you would be underguned if you shoot straight on elk.

[elkaholic]

I really like my 300 Sherman so far. I built a 6.5 earlier which is based on the same case. It is similar to an A.I. but has 5% more capacity. It uses a std. .473 bolt and I have had no problems with it. I get 3000'+ with my 190 SXR's with a B.C. of .616. I still have 1000 ft. lbs. of energy at 1100 yards and 1550 fps which is adequate to expand my bullets. Last fall the rifle took a mule deer at 680 yards, a moose at 720 yards, and an elk at powder burn range. All three critters went down where they stood. You will have to get custom dies and form your own cases but if that is not a problem, I don't know of a better cartridge in a non Magnum. I shot a 300 ultra for years and don't miss it at all. Sure, it will kill out to about 300 yards further than this rifle, but as I stated, this one is good to over 1000 yards without the recoil, barrel burning, lack of case life etc., etc., and with BETTER accuracy. If you don't like the 300, it would make a GREAT .280 as well. That will likely be my next build. For elk though, the 300 ballistically is a little better.....Rich

[Rocky Mountain]

6.5-06 AI, 40 degree shoulder, 140 berger VLD or 140 Amax 3000fps to 3100fps depending on barrel length, its hard to beat