.280AI and 6.5x284

[Savage88]

Im still very undecided on what caliber for a new rifle so im just trying to pick everyones brain to learn more on all of them im considering and unfamiliar with. Are these calibers good for woodchucks to moose out to 600yds? i know the 6.5x284 is suppose to be a great long range cal, but what about mid range 300-600? Anyone know the specs on the 280AI out to 600yds? I dont know anything about the 280AI, but im looking into the kimbers and im liking the looks of them!!! I know that the availability of factory 6.5 ammo is very slim but, how about for the 280AI?

Thanks!

 

[ak1251]

I don't have any experience with the 280ai, but I been working with the 6.5x284 for over three years. It is a really a good long range round. I don't think I would use it on moose though. Woodchucks to deer out to 1K maybe.

 

[SBruce]

I don't know of any 280AI factory ammo.

6.5-284 will have more offerings and more load info available, it is simply more popular and especially among target or competition shooters.

IMO, you'll have better luck with long high BC bullets fitting inside the magazine with the 6.5-284 (assuming you use a standard long action), but if moose is on the menu; the 280AI will have more options of bigger and heavier bullets.

Just my $.02 others mileage might vary.

 

[bronco]

Here is some info on 280AI factory ammo:
Nosler manufactures 280AI "Trophy Grade" factory ammo with a 140AB and the 160PT. The 140 lists at 3150fps and the 160 at 2950fps. Both shoot very well out of my rifle.

At listed speeds with a 200 yard zero: 140AB drops 59" with 1290ft lbs @ 600 yards and the 160PT drops 69" with 1235ft lbs @ 600 yards.

Nosler also makes a 150ET in their "Nosler Custom" line at 2900fps and Cor-Bon is coming out with a 150TTSX listed at 2900fps, though I haven't seen it yet.

You can also run standard 280 Remington ammo through you 280AI

I would have no problems with the 160PT on moose sized game.

That Kimber in 280AI is a great set up.

 

[hedgehoghunter]

I shot the 6.5 for about a year and a half Groundhog hunting I was shooting the 142's and 600 yards was like taking Candy from a baby . I had quite a few confirmed kills @ 600 yards easy . Onlt thing that bothered me was the load to achieve the velocities I wanted . I was pushing the 142's at 3,050 + -. 28 inch broughton barrel .

 

[lhead71]

I actually have a Kimber 84L in 280AI and it is one of my favorite long range rifles. I typically shoot hand-loaded 140gr TTSX at 3200 fps. The stock design makes it's recoil feel less than my light 308.
Here are a couple of groups when I was working up a load. And yes this brass was standard fire formed 280 Rem brass.

3 round groups

5 Round group

 

[SBruce]

Excellent shooting Ihead!

 

[HellsCanyon]

.280AI is my main hunting gun right now... Running out of a standard Rem700 LA you aren't limited with bullet seating depths and I'm pushing 168 Bergers right at 2935 fps. I mainly run 162 Amax's for competition and general steel shooting. Pushing them right at 3050 fps with 62 grains of 4831SC. 24" Rock Creek barrel.

Loads were super easy to develop, inherently accurate caliber, good barrel life, low recoil... Have used it for everything from ground hogs to elk.

Mike