284 Win versus 280AI. Why one over the other when used on a long action

[Michael Eichele]

I am going to have a 7mm barrel installed on my long action to replace my 6.5x284 barrel. It will be a 26" or so barrel. I will be using 162, 168, 175 and 180 grain pills. I have settled on either the 280AI or the 284 Win. I'm assuming the 280AI has a bit more velocity potential? I'm not totally enamored with velocity. I would rather have the one that offers the best overall barrel life. Do you think they are the same or would one have a noticeable increase in life over the other. What kind of velocity could I expect to get a 175-180 grain bullet up for velocity WITHOUT 'pushing it' with each. Hodgdon's site shows the 284 as being faster than the 280AI but is that the general rule? Or is it specific to H powders?


Thanks,

M

 

[MudRunner2005]

I'm going .280 AI...Especially since my local store stocks the Nosler .280 AI brass...

 

[4bycamper]

Just got my new 284 out to the range once so far. I had it built on a long Remmy action. This is the first time I don't need to be concerned with long bullets and COAL, everything fits in the magazine with room to spare.

It really likes RL 19. So far the soft shooting load with 162 A max is around 2700, I think. I will try H 4350 next.

 

[trebark]

284win would be my choice. A buddy of mine has one. It shoots the 180bergers, as I recall, around 2800fps. The other advantage of the 284 is you can get lapua brass.

 

[MontanaRifleman]

284win would be my choice. A buddy of mine has one. It shoots the 180bergers, as I recall, around 2800fps. The other advantage of the 284 is you can get lapua brass.

Plus 1... a good candidate for RL17. Back off max a little and you'll still have good velocity with lower pressures.

 

[hawk45]

If sticking with a LA for both (which I think is the only way to get all the performace from the .284) I think you are splitting hairs.

Really I think it comes down to components and availability. If you like Lapua brass, go 284. If you feel comfortable with Remy or Nosler, go 280. Then which can you find local or online easier.

It's short/fat vs long/skinny. Maybe choose based on how you like your women.

 

[Canadian Bushman]

I would do the 284 win. In a long action you'll probably be able to feed long bullets more easily and i think itll get the nod velocity wise, but not by alot.

 

[barnesuser28]

284 win all the way, i have mine throated for the 195 EOL in a 1:8 twist 26" bartlein, i am running a light load of 52.8 grains of H4350 in necked up lapua 6.5x284 brass with the 162 amax and it should be going around 2875 fps, i know 52.2 grains was going 2835 fps verified by an Oehler and magnetospeed. I think i can get about 2550 from a 195 and 2700 fps from a 180. With the 195 EOL seated to the lands, i should still have about .1" room in the mag of my savage LA if my measurements are correct.
The 280 AI should edge out the 284 win by about 50-100 fps. If you want to match the 280 AI you can chamber it in 284 shehane, its the same case just less taper. The problem i see with the 280 AI is the different head space between the original P.O. Ackley and SAAMI chambers, but that is for discussion in another thread...

 

[Catfur]

If you're concerned about barrel life, the .280 Rem and child has a much longer neck than the .284, which many believe aids barrel life.

 

[MudRunner2005]

If sticking with a LA for both (which I think is the only way to get all the performace from the .284) I think you are splitting hairs.

Really I think it comes down to components and availability. If you like Lapua brass, go 284. If you feel comfortable with Remy or Nosler, go 280. Then which can you find local or online easier.

It's short/fat vs long/skinny. Maybe choose based on how you like your women.

I like my women tall & skinny... Therefore I'll stick with .280 AI.

 

[MSLRHunter]

I have a 280AI with a 24"barrel and get 2875 with the berger 168 vld and a pretty warm load of H4831sc, I got it up to about 2960 with this combo but had pressure so I backed off. IMO the 280AI is at its best with a 168 gr bullet, I've never shot the 284 so I can't comment on it.

 

[bvb2508]

i currently have both an i dont think you can go wrong with either of them. i shoot 57 gr of 7828ssc with the 168 berger out of the 280 for about 2950fps and 53 gr of 7828ssc out of the 284 for 2800 with the 180 berger.

 

[TOM H]

I own both and 284 is build on long action and both have 1/9 twist barrels. 284 is long throated and only bullets shot in both rifles so far has been the 160gr AB.

My load for the 280AI is 56gr/R-17 @3046fps and load for 284 max at 53gr/R17 @ 3048fps and I did drop it down to 52.5gr/R17 @ 2983fps.

Honestly I like both for what they are as I don't compare. I've always like the 284 case build couple 6x284 and 6.5x284 and bullets being offered today for 7mm would make either one a good choice.

Well good luck