Little help with a 8ish lb 280AI.

[lovdasnow]

ok, I think i finally narrowed down the caliber i'm going with. the 280ai is going to get the nod for a lightish weight build. I've got a 13lb 338-378 and a 6.5x47, so i've been wanting a good long range easier to carry gun.

what i'm looking to do. 8ish pounds finished weight. repeater. 800yds and in on deer sized game. want a 24" barrel. and would like to run a 2.5-10x32 NF NXS, or 4.5-14 leupold with turrets. .

couple questions.
do i need a wyatts mag box for best results with 168vld's?
trying to figure out what a rem 700 LA weighs? anyone know?


just looking for your input.

thinking of light weight manners or mcmillan edge.
the 700 action will probably get worked over to lighten it a bit.
not sure what contour barrel to run?
was thinking a 3 or 4 contour, fluted. your thoughts? i don't want it pencil thin, but i also don't want it too heavy? i don't have much experience with thinner contours at all, in regards to problems with accuracy??

anyway, would love your input/experience to hlep me finish up this build in my head, and get these parts ordered. thanks again.

 

[Weaselthis]

Ur gonna like the 280AI. I'm running the 168's seated .010 INTO the lands and have no issues w/ factory bdl magazine box. RE 22 & 2950 fps is lights out accurate! I run 140;s right at 3250. I have a 26" Bartlein #6 (similiar to a Lilja #7)w/ no flutes & a vias brake, HS precision. Haven't actually weighed it but it's NOT a light weight.....the HS is weighty! Lilja doesn't recommend flutes on anything smaller than #7...your call there.

Good luck. It's a killer!
ps.....I tried the Cabelas Kwik Clip....no go in my gun. The mags wouldn't feed reliably. Saving the shekels for a Wyatts or Badger. ONLY cuz I shoot tactical matches sometimes and need the dbm capability.

 

[jeffwhip]

I will take possession of my 280 AI in a couple of weeks. I have a Krieger 5.5 25.5" barrel fluted, a Timberline Action, NF 5.5 X 22 Scope & a McMillan Lazzeroni thumb-sporter stock. After weighing everything, I think this gun will weigh in around 12 Ibs. I'm not sure how to get it down to 8 Ibs. I agree with the last poster, Krieger only recommends fluting a barrel 5.5 or larger. I can't wait to join the 280 AI crowd!

 

[lovdasnow]

thanks for the info on mag length not being a problem. ya, it's easy to get to 10lbs plus real quick. I'll keep working on it though. i didn't know about the 5.5 min on fluting.

thanks guys for your input. and also your info on your loadings