Torn between the 280 ai and the 7mm rem mag

[xsn10s]

I'm concentrating on 175gr-180gr 7mm pills. Completely different league than the venerable 270 Win.

 

[xsn10s]

Let's try this. Who here has loaded the 280 AI with 175-184gr bullets. Please list velocities and barrel lengths. You can list the load to with the knowledge of start low and work your way up.

 

[buck8541]

Let's try this. Who here has loaded the 280 AI with 175-184gr bullets. Please list velocities and barrel lengths. You can list the load to with the knowledge of start low and work your way up.

As mentioned earlier: 55.0 gr, IMR 4350, 175 LRAB, COAL 3.520", MV 2689 fps using a Labradar Chronograph

Not a super fast round but shoots well out to 1000 yards on paper, and works well on deer to 800 yards. I haven't had the opportunity to try it on elk yet, or anything else past 800 yards.

 

[xsn10s]

Not a super fast round but shoots well out to 1000 yards on paper,

Yes I was trying to see if people are getting consistent 2900 fps with a 180 gr bullet with the parameters I set for the 280 AI. And if people have found that the AI had longer barrel life compared to the 7mm RM.

 

[xsn10s]

Plus I keep reading that the 280 AI is much easier to load for accuracy, not sure if that's one of those "inherently" more accurate claims lol.

 

[buck8541]

I

Yes I was trying to see if people are getting consistent 1900 fps with a 180 gr bullet with the parameters I set for the 280 AI. And if people have found that the AI had longer barrel life compared to the 7mm RM.

If you meant to ask if people are getting 2900fps (not 1900) with 180 gr bullets, I would say that is a lofty goal with a 280AI, I was only able to get 2825 fps with 160 gr Accubond's with a 26" barrel. I have reloaded both the 7mm RM and the 280AI a lot over the past 25 years and those are pretty tough figures to achieve with a 26" barrel. I know I will be attacked here in a second with claims of 3000+FPS in a 7mm RM, but I have never been able to do it with a 175gr, much less a 180 no matter what kind, or how much powder I used. Just an honest answer so people don't go expecting something that may not be achievable.

In terms of barrel life, the Shilen 280 AI barrel I mentioned earlier easily has 2000 rounds through it (I shoot slow), and the McGowen less than 300 rounds. The Shilen is still going strong, again, I shoot slow and don't let my barrels get hot.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

I would go 7mm rem mag. The 280AI, while a great round, will never be a 7mm rem mag. The rem mag has more capacity and when loaded properly it's pretty efficient. I was running 162s at 3146 fps in my last 7mm(rl-26). I was just starting to play with 180s when I traded it for a new 7mm and my starting load of rl-26 gave me 2975 fps. I know I could have achieved 3025 from the 26in barrel.

 

[betolatinlu]

never had an AI but I have had several 7RM's. My current one has a 26 inch proof cf 8.4 twist barrel. Rifle shoots 180 vld's at 2965fps...consistently under 1/2 moa.
I have a picture of a 2 1/4 inch 950 yd three shot group around here somewhere.
69.1 grn H1000 norma brass fed 215 primers
Sammi spec chamber
If I were to build another 7RM ....I'd lengthen the throat some to get even more velocity, or to get same velocity with less pressure. This load isn't showing pressure but is sneaking real close

 

[VLD Pilot]

Resale value is something to consider, not that any of us EVER re-sell a rifle
It is much easier to sell a 7mm Rem Mag than it is a .280 AI. Saw a guy in the Denver area that had a very nice Ruger 77 in .280 AI that sat on GunList for at least 6 months. It was priced right, but apparently not enough of the buying public knew what it was. Everyone knows what a 7mm Rem Mag is though, and it is highly thought of, making resale much easier.

One more thought - when you mention barrel wear and recoil (good things to consider) bear in mind you can always load the 7mm Rem Mag DOWN to .280 AI levels if you want (giving you barrel wear and recoil the same as the .280 AI), but you can't load the AI round UP to 7mm Rem Mag power/velocity levels. Since you are a reloader, it seems the 7mm Rem Mag gives you both worlds. The .280 AI locks you into 'one-world.'

No one should take this as .280 AI bashing. I love the round. It's awesome. But so is the 7mm Rem Mag and, for a reloader, the 7mm RM gives the OP more options.

I think 10 years ago I'd agree. On these forums, a 280 AI would sell MAYBE faster than a 7RM.

 

[Rudolph Ferdinand]

I was pretty sure I'd build a Long Range Hunter in 7mm Rem Mag ( or buy one) for shooting 180gr bullets. But now I'm starting to like the idea of a 280 AI since it can come close with a 26" barrel. It'll serve dual duty of hunting elk at probably not great distances, but possible targets out to a mile. Who's out there with set up with 24-28" barrels?
Update: Sorry I should of mentioned I'll probably be focusing on 175gr-180gr bullet weight class. Loads for that weight and 24-28 inch barrels would be appreciated. Thanks.

With any improve cases comes fire forming if the cases aren't made and if they are, costly. The 7mm RM is the way to go because there is a lot of brass cases for it. Twenty years ago I got the itch to see changing the chamber on a 30-06 to make it into the 30-06 improve, and it did work. The standard 30-06 with a velocity of for 180 grains bullet about 2700 FPS, the improve version at 2900 FPS, not bad for a little more powder, fireforming you have to do. 7mm RM all day.

 

[AggieHunter]

I am a huge fan of the 280AI. I got rid of my 7mm. The ballistics are about the same without the recoil. I shoot a 140 Grain Accubond at 3151. I have a single shot Borden Action on mine. I have never had to take a 2nd shot on any animal I have shot in Africa (3 trips) or my place in Mexico. I use Nosler 280 AI brass so I don't have to fire form anything anymore which is a barrel killer. When I hunt in the states I always carry as backup 280 bullets because I can always shoot in my 280 AI. I have shot hogs and javelinas out to 800 yards. It is absolutely a pleasant experience shooting my 280AI.

 

[PartsJr.]

I own a .280ai 1:9 Brux 26" barrel.
Shooting 145gr LRX @ 3050fps.
I don't think you can expect 3000fps or even 2900fps with a 180gr bullet.
If you want to shoot that at bullet at those velocities you're going to need more gas (powder)..... 7STW etc.

 

[Deputy819]

I think 10 years ago I'd agree. On these forums, a 280 AI would sell MAYBE faster than a 7RM.

That would hold true with me! There's a fella I work with who takes pride in poking quite a bit of fun at me for "shooting odd-ball cartridges". He's just more contemporary (if you will) concerning his cartridge selection. He's seen some of my targets, however, and for some reason he just won't go shooting with me....

 

[Alex Wheeler]

The 280ai is one of my favorites for all around mid range. Low recoil, accuracy, feeds well from a regular action, no belt, long neck. A very popular round. Mine runs 168s at 2980 in 24" with rl23