I sold my 280ai barrel. Just could not get it to shoot the bullets I wanted to shoot out of it. So gonna get a new barrel . What barrel would you go with? Length and what cal? I want to stay with the .284 caliber.
Try another 280ai? Or what?
You can do anything. Now to try to help, without too much bias.
Since it was a 280AI, keeping it that, with a new fast twist barrel is the "easiest" and "cheapest" solution. You reload/handload so you already have everything you need.
Changing to a chambering with a standard bolt face, .473 base dimension (same as 280AI, 308, etc.) is the next easiest/cheapest. Those include 284 Win and improved versions. Really nothing gained in going that route. Just "different". Note: a .284 Win based design may require "feeding" adjustments.
Changing to a chambering with a "magnum" bolt face, ~.531 base dimension will be the "hardest", most "expensive". A new bolt or bolt work or bolt nose (Savage) will be required. Work on feeding, maybe a new magazine and follower. You could gain ~300 fps for this effort. To me, not worth it.
IIWM: Stick with the 280AI and get the barrel to match the bullets. Say a 7.75 twist or perhaps a 7 or 8 twist depending on the abilities of the barrel maker.
So far the barrels I'm happiest with are Pac-Nor and Benchmark. Price to performance. I have Hart, Bartlien and others as well. If you can stomach the price the Carbon Wrapped Benchmark or a Proof would make a very nice choice. Benchmark being more "CNC" oriented can probably make the twist you want.
All the best.
