Thoughts on new build...

[novaman64]

So didnt hunt or shoot long range for a while, sold my custom 260, a few years ago, picked up a Tikka T3 Lite 7 rem mag... Recently started shooting more, and stretching its legs out 500-600 yards, but I am at the point want to do more distance again and get back into it...

So have a couple options right now...

Sell the Tikka, build a 280ai, stiller action, 24-25" heavy sporter barrel flutted (probably benchmark) 1:9.5 twist, Manners MCS-SL stock, Timney trigger, then debating on bottom metal (if I would want a detachable mag or just BDL).

Other option would be to re-barrel the 7mag, keep it as a 7 rem mag put a Remington style recoil lug on it, and drop it in a new stock.

Most the hunting I do is high up in the mountains after deer, where a chunk of the shots are under 200 yards, but occasionally there are opportunities for longer shoots (800-1000 yards). Would also occasionally be used for coyote hunting (though I have a bolt action 223 I normally use for that). Then trips to shoot some long range 800-1000 yards targets….

Leaning towards the 280ai just because its less powder, longer barrel life, less noise, less recoil. I have been shooting the Berger 168 VLD's out of my 7mag, would prolly stick with those in the 280ai, maybe load up some 140's for deer. In the future, because I live in CA, they are outlawing lead, so will need to be shooting solid core bullets, which right now in the .284 size looks like you can only get in up to 140 grains, but left to see if more options will come out

 

[novaman64]

No opinions on building a custom 280ai vs barreling the Tikka T3?

 

[HARPERC]

I don't have one, but thought someone should respond. The 280AI guys must all be hunting with the 7mmSTW guys.

I'm not much of a 7mm person, but I have a Tikka scout in .223 that I've grown fond of.

I've got no current use of solid bullets like your going to have to use, so maybe they have got better in the interim, but if I was planning to use them I'd want all the velocity I could get. So in this particular instance the STW folks, and I may agree.

Any way I hope you get more feed back.

Good Luck

 

[J E Custom]

No opinions on building a custom 280ai vs barreling the Tikka T3?

The 280 AI is one of my favorite cartridges and one of the most popular builds for many of my friends.

It is a very accurate cartridge and with the proper loading can compete with the 7 mm Rem Mag.

I am a believer is the traditional 280 AI and not the "New" Version because with the Old AI set up correctly you can fire form and hunt at the same time. using all brands of factory ammo except the Nosler brand.

With the "New" SAMME Spec. 280 you should only use the Nosler custom ammo because of head space differences.

So I would recommend building a Simi/custom with a premium barrel and you should end up with a sub 1/2 MOA rifle.

The differences have been a hot subject to debate and you can find some of these debates if you do a search.

J E CUSTOM

 

[novaman64]

That helps, I had been reading the post on here, was kind of on the fence about it... I did look up price of Nosler brass, and was definitely thinking of buying standard 280 brass and fireform...

 

[MudRunner2005]

The 7mm STW guys are well aware of the thread, we're just biding our time...

Oh, and most 7mm STW enthusiests are also just plain ole 7mm enthusiests as well. So, I think the OP will be just fine either way.

I have been hunting routinely with a 7mm RemMag for over 12 years, and have ZERO bad or negative things to say. It is my favorite all-around hunting cartridge. It's not overkill, and it definitely has been proven to get the job done, since 1962...

The .280 AI can hit velocities right up there near the 7mmRM. It is also a phenomenal caliber. And an often overlooked one, with the new LR magnum craze going on.

Either way you go, you should be happy. It's a tough call for me to choose between those 2, but if I were wanting one round I could find good factory loads for, brass, and one round to do-it-all... I would have to say go with a Remington 700 (either Long Range or Sendero) in 7mm RemMag.

In my experiences, the 7mmRM CAN be a little picky when it comes to handloading, but once you find that magic load, it'll continue to impress you more and more.

For me it was Nosler brass, Federal 215M primers, IMR 7828 SSC, and Berger 168 VLD's. They're bad bad medicine for deer-sized game.

 

[SofaKing]

The 280 AI is one of my favorite cartridges and one of the most popular builds for many of my friends.

It is a very accurate cartridge and with the proper loading can compete with the 7 mm Rem Mag.

I am a believer is the traditional 280 AI and not the "New" Version because with the Old AI set up correctly you can fire form and hunt at the same time. using all brands of factory ammo except the Nosler brand.

With the "New" SAMME Spec. 280 you should only use the Nosler custom ammo because of head space differences.

So I would recommend building a Simi/custom with a premium barrel and you should end up with a sub 1/2 MOA rifle.

The differences have been a hot subject to debate and you can find some of these debates if you do a search.

J E CUSTOM

So could you take say a savage 111 30-06 and put a custom 280ai barrel with old specs? What else would need to be changed for a proper conversion?

 

[MudRunner2005]

So could you take say a savage 111 30-06 and put a custom 280ai barrel with old specs? What else would need to be changed for a proper conversion?

Since yours already has a standard bolt face, a simple truing and barrel swap is all that is needed. And if you didn't want to true it, then you just need a pre-fit 1:9 7mm barrel blank, someone to chamber it to original PO Ackley specs (like JE), and a set of "go" and "no-go" gauges.

 

[novaman64]

What kind of barrel life are you getting out of a STW compared to the 7rem mag? Are they as pickey to load for?

I have noticed in load development that my 7mag has been a lot harder to find a load for than my 223, 260 or 243... Thats part of the attraction to the 280ai.

 

[J E Custom]

Since yours already has a standard bolt face, a simple truing and barrel swap is all that is needed. And if you didn't want to true it, then you just need a pre-fit 1:9 7mm barrel blank, someone to chamber it to original PO Ackley specs (like JE), and a set of "go" and "no-go" gauges.

+1
MudRunner is also dead on about the 7mm Rem Mag. I competed for many years at 1000 yards
with one and found it lacking nothing.

The 280 AI is just a great cartridge all round and will serve you well.

It is also a very simple change from a 30/06 or a 270 Win.

I am also not the only smith that can do you a good job, but will be happy to help you understand the proper way to set the 280 up if you or your smith needs my opinion and advice.

PM me if I can help (I don't need the work, just like to help fellow shooters with there projects.

Good luck

J E CUSTOM

 

[J E Custom]

What kind of barrel life are you getting out of a STW compared to the 7rem mag? Are they as pickey to load for?

I have noticed in load development that my 7mag has been a lot harder to find a load for than my 223, 260 or 243... Thats part of the attraction to the 280ai.

I also have and use a 7 STW (I am a big fan of 7mm) and find them a little harder on barrels
than other 7mm,s but that is because of there velocity (Normally very high) I washed out a barrel in less than 300 rounds, but I was pushing a 140 grain bullet 3700 to 3800 ft/sec in a long barrel.

The current 7STW seems to be holding up very well with velocities @ or below 3400 ft/sec. so they are not bad if held to a reasonable velocity.

They can be a little finicky, but with some effort with loads can be very accurate.

Again, just my opinion.

J E CUSTOM

 

[MudRunner2005]

What kind of barrel life are you getting out of a STW compared to the 7rem mag? Are they as pickey to load for?

I have noticed in load development that my 7mag has been a lot harder to find a load for than my 223, 260 or 243... Thats part of the attraction to the 280ai.

My 7mm STW has not been picky at all. It has shot everything I've ever put through it, Sierras, Noslers, Bergers from 140 grains up to 180. And has always been a ½-¾ MOA gun it's whole life with factory ammo. However, when I started handloading, my groups shrunk and it became a ¼-½ MOA gun.

I'm at around 750 rounds, and it's still printing 5 inside of a dime @ 100... So, I'd say I've still got a long way to go on barrel life. I'll estimate that I'll end up around 1,200-1,500 rounds of barrel life, most likely. Which, for a larger performance magnum, is pretty good. There's been several people on here who have gotten 1,500 rounds out of one, and then sold it, and that person they sold it to is STILL shooting it accurately. So, if you take care of it, don't shoot it all the time, and let the barrel cool down properly, then it can last you for a lifetime. Just like any rifle.

I've had my STW since 2002...With the original barrel on it. I just recently acquired a 2nd one that is brand new and built by my gunsmith, that a friend of mine had built, and he never shot it. He got in a money-tight and I helped him out by buying the rifle for what he had invested in it. Can't wait to see how it shoots next time I go to the range.

 

[HARPERC]

Almost said we'll leave this strip of bacon right here and that old hound Mudrunner will be along shortly. LOL! Intended respectfully.

 

[MudRunner2005]

My spider-senses kick in pretty good when there's 7mm talk nearby....