New 280 AI build begun

Started ordering parts the other day for my next build. Many of the parts should be in this week.

Donar action is my first center fire rifle, a Remington Mdl 721 chambered in 270 Winchester that I have had for the last 45 years. It was just setting in my safe as I also have my Dad's 270 now.

Stock will be a Stocky Stock Accublock Apache Laminated Thumb-hole in Birch.

Bottom metal from Red Hawk Rifles; Remington ADL to BDL SS LA Conversion Kit

Barrel/Recoil Lug/ RemAge barrel nut/ Go-NoGo gauges and Trigger Tech primary trigger from Northland Shooter Supply. Barrel will be a SS match grade, 26" Criterion, Heavy Sporter, with 1:9 twist and a recessed crown.

I also just ordered a scope, a Vortex HST 4X16X44 from ScopeList.com. I have some 30 MM Vortex High rings but I think they will be to tall, we'll see?

Will post photos of progression of build as it moves along.

If they offer a 1:8 twist barrel, I would go that route, as it will allow more flexibility with bullet options in the future. The 1:9 will be fine up to most 175 grain bullets, but if you plan on possibly shooting anything heavier in the future, I would see if they can swap you out for a 1:8 twist.

The Vortex high rings might be a bit tall, but that's more of a personal fitment thing. Some folks like really high rings, some like really low rings. I'm one of the latter. I typically run the Seekins Precision low (0.82") rings for anything up to 52mm optics when running on a 20MOA base.

HRstretch said:

Started ordering parts the other day for my next build.

Many of the parts should be in this week.

Donar action is my first center fire rifle, a Remington Mdl 721 chambered in 270 Winchester that I have had for the last 45 years. It was just setting in my safe as I also have my Dad's 270 now.

Stock will be a Stocky Stock Accublock Apache Laminated Thumb-hole in Birch.

Bottom metal from Red Hawk Rifles; Remington ADL to BDL SS LA Conversion Kit

Barrel/Recoil Lug/ RemAge barrel nut/ Go-NoGo gauges and Trigger Tech primary trigger from Northland Shooter Supply. Barrel will be a SS match grade, 26" Criterion, Heavy Sporter, with 1:9 twist and a recessed crown.

I also just ordered a scope, a Vortex HST 4X16X44 from ScopeList.com. I have some 30 MM Vortex High rings but I think they will be to tall, we'll see?

Will post photos of progression of build as it moves along.

Click to expand...

Agree on 1:8...do you have a bullet in mind?

The Oregonian said:

Agree on 1:8...do you have a bullet in mind?

Click to expand...

I will likely run Berger 140VLD to 168VLD.
My last build I used Vortex 30mm med on a 20 MOA base and my check weld feels good. Will have to see how this new stock will fill to see if low will work or stay with the medium height.

Highly recommend adding a M16 extractor. I've had 700 and 721 builds and the 721 had an even weaker extractor than the 700. Otherwise, they make strong accurate builds.

If you plan on shooting a sub-175gr bullet, the 1:9" will be fine. You stated 140-168, so there you go. I have a 1:9" on my .280AI and shoot the 175 Bergers with excellent accuracy out past 1200 yards.

I also like as low of rings as possible. With the 44mm objective, even with the 30mm tube, lows will work great with a 20MOA rail and a heavy sporter contour.

Here is a .280AI w. Proof Sendero Light, Seekins 20MOA Picatinny rail, Seekins 30mm "low" rings, Premier 3-15x50 scope.

Thanks for the info. If it starts giving me problems I differently will look into what needs to be replaced

lancetkenyon said:

If you plan on shooting a sub-175gr bullet, the 1:9" will be fine. You stated 140-168, so there you go. I have a 1:9" on my .280AI and shoot the 175 Bergers with excellent accuracy out past 1200 yards.

I also like as low of rings as possible. With the 44mm objective, even with the 30mm tube, lows will work great with a 20MOA rail and a heavy sporter contour.

Here is a .280AI w. Proof Sendero Light, Seekins 20MOA Picatinny rail, Seekins 30mm "low" rings, Premier 3-15x50 scope.

Click to expand...

Beutiful gun. I have a 7MM STW if I want to sling heavy bullets way out there. I think of this new build as 0-600 yard gun. Except for a pipeline on the property I hunt in North Central Texas, most shots are under 200 yards. On my western hunts, I likely will keep my shots under 600 yards do to wind conditions anyway.
I applaud you on being able to hit targets so far out. I have not reached that level of competence of of yet.

lancetkenyon said:

If you plan on shooting a sub-175gr bullet, the 1:9" will be fine. You stated 140-168, so there you go. I have a 1:9" on my .280AI and shoot the 175 Bergers with excellent accuracy out past 1200 yards.

I also like as low of rings as possible. With the 44mm objective, even with the 30mm tube, lows will work great with a 20MOA rail and a heavy sporter contour.

Here is a .280AI w. Proof Sendero Light, Seekins 20MOA Picatinny rail, Seekins 30mm "low" rings, Premier 3-15x50 scope.

Click to expand...

Whoa nice rig. How long is your barrel and what MV/bullet weight?

Troutslayer2 said:

Whoa nice rig. How long is your barrel and what MV/bullet weight?

Click to expand...

26" 1:9" Proof Sendero Light. It actually wears a March F 3-24×52 now.

I have two loads. Neither are max loads, but fairly close to max in my rifle.
160 TMK over H1000 @ 2991fps
175 Berger Elite Hunter over RL23 @ 2975fps

UPS and USPS dropped a few packages off this week. Now to begin.

lancetkenyon said:

26" 1:9" Proof Sendero Light. It actually wears a March F 3-24×52 now.

I have two loads. Neither are max loads, but fairly close to max in my rifle.
160 TMK over H1000 @ 2991fps
175 Berger Elite Hunter over RL23 @ 2975fps

Click to expand...

I just ordered a 22" proof Sendero light for my 280AI, 1:8.4", and I have a March 3-24 also, though 42mm. If I can get those kind of velocities, minus 25 FPS per-inch less barrel, I will be plenty happy.

Troutslayer2 said:

I just ordered a 22" proof Sendero light for my 280AI, 1:8.4", and I have a March 3-24 also, though 42mm. If I can get those kind of velocities, minus 25 FPS per-inch less barrel, I will be plenty happy.

Click to expand...

That will be a handy & light carry rifle!

Removed and replaced barrel and heavy duty recoil lug. Head space feels good with no-go gauge working as designed. Going to replace the trigger today and hopefully do the finale in-letting for the RemAge barrel nut. Should be ready to mount the scope and test fire Wednesday after Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all.