280 vs 280 AI

KyCarl said:

280 AI I have really been thinking about one..But if you don't like 140 Gr. Ballistic Tips or 162 Gr. Eld-X you are S.O.L.Nosler or Hornady..2 whole choices.
This is all that's holding me back?

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INITIAL EXPENSE $1.39 TO $2.84/RD. FOR .280 AI FACTORY AMMO.
BUT AFTER THAT, HANDLOAD THE BRASS FOR WELL UNDER A BUCK/RD.
https://ammoseek.com/ammo/280-remington-ackley-improved

IMPRESSIVE - BUT EXPENSIVE FACTORY AMMO
Caliber: 280 Remington Ackley Improved
Bullet Type: NOSLER Partition
Bullet Weight: 160 Gr
B.C. .475
Muzzle Energy: 3093 ft Lbs
Muzzle Velocity: 2950 Fps

$53.22/BOX OF 20
https://www.lg-outdoors.com/Product/Details/1049252?source=A10001


HANDLOAD SAME FOR UNDER A BUCK/RD.

One of my criteria is quality factory ammo must be available!
Reloading is very time consuming and right now my energy is more
profitable in other areas. On line Credit Card and UPS brings it.. 10 min. and I'm done.
There are options like send it to Copper Creek have them work up a load
Make me 10 boxes and send it back. This is very appealing...

KyCarl said:

One of my criteria is quality factory ammo must be available!
Reloading is very time consuming and right now my energy is more
profitable in other areas. On line Credit Card and UPS brings it.. 10 min. and I'm done.
There are options like send it to Copper Creek have them work up a load
Make me 10 boxes and send it back. This is very appealing...

Click to expand...

HAVE YOU SEEK THIS AMMOSEEK PAGE FOR .280 AI AMMO?
$1.39 TO $2.84/RD. FOR .280 AI FACTORY AMMO.

https://ammoseek.com/ammo/280-remington-ackley-improved

Hand Skills said:

@KyCarl - 280rem ammo works in a 280AI also.

@Phoeniceltic - while theoretically possible, the case bodies differ enough that the practicality is questionable. The 7x64 is .466" vs .473" for the 270/280/30-06 at the head junction.

(Personally lusting for a 7x65R - THOSE are some strong case heads ... keeping primer pockets tight since 1917!)

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Kinda splitting Hairs as my Brass here runs .467"-.469" & Speer 7x64 measures .465"...

I don't know of any hairs THAT thin

Phoeniceltic said:

... Depending on the Chamber of Course.

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Exactly.

I load for both the 280 & 280 AI one is a 24 " the AI has a 26 " bbl using the Nosler Bullets 150-160 gr partitions & CT silvertip . Between the 2 only some 275 fps + - and 2 inches of bbl. Love them both !!!! Been a while since last used or loaded for the both was using 4350 / 4831 sometimes RL and 7828 if I remember.

As of 4/23/22

IN Stock Rifles in 280 AI

Brass

Ammo

$$$

B/O

IF I didn't already have a 700 in 7mm Remington Magnum, and a Model 7 in 7mm SAUM (and components), I'd consider this 280 A.I. - But prices are outrageous now!

7mm Remington Magnum is probably the most practical, these days.

Rifles

Ammo

Brass

That's exactly what I did , by hand with a long t handle. We could not get the ultra thin barrel off and was afraid of breaking the ultra light action. I used a new niece of Nosler brass as a gage.

L.Sherm said:

To be 100% sure I would set it back 1 turn.
The problem with just running the reamer in is the transition from the 280 shoulder to 40 is it gonna be smooth or be left with a ring
or slight ridge. I've seen reamers .003 difference in dimensions for the same caliber.

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True but when you get to the range fireform your brass. If fired brass looks to have a ring on the shoulder. Give it a turn or two. Your starting off with formed brass, and reloading you can make your chamber slightly longer.,most 280ai shooters will never bother with 270 or 3006 brass or even 280 brass. With the cost of reloading like it is!

Pariah said:

My point is the World is your Oyster in 7mm. 75 Cents each for 7mm Remington Magnum means there really is no reason to consider the .280 Ackley if you don't Reload. If 7RM is too much then 7-08 can kill it.

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Superior accuracy longer case life and less need to trim I'll crates of the Ackley improved case . I've given up belted cases along time ago.

I hunt almost exclusively with 280 Rem and have for 15 years or so.

For both factory and reload, if I were jumping in the 280 game today it would be 280AI. Not so much for the velocity gains, but solely on availability. I have plenty of brass to make due for a long time, but factory ammo and brass fro reloading are tough to come by for the 280Rem.

Nosler used to put out Trophy Grade on 280Rem but I believe that it's discontinued. Shoots fantastic in my rifle. I have come close on reloads but never quite matched the performance I got out of the Nosler stuff. The Nosler ammo used the 140 gr AB bullet.

Also, the AI in factory rifle offerings is much more prevalent.

Can't go wrong with either IMO.