If you were building a 280AI, what length barrel would you choose and which bullet would you build around?
280 AI
- Thread starter just_jon
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LongWalker
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- Aug 6, 2016
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Built my first at 24" and the 175 Berger Elite Hunter. I love the cartridge so much I've got a 20" now for hunting here in the SE running the Berger 168 CH. If I could rewind now I'd go 26" for longer range stuff.
The cartridge is really picking up in popularity so you'll likely get a bunch of good recommendations. The only thing you should really do IMHO is run Peterson brass.
The cartridge is really picking up in popularity so you'll likely get a bunch of good recommendations. The only thing you should really do IMHO is run Peterson brass.
Tidus56
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- Feb 1, 2018
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I would build it in a 24 inch barrel, so I can stick a 2 inch muzzle brake and come in at 26 inches total. I have a 28 Nosler for the heavier 7s so I would do a 162 or something in that range. The 280 AI is a really nice balanced cartridge, it's my go to cow elk and smaller.
Deputy819
Well-Known Member
I built my first one with a 26" barrel (Criterion) and used Berger 168gr vld's. Shot under an inch at 200 yards consistently. Rifle would shoot better than I could most of the time.
For what purpose, LR shooting, or LR hunting?
Mostly LR shooting.
adk hunter
Well-Known Member
Proof, 8" twist, 22-24'' for muzzle brake or suppressed if you live in a state of real America and match kings for steel or hammers for steaks...
MagMan
Well-Known Member
My only 280 AI is 28" before the brake. Shot a bull elk at 467 yards with the 143 HH's last year. Couldn't have been happier.
This boils down to a personal choice on what you are willing and able to carry with since it is not a dedicated LR shooting rifle. I do not have a .280 AI at the moment but I have a .270 AI with 30" barrel 3G 1:8" Sendero contour with a JP Beenie Coulee MB. "I" would build it similarly in .280 AI, and "I" would shoot the Berger 168 to 195.
harps
Well-Known Member
Im having 2 built right now , not that I know what Im doing but I went with Benchmark #3's 8tw at 25" for a hunter
lancetkenyon
Well-Known Member
My .280AI has a 26" 1:9" Proof Sendero Light. 175 Berger @ 2976fps puts a whoopin' on game.
My 280AI is doing just great shooting 140 gr. Accubonds. It also likes 143 gr HH. It was so easy to tune. I have a 26" tube not counting the muzzle brake.
Ted Sierocinski
Active Member
I shoot a 7x64 that's real close to the 280 AI. I have both a 20"and 24" barrel Steyrs. Both shoot the 160 gr partition well.
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