280 vs 280 AI

[Ksduckhntr]

i am looking at the comparison of these two in a 22” barrel. I do not reload and it will be used for hunting deer sized game up to at least one hunt for elk and caribou. Shots will be limited to 350-400 yards when I become proficient with the rifle. I understand the AI will have more velocity but with the shorter barrel is the AI advantages muted some? Looking to shoot the 160’s bullet.

 

[Hand Skills]

Being that factory ammo is a requirement, it's no contest. 280 rem has never been easy to find, and is loaded to much lower pressures than 280AI.

Now that Hornady has joined the party Nosler is no longer the only mfg of 280AI ammo - better performance and availability makes the AI an obvious choice. Coupled with the fact one can shoot 280rem ammo in a 280AI, again, no contest

 

[Plinker147]

For 350-400 yards it’s a wash. You will never notice the difference between them. 280AI will still be 100-150 FPS faster in 22in barrel. 280AI might be more established than the 280 now-a-days. I think it would be the smarter choice

 

[MkJose]

My experience with AI's 20-222 (20 Bobcat), 223 AI, and 22-250 AI. Your barrel is going to last a little less and your brass is going to last a little longer. So if you want the most out of the 280, go with the AI.

 

[SavageHunter11]

I'm in the middle of having a 280AI built for me right now with a 23" barrel. I picked 280AI pretty much the same reasons stated above plus the fact it's about as close to a perfect universal North American Hunting round as you can find. Might be a bit light for moose and bigger bear but everything else is good to go. Nosler and Hornady both are making ammo for it and you can get it pretty cheap if you watch for deals. I just bought 200 rounds of Nosler a month ago for $1.31 ($1.40 per if including shipping) a round using AmmoSeek because it was cheaper than buying just the brass itself ($1.60 per for new brass from Nosler).

 

[MagMan]

I have a 22-250AI, 243AI, 280AI and have stuff gathered up for a 260AI.

They don’t disappoint.

 

[JDD]

I have a very light weight cust rem 700. I purchased in 280. It never shot well. I ran the 280 ai reamer in
Nice sub moa groups. The 280ai seems naturally accurate. I just built a 280ai on a defiant action Bartlien 8 twist barrel 3 shoot group at 1124 today 180 gr eldx at 3060

 

[Ishak]

I do not reload.

Honestly if you don't Reload, the 280 is not the Cartridge for you. 7mm Rem Mag, it's on every shelf that sells AMMO. You'll have just as much luck finding 7mm Brenneke as you will any 280 at WaltonMart.

 

[JDD]

You can order through the mail , the nosler offering and hornady offering are sub moa in two guns . I am pushing 180’s at 3000 FPS with just 60 grains of powder . Factory 140 hit 3100 in two of my guns.

 

[Turnbolt53]

I have a very light weight cust rem 700. I purchased in 280. It never shot well. I ran the 280 ai reamer in
Nice sub moa groups. The 280ai seems naturally accurate. I just built a 280ai on a defiant action Bartlien 8 twist barrel 3 shoot group at 1124 today 180 gr eldx at 3060

Nice group!

What barrel length?

Please post load details, or send a message if you would prefer. Thanks!

 

[JDD]

30” Palmer 8.5 twist bartlien grayboe stock only have 30;rounds through. She has not broken in yet. Looks promising

 

[Heavyiron]

280ai at one time was called the 270 hotrod. I love the 270 and 280ai both. The 280 ai does real well. It can outdo the 270 but not by much.
If you gave me the choice between 280 and 280ai, it would be a no brainer. Go for the ackley version.

 

[ducky]

280ai at one time was called the 270 hotrod. I love the 270 and 280ai both. The 280 ai does real well. It can outdo the 270 but not by much.
If you gave me the choice between 280 and 280ai, it would be a no brainer. Go for the ackley version.

I like the .270 as well and if relying on factory ammunition it is the one I'd pick over any .280 Rem or AI. Still relying on factory I'd go with the .280 AI out of the OP choices, you at least can get it online as stated. Reloading, I'd say it doesn't really matter much, if you go with the .280 just load to .270 pressures and rock it. However, brass life definitely goes to the AI version of the .280.

 

[Worriedman]

I have a very light weight cust rem 700. I purchased in 280. It never shot well. I ran the 280 ai reamer in
Nice sub moa groups. The 280ai seems naturally accurate. I just built a 280ai on a defiant action Bartlien 8 twist barrel 3 shoot group at 1124 today 180 gr eldx at 3060

Can you just "run the reamer in" without affecting correct headspace for the chamber, I thought you had to set the barrel back to get it right?