7mm Non Magnum- question

[BrentM]

I have a remington 700 action and I am looking to build a 7mm. I was thinking 280, 280AI, 284, 7-06 AI, etc. I have managed to confuse myself while looking up data to get the best combo. The intention is to make it useful for elk with the heavier bullets and not have to change to a magnum such as the 7mag.

Is the 280ai basically the same as a 7mm06 ai? Is there another option that produces similar results in the 7mm caliber?

 

[Dgd6mm]

That 7-06 AI. sounds interesting, brass would be relatively easy to get and make. The others would definitely be harder to find components for.

 

[Shoalwater]

Of the ones you listed the 280 AI is probably your best option. You can go with Nosler brass and not have to fire form your brass and it has a couple of grains more capacity than the 7-06 IIRC. Any and all of those will most likely get the job done for you. I am in the process of building a 280 AI right now, I ordered a reamer from PTG that has .188" of freebore which will allow you to take advantage of the case capacity while using the 168gr or 180gr VLD's. If I've done my math correctly, the COAL for the 180gr VLD's should be right around 3.517" at .010" off the lands and still have a little more than a caliber length of bearing surface in the neck. At that length you could use standard AICS mags or the standard BDL mag box IIRC.

 

[Varberger757]

Is the 280ai basically the same as a 7mm06 ai? Is there another option that produces similar results in the 7mm caliber?

The 7x64 produces similar results and prefers the heavier bullets 160gr - 180gr. There are different companies to find which are producing brass for it like Norma, PPU, RWS, S & B etc.

 

[MudRunner2005]

.280 AI gets my vote, as well. Also sure looks pretty simple to find stuff for...

3 piece die set (FL, NK, Seater)

Redding 2-Die Set 280 Remington Ackley Improved 40-Degree Shoulder

Redding Neck Sizer Die 280 Remington Ackley Improved 40-Degree

Brass

Nosler Custom Reloading Brass 280 Remington Ackley Improved 40-Degree

Bullets (500pk is in stock)

Berger Hunting Bullets 284 Cal 7mm (284 Diameter) 168 Grain VLD Hollow

 

[elkaholic]

280 Sherman will get you more velocity with the same case with only slightly more prep.......Rich

 

[Dgd6mm]

.280 AI gets my vote, as well. Also sure looks pretty simple to find stuff for...

3 piece die set (FL, NK, Seater)

Redding 2-Die Set 280 Remington Ackley Improved 40-Degree Shoulder

Redding Neck Sizer Die 280 Remington Ackley Improved 40-Degree

Brass

Nosler Custom Reloading Brass 280 Remington Ackley Improved 40-Degree

Bullets (500pk is in stock)

Berger Hunting Bullets 284 Cal 7mm (284 Diameter) 168 Grain VLD Hollow

I've said it before and I'll say it again, always like learning something new everyday. Scratch the 7-06, I like that .280 AI. Good brass at a decent price. Easy Peasy....

 

[BrentM]

Thanks Rich. That might be the way to go. I am not keeping this rifle. I will fix it all up, dial it, and sell it. Trying to get my buddy to buy it for elk hunting. My elk caliber of choice is a 430 grain arrow. : )

 

[Jud96]

If your buddy doesn't reload then I wouldn't suggest a wildcat. If he does reload the .280 Sherman is the most you are going to get out of a '06 sized case and your best bet. The .280 AI is now commercially available through Nosler but they're currently the only ones producing ammo for it and its a little pricey.

 

[Shoalwater]

Thanks Rich. That might be the way to go. I am not keeping this rifle. I will fix it all up, dial it, and sell it. Trying to get my buddy to buy it for elk hunting. My elk caliber of choice is a 430 grain arrow. : )

^^^^^^
That's my choice of caliber as well. Love my guns, but if I have a choice, it's going to be my bow in my hand when hunting.

 

[jrock]

Of the ones you listed the 280 AI is probably your best option.

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