First Build - Looking for thoughts...

[FIGJAM]

Even better . . . . "deer, elk, black bears etc. out to whatever distance I feel comfortable"

exactly...right now that is 800-900 yards...I am a light weight.

 

[Turnbolt53]

You've got me beat

I'm not a long range hunter. I just like optimal performance from the rifles I use.

 

[FEENIX]

Just to clarify my original post - it was range work out to 1200. Then deer, elk and bears etc out to 800-900 yards. Looking back I could have worded that better.

That is why I also commented ...

"My" unwritten rule is 1500 FT-LBS for elk and 1000 FT-LBS for deer at impact with consideration of the minimum velocity the bullet is designed for. There is no substitute for shot placement and displacement.

 

[PartsJr.]

I have a Rem 700 in .280 A.I. shooting 145gr LRX at 3050fps out of a 26" Brux barrel. Shoots 1/2 to 3/4 MOA.
Great round!
If you go this route and you want the factory ammo options make sure your smith chambers for the newer version of the .280 A.I. and not the older traditional .280 A.I...... there is a slight length difference.