Lightweight 280 AI @ 1,155 yds

[BCMAG2]

My new lightweight "Classic" model 280 Ackley built by Lane Precision Rifles of Pocatello, Idaho is not an ELR rig. But it recently shot so well at almost 700 yards on my first load validation attempt that I couldn't help but try stretching it over 1K this morning. To be sure, I'd never shoot at a deer or elk at this type of distance due to insufficient retained bullet energy to effectuate a clean kill....but if a coyote or wolf ever presented the opportunity at extreme long range, it is nice to know that this lightweight hunting rifle is capable of delivering the necessary accuracy.....

 

[Barrelnut]

Nice shooting!

 

[BCMAG2]

Thanks Barrelnut...I might try to stretch this rifle/caliber a little further in the near future, just for fun. Stay tuned.

 

[MHO]

Nice shooting. Looks like you have a keeper.

 

[BCMAG2]

Yeah, this is my second rifle built by Lane Precision Rifles and I'm very happy with both of them (and the reasonable prices)...now I just need to think of a third type of rifle that I "need" to justify ordering another one.

 

[mtnwrunner]

No justification needed---just go get one.
The 280 AI is a fun one to shoot and thank god we gots lots of rocks around here.
Hey, do you have a photo of your rifle??

Randy

 

[BCMAG2]

Mtnwrunner, here's a video clip showing my 280 AI LPR rifle the first time I took it out for some field trial validation shots...

 

[Barrelnut]

Mtnwrunner, here's a video clip showing my 280 AI LPR rifle the first time I took it out for some field trial validation shots...

Where da shots? Did you hit da rock? gun)

 

[mtnwrunner]

That is a great looking rifle. I see a high country mule deer in it's future........

Randy

 

[BCMAG2]

Barrelnut,

Yep, I hit the rock twice with remarkable ease. It was about 6" across in size...I had this rifle built with the hope of having a lightweight pack rifle that could dispatch a buck to 700 yards with no muzzle break and manageable recoil. I now think that the upper limits of that range far exceed the original goal, based upon the ease of hitting a target at that range and the force of the bullet impact that can be heard from the echo. Here's a vid clip of the shots showing what I'm talking about....

 

[Barrelnut]

Thanks. very impressive. I am considering a 280 AI built similar on a Savage stainless action. Kind of thin the heard and get back to a good carry rifle that can do a few things. Looks like you've got a good one.

 

[novaman64]

Digging up a semi old post, as I am looking at getting a custom 280ai built and found LPR online, then searched and found this thread. Anyways, what stock is on your rifle? Whats the finished weight? Is it traditional ackley or SAMMI?

 

[BCMAG2]

Sorry that I can't tell you the rifle's exact weight, as I don't have a scale. The stock is the Manners Superlight and the chambering is for the Sammi 280 AI, which is easier to find dies for. If you give Dallas at Lane Precision Rifles a call, he can answer any other questions you may have. 208-610-4442

 

[BCMAG2]

I would also note that if you intend to shoot the Nosler LRABs, you will want a faster rate of twist than I have in my barrel to realize maximum potential BC. Unfortunately, Brian Litz's BC experiments with the LRABs weren't published until long after I had my rifle built, and the LRABs require a much faster twist than anyone knew. Its not an accuracy issue, but I'm having to use a lower BC due to the slower twist. Litz has a post somewhere on this site showing the LRAB's optimal twist for each caliber.