Ruger Hawkeye in 280 rem

[letrbuck]

long time reader on this site. I've learned a lot and got turned on more to the 280 rem.

Looking for a bit of advice. . . Originally I was going to keep my eyes open for a used Savage or Stevens and do a 280 AI build but, I came across a pretty good deal on Ruger Hawkeyes in 280 for 560 bucks. I've always liked the m77s (I have an old tang safety 243 that shoots under 1/4" with the white box Winchester ammo)

Here's what I was thinking: Get one of the Hawkeyes and if it turns out to be a shooter, take it to a smith and have it punched out to AI chamber. But, my concern is this: with the 22" barrel will I even benefit much from having it AI'd?


Thanks for any advice!

 

[7MAGNUM]

I got the hawkeye last year in 280 for the same reason then I took it out started some load developing and landed on a 168 Berger with 4831SC and man it just clover leafs decided to leave it alone

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

I'd shoot the daylights out of it with a nos bt or accubond and rl19/22 and forget about the ai, at least as long as the 22" bbl. is on her. My brother ( his second or third 280) has a remmy 24" bbl 280 and the rifle's spitting distance from 280ai speed with the regular 280.