Should I dump my 280ai?

[birddog 68]

You didn't mention bullet weight that you are shooting out of the 280 AI. Have you shot any elk with it? I'm limited to 160's from my 280 AI and they haven't bounced off one yet.

 

[Trm82]

I say find some 175 elite hunter bergers and try them in your current barrel.
They only need a 10 twist so you might get a shooter and not have to touch a thing.

 

[c_bass16]

Any long action I consider going forward is going to have a magnum bolt face. For me, there is no other reason to choose a long action cartridge.

 

[VinceMule]

In my 280 AI, I am shooting the 160g Partition at 2930 fps with IMR 7828 with federal 210, a load right out of the nosler manual #3 and #4.

Also, shooting the 175g Nosler long range accubond with 56.0g of IMR 7828 with federal 210 which shoots tiny clover leafs. I do sort the 175g by ogive length and seat them to within .003 of the lands, jumping them even .015 opens up accuracy.

Often, we do not need another reason to buy another rifle. If you decide to upgrade from the 280 AI, a prudent choice would be a 28 Nosler on a Rem 700 with a 4.000" Wyatts magazine box and follower.

 

[Darryle]

I went down this road a few years back, based on recommendations here, I went 280 Ackley. It was mentioned there are very few situations that you will be undergunned with the 280 Ackley that the 7 PRC will solve.

I believe better bullets, better powders and better brass will keep your 280 Ackley in the game.

Besides, it's cool

 

[VinceMule]

280 AI, 168g Berger, Bull Elk, 320 yards:



I prefer partitions and Nosler 175g LRAB, but the Berger sure did a fine job. Notice that there was no bullet impact behind the bull that we could see, but DRT will suffice in spades.

 

[deputyrpa]

I've spent the last 2 Decades trying to, get RID of my .338 Mag,.. Flinch, as those 225's / 250 grainer's, THUMP at, both end's !
The 7 PRC is, "Ideal" and with, a PVA Jet Blast Brake, my son's Muzzle, barely moves

I got rid of my 340 Weatherby because of weight, and replaced it with a 6# 7 PRC. Yes, the 340 Bee thumped a couple of elk, but the 7 PRC dropped one DRT too.

As far as the 280AI, a 168gr flung at over 2900fps in a 1:10 would be no slouch compared to the 7 PRC.

 

[dnb86]

 

[dnb86]

View attachment 518782

It's a great listen for what your doing and he makes great points and why 280ai is still the way to go

 

[Palix-Dog]

You didn't mention bullet weight that you are shooting out of the 280 AI. Have you shot any elk with it? I'm limited to 160's from my 280 AI and they haven't bounced off one yet.

Right now I am shooting 160 gn Accubonds at 2940 fps. I have killed one elk with it.

 

[Palix-Dog]

I've spent the last 2 Decades trying to, get RID of my .338 Mag,.. Flinch, as those 225's / 250 grainer's, THUMP at, both end's !
The 7 PRC is, "Ideal" and with, a PVA Jet Blast Brake, my son's Muzzle, barely moves

Got one of those too. Savage 111 Express, 338winmag with a 20 inch barrel and muzzle break. The break helps.

 

[crashlanding]

280 AI, 168g Berger, Bull Elk, 320 yards:



I prefer partitions and Nosler 175g LRAB, but the Berger sure did a fine job. Notice that there was no bullet impact behind the bull that we could see, but DRT will suffice in spades.

Great video Vince

 

[VinceMule]

In my mind, both are great cartridges. Since I own the 280 AI and 7 Mag, the pursuit of a better mouse trap would probably end up with a 28 Nosler with AGD brass, 7 Practical, or 7 Mashburn Super. I have wanted a Mashburn for a long time. Both the Practical and the Mashburn will send the 160-168's at 3200 with great ease with incredible case life with a top end of 3300.

Only burning a smidge of powder with the 175's is the practical way to go in the 280 AI.

 

[Rok1167]

would you mind sharing the barrel length and powder? I'd like to get that with 160ABs out of mine.
@Palix-Dog