Tikka McGowen rebarrel to 280ai

[wilehunting]

I am considering swapping the barrel on my stainless T3 270 to 280ai through McGowen barrels and upgrading to the Ember stock with the barrel fluted and cerakoted along with the action to Gun Metal Grey. Thoughts appreciated. Thank you

 

[bomberodevil]

I don't know much about swapping barrels and such, but I have a Savage Ultralight in 280 AI, and I love the cartridge. I would have bought it in a Tikka if they made one. It took me a lot of time with a dremel and rouge to get the Savage action close to where the Tikkas are leaving the factory. I would have jumped all over a Tikka in 280 AI, good for you.

 

[Roughrice]

The only thing I'd advise against building a 280AI on Tikka action is the factory mag length.
You will be limited on COAL if you choose to shoot heavier bullets.
They are among the shortest long action magazines made.

 

[CrankyYankee]

What bullet do you plan to shoot and at what distances?

Also, what do you plan to hunt?

If you are not shooting past distances where higher BC bullets significantly improve exterior ballistics, then you need to weigh the cost benefit ratio. If you just WANT to do it... then go for it.

If there was an issue with terminal ballistics on game, a different .277 bullet (as long as your current twist stabilizes it) might be an option.

As for a pre-fit.... research current reviews for whichever manufacturer you are considering.

I am not advocating for or against your build, just pointing out some considerations which I'm sure you've already thought about. Even if it's repeated, it's good info for future folks with the same questions.

Either way, keep the thread updated and include pics. Gun porn is always welcome.

Hope this helps.

 

[wilehunting]

Hornady 162 ELD-X factory load. I'm aiming for the rifle to be a lighter version of a 7mm Rem. Mag. with nearly the same velocity. I expect it could be used for game up to elk in size, at reasonable distances.

 

[CrankyYankee]

Good info. I say go for it.

 

[Roughrice]

The only thing I'd advise against building a 280AI on Tikka action is the factory mag length.
You will be limited on COAL if you choose to shoot heavier bullets.
They are among the shortest long action magazines made.

This is a 280 AI loaded with 162 ELD-X @ 3.360 for my Rem 700 BDL.
I put the round in Long Action Tikka Mag. to illustrate what I was saying about limitations for longer bullets in the Tikka mag. This bullet can be pushed down but the tip rubs the front side. I wouldn't load that long for field use.

 

[CBH Australia]

Hornady 162 ELD-X factory load. I'm aiming for the rifle to be a lighter version of a 7mm Rem. Mag. with nearly the same velocity. I expect it could be used for game up to elk in size, at reasonable distances.

If you run factory ammo it should fit in a factory magazine.

Im impressed with my .280a.i. and it's built on a Tikka action.

I'm a big fan of the cartridge and even the 7mm calibre in general.

To be fair I haven't had a .270 but since you want to build something then go ahead and do it your way.

 

[grouse]

I use a lot of McGowen barrels and they have all performed pretty well. I would suggest getting the blank and taking the action and blank to a good gunsmith for the chamber and machine work.

 

[Hydra6]

I would also look at Preferred Barrel Blanks. They offer a Tikka prefit in 280AI. I am a big fan of 280AI and the Hornady Precision Hunter 162ELDX ammo

 

[tworr]

I am considering swapping the barrel on my stainless T3 270 to 280ai through McGowen barrels and upgrading to the Ember stock with the barrel fluted and cerakoted along with the action to Gun Metal Grey. Thoughts appreciated. Thank you

Should be fine 168 Grn Barnes LRX 7mmWSM 270yrds

 

[Joefrazell]

On a tikka I don't think you can beat a 7 saum. 280ai is gunna get a bit long

 

[Roughrice]

I have a new unfired stainless 24" 9 twist #4 Wilson barrel chambered in 284 Win threaded for a Tikka action.
I had it cut and chambered as a Tikka prefit.
It took 8 or 9 months to get and ended up buying a lightly used Shilen barrel already cut from someone here on LRH and spun it on and shoots fine.
Now this one finally shows up last month and I don't need it anymore.

It's not a 280AI but pretty much all of what a 280 Rem is and works fabulous in a Tikka action without the COAL concerns.

Let me know if the 284 Win would interest you as I won't be using it.

 

[Weaselthis]

I switched out my 2 Tikka short action factory plastic mags for Long Action Mountain Tactical billet ones.
LINK: https://www.mountaintactical.com/shop/gen2-5-6-la-billet-magazine

I have 1 Tikka 7-08 that I shoot longer Hammer Bullets and 162g Hornady ELD-M that needed some more room.

For reference: I put some 200gr. Accubonds for my 30-'06 @ 3.310" COAL, and 162gr. Hornady ELD-M's for my .280 AI @3.338 COAL in the LA billet mag. My two mags ID = 3.402.

FYI: My goto load for Steel bangin' in a R700 .280 AI is:
162g Hornady ELD-M AT 3.395" OAL, (Ogive: 2.7" {-.076 off})
RE22, CCI Br-2, 2912 fps, 8.2 SD/17ES, .7 MOA @200yds.
This rifle has over 3000 rounds thru it and still thumps!

Good luck w/ your decision! I think you'll be happy w/ an Ackley! Post up picks!