I have a long action that I am considering using for a 280 AI build. Whats everyones thoughts on the round itself? I have a couple of 7mm Rem Mags so I already have longer distance cartridges and I have a couple of 7mm-08's so I have a lighter 7mm. For water reason, theres something about the Ackley that draws me to it and Im not sure why. I am open to other caliber suggestions as this is kind of a niche round it seems. I just wanted to get you guys thoughts in regard to what you would build for a standard hunting rifle. I normally shoot deer and hogs but do occasionally shoot elk and other larger animals, though I have a 338wm for that.

With what you already have in 7mm's I'd look at doing something in a bigger or smaller caliber. IMO a 280 AI is almost a 7Rmg that uses 6-10 grains of powder less and runs same bullets only about 50-100fps +/- slower.

FWIW I'd go bigger in a 35 Whelen & could AI that'un for a little extra push...but having had a 9.3x62 IMO it is the perfect non mag step up with 250 gr bullets that'll about match a 338WMg's MV in that bullet weight, and go up to a tad slower 375 H&H's power in close to the same weight bullets, with the 286gr'er as the everyday great average do all bullet weight. Brass is easy, bullets are easy (Hornady & others) and someday I'll build one again as they are lots softer recoil that 338Wmgs & 375H&H's for sure.
JMHO & YMMV
Ron

The ackley shoulder just looks sexy. With that said I hold the 280ai in high regard but ever since getting a 7x57ai built its now a notch above the 280/280ai. Something about the history and the nostalgia just does it for me. My 7x57ai is also easy to load for and gives up very little to the 280ai up to 150's in my experience.

Great cartridge, but since you have 7mm above and below it, I think you might have fun with a 6.5X284

I had a 280AI for a few years, great round, if you handload or be willing to pay a lot for ammo..

As great a cartridge as the .280 and .280 AI both are, i think JG is onto something here. Brass for 6.5-284 is available, too, so no AI fireforming would be needed.

Thanks guys, something to think about. I was thinking 280ai so that I can stay with the same bullets out of convenience. The 6.5-284 does seem interesting. I was also considering the 35 Whelen, but I have a 9.3x62 also, though I seldom take it out, its an awesome cartridge for sure.

Crash, 280AI is a formidable cartridge and one I like. You have 7mm pretty well bracketed with what you have. Frankly you could make either caliber work for your stated plans. With that said I say, go for it. Trying new calibers and Bullets is what we do. Getting the ones that intrigue us and putting them through their paces is how we figure out what our preferences are and why they can change. I say get it and have fun with it.

you can buy 280 AI brass

I know, but AFAIK only from Nosler.

It's always a fun dilemma deciding what to build next and I won't be much help! Had a .280 for years and it was very effective from varmint thru elk. I built a couple of 280AIs...they shot well but really didn't give me a significant improvement over the standard 280. Ended up selling both when I got tired of fire forming....

Now, I just built a standard .280 to replace the two 280AIs. With that and my 7x57s...I'm happy!

If you are toying with the idea of a 6.5-284, you really should think about the 6.5-06. You have a long action, and you can easily make 6.5-06 brass using 270 or 25-06 brass... The 6.5-06 is the ballistic twin to the 6.5-284. I've built a couple 6.5-06s and using 120 Sierra game kings or 130gr accubond it's like a death ray on deer and antelope!

Regardless, of your decision... 280, 280AI, 6.5-284 or 6.5-06 they all work great.

Hey Zee. Good to see you here. When you comin out to help kill off some piggies?

If you get a .280AI get a break on it unless it's heavy....ask me how I know..Rebarreling my Kimber..

My 280ai is my favorite rifle to shoot � steel and hunting. 168 bergers at 2800+ are devastating on game. Hornady has also started making Precision Hunter ammo in 162 ELD-x if you don�t handload.

I like the feedback that I have gotten, you guys are always great. I am still a few months out before I get it all together as I am slowly picking up the parts. I think that I may be set on a 280ai and will initially buy factory ammo and start reloading thereafter to get into some barnes TSX 140's to 160's for mulies and possibly elk. I have other calibers, but this one seems to be a good fit for most of the hunting that I currently do.

Crash, let us know how your project progresses! I just got done putting duracoat on my .280 yesterday! Just about done now!

River Rider, I have been lurking here for a while. More interesting stuff going on here than the other spot we frequented. I'm up for helping you thin out them pigs whenever we can make it work!

Zee

Since you have the 7mm spectrum covered, my first thought was the 6.5-06 also. With the 6.5mm being all the rage these days, the bullet selection is excellent & more coming every day. According to Ackley's handbook, the various sharp-shoulder improved versions of the 6.5-06 (and there are a number of them including the AI) are all too overbore & buy you little. Keeping the basic shoulder angle, making cases should be easy & cheap with a neck-bushing .270 die set-up.

The hardest decision about the 6.5-06 would be what twist should you order your Krieger barrel in!

I have a 280 AI, nice rifle and I too have a small 7(7x57) and a 7RM. Sad fact is that my 280 AI is lighter than my big 7 so I am going to sell the 7RM. My 280 AI is also too nice a rifle to be out much in the weather but it makes a nice safe queen. My 7x57 nicknamed "Ugly" is virtually weather proof and indestructible being built on a 24/47 Mauser action, synthetic stock, stainless barrel and it's two tone Rustoleum flat finish. I would sell the 280 AI before the 7x57 without question. But someday that AI will get out on an antelope hunt, maybe if I don't decide to take one of my 270's.