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280 AI
#7967801
09/10/20 01:16 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,801
Lochsley123
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Been looking into this caliber and thought I’d ask yalls opinion. I current shoot and reload for 243 87g , 6.5 CM 143g and 30/06 178g. Would a 280 AI be a benefit to my safe or is it too close to the calibers I’m currently shooting?
If this has been covered before please refer me to the post but I couldn’t find one when searching.
What kind of lights does it shoot out? Like are we talkin the mini bulb Christmas lights or a 500 watt flood light?
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Brother in-law]
#7967815
09/10/20 01:27 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,801
Lochsley123
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30/06 was the first rifle my dad gave me to hunt with. It actually doesn’t get shot much. More of an sentimental gun for me these days
What kind of lights does it shoot out? Like are we talkin the mini bulb Christmas lights or a 500 watt flood light?
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Lochsley123]
#7967835
09/10/20 01:40 AM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,987
TAB
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If having the 30’06 is sentimental there’s nothing wrong with rebarreling it into something you’d shoot, it’s still the rifle that dad passed on. 280 AI is a very capable and wicked efficient round with some pretty nice consistent brass available comparatively speaking. 30’06 brass tends to be rather loose and not as concentric as 280 to me. That’s not to say that the ole 30 won’t shoot or can be hand loaded to shoot extremely well.
If budgets are so much of a concern I’d look at a nosler rifle in 280ai or any of the newer cookie cutter custom guns. The 280ai is on my list of to do’s I used to have one and it was was all tuned up and shooting well and someone made me a ignorant offer on it and I sold it. It ended up with a custom dial huskeymaw scope and was the complete package, the guy who bought it from me shot a bull elk at about 670 with it the year I sold it. I built it on a blueprinted 700 action and put it in a hs precision stock, it had a Jewell trigger, and a 1:8.5 Krieger barrel.
It seems like it shot the very first group into about a .3-.4 hole at a hundred yards.
Of course the smith that built the rifle was one of the very best, it’s unfortunate he has since passed away.
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Lochsley123]
#7967879
09/10/20 02:09 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,801
Lochsley123
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The 30/06 is a 1/2 MOA rifle with my hand loads and neck sized brass (I’ve done a lot of work to it). Don’t really have a reason to rebarrel it. Just looking for an excuse to add something else to the stable just not sure the 280 AI is the right choice. The 260 Nosler and 28 Nosler are tempting but I wonder if they will go the way of the WSM rounds. I know there are few still popular 270/300 WSM but a bunch of the others kind of faded away.
Last edited by Lochsley123; 09/10/20 02:11 AM.
What kind of lights does it shoot out? Like are we talkin the mini bulb Christmas lights or a 500 watt flood light?
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Lochsley123]
#7967900
09/10/20 02:21 AM
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 297
FTWshooter
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
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Well, I had one, a Criterion barreled Savage. The pro’s were: better case life, velocity gains,100-150 fps more than a regular .280, and finally an undeniable cool factor. The cons were: expensive up front costs, namely the dies and the brass (unless you go the fire form route)
Honestly, while uber cool, it didn’t shoot or kill any better than my “regular” .280’s so I traded it for a boring old .257 Roberts
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Lochsley123]
#7967904
09/10/20 02:22 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
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280 A.I.
+100 fps faster than a 7mm-08
-150 fps slower than a 7 Rem Mag, on significantly less powder
Best cartridge there is for that bolt face in a long action.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Lochsley123]
#7967913
09/10/20 02:29 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,606
Sneaky
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I think it falls perfectly in the gap of what you have. It’s an ideal addition.
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Lochsley123]
#7967996
09/10/20 03:35 AM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,350
RJH1
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. Would a 280 AI be a benefit to my safe or is it too close to the calibers I’m currently shooting?
. I guess the main thing you have to figure out is what are you wanting to do that your current rounds won't. If deer, pigs, elk is what they are for, then in reality I don't think you would gain much over what you already have. So i guess you would really need to define your endgame to really be able to get a good answer. With the calibers you have listed a, if you are looking to fill a gap, it looks to me like a high stepping varmint round or a big magnum would be more what i would look at, as your mid range rounds seem to be covered. But, if just want one, then get it
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: J.G.]
#7968047
09/10/20 04:42 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,801
Lochsley123
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280 A.I.
+100 fps faster than a 7mm-08
-150 fps slower than a 7 Rem Mag, on significantly less powder
Best cartridge there is for that bolt face in a long action. 280 A.I.
+100 fps faster than a 7mm-08
-150 fps slower than a 7 Rem Mag, on significantly less powder
Best cartridge there is for that bolt face in a long action. That’s a good perspective. If its a 100 FPS less than the 7mm-08 how does it compare to the 6.5 creedmoor ?
What kind of lights does it shoot out? Like are we talkin the mini bulb Christmas lights or a 500 watt flood light?
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Lochsley123]
#7968081
09/10/20 10:24 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,221
wp75169
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280 A.I.
+100 fps faster than a 7mm-08
-150 fps slower than a 7 Rem Mag, on significantly less powder
Best cartridge there is for that bolt face in a long action. 280 A.I.
+100 fps faster than a 7mm-08
-150 fps slower than a 7 Rem Mag, on significantly less powder
Best cartridge there is for that bolt face in a long action. That’s a good perspective. If its a 100 FPS less than the 7mm-08 how does it compare to the 6.5 creedmoor ? I believe that’s faster than a 7-08 the way I read his post. I actually expected more than a 100 FPS faster. I would have guessed at least 150 with the same bullet. I know he’s loaded and shot both though so that numbers probably good. Since the 7-08 outperforms the Creedmoor with a 162 vs 140 I would think the 280 with that 162 would do so significantly.
Last edited by wp75169; 09/10/20 10:27 AM.
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Lochsley123]
#7968101
09/10/20 11:09 AM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 672
glb1955
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J.G. noted that it is faster than the 7-08 and slower than the 7 mag. I have a 280 Ackley and love it. That is my go to elk rifle now. I have taken a few things with it and it hits hard (I do reload, but nothing outlandish). The 160's weight bullet (I use Accubonds but like Hornady Elds). Great round.
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Lochsley123]
#7968108
09/10/20 11:22 AM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,126
Brother in-law
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30/06 was the first rifle my dad gave me to hunt with. It actually doesn’t get shot much. More of an sentimental gun for me these days I’m in the same boat
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Lochsley123]
#7968207
09/10/20 12:58 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
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Pardon me, I miswrote. Looked at my 280 A.I. data. Brand new 24" barrel, brand new Hornady brass,
162 gr 2930 fps MV.
We would have to ask George if it sped up later. I bet it did after a couple hundred rounds, and sizing the brass properly
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Lochsley123]
#7968272
09/10/20 01:42 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,578
Son of a Blitch
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I’m planning on getting a chrono out to my range sometime soon, and I’ll report back on the MV increase. It is shooting Amazingly well!
Fireman and I had a series of discussions on what I wanted out of a caliber and he suggested I go with a 280AI. He custom built everything for it and found out what my rifle liked the best by developing a custom load. Man, it shoots lights out and it hits hard! I’m 3/3 on animals. It is my favorite caliber now and I highly suggest it. If you are looking for someone to put one together for you, call Fireman! He built me a 1/4MOA rifle! How bout dat?
I’ve been very happy with the 162 Eld M and Eld X.
Last edited by Son of a Blitch; 09/10/20 01:43 PM.
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Brother in-law]
#7968287
09/10/20 01:50 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,468
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,468 |
30/06 was the first rifle my dad gave me to hunt with. It actually doesn’t get shot much. More of an sentimental gun for me these days I’m in the same boat 3rd boat, I have a Springfield safe queen that was my dads
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Lochsley123]
#7968300
09/10/20 01:58 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,468
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
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OP I’d build out a sub 7lb 280ai, they make great mountain rifles due to the lessor recoil when compared to 7 mag
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Lochsley123]
#7968368
09/10/20 02:42 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,199
Korean Redneck
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First of all, the way the comparison was written (+100fps to 7-08 and -150fps to 7mag) was written very clearly to me as to which is the order.
Now that criteria has been further clarified, I'd like to chime in. I have a 30-06 that no sentimental value aside from I bought it and worked on it. If the cost is not a big deal to you, then totally do it even though it practically won't be any difference between it and a 30-06 within some very large number of yards. Never shot the caliber, in fact I've rarely shot any 7mm caliber. I just like all the numbers associated with 280ai, mostly the amount of speed vs powder. The gain in velocity vs powder is non-linear and the 280ai seems to sit in a sweet spot, again only theoretically to me.
The following is the average off possible max loads for each caliber from the Hodgdon website for a 162gr Amax. the bullet is arbritrary, mostly just to highlight the difference in numbers.
caliber 7mm-08 280ai 7mm mag ave powder (gr) 41.5 49.0 64.3 ave muz vel (fps) 2,633 2,736 2,913 powder delta (gr) 7.6 [-] 15.2 velocity delta (fps) 103 [-] 176 fps gained per gr of powder 13.63 [-] 11.57
I'm a dude who likes long barrels!
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Korean Redneck]
#7968397
09/10/20 02:56 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
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^^As usual, Hodgdon's powder charges are way conservative. Therefore their theoretical velocities are much lower than real life. Proper powder for each, is key. What I've made all three cartridges do, and do it safely.
162 gr
24" 7mm-08, 2700 fps MV 24" .280 A.I., 2920 fps MV 26" 7 Rem Mag, 3080 fps MV
Not hard rules, but common velocities for each.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Korean Redneck]
#7968403
09/10/20 03:00 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
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As is often the case, pick a bullet, decide how fast you want it to go, and decide how much recoil you are willing to tolerate. Also, if you've already got a donor rifle, that plays into the decision of what cartridge to go with. Having a .270, or a .30-06, the most performance and not having to open up the bolt face or swap bolts, .280 A.I. is your answer.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Lochsley123]
#7968407
09/10/20 03:03 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,544
redchevy
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By all means buy what you want. I dont see the 280AI filling any true performance gap though.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Son of a Blitch]
#7968408
09/10/20 03:03 PM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,073
RedSnake
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Fireman is dead on about the 280ai and TriggerTime is phenomenal builder. Shot this group yesterday sighting in/confirming zero before an axis hunt next week. I’m planning on getting a chrono out to my range sometime soon, and I’ll report back on the MV increase. It is shooting Amazingly well!
Fireman and I had a series of discussions on what I wanted out of a caliber and he suggested I go with a 280AI. He custom built everything for it and found out what my rifle liked the best by developing a custom load. Man, it shoots lights out and it hits hard! I’m 3/3 on animals. It is my favorite caliber now and I highly suggest it. If you are looking for someone to put one together for you, call Fireman! He built me a 1/4MOA rifle! How bout dat?
I’ve been very happy with the 162 Eld M and Eld X.
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Lochsley123]
#7968464
09/10/20 03:39 PM
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Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 464
Gw123
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Nov 2019
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This might be a dumb question but why not a standard 280 rem? Is the ai version that much better than the original cartridge?
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Gw123]
#7968517
09/10/20 04:12 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,502
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
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This might be a dumb question but why not a standard 280 rem? Is the ai version that much better than the original cartridge? An extra hundred fps more velocity, Cases generally last longer as they do not stretch as much as the standard 280 case. Plus to be a little different and if needed in an emergency you can shoot standard 280 in a 280AI chamber
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: 280 AI
[Re: Gw123]
#7968537
09/10/20 04:21 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,350
RJH1
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This might be a dumb question but why not a standard 280 rem? Is the ai version that much better than the original cartridge? Looking at data from nosler, the AI version is about 120 fps faster with the 16o grain bullet. Whether that is much better really depends on who you are. Generally the people who will tell you that the 120 fps is a huge advantage in the standard vs AI are the same people that will tell you that the 150ish FPS difference in 308 vs 3006 is insignificant. Really depends on end goals, and the whether the headache involved is worth it to go AI or not. I don't think it would ever be worth it for me, as ammo availability, brass forming/limited factory availability, less smooth feeding, etc., are not worth the marginal gains provided, when i can just go buy a 7 mag and skip all the headaches and get higher performance if i don't think a 280 is enough. But to each his own.
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