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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Rifles

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Ripp
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The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer
      #325739 - 13/03/19 12:55 AM

https://journalofmountainhunting.com/280...TjP2adJsakgLMFg

--
As sometimes happens in the world of rifle cartridges, the 280 AI (Ackley Improved) is becoming more popular than its parent, the excellent 280 Remington. Here’s why:

280 AI shoots 50 fps to 100 fps faster than the 280 Remington with the same bullets in the same standard-length actions.
280 Remington chambers can be easily converted to 280 AI.
A 280 AI can safely fire 280 Remington ammunition, simultaneously fire-forming brass cases to reloadable 280 AI dimensions.
280 AI was standardized by Nosler in 2008 and, SAAMI approved, is now being sold as factory loaded ammunition.
More and more production rifles are being chambered for 280 AI every year.


The 280 AI can be bought as factory loaded ammo or custom loaded ammo. You can fire-form 280 Remington brass in an AI chamber and handload with any .284 bullet you’d like. These 280 AI cases are topped with 140-gr. and 150-gr. Barnes TSX bullets and a 150-gr. Swift Scirocco. The powder volume of the AI case makes it a great platform for 160- to 175-gr. bullets, too. With those you’re talking minimal wind deflection and deep penetration on elk, moose, bears, kudu, eland…

EXACTLY WHAT IS THE 280 AI?
Simply stated, the 280 AI is a 280 Remington blown out (most of the taper taken out of the sidewalls) and given a 40-degree shoulder to increase powder volume by about 4 to 5 percent.

To set the stage for this cartridge description, you should know that it is but one of more than a dozen commercially loaded 7mm cartridges now on the market that fire .284-inch diameter (28-caliber) bullets. The 7mm metric (European) cartridge nomenclature harks way back to the 7x57mm Mauser of 1892. This original 7mm gave rise to the 30-06 and all subsequent cartridges based on it, but it also inspired a lot of other 7mm rounds.

In the U.S. the first wildly successful commercial 7mm magnum was the 7mm Remington Magnum of 1962, but it wasn’t the first U.S. 7mm. Roy Weatherby’s proprietary 7mm Wby. Mag. actually preceded it by 18 years. That seems early until you learn the 280 Ross, quite popular in Canada and leaking down into the U.S., was a 1906 release. It could push 150-grain bullets about 2,800 fps. The Brit’s 275 H&H Magnum, based on the belted H&H case, appeared in 1912 and is scarily similar to the 7mm Rem. Mag., both driving 160-grain bullets to nearly identical speeds. The German 7x64mm Brenneke began taking game in 1917. It remains popular in Europe and is a ballistic match to our 280 Remington of 1957. The belted 7x61mm Sharpe & Hart Super came out in 1953. Like the (copycat?) 7mm Rem. Mag., it was based on a shortened 300 H&H case.

A REDUNDANT CONFUSION OF 7MM/280 CARTRIDGES


Hunters have no shortage of 7mm/280 centerfire cartridges from which to choose. The 280 AI is the white-tipped bullet near center.

Despite the above redundant confusion of cartridges shooting .284-inch bullets, that list is not complete. Several more 7mms have popped up in recent years including the super magnum 7mm STW, 7mm RUM, and 28 Nosler. Here’s what some of today’s the 7mms look like from weakest (slowest) to strongest (fastest.) Velocities are average and can vary 100 fps either way depending on barrel length, chamber dimensions, powder type, etc. Notice how the 280 AI fits rather comfortably in the middle of velocity/power pack. This plays a significant role in its rising popularity, as we’ll see.

7x57mm Mauser, 150-grain 2,800 fps

7mm-08 Remington, 150-grain 2,850 fps

284 Winchester, 150-grain 2,850 fps

280 Remington, 150-grain 3,000 fps

7mm SAUM, 150-grain 3,050 fps

280 Ackley Improved, 150-grain 3,100 fps

7mm WSM, 150-grain 3,140 fps

7mm Remington Magnum, 150-grain 3,250 fps

7mm Weatherby Magnum, 150-grain 3,300 fps

7mm STW, 150-grain 3,330 fps

7mm RUM, 150-grain 3,368 fps

28 Nosler, 150-grain 3,400 fps

WITH SO MANY CHOICES, WHY THE 280 AI?


The beauty of the 280 AI is it offers near-7mm magnum performance in a slim, 30-06-based case, making it perfect for trim, light rifles like this 5-pound Rifles, Inc. Strata Stainless. With Talley rings, a small, light Leupold Vari-X III 2.5-8×36 scope, and 3-rounds in the blind magazine, it still squeaks in under 6-pounds. Leupold BX4 10×42 binocular.

Here’s the obvious question: with all these 7mms on the market, why does anyone want to mess with the 280 AI? It adds only about 50-fps to 100-fps to 280 Remington speeds, yet falls short of 7mm Rem. Mag. performance by about the same speeds. Isn’t the 280 AI slicing this ballistic pie a bit thin?

Well, maybe not when you consider its ballistic performance plus a few gun-fit, gun-handling, and handloading issues. Drive Nosler’s 150-grain AccuBond Long Range bullet 3,050 fps in a 10 mph wind, zero it for maximum-point-blank-range (10-inch target,) and with a dead-center aim your bullets should stay within that target out to 376 yards. Peak trajectory would be 4.96-inches above point-of-aim at 175 yards. Wind deflection at 400 yards would be about 8.5 inches. That bullet should retain 1,500 f-p energy at 600 yards and remain super sonic at 1,600 yards. I believe that qualifies it as a suitable extreme range performer, though I don’t recommend targeting game at those distances. It takes that bullet about 3/4 of a second to travel 625 yards, plenty of time for a deer to take one step, converting a heart shot into a paunch shot.



The 18-inch chest of a big whitetail makes a 10-inch point-blank-range zero of 319 possible with the right 280 AI load. This is my pet Rifles, Inc. Strata Stainless with a gnarly Kansas non-typical from 2005 that, at 85 yards, was a bit closer than “extreme range.” I had him dead-to-rights standing at around 400 yards, but I love to stalk.

Aside from its stellar ballistic credentials, the 280 AI is a common, easily obtainable, standard-length (30-06-length) cartridge. It’s also a 30-06 rim-size. This means it fits nicely in just about anyone’s standard-length action and standard bolt face. This gives shooters a lot of options in rifle brands. Any modern, strong bolt-action that can handle a 30-06, 270 Win., 25-06 Rem. 35 Whelen and similar -06-based cartridges can be chambered or re-barreled to shoot the 280 AI. Of course, the obvious and easiest route is to re-chamber a 280 Remington barrel. Any good gunsmith should be able to handle this. You can shoot factory 280 Remington loads in the 280 AI chamber to fire-form cases.

Shaw Custom Barrels sells new barrels in five different contours chambered, crowned, and threaded for your specified action for as little as $160. In 7mm you can specify 1-8” or 1-9.5” twist rates. Given the rising popularity of long, sleek, aerodynamically efficient bullets, I’d go with the 1-8”. Rebarreling is a great option if you already have a “shot-out” barrel on any standard-length action.



The slim, light Rifles Inc. Strata Stainless in 280 AI carries easily on a backpack wilderness hunt.

The smaller diameter of the 280 Rem. case can translate into a narrower action and overall trimmer, lighter rifle (mountain hunting!) but this depends on the maker. Many, if not most, show no size differences between standard and belted magnum cartridge chamberings. Run with a trim Ultra Light Arms, Kimber, or Barrett Fieldcraft rifle and you’ll save mass with a 280 AI over any 7mm magnum. Similarly, by shooting a 280 AI instead of 7mm Rem. Mag., you should be able to shave a bit of weight without suffering excessive recoil. Recoil is a product of ejecta mass (powder as well as bullet) and velocity. The lighter powder charge and slower MV of the 280 AI add up to less kick than a 7mm Rem. Mag. flinging the same bullet. How much less? Not a lot, but…

Recoil Levels in 7-pound Rifles

280 AI, 150-grain bullet, 3,100 fps: 26.86 f-p recoil energy, 15.7 fps recoil velocity.

7mm Rem. Mag., 150-grain bullet, 3,248 fps: 29.16 f-p recoil energy, 16.37 fps recoil velocity.

280 AI HANDY FOR HANDLOADING
Handloaders love the 280 AI for the same reason they love most Ackley Improved cartridges: the slight increase in speed plus the decreased need to trim-to-length when reloading. Or so it is claimed. Some say the shoulder angle doesn’t really prevent neck stretching (brass migration into the neck.) Others insist it does. I’ve not conducted any scientific tests, but I’ve certainly had to do less trimming of my Ackley cartridges than their factory counterparts.

Handloading the 280 AI is straightforward and easy with a wide variety of medium- to slow-burning powders, but this isn’t a handloading-only cartridge these days. You should be able to find the following factory loads:

Nosler Trophy Grade 140-gr AccuBond 3,150 fps

Nosler 140-gr. Ballistic Tip 3,150 fps

Nosler 150-gr. AccuBond Long Range 2,930 fps

Nosler 140-gr. E-Tip 3,050 fps

Nosler 160-gr. Partition 2,950 fps

Hornady Precision Hunter 162-gr. ELD-X 2,850 fps

Copper Creek Cartridge Co. 168-gr. Berger VLD Hunting 2,950 fps

CCCC 162-gr. Hornady ELD-X 2,970 fps

CCCC 140-gr. Berger VLD Hunting 3,100 fps

CCCC 145-gr. Barnes LRX 3,070 fps

CCCC 150-gr. Hornady ELD-X 3,050 fps

CCCC 140-gr. Nosler AccuBond 3,140 fps

CCCC 160-gr. Nosler AccuBond 2,940 fps

ANY 280 AI NEGATIVES?


The relatively blunt, 40-degree shoulder “slope” of the 280 AI gives some shooters pause over feeding issues. The author has had none.

Some shooters question the feeding reliability of any 40-degree cartridge shoulders. The rather quick transition from straight cartridge wall to blunt shoulder does suggest potential hang ups on some rifle feed ramps, but I sure haven’t experienced this on my Rifles, Inc., which is based on a Remington 700 long action. The rifle is so accurate and the round so effective that I have rarely needed more than one shot per animal. I’m going to work with a Kimber Subalpine in 280 AI this spring and will pay careful attention to any feeding issues with it, but I’m truly not concerned.

THEY CHAMBER RIFLES IN 280 AI, DON’T THEY?


Since acquiring my Rifle’s Inc. Strata Stainless 280 AI, I’ve upgraded from the original 150-gr. Barnes X to 150-gr. Barnes TTSX bullets for most hunting, but I’ll be experimenting with Nosler 168-gr. AccuBond Long Range next. This 2.5-8×32 MC Zeiss Conquest temporarily replaced the Leupold I usually keep atop this rifle.

My first 280 AI was a 5-pound Rifles, Inc. Strata Stainless built by Lex Webernick. (You can read more about it in this blog.) The first 3-shots I fired through it (150-grain Barnes X pushed to 3,040 fps by 58 grains of Reloader 19 if memory serves, but don’t trust this data and always work up your own loads carefully) nestled a 5/16th-inch circle. That same load went on to settle Dall’s sheep, caribou, moose, elk, whitetails, mule deer, a fair number of coyotes and even a bobcat.

Rifles, Inc. is still making great, lightweight hunting rifles, but you can now find factory rifles in 280 AI from Kimber, Nosler, Christiansen Arms, Savage, Cooper Firearms, Montana Rifle, and Fierce. There may be others. The 280 AI is quietly but steadily gaining converts.

280 AI can shoot, even in ultra light rifles.

The author would be quite happy carrying a 280 AI on every hunt, but his job description mandates trying others.



Editor’s Note:

We’d like to thank Ron Spomer of Ron Spomer Outdoors for allowing us to re-publish this piece that originally appeared on his website www.ronspomeroutdoors.com. Ron’s experience in this industry is bar none and their web platform is an invaluable resource for both the new and experienced hunter.

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ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

Edited by Ripp (13/03/19 03:16 AM)


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DarylS
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: Ripp]
      #325747 - 13/03/19 04:03 AM

Always thought the .280 was a good one. Loraine Keith had one that Elmer had converted to what he called duplex loading, that simply had a tube running up to the top of the powder charge from the flash hole. The powder was ignited at the top, rather than at the bottom as normal.
The Improved case kinda lit my fire, same as the 7x57 IMP.
OOPS - time to go to the gym.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


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93x64mm
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: DarylS]
      #325757 - 13/03/19 08:21 AM

Case of parallel development really, the 280 Ross (Canadian), 276 Enfield (English)& 7x64mm Brenneke (German).
All fantastic rounds in there own right.

Yes the 7mm-06 or 280 Remington etc may have come later in time, but it just goes to show how great minds think alike!
Really the 280AI is just more of a good thing, virtually 100 years after all these 'oldies' came out, it certainly makes a very efficient round even more so now with far better powders!
It will be another string to the 7mm family worth looking at, especially for those who prefer taking longer shots.
Me, I'll stick the 7x64mm; I don't shoot 'long' distance (under 300 yards maximum)- but then I'm a bit biased when it comes to the 64mm cases made by Herr Brenneke.
93x64mm


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Ripp
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: 93x64mm]
      #325770 - 13/03/19 01:34 PM

I started using the 280Rem about 25 years ago..for medium size game, primarily black bear, mule deer, occasional pronghorn, etc... switched to the 280AI in about 2008-9--have used it ever since on almost every high elevation hunt I have been on..shooting Nosler factory loads mostly, with the 140gr Accubonds being the load of choice.

My rifle in this caliber is also a Lex Webernick as the author of this story mentions.. it shoots factory Nosler ammo into around 1/2" groups at 100yrds all day long..so why reload when it's only for hunting... have shot quite a few Ibex with it now, Tur, Big Horn Sheep, mule deer and an occasional pronghorn.. at distances from 30 yards to slightly over 600..have never shot any of the animals more than once..

With scope, sling, etc. the entire package is less than 6.5lbs.. great for packing around when hunting in 12-16,000 ft elevations..

It really is a great combo for high elevation.. when handloading I am getting about 150fps more than I was with the standard 280Rem..basically it shoots the 140gr bullets at the same velocity as a 7mm Rem Mag does with 150gr bullets..factory is also around 100-150 fps more..and my findings, it really is very accurate.

I have an older Rem in 280Rem. mountain rifle.. wood stock, blued barrel..lightweight..has never shot that great..one of my upcoming projects will be to rebarrel to 280AI, put a lightweight non-wood stock on it and a trigger job..will be a great mtn rifle for one of my kids..


Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

Edited by Ripp (13/03/19 02:10 PM)


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Rule303
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: 93x64mm]
      #325777 - 13/03/19 09:33 PM

I don't have a 7mm. Have had a 270 from the get go and never saw or found a need for a 7mm (Until and if I shoot out the barrel of my 270). However I have looked at the 7mm and decided that if I ever picked up a 7mm it would be the 7X64. The 7X57 and 280AI were the other close contenders. But a 275Rigby is always on the cards

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Ripp
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: Rule303]
      #325805 - 14/03/19 03:29 AM

Quote:

I don't have a 7mm. Have had a 270 from the get go and never saw or found a need for a 7mm (Until and if I shoot out the barrel of my 270). However I have looked at the 7mm and decided that if I ever picked up a 7mm it would be the 7X64. The 7X57 and 280AI were the other close contenders. But a 275Rigby is always on the cards




Initially I felt the same..but after trying one, reloading for them, I was hooked.. very little recoil and is deadly accurate. Lots of bullet choices as to type, grains, etc..

Very versatile cartridge..

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..


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Ripp
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: Ripp]
      #325809 - 14/03/19 05:36 AM

Somewhat related article --about RIFLES INC. as well as 280AI
https://ronspomeroutdoors.com/blog/sub-moa-rifles-inc-strata-just-5-pounds/

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..


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Homer
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: Ripp]
      #325851 - 14/03/19 06:49 PM

G'Day Fella's,

Thanks for sharing Ripp.

A mate of mine, and his son each have a .280AI (Kimber 84L Montana & W/by Mk V small action and custom, respectively).
They are both happy with them, and they both shoot!

I'll stick to my 7mm Rem Mag (Win M70, stainless Classic, "All-Terain"), for the moment ................

I can't see the point of having any lightweight rifle, chambered with a .308/.30-06 size cartridge, in a rifle action, big enough to take a belted magnum cartridge. You may as well have the Belted Magnum cartridge.
The Kimber 84M & L on the other hand, are a different matter, and I'm sold on them, as they come out of the box!

D'oh!
Homer

--------------------
"Beware the Lolly Pop of Mediocrity,
Lick it Once and You Will Suck Forever"


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Ripp
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: Homer]
      #350820 - 25/02/21 08:56 AM

.280 Ackley Improved Cartridge Review...

By Joseph von Benedikt

November 04, 2020

Because of its excellent ballistics, outstanding terminal performance, modest recoil, and tremendous accuracy, the .280 Ackley Improved could be the best all-around cartridge for western hunting


https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/280-ackley-improved-cartridge-review/385909

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

Edited by Ripp (25/02/21 09:00 AM)


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Ripp
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: Ripp]
      #350821 - 25/02/21 08:59 AM

280AI Load Date --per Nosler
..

https://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/280-ackley-improved/

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..


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DarylS
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: Ripp]
      #350822 - 25/02/21 11:10 AM

3,250 with a 140 in listed loads over 3,200fps with the 140.
5 out of 9 listed, over 3,000fps with the 150gr., also impressive.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


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Rule303
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: DarylS]
      #350830 - 25/02/21 08:25 PM

Standard 270 gives a 140 grain 3200fps and a 150 3080fps, AI and even more. What is all the hype about? Oh I forgot those 280AI loads are not coming out of a Steyr barrel.

The only thing I can put it down to is the Steyr reportedly has a squeeze bore and long throat. I would love to see the performance of the 280 AI in such a barrel. I recon it would be eye watering and a an extremely flat shooting and the 7mm Rem magnum would die out.


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264
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: Rule303]
      #350832 - 25/02/21 09:17 PM

Ripp- I looked long and hard at the 280 AI in a Kimber ascent, very keen on the rifle and combo for NZ Eventually went with 270 WSM with 130gr TTSX's in a Kimber ascent Very similar in performance Has proved to be a good performer on Tahr,
Accurate and flat shooting modest recoil.
The Ascents are a great lightweight rifle for hiking / mountain hunting.


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DoubleD
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: 264]
      #350838 - 26/02/21 01:49 AM

Then there was the guy who brought a rifle into my shop back in the 80's. He came from the range. He said he fired one shot and couldn't get the bolt open. When he started beating on the bolt handle it came off.

Yep Remington 700.

I contacted a Remington warranty center (Huntington's) and asked their thought's and direction. They said pull the barrel and make sure the gun was unloaded. Then send the gun to them for reassembly. They suspected a 7 MM Express cartridge had been fired in the 7MM Mag Chamber.

That is is indeed what I found when I pulled the barrel. The surrounded bolt head held the pressures, but the cartridge ruptured. Fragments had jammed the bolt closed.

Huntington's did the repairs under warranty because the gun was new and the bolt handle came off.

I held a shop training session as the man had bought the rifle and ammunition from us. The Clerk who sold him the 7MM Mag rifle also sold him the 7 MM Express ammo at the same time. The Clerk did not know the difference.

Always wanted to build me a .280 Remington, but never got around to it.

--------------------
DD, Ret.


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Ripp
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: 264]
      #350847 - 26/02/21 08:37 AM

Quote:

Ripp- I looked long and hard at the 280 AI in a Kimber ascent, very keen on the rifle and combo for NZ Eventually went with 270 WSM with 130gr TTSX's in a Kimber ascent Very similar in performance Has proved to be a good performer on Tahr,
Accurate and flat shooting modest recoil.
The Ascents are a great lightweight rifle for hiking / mountain hunting.




Agree with the above on all accounts.. IF I were to get a WSM, the .270 would be it.. As to the Kimber's.. pretty much everyone I talk to likes them and they really do shoot well. Even the Caprivi in .375H&H a friend of mine has shoots very well...

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..


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Ripp
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: Rule303]
      #350848 - 26/02/21 08:46 AM

Quote:

Standard 270 gives a 140 grain 3200fps and a 150 3080fps, AI and even more. What is all the hype about? Oh I forgot those 280AI loads are not coming out of a Steyr barrel.

The only thing I can put it down to is the Steyr reportedly has a squeeze bore and long throat. I would love to see the performance of the 280 AI in such a barrel. I recon it would be eye watering and a an extremely flat shooting and the 7mm Rem magnum would die out.




Think for most, myself included, I like the larger selection of bullets available for reloading.. Looking at Noslers Manual for an example, the largest bullet available in the 270 is 160 grain.. For the 280AI its showing 175-185.. I know Berger makes a 195 and 180's for it.. for longer range shooting, those long sleek bullets can make a difference, even if every so slight.. Also per the Nosler manual, same grain bullets compared the AI is faster.. again, even if ever so slight..

https://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/270-winchester/
https://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/280-ackley-improved/

Plus its different.. 270W is NOT sexy... 280AI is.. I read that in PLAYBOY magazine as I only get it for the articles you know..

I hunt a lot with a buddy that has shot a Rem 7mm Mag for years.. My little 280AI will do anything that Mag will with considerably less recoil..even in my light little rifle of 6.5lbs all in.. scope, sling, rifle.. Have taken every Ibex, sheep and goat with that little gun in the past 15 years.. don't see myself switching anytime soon..

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..


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DarylS
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: Ripp]
      #350872 - 27/02/21 06:04 AM

I had the thought that if I ever got a WSM, it would be the 7mm. version, most likely, just because I have an aversion to the .270 for some reason. Availability (up here) of decent bullets might/could be the reason.
The 8mmWSM, what is it called?, the .325 WSM? yes - is also attractive, so to speak. The 8mm is more to my liking, overall. A .358 on that case might be even better for up here.
Good buddy Keith has one and it's a good shooter in a M70.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


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Rule303
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: DarylS]
      #350893 - 27/02/21 09:23 PM

Quote:

I had the thought that if I ever got a WSM, it would be the 7mm. version, most likely, just because I have an aversion to the .270 for some reason. Availability (up here) of decent bullets might/could be the reason.
The 8mmWSM, what is it called?, the .325 WSM? yes - is also attractive, so to speak. The 8mm is more to my liking, overall. A .358 on that case might be even better for up here.
Good buddy Keith has one and it's a good shooter in a M70.




Daryl the 358 based on a 325WSM is called a 35 Sambar - At least here down under, developed by Briel Jackson the editor and owner of a now deceased shooting Magazine, and I have one in a Ruger Mk2. The M70 would be the better choice as it has a longer magazine so can sit the pills out a bit further.

It would be a a very good deal to use on bears in close country with 250grain round nose Woodleighs or some other stout bullet, I would suspect. Yes I know impact velocity would be up to 200fps above Woodleighs recommended max. I have done this on Sambar deer. 0ver 85% retention in weight, more with their protected points in 225 grain projectiles.

It is close to the 358Norma magnum esp with the lighter bullet weights. The Norma has the legs on it with the heavier weights.


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DarylS
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Re: The 280AI--growing in popularity..by Ron Spoomer [Re: Rule303]
      #350907 - 28/02/21 05:18 AM

Tks, Rule303 - I find the larger calibres on the short ctgs. quite interesting concepts. At one time, I chambered a rifle up for the .350 Rem. Mag. necked up to .375 and turned the belts off. I used a .300 Win. Mag. reamer and a .375 neck-throater from Manson Reamers. I still have that barrel around somewhere. I had it on a Styer Straight Pull 8mm action for a while. I was only running 270's at 2,000fps from it - a light load and shooting in to 1 1/2" at 100 meters off the bags - metallic sights, peep/bead.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


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