New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

[hunter121]

Well I have a spare Trued Up Rem 700 LA with 473 bolt face sitting here and I got to thinking a 280AI would be a quick and easy build for it. I have been wanting a 7mm/284 for a little while now and I think the 280ai will fit my needs pretty good. I would like to shoot the 162amaxs at around 3000fps, but I might be asking a little much.

The Build:

Trued Up Rem 700 LA -280AI
24" 1/9 Rem Varmint Contour - 5/8x24 w/break (suppressor in the future)
XLR Chassis with DBM (300wm aics mags) or Manners T4 w/ mini chassis.


Do you 7mm guys think this looks good to go? I figure with the 24" barrel I can still keep my velocity up a little bit with the 162s and not be to long. I will probably call PTG tomorrow and see if they have a Reamer for the 280AI with the 162s done already.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Hunter121

 

[Peepaw]

Re: New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

I am seeing more and more on the .280AI lately...and i think it's a great cartridge, and if I was into handloading yet, could see myself doing one..down teh road (Im inthe middle of a 7MM Rem Mag right now)

BUt, from what little I know, it will be hard to get 3000 FPS with teh 162's and teh 24".

Ive seen 2 builds inthe last month on the .280AI, and both had 24" 1:9, and with 160 grain, were in the 2800-2900 range...I THINK one load hit over 3000 FPS at 160 grain...I know they were humming along with the lighter 139s to 150's at 3000+...

Hope tht helps some.

 

[hunter121]

Re: New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

I appreciate the input, I know the 3000k mark is far stretch but I was hopeing! I would be more then happy with 2800-2900fps with the 162s.

 

[Bearwalk]

Re: New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

My thoughts will be biased as I am in the middle of a 280 AI build myself. Going with a 28.5" barrel, though.

 

[ccoker]

Re: New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

I have been kicking the idea of a 280AI around for a while for a whitetail hunting rig.

After several discussions with the guys at Nosler, I have a Trophy Grade with a 24" barrel due in a few months.
http://www.nosler.com/Rifles/Trophy-Grade.aspx

Anxious to try it out..
What are you planning on using yours for?

 

[hunter121]

Re: New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

I am planing on useing it for shooting plates at 1k+. I have 260's and 308s right now and it would be nice to have a little bit more thump at the longer ranges.

 

[ccoker]

Re: New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

gotcha

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Re: New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

I am a very big fan of the 280 Rem. and 280AI. The only thing I'd ask you is if you want the additional step of fire-forming? I'm not sure what the purpose of your build is, but I think you're limiting yourself by not looking at the ability to use 175s or Berger 180s. .284 Win is another option as well.

 

[saleen63]

Re: New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

Hunter121 I have been wanting to build a 280AI for a hunting rig too. You can fire form your bass if you want or you can buy Nosler brass for the 280AI. Please keep informed if you get a rifle built.

 

[hunter121]

Re: New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

fngmike- I was planing on buying the Nosler 280ai brass but if I have to fireform at a latter date that is fine. I also thought about the 284 and I know a guy that shoots one and it is a hammer! I was just looking to do something different and I really liked the idea of a necked down 30-06 to be honest with you. The only reason I was thinking the 162amaxs is that they are cheap and plentiful, the 175 and 180s are still in the picture.

Saleen63- Will do, I am heavily leaning towards the 280ai right now but the 284win is in my thoughts as well.

 

[saleen63]

Re: New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

hunter121- they are both good choices. I went ahead and took a step forward on building a 280AI. I ordered a barrel from Rock Creek for it today. The ability to use the 140gr accubond or ballistic tip for deer hunting in South Carolina and be able to shoot like the 160gr accubond for bigger game while getting the same speeds of 7 mag is what sold it for me. I am not a big fan of belted cases.

 

[gafferq2xl]

Re: New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

Looking to do a similar build also. I fully expect to get the 3000fps + mark especially in the AI platform. From previous experience with a good barrel and the right powder I have achieved as such.

I will use the Amax for a "do it all" bullet as I do with the 105's in my .243 and 178's in my .308. I couldn't be happier with their performance across the board.

I'm looking to a 26" since I'll use a lighter contour as well.

Sounds like you have it pretty well figured out. Looking forward to seeing it completed.

 

[kskevin]

Re: New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

I have a 280AI build underway with GAP. Started it in Dec.

Using an existing 700 action, Bartlein #3 contour 24" barrel 1/8.7" twist, little bastard brake, Manners T2 carbon fiber shell stock, Jewell trigger, and a few other bits of accessories.

Can't wait to get the finished product back in my hands.

 

[ccoker]

Re: New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

I was talking with a Nosler tech a few weeks ago and they were really, really liking the 280AI.

They were also testing the 150 E Tip which has a higher BC than the 140 AB.

Ran the numbers on the 140 AB and it's as flat out to 400 or so as a 25-06 with less wind drift. Should be an awesome hunting round and I definitely want to shoot well, past that at steel.

 

[hunter121]

Re: New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

Well its finalized as of today, I dropped off the spare action to my smith and hashed out the details. I did leave a few things up to him to give him a little wiggle room and also because I really did not care, lol.

-Kreiger 1/9 24" Rem varmint contour, 6 heavy flutes, 5/8x24 with one of his homemade breaks (his 300wm feels less then a 243)
-Sako or M16 style extractor ( his choice )
-Tactical bolt knob, I suggested that I really like the PTG Tactical style. He also said he just might make one, this is one of those whatever he wants to do is fine since he knows what I want.
-Everything Duracoated Matte Black.


I still have not decided what I want to do for a stock yet, decisions...decisions.

 

[7dakota]

Re: New build Idea, whats your thoughts - 280AI

You will not be disappointed. I built my 280ai back in november. It will be sitting in a manners sl when all said and done but I got I bit excited about killing some deer with it. So I dropped it back into the factory stock.

Specs (finished rifle)
Rem 700 la Ti
Bartlein #3 fluted 26"
manners sl molded gap camo
badger M5
talley lightweight 1 pc ring and base