I've got a high BC bug up my keister

[6.5 forever]

7 saum, 7 PRC

7PRC was pretty easy to find a sweet spot with that bullet and H4831sc

 

[Tommie]

For some reason, after seeing Hornady's BC chart, I locked on to their 7mm 180ELD-M and it's .796 G1 (.816 w/1:7.5 twist) rating. My wheels instantly started planning a long range rifle project that didn't involve a belted magnum or crazy overbored cartridge ( e..g. 7mm STW). I was thinking of building a 280 AI, in a bolt rifle with ~24" bbl. Is there something better for a medium weight sporter, primarily for shooting long distance steel? All input is appreciated.

I think your original concept is very valid.

 

[Park ranger]

I am 375 rounds in a NSS 280 AI barrel. It’s 32” chambered in 280 AI. I’m pushing 180 2900 fps and 190’ s 2825 fps. Still chasing groups but on paper I should be able to hit 1 mile at Appalachia elevation.

 

[Rob01]

For some reason, after seeing Hornady's BC chart, I locked on to their 7mm 180ELD-M and it's .796 G1 (.816 w/1:7.5 twist) rating. My wheels instantly started planning a long range rifle project that didn't involve a belted magnum or crazy overbored cartridge ( e..g. 7mm STW). I was thinking of building a 280 AI, in a bolt rifle with ~24" bbl. Is there something better for a medium weight sporter, primarily for shooting long distance steel? All input is appreciated.

Good choice on the bullet. I used my 7mmRM with the 180 ELDs and was hitting 12” steel at 1 mile. That BC is good. Pic a good cartridge and load some up. You will be happy with that bullet.

 

[jelenko]

I picked a 7 saum with berger 190 LHT. I I had it throated long. COAL is over 3.1".

Im about to go mark off 2000, 2500, 3000, and 2 miles.

Tomorrow ill shoot 1 mile and 2000.

View attachment 1737638

That's the roof from Temors!

 

[swd]

primarily for shooting long distance steel?

How far are you talking?

 

[fatelvis]

I’m presently trying to gain as much access as I can to set out the steel. Possibly ~1800yds

 

[Rob01]

I’m presently trying to gain as much access as I can to set out the steel. Possibly ~1800yds

I’d definitely suggest a magnum if going that far regularly but if only at 1000 and a little past a lot of short actions will do that. Just have to look at the most needed distance. I had my 6.5 Creed out with me the day I was shooting the mile and used it to hit out there but it was harder as the wind was make it much harder than the 180ELDs. Only shot the 48”x48” target with the Creedmoor.

You building a new rifle or just rebarrel it to shoot the 180s?

 

[GetReal]

For accuracy, I'll take very consistent bullet shape, diameter, mass over a listed slightly higher BC.

Check those Hornady bullets for max diameter and weight [in]consistency. You might be surprised.

I've Spent a lot of money and had nothing but fails with hornady.

Now I use them for nothing , but 9mm, 147 gr sub sonic range ammo

 

[drop_point]

I used to shoot a lot of .280 AI, I actually have quite a bit of new Nosler brass for that round. I've always planned to build another at some point for hunting, but I think with Lapua 7mmPRC brass, I'm leaning that way.

 

[fatelvis]

I’d definitely suggest a magnum if going that far regularly but if only at 1000 and a little past a lot of short actions will do that. Just have to look at the most needed distance. I had my 6.5 Creed out with me the day I was shooting the mile and used it to hit out there but it was harder as the wind was make it much harder than the 180ELDs. Only shot the 48”x48” target with the Creedmoor.

You building a new rifle or just rebarrel it to shoot the 180s?

I was thinking of building a longer-barreled, faster twist barreled rifle, or might get lazy and buy one

 

[nakneker]

7Saum is tough to beat, I’d use 180 hybrids, they perform well for what you’re wanting. We shoot the Saum case a lot, it’s easy to tune, accurate and reminds me of an overgrown 6BR.

6.5 PRC would be another good one, we’ve been shooting that with good success at long distances too. We don’t go crazy, 1500 and in. 140s or 153.5 Bergers for steel have done well.

6.5x47 maybe one of the funnest offering out there and will do a good job, easier on barrels, cheaper too shoot accurate.

Those are three of my favorite cases. Lots to choose from, to each their own.

 

[alf]

a medium weight sporter, primarily for shooting long distance steel?

Depending on your definition of "medium weight", I don't equate medium weight sporters with long barrels and big bullets in the "fun" category.

 

[fatelvis]

Depending on your definition of "medium weight", I don't equate medium weight sporters with long barrels and big bullets in the "fun" category.

I’m thinking of a bare rifle between seven and 8 pounds maximum. Something that I could carry easily through the field.

 

[Rtheurer]

Shooting a 8lb gun at long range (Accurately) ( 1000 and over) is a lot harder to do than a lot of people think. We have been blessed with some amazing muzzle breaks in the last few years that will help a tremendous amount. Or even a Suppressor which also mitigates the recoil impulse of that lightweight rifle. You might want to do some research on that topic.
I built a 280 Ackley on an Old Remington 721 that is my light weight big game hunting rifle, 162gr Hornady's

My Long range Steel gong shootin rig is a 7 Rem Mag. Its on its 3rd barrel so far. I have shot it out to 1957 yards so far. Many times at 1820 yards at the farm. Good old 7mm Rem Mag... still gettin it done.

Best of luck to ya. This is part of the fun...

 

[wywindsor]

I have the 180 eldm's that I haven't shot yet. Only because I bought a box of Federal 175 eldx and Hornady's. The Hornady was 200 fps slow per box rating. Shot bad and so on. The Federal shot 19 shots in 6.5 inches at 915yds. 60 fps from box. On a 22'' barrel. I took the last one home to pull the bullet. 65 gr. of 565. I now use that load .020 from the lands. All from a cheap Savage 7mm prc Trail hunter. So I vote for the 7prc.

 

[alf]

I’m thinking of a bare rifle between seven and 8 pounds maximum. Something that I could carry easily through the field.

A plain 'ol wood stock 700 BDL in 7 mag weighs 7 1/2 lbs.

Slinging 180's out of that will turn to torture real fast.

Not counting trying to spot your shots.

 

[fatelvis]

Shooting a 8lb gun at long range (Accurately) ( 1000 and over) is a lot harder to do than a lot of people think. We have been blessed with some amazing muzzle breaks in the last few years that will help a tremendous amount. Or even a Suppressor which also mitigates the recoil impulse of that lightweight rifle. You might want to do some research on that topic.
I built a 280 Ackley on an Old Remington 721 that is my light weight big game hunting rifle, 162gr Hornady's

My Long range Steel gong shootin rig is a 7 Rem Mag. Its on its 3rd barrel so far. I have shot it out to 1957 yards so far. Many times at 1820 yards at the farm. Good old 7mm Rem Mag... still gettin it done.

Best of luck to ya. This is part of the fun...

OK, about the 7MM mag. Does the belt interfere with loading? I mean getting multiple loads out of the brass without the base swelling? Never had one.

 

[alf]

OK, about the 7MM mag. Does the belt interfere with loading? I mean getting multiple loads out of the brass without the base swelling? Never had one.

After they're shot once, treat them like any other, just bump the shoulder a bit.

Not counting a possible mis-match between brass, chamber, & dies.

 

[Bc'z]

7Saum is tough to beat, I’d use 180 hybrids, they perform well for what you’re wanting. We shoot the Saum case a lot, it’s easy to tune, accurate and reminds me of an overgrown 6BR.

6.5 PRC would be another good one, we’ve been shooting that with good success at long distances too. We don’t go crazy, 1500 and in. 140s or 153.5 Bergers for steel have done well.

6.5x47 maybe one of the funnest offering out there and will do a good job, easier on barrels, cheaper too shoot accurate.

Those are three of my favorite cases. Lots to choose from, to each their own.

I was thinking about another 280ai or possibly 7Rsaum.
After a couple conversations and consideration I'm leaning 284.I'm starting to get excited again...