280 ackley: how short to make the barrel?

[Hydenseek]

What's the minimum length to cut the barrel before you would begin to lose the advantages of an ackley?

It's on a long range hunter setup.
Bartlein #6 contour barrel 1/9 twist

 

[TonyR]

That probably depends on what powder you are using. A faster powder like H4350 might have less loss than something slower like IMR7828SSC.

 

[bheadboy]

the case really sings when given the bbl to burn 58-60 grains of powder, that means no faster than 4350 and preferably 26" 24" and you will not see the benefit of the AI vefsion.

Bob

 

[Hydenseek]

Thanks, I was thinking 26 was what it needed.

 

[expiper]

OP....there are a lot of 7mmRem mags out there with 24" bbls that shoot fine,,,,and that case is larger than a 280 AI....I would not worry with a 24" bbl,,,,use Rx-22 and you will be happy,,,,Roger

 

[jonbearman]

Are you using nosler brass or 30-06 lapua necked down because it will affect your reamer selection.

 

[kev77]

26" no shorter!! 168 bergers 2950fps and 180s 2850fps.. 4831sc is still the better powder for the AI

 

[m500]

Hydenseek; I do not mean to highjack this thead, I could start another if you perfer. I too am considering doing a 280ai for a hunting rifle. Just a couple questions if I may. What is a typical loaded neck diameter on various brands of brass? What diameter bushings are you using? Thanks, M500

 

[expiper]

M500..?....I use 06 brass,,,WW and LC load at .311" (use .308" Wilson bushing) and Lapua loads at .313" (use .310" wilson bushing),,,,my reamer ND is .316" and works perfect as a NO turn,,,my chamber length is 2.500 because I use the 06' brass...FB is .190" ,,,,Roger

 

[bheadboy]

The 7mmrem mag is not a good comparison, it is way less efficient and requires the increase powder capacity to get similar velocity as th 280AI from the shorter bbl. - yes it will go in th3 3200s with a 140 etc but with 10-plus grains more powder,

the 280AI with a balance of powder/bbl of 26 inchs will do the same with less recoil, less muzzle blast and less cost to shoot. I have had 2 280AI and both preformed great. I have also loaded 7 rem mag for friends and non were as desirable

Bob

 

[elmerdeer]

24" barrel 168gr bergers and Vih N165 and i get 2920 fps and great accuracy out to 1000 Yards!

Elmer

 

[Changeling]

280 AI works at 26" and longer. At these lengths it is awesome! 8)
The 7 Rem Mag is way overbore and will deteriorate in velocity at a fairly fast clip, witch also relates to accuracy!

If you decide to go to a 22 to 24 inch barrel, don't waste your money! Just get a 280 Remington or something smaller! ;D

bheadboy has it all correct also.

 

[1holeaddict]

I just cant believe that Savage would launch a 280AI this year sporting a 22" tube. From all the information i have read this length tube would be detrimental to the gains of going to an AI cartridge.

 

[Rtheurer]

What's the minimum length to cut the barrel before you would begin to lose the advantages of an ackley?

It's on a long range hunter setup.
Bartlein #6 contour barrel 1/9 twist

I run a Hart #3 on an old Rem 721 action chambered in 280 A.I. gorgeous old Fagen Thumbhole AAA Claro Walnut stock. Its a 26" long barrel. I don't think I would go less than 24" personally for fear of loosing the velocity you will need for long range hunting. ( which is the purpose of your rifle) yet longer than 26" gets pretty unweilding in the field especially with a Break or a can on it.
been shooting 162's in it. Started with H4831SC and it was Ho hum. Then on a Lark.. tried a IMR7828SSC and BAM!! tiny groups from a 9# Hunting rifle.

 

[AckleymanII]

140g class bullets will love the 4350's which require less barrel, 24" is what I had on my rifles. When you go to 168 and especially the 180g bullets using very SLOW burning powders, then the advantage of a longer barrel become apparent.

If you want to experience something really remarkable, then try a tuner on your 280 AI. No kidding, it is almost as good as discovering girls, nothing short of an incredible experience. I have been able to tune a barrel quickly and easily, shooting bug holes with a hunting rifle.

I like #4 and #5 contour, 26" and 27" long. I can always cut it off.

For a "woods" gun, I shot a std Remington RS 700 in 280 with 160g Sierra btsp at 2900 with IMR 7828, load right out of the nosler manual #4, 24" for shooting out of box stands with small windows. This is not a load for semi auto's and nosler lowered the load on subsequent manuals due to auto's.

I think that the 280 AI is really going to shine with R#26, fed 215, and a 180g berger Hunting bullet, but that is on the list of things to do this year. I had spectacular luck with a 175g Nosler long range accubond, this last year, with IMR 7828 with a fed 215, these bullets make a train wreck out of deer.