280AI or 6.5x284 ??

[Rtheurer]

+ 1 for the 280AI

I guess Im the only guy that hasnt had a lick of issues with the 40* shoulder and a repeater. Other folks keep bringing that up, but I can say that I have not had this issue and Im starting to think that its one of those folk lores that keeps poping up with the first part of the conversation being " I have this friend who"

As mentioned in another post here I was not able to get some of the velocities some posters get, as my accuarcy for the 162gr class bullets is in the mid to upper 2800fps range. Still with that and A high BC bullet your getting some good down range results in power and wind drift. I got tired of lugging my Sendero around on spot and stalk hunts, And I had a nice 721 Remington Long action with the 473- bolt face ( 3006) that just begged to be a 280AI Long Range light weight hunting rifle.

Im very happy with the choice. I would do it again if given the option again. My only issue is its on a AAA Claro Thumbhole stock and Im scared im going to sctrach it every time I take it out. A timeless clasic all the way around.

RT

 

[flatlander]

I've got reamers for both 280 AI & the straight 284, and have shot both, though I've got tons more experience with the 284, mainly with LR prone rifles. I agree with the consensus here that the 280 AI will give a bit more velocity; also, what I've seen with WW 284 brass is that if you push it trying to get more velocity, you're going to wind up with loose primer pockets rather quickly. Dunno how much better the Lapua 6.5x284 necked-up will handle more pressure, since my reamer was ground for larger based WW brass.

However, after fireforming beau coup brass for several 6 Dashers, 6 RATs, 250 AIs, 6.5x55 AIs, and 280 AIs, I'm all for using something that requires no fireforming. And there's no question that the 284 is one accurate cartridge. With hunting weight bullets seated out in a long action, the accuracy & effeciency of the 284 would make it a fairly easy choice for me.

 

[SEB-USA]

Just get the one you want.
I doubt if the critter is going to be able to tell the difference ;D

 

[XTR]

Given your choices I'd opt for a 280, maybe do the AI but in all likelihood just a straight 280.

If this is really a hunting rifle I wouldn't get too wrapped up in the brass questions, and if you're going to shoot any of them a lot your going to spend more on barrels than brass. If it's a hunting rifle you're going to shoot maybe 100 rounds for load development then 10 to 20 rnds a yr for confirming zeros and shooting critters.

I know it's not one of your options but if I were building a long action hunting rifle for bigger game, in something smaller than 30 cal, I'd go with a 7mmRM. More boiler for heavy bullets, can still be loaded with lighter bullets, and if you take it on a trip and your ammo doesn't show up you can buy off the shelf anywhere.

Build it with a #4 contour barrel and with a scope that doesn't weigh 2 pounds like FFP tactical, and you'll have a 9 lb rifle that will and has killed anything in North America.


I'm just finishing my 7-08 for deer here in the east. It's replacing the 308 I've hunted with the last few yrs. I do have a 7mmRM, but it almost never comes out of the safe, I think it's too much for whitetails.

 

[Raptor]

Couldn't agree more with XTR. The deer won't know if he was hit with a 284,280 or a 280AI. Like I said my soninlaw has both the 284 and the 280. His 280 has taken antalope at 800 to 1000yds with first round kills using 168 Bergers.

 

[Bigame1]

I have the 280 AI loaded with the 168 Berger Hunting VLD and Love it for it's accuracy and for it's killing ability! The 6.5 x 284 is a good cartridge also but if you are out and somehow run out of your handloads for your 280 AI you can always shoot some 280 Rem. ammo No problem can't do that with the 6.5 and I doubt that you could find any factory 6.5 x 284 plus the obvious better bullet selection with the 280 and barrel life . Good luck on either of your choices.

 

[p-man]

I've read all the comments and all the writers justify their opinions well based on their experiences - I have loaded both the 280 and the 280 Ackley and I will tell you where the AI seems to shine is with the heavier bullets in the caliber's range of choices. In the 280AI, I get close to 3100 fps with 150 grain and about 2950 with 160 grain, in a 24" tube - now, that is with the original PO Ackley chambering and not the SAAMI-Nosler chambering, although I don't know if there is any appreciable difference in case capacity. My point here is that if you want to shoot the heavier projectiles, the Ackley is my vote as to the way to go.

An additional thought, if you are open to another option, please consider the 30-06AI - it will give you even more heavier bullet choices especially if you're after Elk. Mine in a 1-10 twist 24" barrel easily pushes 165 grain over 3000fps and 180's over 2900 - and those are not very warm loads - every thing from 150 - 180 grains shoot well - I haven't tried 200 grain heavies but according to to most load data, you could get around 2600 or better.

Either way, the AI version will please you well. I have two 280AI's and the 06AI all on 700 actions and have never had any feed issues - another plus is that case life is much better than with conventional 06-based cases.

Good luck on your new project rifle - damn I love this s - - t!