Budget 280 AI

[Tom3006]

So I have this project in mind to build a new hunting rifle in 280 AI and hopefully keep it <$1000. My thoughts were to either buy a used Rem 700 in 30-06 and swap out the barrel or maybe just a get a new TC Compass in 30-06 and swap out the barrel. I kinda like the Compass option because I've read pretty good reviews on them, they claim sub MOA and their 30-06 rotary mag will hold 5 rounds. On the other hand the Rem 700 would give me more aftermarket options for stocks, triggers, mags, etc. Looks like I could get a used 700 for about the same price as a new Compass ($300-400). I've never done a barrel swap so I'm curious if I could get a nice barrel (Krieger, Bartlein, etc) and still come in under $1000 for the project? Also what are your thoughts on the new Compass vs used 700 (or other options)? Thanks

 

[Eddie Harren]

You have a PM.

 

[Patton243]

If you're on a budget, I would not recommend a 280 AI. I have one and it shoots great, but the fact is you'll be dishing more money into this project then say a 30-06 or a regular 280. Nosler 280 AI brass is what I use, and the stuff is not cheap compared to other brass. Furthermore, the Nosler brass can be scarce to find unless you have intentions to fire form 280 cases. Dies will cost more too, and if you're not reloading don't even bother with this cartridge.

 

[flatlander]

I went back and re-read the American Rifleman's review on the Compass - it has its appealing features, for sure. But where would you get a stock to replace the tupperware plastic one it comes with? And I doubt the rotary magazine is going to be long enough for any of the long, high-bc bullets that make 7mm rifles so appealing to LR shooters. Actually, at its price point, I even thought about buying one in 223 & re-barreling it myself with a custom bbl with faster twist rate for heavier bullets. But the same question about where to get a better stock is currently nixing that idea.

Shop around - the after hunting season sales that box stores like Wal Mart run make it fairly easy to find a cheap version of the long action M700 in 270 or 30-'06. At least then you could pick & choose to find the aftermarket parts to build a rifle better suited to work with a cartridge like the 280 AI. The one I built for myself was hardly a budget build, with a McMilan adj A5 stock, Krieger hvy Palma bbl, Timney trigger, PTG Stealth DBM, Accurate Mag 30-06 magazines, & TPS 20 MOA scope rail. But it's a hammer out past 1000yds with any of the 180gr bullets I've tried in it, and they all fit easily in the Accurate Mag 30-'06 mags.

 

[Tom3006]

Thanks for the advice guys. Sorry, I forgot to mention that I do reload so I realize I'll have to pony up and buy the Nosler brass and dies, but hopefully after that it shouldn't be too bad. Also in a pinch can't I shoot 280 cartridges in a 280 AI rifle or am I totally wrong on that?

That's a good point about the stock and the mags. I'm leaning more towards the Rem 700 option.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

pm sent

 

[rockrat]

You can probably shoot 280 in the AI and be OK or maybe use common 270 brass and form. I would think you could be ready to go for under 1K easily.

 

[germanlongbow]

Build it. It's a great round. It's hard to "waste" money on anything gun related. I have about 2K in mine but I didn't spare: HS Stock, Jewel Trigger, HS Bottom Metal, Lilja barrel, Redding dies, Nosler Brass (500) pieces and bullets. Easy on recoil and incredibly accurate. Good luck and have fun. Scott

 

[Sheldon N]

Pick up a used Rem 700 long action, put on a Criterion remage barrel in 280AI with a barrel nut, put it in your stock of choice. Should be possible for under $1k. If you want to stick with the "cheap" option, hunt for Remington headstamp 280 brass on armslist. Just do a national level search for "280 brass" and you'll find tons of it, usually once fired around $0.30/case. Works fine for me. Fireforming loads are accurate, I like the 162 amax since it's got good BC and they are relatively cheap when you can hunt someone down who is selling their stash.