Can I expect feeding problems with a 280AI in a Rem 700 repeater?

[VaniB]

I have considered choosing a 280AI for my next project, but was concerned about how the 40 ° shoulder angle might impede smooth feeding of cartridges out of the Remington 700 magazine well. I realize that the 280 "improved" case can be had with a 30 ° shoulder instead of a 40 ° , but I've ruled that out being that the 30 ° angle utilizes expensive special order reloading dies, and it cuts down on available room for powder.

So, just how much of a problem with feeding can I expect? I don't mind a slower and more deliberate maneuvering of the bolt being a requirement for reliable feeding, as long as the cartridges just won't plum be jamming in the chamber beyond my control. Is this something a gunsmith can adjust and fix?

 

[germanlongbow]

Just finished up my 280AI two weeks ago. It's on a HS Remington action, HS stock with BDl floorplate. At this time I have had no problems with feeding. I have a HS bottom metal/magazine kit I am going to try later this week. Not expecting any problems. I also have both a 338-06 AI and 243 AI neither of which have any problems feeding out of HS and CDI/Alpha magazines at all. Hope this helps.. Scott

 

[bheadboy]

have 2 - no sweat feed like grits

Bob

 

[dms6655]

No problem. Put a 280AI barrel on a early 70's Rem 25.06 and it feeds great.

 

[VaniB]

I read at least 2 posts in the search in which the guys were saying that they were having feeding problems with the 40° shoulder of the 280AI. I don't know if it's the particular handloads they were using or if it's mostly the gunsmithing/chambering that causes such problems. Lapua brass with 162 Amax is my intent.

Unless I find an older nice used stainless steel Remmy BDL with the black synthetic stock to serve as a donor, I'll likely be buying a new Rem LSS 700 lamimnated 30-06 as a donor rifle. I'll sell off the stock and barrel, but wanted to be sure that the action and magazine box will feed the 280AI as is from the factory.

 

[bheadboy]

Vanib
i used 140sbt, 140nbt, 160 sbt 160nbt, 150np all feed with no problem
Bob

 

[Rtheurer]

Older 721 Remington 280 AI, 162gr AMAX Norma brass in a huting rifle. Feeds just fine. No issues.

( Model 721 is the pre 700)

RussT

 

[Cimarron2011]

I read at least 2 posts in the search in which the guys were saying that they were having feeding problems with the 40° shoulder of the 280AI. I don't know if it's the particular handloads they were using or if it's mostly the gunsmithing/chambering that causes such problems. Lapua brass with 162 Amax is my intent.

Unless I find an older nice used stainless steel Remmy BDL with the black synthetic stock to serve as a donor, I'll likely be buying a new Rem LSS 700 lamimnated 30-06 as a donor rifle. I'll sell off the stock and barrel, but wanted to be sure that the action and magazine box will feed the 280AI as is from the factory.

I understand the idea of using an action from a donor rifle, but having done so just recently, I won't be doing it again. The cost of the action, truing and blueprinting, rethreading etc. exceeded the cost of a custom action. Next build (planning on a 280 AI) I will go with a Stiller Tac 300 or a Peirce Long Action and be done with it.

 

[wboggs]

Used a Rem 700 BDL in 30-06 Ackley for 20 years without a single feeding problem.

 

[dave7mm]

Had my first 280 AI built in 1985 by Nelson Berger.
Had my second one built by Dwight Scott in 1997.
Both on M700 both work fine.
Pick a good smith and you should be fine.

dave

 

[hogan]

There are no "feeding issues" relevant to a 700LA standard action fitted with a .30-06 case variant in Ackley Improved configuration.

I improved a .30-06 BDL barrel and never a problem.
I installed a .35 Whelen AI barrel maker chambered barrel and never a problem.

Could have problems if you were using an Ultra-Mag action as mag box and rails are of wider dimension; but doubful that is the case. I had a .308 match barrel I improved to 40deg AI on a 700 Long Action. Never a problem with that one feeding either. It was a Benchrest, almost cylinder contour barrel of 22" and fairly heavy, so not like I practiced bolt-flicking for speed when taking it out for a shooting session. Never had any binding or failure to smoothly chamber in any of the 700 Long Actions I used that were Ackley Improved.