Help with 280 Ackley Build

[LKEYES]

Well I have been think about doing this 280 build for awhile now
and I finally found a '63 Remington 700 LA with a .473 bolt face
in it. So now my plan was to save up some more cash and to
purchase a barrel. As for the stock, been thinking about either
a Brown Precision or some sort of McMillian lighter weight stock.
This will be a hunting rig first with a little long range steel shooting
mixed in. Trigger wise I am wanting to make due with the old flat
safety for right now with a Timney 510 in the future.

So my question is, what barrel in a 1-9 twist with no heavier then
Remington Mag contour would be the best fit for this. I have been
around a Shilen before, but was thinking of trying something different.
It would be finished at 26" in length and no muzzle break on it.
Have been doing some reading on 3 grove, 5r and other such rifled barrels,
but I don't know enough about the difference, hence why I'm asking for help.

As for the bullet, I am planning on shooting either the Berger VLD hunting or
Nosler LRAB weighing 168 grains. I have a 7 mag now that shoots the 180's
and didn't want this to do the same thing bullet wise.

Thanks for your help in advance and looking forward to the different ideas to use.

Levi

 

[Avonac]

I just had a similar rifle built. With the goal of mainly being a hunting rifle, I went with a 25" Bartlein #3. This ended up being perfect for me. Most smiths will tell you what barrels they have had good luck with. I took my Smiths advice and it ended up being a absolute laser.

 

[LKEYES]

Very cool, what grove did you have in that barrel?

 

[Avonac]

I honestly don't know. I told him I wanted to shoot bullets in the 160-175 range. He had the bartlien in stock so I took it. It's a 9 twist and it consistently puts 168 Berger vld's in the .25-.26 range.

 

[LKEYES]

Very cool, sounds like a great barrel to me!!

 

[cjames]

In the last 2 months I've seen a 280AI and a 6.5-280AI built by Triple G in Stephenville Texas. Both barrels are #4's.
The 280 AI is a 24" 5r 1-9 Benchmark and the 6.5-280 AI is a 24" fluted 4 grove Brux 1-8.5 Both of these rifles will burn holes at 100 yrds. IMHO I think it matters who is putting the barrel on more than who's name is on the barrel. As long as it is one of the top barrel makers.

And 9 twist should work great.

 

[LKEYES]

Very true and I agree. I guess my question was more towards what kinda groves have worked and which ones to stay away from?

 

[lh leggtowner]

My 280AI has a 9" Bartlein. It is 26" with a brake. Timney trigger, stiller action. My barrel is a m24. Little heavier than u wanted. But mine shoots great. I consider mine a bean field rifle. An acquaintance of mine built his with a , I believe a 3 coutour bartlein, shoots 150 accubonds in the 3s all day. Sorry don't have the load. Both rifles were built by Tooter Meredith in Athens, AL. Oh, these are 5R barrels.

 

[Rtheurer]

Lkeyes

I really don't think your going to be able to tell in terms of accuracy the difference between a 3,4,5 or 6 goove barrel. Like a lot of shooters on this site, I have had them all and had good luck with everyone of them. In the end if you get a good barrel and it is machined and fitted correctly so that all is straight by the time its done....Your going to have a pretty good product.
in 2005...like you I wanted a 280AI carry Rifle as I was luggin around a 7 Rem Mag Sendero. That was fine while I was in my 20's but as everyone here knows the ole body starts to ach and creek at that thought the older we get.
I went with a #4 Hart 1:9 26" SS. Vias break on a old Remington 721 (pre 700) action in a Thumbhole AAA Claro walnut stock.
I really wanted to shoot the 140 to 150 class bullets, but could not get any of them I tried to shoot good enough for my taste. Most likely fine for most hunting, but Im pretty picky. Then I tried the 162 Amax and Bam... it was shooting real well.

Long boring story...sorry. So this is my new carry rifle that does not kill me while walking and scouting for Mule deer with a back pack and extra water.
RussT

 

[oldroper]

I'm more concern with weight of rifle since I carry a pack as I might be out all day hunting here Co.

My 280AI weight just under 9lbs including scope. Gunsmith order a #3 contour from Lilja that would be finished 27" cost little extra but worth it and was 1/9 twist ,3 groove on Rem 700 SS action.

It's not a target barrel rifle but shoot little steel with it just have to watch it.

My wife had Mel Forbes rifle model 24 280AI with 1/9 twist,4 groove Kreiger barrel @ 25", same contour as original barrel just little longer.

I agree with last poster good barrel is good barrel.

I'm shooting 160gr AB for hunting and I got some loads here for the Berger VLD been shooting few of those in my 280AI.

 

[bheadboy]

My 2 280AIs were Hart 9 tw 26" and both shot into th .300's with 140 and 160 hunting bullets.
it ios a great caliber and as said before any name bbl, 9 twist, good smith will give you what you want.
Bob

 

[LKEYES]

Thanks for all of the help everyone, I appreciate the story's and advice.
I have been thinking about either a 5R or 3 grove and I agree that as long as a quality barrel and good smithing should work out fine.

I have heard good things with heavier bullets and IMR4831, any suggestions?
Also large rifle or mag rifle primers?

Thanks again

 

[bheadboy]

the 2 I had gave the best results with 9 1/2s, as far a powder I used both h4350 and h4831 with equal results.

the 140s are unmatched for mulie and the 160s just hammer elk, consider at 2850fps the 270 with 150s has been an elk getter for years, at an easy 2950fps with the 160 from a 280AI what more do you n eed.

Bob

 

[LKEYES]

Very, very true and well put!!