I've got a high BC bug up my keister

[fatelvis]

For some reason, after seeing Hornady's BC chart, I locked on to their 7mm 180ELD-M and it's .796 G1 (.816 w/1:7.5 twist) rating. My wheels instantly started planning a long range rifle project that didn't involve a belted magnum or crazy overbored cartridge ( e..g. 7mm STW). I was thinking of building a 280 AI, in a bolt rifle with ~24" bbl. Is there something better for a medium weight sporter, primarily for shooting long distance steel? All input is appreciated.

 

[DaveTooley]

Early at the start of the IBS 1K BR program a few 280 Ai's were shot with success. I guess the decision would be based on distance involved and results expected. There's doing it the hard way and enjoying the challenge or going at it hard and fast with different expectations.

 

[Ranger188]

7 saum, 7 PRC

 

[Pheasanthunter]

For some reason, after seeing Hornady's BC chart, I locked on to their 7mm 180ELD-M and it's .796 G1 (.816 w/1:7.5 twist) rating. My wheels instantly started planning a long range rifle project that didn't involve a belted magnum or crazy overbored cartridge ( e..g. 7mm STW). I was thinking of building a 280 AI, in a bolt rifle with ~24" bbl. Is there something better for a medium weight sporter, primarily for shooting long distance steel? All input is appreciated.

Ditto on the 7 saum

 

[ISS]

get crazy; 28 Nosler...

 

[Forum Boss]

For accuracy, I'll take very consistent bullet shape, diameter, mass over a listed slightly higher BC.

Check those Hornady bullets for max diameter and weight [in]consistency. You might be surprised.

 

[Fuj]

get crazy; 28 Nosler...

Beat me to it......LOL It's pucker factor is right there. 24" barrel will give
on hell of a muzzle flash......

 

[47WillysGuy]

.284 Stephane

 

[alf]

Back when I regularly shot to almost 2K, & with a goal of staying supersonic, I had a 338/300 Ultra Mag. Shot great, but the blast & concussion got old fast.

Next, I ended up building a 7x300 WM because I could drop down in gun weight, skip the muzzle brake, & still spot my shots. Barrel looked pretty bleak at 500 rounds....so.....

About then the 6.5 PRC came about followed shortly by the 150 Matchking. Potential velocities showed those would stay SS to to 2K, so I sold the 7x300 barrel, ordered a reamer, and rebuilt the gun into the PRC. Nirvana was reached.

It got to be such a PITA to set steel & milk jugs out to a mile plus, I sold the gun, and stopped the shooting to the extended ranges.

I still regularly go to 1K or so, but I can have more fun shooting 22-204's, Dashers & 6x47 Lapuas doing that.

You gotta be careful building a gun around a bullet.....

1925 yard view:

Milk jugs:

 

[fatelvis]

Back when I regularly shot to almost 2K, & with a goal of staying supersonic, I had a 338/300 Ultra Mag. Shot great, but the blast & concussion got old fast.

Next, I ended up building a 7x300 WM because I could drop down in gun weight, skip the muzzle brake, & still spot my shots. Barrel looked pretty bleak at 500 rounds....so.....

About then the 6.5 PRC came about followed shortly by the 150 Matchking. Potential velocities showed those would stay SS to to 2K, so I sold the 7x300 barrel, ordered a reamer, and rebuilt the gun into the PRC. Nirvana was reached.

It got to be such a PITA to set steel & milk jugs out to a mile plus, I sold the gun, and stopped the shooting to the extended ranges.

I still regularly go to 1K or so, but I can have more fun shooting 22-204's, Dashers & 6x47 Lapuas doing that.

You gotta be careful building a gun around a bullet.....

1925 yard view:

Milk jugs:

God, I wish I had that land to play with. I'm jealous!

 

[alf]

God, I wish I had that land to play with. I'm jealous!

I had to go through a couple gates, cross a creek, set my shit up, reverse course out to the main road, then through the neighbor's fields to be able to shoot kitty corner to get to 1900+. And I was shooting over the power lines.

If I stay on the property, and shoot in the early spring or late fall due to crops, I can still get to 1400+

 

[fatelvis]

I had to go through a couple gates, cross a creek, set my shit up, reverse course out to the main road, then through the neighbor's fields to be able to shoot kitty corner to get to 1900+. And I was shooting over the power lines.

Is that amber colored jug filled with your urine, after trekking that whole distance? Lol

 

[Tommie]

.284 Stephane

What’s the .284 Stephane?

 

[alf]

Is that amber colored jug filled with your urine, after trekking that whole distance? Lol

I used to use food coloring, but now buy Rit fabric die in various colors instead, cheaper to use.

 

[alf]

I guess my point from all my posts, is I wouldn't build a medium weight sporter in 280 AI for general plinking & playing, especially inside 1K.

 

[fatelvis]

I guess my point from all my posts, is I wouldn't build a medium weight sporter in 280 AI for general plinking & playing, especially inside 1K.

After looking at the other cartridges that you guys mentioned, I see there are better potential choices. I guess I'm still stuck in the 'Ol days, and necking up/down the '06 was common to gain velocity! Lol

 

[Steve Donlon]

If you are only doing 1000 yards a 300 WSM, longer, a 7mmPRC with long heavy barrels. But lots of cartridges will do 1000 yards. Just depends if you want to shoot in the wind, and how you plan to deal with it from what I have seen. Need a strategy.

 

[ELR LVR]

After looking at the other cartridges that you guys mentioned, I see there are better potential choices. I guess I'm still stuck in the 'Ol days, and necking up/down the '06 was common to gain velocity! Lol

284 Win, does the same as a 280 AI with a shorter overall length
no special dies etc needed either
7mm Dakota was kind of always on my mind
not too crazy but a little over a 284 Win

 

[RabbitSlayer]

I picked a 7 saum with berger 190 LHT. I I had it throated long. COAL is over 3.1".

Im about to go mark off 2000, 2500, 3000, and 2 miles.

Tomorrow ill shoot 1 mile and 2000.

 

[fatelvis]

I picked a 7 saum with berger 190 LHT. I I had it throated long. COAL is over 3.1".

Im about to go mark off 2000, 2500, 3000, and 2 miles.

Tomorrow ill shoot 1 mile and 2000.

View attachment 1737638

But the question remains: do you slay rabbits at those distances??