Opinions on new build

[13red56]

I acquired a 9 twist 7mm barrel and plan on building something on a 700 long action with a 473 bolt head. Now I am intrigued by the improved versions of some calibers such as 7-08AI,280AI, and the 284 shehane. 7-08 brass is available as is 280 brass. The shehane brass would be more expensive and a little harder to come by. My main intent for the gun would be hunting/long range steel plates. Just looking or opinions/other options. Any and all comments are welcome.

 

[jonbearman]

How far are you intending to shoot.The .280AI is a really nice cartridge but distance and animal size might make a difference on how you pick a build.Picking what type of bullet may also be a factor as well.

 

[bheadboy]

I have built and own both the 280AI and 7-08AI with 9 twist, on rem actions, built as hunting rifles mulie, elk, etc.

both shoot little round holes about .300-.35 out of 24 and 26 inch Hart bbls, the 280AI is a 9lb rifle and the 7-08 a 7 1/4lb with a lighter stockand tabperbbl.

I have crooned both with 140 bt and sbt and 160 part and sbt Nosler and Sierra bullets

they worked best with h4350 and h4831 altho rl 22 was close.

I loaded the 280AI (26")at 3125 fps as that was enough for my use and the 7-08AI at 3020fps (24") as that is where it shot in the .300s.

both great choices.

Bob

 

[13red56]

How far are you intending to shoot.The .280AI is a really nice cartridge but distance and animal size might make a difference on how you pick a build.Picking what type of bullet may also be a factor as well.

Main use will be a max of 500 on whitetail which is the biggest game I hunt. Now I may shoot steel plates further

 

[bheadboy]

for your use, having hunted and take mule, elk, moose, caribou at the range you are talking for white tail, easily the 280AI and 7-08AI will do everything you want

example the 7-08ai 140 nosler bt at 500yd at 3020fps still has 1556fp of energy more than enough for a white tail at 4000 ft elevation

the 280ai is even stronger at 3125fps

these are also being used for longer range competition.

Bob

 

[oldroper]

I had 280AI build long action also a 284 long action both are hunting rifles use elk/deer. 284 is long throated mainly been shooting 160gr AB and it will handle the 168gr Berger and I've shot few of the Berger 140gr VLD also.

If I get drawn here Co for my buck tag I'll be up around timberline and going to use 284. You can neck 6.5x284 Lapua. I really haven't settle on a bullet for that buck tag getting ready 500/600yds then get out shoot few PD with it. I like 280AI also . Well good luck

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I just finished a build like that. I went 284 shehane so I could use the reamer for f-class as well. If feeds well and is showing great promise fireforming. I would recomend the 284 or 280, the 280 will have more neck and may be a little more versitile with bullets, but I would give a slight accuracy edge to the 284. Maybe..

 

[Kodiak99317]

I would go straight 284 myself, less cost with dies and they just plain shoot... this one is a 8.5 twist TrueFlight barrel with 180g Berger Hybrids and H4831SC, also have 2 other barrels for her, a Brux 8.5 and a Kreiger 9 Twist, but I'm going to stick with one barrel at at time until it pukes, then screw on the next. I shoot FOpen class. This was with 284 Win brass turned to .0126" for my tight throat, .310 NK. This barrel has 1516 rounds down her now, mostly 180g VLDs, just testing the Hybrids now.

 

[13red56]

Thanks for all the replies. I would welcome more if anyone has any. I guess all would be good choices from the info given. Now to check availability of a reamer.

 

[flatlander]

I've been shooting straight 284s for several years in LR prone & practical/tactical steel matches. I don't hod-rod my loads - running 180 VLDs or Hybrids at 2730fps out of a 28" bbl gives outstanding accuracy, and primer pockets stay tight longer.

Built a 280 AI last year, using a 30" Krieger hvy Palma 5R, 1-9tw. Figured that since case capacity of the 280 AI is very nearly 6gr more than the 284, I should be able to get 2800fps with 180s with no strain on brass - especially with the 30" bbl. Maybe this is a 'slow' bbl, but for the most part, I've been getting velocities about the same as I was getting in the 284, but using a couple grains more powder.

I like the 280AI, but feel the 284 has an edge where accuracy's concerned. I've got three 284 bbls for two actions, and they all shoot a little better than the one 280AI has so far. Hope to have time this summer to do more shooting with the 280AI, but for now, if it was me, I'd go with a straight 284.