What caliber donor action for 280 AI

[Sqdqo]

What donor caliber should be purchased for use as a detachable box magazine 280 AI?

 

[jkohler]

Long action on a .473 bolt face.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

270, 25-06, 30-06

 

[carlsbad]

I have found better fit and finish recently on the Rem 700 actions bought action only and not that much more expensive. --Jerry

 

[stalkingbear]

I've always had the best luck (cheapest & still as good as new) by cruising pawn shops for donor rifles. When I find an action in good shape, but the barrel & stock look as if it's been drug down a gravel road behind the truck, I can usually get them to strip for donor action for 1/5 to 1/3 what the new action would cost. Another thing I've done when providing the action for a customer is locate which wholesaler has that basic model on sale (complete rifle). I can get those for about 1/2 what either a bare action, or a complete new rifle would cost otherwise. 25-06, 270, 280, 30-06, and 35 Whelen are all based off the 30-06 action (280 being a small bit longer where the shoulder is bumped a bit forward to prevent 280 loaded rounds from chambering in a 270). Of course any time I come across a 35 Whelen, if it shoots sweet it gets instantly in my own personal collection as that's my all time favorite non-magnum factory round for bigger stuff as it hits like the hammer of Thor inside of about 350 yards!