Thread: 280 ai?

While it might be a little slower than a 7mm rem mag it will hold 4 rounds instead of 3 and it will be more pleasant to shoot. Go the 280

From memory 24" but I should measure it.

I have std 280rem- shoot 162 eldx out to 550m no worries- MV is 2870 in new Norma brass and RE26 powder.

One problem with going magnum is, bigger boot- bigger suppressor size- more powder burnt-less likely to see shots fall at distance.

Also a lot of the guys i know of shootin 7mmrm with 162s are loading them not much more than mine- and similar to some of the guys who posted here with their 280ai. Ans while the 7mmrm is capable of more than 280/280ai- the differnce isnt huge.

At any rate I've seen plenty dudes miss/poorly hit deer out to 600 with magnums.

280 all day

If your someone who just wants one to play with and like messing around then I reckon go for it. But if you are trying to justify it for practicality i’d say either stick with simple 270/280 or if you want downrange advantage just keep it simple and go the easy and dominant 7mm rem mag.

out to 500 - 600 yards the 280 or 280ai is not going to do more than you can do with your 270 - assuming you've got accurate & appropriate load/projectile that each rifle likes.
To get most out of the 280ai you need a 24in (or longer) bbl and hand load. You might get very lucky and find your 280ai shoots the Hornady Elite Hunter ammo well, then you dont need to worry about hand loads. Shot like shite in mine.
With 22in bbl I'd guess you'll loose 50 - 70fps ?
My 280ai 24in bbl I'm getting 2980 fps with N560 and 162gn AMAXs, & sub 0.5 moa groups - so long as I do my bit correctly.
In 7mm RM I'm getting 3020 - 3030 fps with 162 AMAX.
So loosing about 50 - 60 fps over the RM ..... but the 280ai bare rifle weighs only 6lbs

you can run standard 280 ammo in your 280ai if you get stuck for ammo. Would not recommend for long range but for bush hunting or ranges to 200 - 300 yds it be fine.

Also a standard 270/280 will always feed better than the sharper shoulder AI
If carelessly slamming bullets thru for follow up shots is a consideration

Originally Posted by Bill999

Also a standard 270/280 will always feed better than the sharper shoulder AI
If carelessly slamming bullets thru for follow up shots is a consideration

Hey @Bill999 do you still have that Tikka 280?

Originally Posted by Boar Freak

Hey @Bill999 do you still have that Tikka 280?

Yea it's a great cal for the tikka action

If the question was "im thinking about reaming my 280 to 280 AI but im not intrested in handloading" my opinion would be i wouldnt. But seen as its a well priced rifle already chambered in AI with factory ammo available hell yea. It'll do all hes after and more its always exciting trying new things. + down the track if he takes up handloading he can unleash the beast