Thread: new toy

well i brought a browning x bolt in 280 with a dpt can just waiting for it to turn up now

Going to ream it to 280ai or leave as is?

Originally Posted by falconhell

well i brought a browning x bolt in 280 with a dpt can just waiting for it to turn up now

Give it a try as a 280, mine produces 2835fps with 162gr ELD-X. Minimal real world gain in going to AI except brass longevity. Enjoy!

I’m assuming (haven’t bothered checking) that the factory length barrel is 22 inches. That being the case I wouldn’t think you’ll gain very much by reaming it to 280AI. I have a 24” 280AI and only get 2900ish with a case full of N165 and a 162AMAX/ELDM.

The other thing to consider is brass and dies are a significant step up cost wise over the standard 280 especially if your planning to use Nosler brass.

If you really want the 280AI then I’d suggest re barrelling it with a longer tube if you want to have any noticable improvement in balistic performance.

looks like everything is covered from 6.5 to 30 cal. any 7x57, 7x61, 7x64 and that rimed 7x65 someone mentioned above. 280,284 etcetc etc. Would be hard to argue with.
what are you looking to shoot and how far. ( or did I skip over this info)
from the list of what you mates have and all the 7mm options. the only things left are to go smaller or larger.

would a 6mm work, the new gen 6mm heavy bullets have added extra range. ie a 243win can now hold 1000 ftlb energy to 500 mtrs.
or 338 or 358 in either short or long action. in short action they start dropping like a stone past 300 mtr, inside 200 mtr deer hit with my 358 win don't move far.
in magnum's they can knock u around.
what about 35 whelan. ie 358-3006.
Z
ed to add. opps now i see you have made a decision.

Built my brother a straight 280. He is not too fancy, shoots 162amax at 2900 and it is a rifle that has developed quite a reputation. Seems a very practical round with few limitations that is dead easy to load and shoot.

Basically what R93 said.

Originally Posted by superdiver

Going to ream it to 280ai or leave as is?

hi i was going to go to the ai but im not sure if i will now ill have a play with it and see what i think.

I've got a Sako 7X64, so essentially the same, R26 and 154gr SST is clipping along at 2980fps,

get sum one to run quick load, for the 280, sum of the modern powders are giving extra speed to std cals. ir R17, R26, N165, Tac.

I was going to post, that I have a very tidy M70 Winchester in 7x57, that I am about to sell. but your sorted now.

Originally Posted by southernman

I was going to post, that I have a very tidy M70 Winchester in 7x57, that I am about to sell. but your sorted now.

@southernman that would a nice little unit

I wouldn't leave a 280 as standard because of one reason only. Your mate shoots a 25-06. in the heat of battle you run the risk of potentially cramming a 280 into his 25-06 chamber.
I know in theory it cant happen but ive seen a shooter fire a 308 round in a 25-06 - that in theory shouldn't have gone off but it did.
The visual differences and the straight case body should stop it happening.
Just something to think about.

Originally Posted by muzr257

I wouldn't leave a 280 as standard because of one reason only. Your mate shoots a 25-06. in the heat of battle you run the risk of potentially cramming a 280 into his 25-06 chamber.
I know in theory it cant happen but ive seen a shooter fire a 308 round in a 25-06 - that in theory shouldn't have gone off but it did.
The visual differences and the straight case body should stop it happening.
Just something to think about.

Isnt that the other way around? You could get the 2506 in the 280? 280 wouldn't be able to be chambered as its longer than a 270 and has a bigger neck.
308 in 25 I get as its pretty much the same case but shorter and the fatter calibre. Wouldn't be good

JamieP might still have a great 280ai to sell. He’s a forum member.