I'm considering re-barreling my 280 Ackley to a 6.5-280 Ackley. My 280AI's accuracy is starting to open up. Its last health check up showed severe fire cracking in the throat area. It still shoots MOA but was once a one hole gun. I have a pile of Berger 156's and thought the 6.5 would be a fun cartridge. Any thoughts or anyone want to talk me out of it? Should I stay with the 280 AI?
6.5-280 Ackley
- Thread starter KyleC
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I really like the 6.5mm. Sounds like this would be a real Fast & Flat shooter!
8x68s
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oughta be a notch up from the 6.5-06AI with a teensy bit more room for powder... 
308win
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Peterson brass on 4th firing H2O measures 72.62groughta be a notch up from the 6.5-06AI with a teensy bit more room for powder...
You can look at the Sherman website, at the 6.5 Sherman.
It's a little hotter but would give you an idea of what to expect, different lengths, bullets etc.
You actually blow a 280AI shoulder forward after the neck down, with that one.
It's a little hotter but would give you an idea of what to expect, different lengths, bullets etc.
You actually blow a 280AI shoulder forward after the neck down, with that one.
You ever decide? I've got a brand new 6.5-280AI already built on a Defiance Action...
Wild Monkey
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Is that really a thing?
Wild Monkey
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I worked on the "SNIIPER" a few years ago, using 30TC-6.5 Creedmoor sizing dies. hydroforming a bucket of 270 brass. They all can easily become Rabbit holes. With the advent of the 6.5-PRC there's not a lot of reason not to get that route these days no matter which Caliber you choose.
Bob Wright
Well-Known Member
Agree here if the easy button is desired. We have so few gaps to fill in the hunting cartridge designs of the good old USA, that it's getting close to diminishing returns for a hunting weapon. Target shooting competitively is probably not a true statement by this. Those specialists are looking for .001" improvements.
If you want your own design, that's all that matters I guess.
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I've been shooting a 6.5x280AI for about 8 years now. I have two rifles in that chambering, one on a Montana Rifle Co 1999 action (Bartlien barrel) and the other on a Savage action (Black Hole Weaponry barrel), both 1:8" twist.
I use a set of Redding bushing dies in .280AI with the appropriate neck bushing.
Since I live in West Texas, I have shied away from Re26 due to it's issues with pressure spikes in temps above 95F, finding that Retumbo is perfect in my rifles with 140gr and up bullets.
100gr Nosler BT pushed with a max load (in my rifles) will do over 3,600fps and put five shots in 1/4MOA all day long.
I'm sure it's a barrel burner at that velocity, so it doesn't get used very much.
I've been very pleased with the cartridge and highly recommend it.
Yes, the "Easy Button" is the 6.5 PRC, but I found this before that came out and I'll stick with it.
Ed
I use a set of Redding bushing dies in .280AI with the appropriate neck bushing.
Since I live in West Texas, I have shied away from Re26 due to it's issues with pressure spikes in temps above 95F, finding that Retumbo is perfect in my rifles with 140gr and up bullets.
100gr Nosler BT pushed with a max load (in my rifles) will do over 3,600fps and put five shots in 1/4MOA all day long.
I'm sure it's a barrel burner at that velocity, so it doesn't get used very much.
I've been very pleased with the cartridge and highly recommend it.
Yes, the "Easy Button" is the 6.5 PRC, but I found this before that came out and I'll stick with it.
Ed
