KSB209
Well-Known Member
Just curious what you guys see with barrel life with the 28 Nosler. Looks like a pretty fast round. Trying to decide between the 28 and the 280AI. Would be pretty much strictly a hunting rifle for elk size animals.
28 Nosler and barrel life
- Thread starter KSB209
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LanceK
Well-Known Member
Just tagging in to learn myself.
Find your load and shoot.
I'm sure they'll make you another barrel, when your accuracy standard diminishes?
Barrels like ammunition is an expendable part.
Had a 7STW Shilen go over 1K, only reason to change for the change was, I couldn't make brass anymore.
On my 2nd 28Nosler barrel, not because it's done (Chromoly) less than 300, but because I wanted a custom stainless built to my specs, that'l definitely go the distance, when I get the load sorted.
I'm sure they'll make you another barrel, when your accuracy standard diminishes?
Barrels like ammunition is an expendable part.
Had a 7STW Shilen go over 1K, only reason to change for the change was, I couldn't make brass anymore.
On my 2nd 28Nosler barrel, not because it's done (Chromoly) less than 300, but because I wanted a custom stainless built to my specs, that'l definitely go the distance, when I get the load sorted.
LanceK
Well-Known Member
I guess that is one of those things that I agree with in theory, but have a hard time convincing myself of. Good response.
LanceK
Well-Known Member
I'm starting to learn that the barrel will be one of the cheapest parts of hunting.
Kmccord
Well-Known Member
Depends on how hard you drive it, if you use H1000 you will have a longer barrel life, if you use N570 you are going to have a shorter barrel life. I have used H1000, Retumbo and mainly RL33 in mine. I was not easy with loading in the beginning, I was chasing everyone else loads for speed, until I reached the 3050 to 3100fps with a Berger 195. A year and half later with a little over 250 rounds down the barrel, I received a bore scope and the throat has some fire cracking and about 1/8th inch of rifling gone. I have not shot it going on two years now, have a few other rifles I have been playing with, but just keep in mind the harder you drive it the shorter of barrel life you will have. It is a sweet cartridge to tune up and take out for long runs.
lancetkenyon
Well-Known Member
Seen them go as fast as 400 rounds of acceptable accuracy when run at 3150 w. 195s, to as much as 950 when run at 3020fps w. 195s.
I have a .280AI that pushes a 175 Elite @ 2986fps suppressed. A hot load in the rifle, but not over pressure. I have over 800 rounds down the barrel. I also have a 28N that pushes the 195 Elite @ 3084fps, which is not a max load. I have 51 rounds down the barrel. It will more than likely outlast my .280AI, because I love shooting the .280AI.
To retain 1800fps & 1500ft/lbs (my elk criteria) at 7000'AMSL & 30°F (typical conditions where we hunt elk):
.280AI is a 985yd rifle (1967fps & 1500ft/lbs)
28N is a 1325yd rifle (1861fps & 1500ft/lbs)
28N, at 985yds, still carries 2140fps & 1980ft/lbs, beating the .280AI by almost 200fps & 480ft/lbs of energy on target, and with 25" less drop.
For strictly a hunting rifle for elk, I would consider the 28N. Might last a lifetime if you can keep off the trigger.
But if you only hunt out to 700-800 (or closer), I would go .280AI. Way less recoil, cheaper to shoot, much longer barrel life which means you can practice a LOT more with it. No way are you getting 3000 rounds out of it, maybe 1500-1800 if you are easy on it.
I have a .280AI that pushes a 175 Elite @ 2986fps suppressed. A hot load in the rifle, but not over pressure. I have over 800 rounds down the barrel. I also have a 28N that pushes the 195 Elite @ 3084fps, which is not a max load. I have 51 rounds down the barrel. It will more than likely outlast my .280AI, because I love shooting the .280AI.
To retain 1800fps & 1500ft/lbs (my elk criteria) at 7000'AMSL & 30°F (typical conditions where we hunt elk):
.280AI is a 985yd rifle (1967fps & 1500ft/lbs)
28N is a 1325yd rifle (1861fps & 1500ft/lbs)
28N, at 985yds, still carries 2140fps & 1980ft/lbs, beating the .280AI by almost 200fps & 480ft/lbs of energy on target, and with 25" less drop.
For strictly a hunting rifle for elk, I would consider the 28N. Might last a lifetime if you can keep off the trigger.
But if you only hunt out to 700-800 (or closer), I would go .280AI. Way less recoil, cheaper to shoot, much longer barrel life which means you can practice a LOT more with it. No way are you getting 3000 rounds out of it, maybe 1500-1800 if you are easy on it.
Built a 28 after 80 rounds decided I like to shoot too much
If you're worried about barrel like go with the 280
If you're worried about barrel like go with the 280
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KSB209
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the info. This is sort of what I figured. I have been looking at the 280ai for awhile but just started looking at the 28 the last couple days. Honestly I don't think I'll ever take game at 1000 yds. It's just not in my wheel house. 400 is my max now but want to start practicing for those 500-600 yard shots in the future.....or when I can start buying ammo again
Kmccord
Well-Known Member
If you had no desire to reload for the 28 Nosler, I think you would be missing out on better ammo.
Wrenches
Well-Known Member
I own and use most of the big magnums in various bore diameters. 26 Nosler and 6.5-300 Weatherby to name two. I have sighted these rifles in and have taken Deer and Elk with both. I got both in 2016 and to date both have less than 50 rounds fired each. I don't shoot my hunting rifles for varmints so I will never wear a barrel out. I use 223, 22-250, 220 Swift, and 243 for Varmints and the 22-250 and the Swift have both needed new barrels around 1500 rounds. Hard for me to believe that people take the magnum rifles to the range and shoot them enough to wear a barrel out.
