280 Ackley Improved

[RockyMtnMT]

2900fps is a tall order for a standard 30-06 with 180g projo.

Some factory ammo can not be duplicated with available components as the big manufactures well have proprietary blends not available to the public. More than vel the hand loader has the ability to make better quality ammo.

Steve

 

[RockyMtnMT]

As far as barrel length in the 280ai, I am not sure that it is necessary to use a 26" barrel to get the potential out of a 7mm cartridge that is using 60g of powder give or take. I figure my 22" barrel may give up 50fps to a 26". Could be more with big 200g class bullets but the case really it's not big enough to get a usable advantage from such a big bullet. Running the 280ai at 3200fps with a 140g class of bullet, like our 143g Hammer Hunter, makes the cartridge tough to beat out to 800y when you consider trajectory and impact vel and doing it on a standard long action. Starting a bullet for hunting big game at 2600fps makes little sense to me. My .02

Steve

 

[Weatherby Fan]

I'm on build 7 or 8 for 280AI, great cartridge, with a 24" Benchmark Im getting 3180 out Nosler Trophy Grade 140gr AB,
3200fps with 145gr LRX and R26
I would go with a Bartlein SS barrel

I'm having one built right now
Defiance Rebel action
25" SS Benchmark #2 Fluted, 1-9 twist
Wildcat Stock
Timney Calvin Elite trigger
Sunny Hill bottom metal

 

[wsq]

Had one in a model 52 cooper mag box wasn't long enough for the vld's but shoot the 168 berger classics into one hole 2890 FPS with 58.5 grains of reloader 23 with mag primers sold it to get lighter rifle

 

[calshipbuilder]

I've been very happy with the 280's short fat sibling, the 7 saum. 8 twist does fine with the 183 class bullet, I have not shot the 195 EOLs.

 

[TN David]

Don't know if it fits this string or not but I have been juggling with the decision on my next rifle in the 7mm category. Have been looking at a 7mm magnum, thinking of rebuilding my 270 to 280 AI, or have actually found a great deal on a 7mm-08 in a Tikka. Leaning towards the 08 because shorter barrel and where we live there is not a lot of long range hunting areas. What I'm seeing here the 280 AI in 22" - 24" barrel maybe ok for 140-150 grain bullet range, correct?

 

[Timnterra]

I think the 280 ai is about as good as it gets for non magnum long range hunting performance. I don't think you need anything more than a 1-9" twist barrel for 180 and under class bullets. I'd go with a 26" #3 Bartlein and spend the extra on the scope it will get you more for your money there.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Seems like the ".280AI?" question comes up a lot.

Personally, I LOVE mine.
Built by Axisworks in Tempe, AZ
R700 LA BDL trued
Fluted bolt, carbon fiber knob, TI pin & Wolfe spring, alloy bolt shroud
26" Proof Sendero Light 1:9" w. Hawkins 3 port brake w. SAAMI chamber
Manners EH1 bedded
Shilen match trigger @ 1.5#
Rem alloy BDL metal
Seekins alloy 20MOA Picatinny rail
Seekins alloy 30mm medium rings
March F 3-24×52 MIL/MIL FML-1 illuminated
TacOps level
8lbs 13oz all in (bare rifle was sub 7#)

I have 2 loads for it that are ridiculously accurate.

A "lighter" load for steel and varmint hunting

Nosler .280AI brass
Fed GM210M
61.3gr H1000
160 TMK
2985fps

And a hot big game hunting round.

Nosler .280AI brass
Fed GM210M
58.0 gr RL23
175 Berger Elite
2975fps

 

[LongWalker]

Seems like the ".280AI?" question comes up a lot.

Personally, I LOVE mine.
Built by Axisworks in Tempe, AZ
R700 LA BDL trued
Fluted bolt, carbon fiber knob, TI pin & Wolfe spring, alloy bolt shroud
26" Proof Sendero Light 1:9" w. Hawkins 3 port brake w. SAAMI chamber
Manners EH1 bedded
Shilen match trigger @ 1.5#
Rem alloy BDL metal
Seekins alloy 20MOA Picatinny rail
Seekins alloy 30mm medium rings
March F 3-24×52 MIL/MIL FML-1 illuminated
TacOps level
8lbs 13oz all in (bare rifle was sub 7#)

I have 2 loads for it that are ridiculously accurate.

A "lighter" load for steel and varmint hunting

Nosler .280AI brass
Fed GM210M
61.3gr H1000
160 TMK
2985fps

And a hot big game hunting round.

Nosler .280AI brass
Fed GM210M
58.0 gr RL23
175 Berger Elite
2975fps

Have you tried the 175 Berger load with a regular 210 primer or only the magnum? That's the load I hope to work up for my 280AI build but currently only have the standard 210s

 

[laker]

RL26 will push a 180 berger 2900fps in my 280 Ackley

 

[284saum]

I like the 280Ackley, it does well at all ranges and works just fine in a 22" barrel too

I have a 22.5" 8 twist Benchmark on a Defiance Rebel, shoots really well with 195gr Berger EOL & RL26 (2675 fps MV), 168gr Berger & RL26 (2825 fps MV), 160gr Nosler Accubond & RL26 (2950 fps MV). About to start playing with the new 165gr Sierra TGK, will switch things up and try Accurate Magpro

 

[Heavyiron]

I use a 280ai for long range hunting on the power line right of way behind ,my house. I use the 160 grain sierra with my accuracy load being 60.4 grains of reloader26, velocity 3070. I went a lot higher, up to 62 grains but found the best accuracy at 60.4. It is a killing machine. I use 140's also but the 160 holds up better at long range. It has a 25 inch barrel.

 

[257Tony]

This was about 2 weeks ago. Client and friend of mine, 280 AI 168 Berger's 325 yards.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

How did the bullet perform? Looks like a really high shoulder, maybe spine?