280 AI: 22” vs 24” barrel length

[Darryle]

The article below and the earlier one mentioned in it show results consistent with what you have seen. Despite this, I sure would like to see someone do this same test with a 30 Nosler/300 PRC and a 300 WSM to allay my concerns of going with a 20ish inch magnum.

6.5 Creedmoor- Effects of Barrel Length on Velocity 2019

“We do it right because we do it twice!”Greg Wagner, Wildlife Photographer Background The 6.5 Creedmoor has become one of the most popular center-fire cartridges in the precision rifle …

rifleshooter.com

Maybe this will help answer some of your query Lance

 

[lancetkenyon]

I went with a 23" barrel with a 1-7.5 twist on my 280 AI. With a 140 AH it's right at 3300 FPS. If you're worried about speed then the AH are an option. BC is not great. But if your shots are under 5-600 yds you'll be ok. If you need high BC for longer shots I think I'd go with a 26" barrel.

1:7.5" .284/7mm barrel??? That is a FAST twist. Fastest I have seen is 1:8" for the heavies. I run 1:8.5" in my 7RM, 1:8.4" in my 7SS, and 1:8" in my 28 Nos.

 

[BEEMAN]

1:7.5" .284/7mm barrel??? That is a FAST twist. Fastest I have seen is 1:8" for the heavies. I run 1:8.5" in my 7RM, 1:8.4" in my 7SS, and 1:8" in my 28 Nos.

Yes. I went 7.5 twist for monos. It's a carbon fibre IBI. I'm In Canada so I've been using these IBI barrels as it's much easier than trying to import. They shoot great and don't copper foul. Wait times are good as well.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Yes. I went 7.5 twist for monos. It's a carbon fibre IBI. I'm In Canada so I've been using these IBI barrels as it's much easier than trying to import. They shoot great and don't copper foul. Wait times are good as well.

That is AWESOME! That would spin the heaviest monos out there. Great idea for the Kommiefornians here.

 

[Troutslayer2]

Mine is 22" and it shoots 168s at 2900FPS.

 

[MagMan]

1:7.5" .284/7mm barrel??? That is a FAST twist. Fastest I have seen is 1:8" for the heavies. I run 1:8.5" in my 7RM, 1:8.4" in my 7SS, and 1:8" in my 28 Nos.

I once had a 7 twist three groove in 7 RUM. It was tough on jackets.

My current 280 AI is 22"

 

[willtim]

Once you tote a short barrel, you will never go back.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Once you tote a short barrel, you will never go back.

I disagree as a general statement. I thinknit depends on where and how you hunt, and the rifle's purpose.

Half of my last few builds have lent themselves to shorter barrels, but I have plenty of 26", and my next rifle (.300WM) will be a 26" for sure.

6CM 24"
25CM 26"
25CM 26"
25SST 26"
6.5SLR 22"
.260AI 24"
6.5PRC 22"
6.5PRC SI 22"
6.5SS 20"
6.5SS 26"
7SS 24"
7RM 26"
28 Nosler 26"

 

[megastink]

I once had a 7 twist three groove in 7 RUM. It was tough on jackets.

My current 280 AI is 22"

What's your twist rate on your 22" 280 AI? Is it a Savage Ultralight by chance? I'm considering purchasing one.

 

[FEENIX]

I disagree as a general statement. I thinknit depends on where and how you hunt, and the rifle's purpose.

Half of my last few builds have lent themselves to shorter barrels, but I have plenty of 26", and my next rifle (.300WM) will be a 26" for sure.

6CM 24"
25CM 26"
25CM 26"
25SST 26"
6.5SLR 22"
.260AI 24"
6.5PRC 22"
6.5PRC SI 22"
6.5SS 20"
6.5SS 26"
7SS 24"
7RM 26"
28 Nosler 26"

LOL! I have a 6.5x55 Swede with an 18" barrel (my shortest thus far) and other rifles with 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, and 30 plus the muzzle device. My .270 AI has the 30" and is my longest rifle barrel thus far. I have a 12G with a 40" barrel, though.

 

[Sage70]

Once you tote a short barrel, you will never go back.

I totally agree with this statement. About 20 years ago I started hunting with 22 inch barrels and I never went back. I have a 280 Remington with a 22 inch featherweight barrel and it works great so I know something about a 280. I had always considered a 280 AI but I bought a 280 Remington because I wanted a 22 inch barrel. On the other hand, I wouldn't be concerned about using a featherweight barrel in 280 AI because the recoil of a 280 is not that great and for deer hunting a 140 Nosler Partition at about 3,000 fps would be really sweet.

 

[MagMan]

What's your twist rate on your 22" 280 AI? Is it a Savage Ultralight by chance? I'm considering purchasing one.

It's a Rock Creek 8 twist CF with a Terminus Kratos Lite action.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Maybe this will help answer some of your query Lance
View attachment 408603View attachment 408604View attachment 408605View attachment 408606
View attachment 408607

Thanks. This is just what I was looking for and I missed it when you first posted it.

 

[MT_Swagger]

Just curious if anyone has information on what the difference in velocity would be between a 22" barrel and a 24" barrel for the 280 AI?

I've been contemplating a .280 AI build four zones time, but just saw that savage offers that caliber in the Ultralight. It has a 22 barrel, whereas I was planning on using a 24". Would appreciate some knowledge on this topic.

Megastink,

What did you settle on? Im in the same predicament right now. Need to order a barrel from proof soon for a .280ai.