280 AI: 22” vs 24” barrel length

[dogz]

Maybe this will help answer some of your query Lance
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Good stuff, Charlie has a firm grip

 

[Arcola]

I have an 18" barrel that just shipped and labradar data on my 22". I'll post up results in the next few weeks.

 

[MT_Swagger]

I have an 18" barrel that just shipped and labradar data on my 22". I'll post up results in the next few weeks.

Thats awesome.

 

[megastink]

Megastink,

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

I didn't make a purchase yet, but I will likely look for a deal on a savage Ultralight. Seems like the 2" of the barrel won't make enough of a difference at hunting ranges to justify the extra weight.

 

[txgunner00]

I have an 18" barrel that just shipped and labradar data on my 22". I'll post up results in the next few weeks.

Any updates on this?

 

[txgunner00]

My 22" Proof sends 143HHs just over 3100fps very consistently without loading hot.

I get the same from a 22" X-Caliber with the same bullet

 

[Chisholm Trail]

I think it depends on shooting/hunting Suppressed or not. Pick you caliber and powder burn rate to max you velocity and you should be good. 22" or less for suppressed rifles.

 

[Arcola]

Any updates on this?

Not yet. Broke in the barrel with a reduced load and haven't had a chance to shoot that gun again. I'm planning to get out one morning this week though. I'll follow up if that works out.

 

[txgunner00]

Not yet. Broke in the barrel with a reduced load and haven't had a chance to shoot that gun again. I'm planning to get out one morning this week though. I'll follow up if that works out.

Thanks. The reason I'm asking is because I'm in the process of building my 4th 280AI. I still own 2 of them, both with 24" barrels and suppressors. The goal of this build is a compact, lightweight backpacking rifle. I'm 5'7" so my current backpacking rig sticks up above my head enough that it's a problem in thick timber. I'm trying to decide if I want to go with a shorter barrel and stick with a traditional stock (I really like the Mesa/ Pure Precision Altitude that's on my light weight rig now) or keep the barrel length at 24" and go with a folding chassis. I really do like the fact that both of my current rifles have effectively identical trajectories out 800 yds with my hunting loads, so that leans me towards keeping the 24" barrel. I'm just not sure if I'll like the chassis (XLR) in the field and it's very expensive for what it is.

 

[Rick Richard]

Thanks. The reason I'm asking is because I'm in the process of building my 4th 280AI. I still own 2 of them, both with 24" barrels and suppressors. The goal of this build is a compact, lightweight backpacking rifle. I'm 5'7" so my current backpacking rig sticks up above my head enough that it's a problem in thick timber. I'm trying to decide if I want to go with a shorter barrel and stick with a traditional stock (I really like the Mesa/ Pure Precision Altitude that's on my light weight rig now) or keep the barrel length at 24" and go with a folding chassis. I really do like the fact that both of my current rifles have effectively identical trajectories out 800 yds with my hunting loads, so that leans me towards keeping the 24" barrel. I'm just not sure if I'll like the chassis (XLR) in the field and it's very expensive for what it is.

I've been down that route with the chassis and if you're looking to shorten the packing height then that is a great option. However, they are typically heavier than a good carbon custom and have a tendency for mechanical fasteners to loosen up over use.

I no longer use a chassis since for me I can get that custom fit in a carbon stock and barrel length is more important in keeping that velocity up there than potential packing issues. My preference anyway.

 

[204_ruger]

I looked at the Savage Ultralight 280AI. It had a 1@9. I wanted a 1@8. I bought a Xbolt. I wanted to play around with 175gr and180 gr..

 

[Wachsmann]

I love the will make long barrel obsolete. I really don't think so. If you can match a 26 inch barrel of yesterday's years with the new powder and bullets then why not go with the best stuff of today and also a 26 inch barrel to one you can back the load down a little and make it even more consistent and if you wanted to run close to max you will always still be out preforming the shorter barrels. I don't think you can get around physics. Not trying to be a butt but I really like a 26 inch barrel for maximum performance. I will use a 24 inch on my short actions but that said I have a 26 inch 308 which seem to be a little faster always than box rated velocity's and to put the 25 to 30 fps to good estimate that is generally about what I see.

 

[cajun]

If you have some R26 it's about 100 fps faster than say H4831. Thats worth about 2" of barrel with standard powders. One of the Viht N500 series may as well.

 

[adk hunter]

^^^^^^^ but that's a BIG IF for some people