280 AI: 22” vs 24” barrel length

[Raudy707]

Update: Build complete. 20" X-caliber carbon, Defiance Classic. MDT HNT-26, LHT 3-15x42. Weight with loaded mag is 8.25 lbs.

I've done some initial break in shooting with just some "off the shelf" hand loads using 168 Nosler HPBT and 4831sc. It's shooting 1/2 MOA even without proper workups. Pretty stoked to say the least. I forgot pull out the chrono so I don't have velocity data yet, but I soon will be shooting it side by side with my 2 other 280 AIs which were finished out in the 23-24" range.

That's a sweet set up!! With the 4831 it's going to be pretty slow. But it will be accurate. I tried to stick with H4831 and then finally gave in the pixie dust Rldr 23. Picked up 170 fps and didn't sacrifice any accuracy. If you have any, give it a try with the 168's. Can't wait to see your chrono numbers with that short barrel. Really interesting project

 

[2Rsquared]

I have a Winchester Featherweight XTR with 22" barrel rechambered to 280AI.
My Oehler 35p recorded:

Barnes 110gn TTSX @ 3360fps
Barnes 120gn TTSX @ 3220fps
Hornady 139gn SPBT @ 3130fps
Barnes 140gn TSX @ 3210fps
Barnes 145gn LRX @ 3050fps
Nosler 150gn BT @ 3080fps
Nosler 150gn Partition @ 3000fps
Hornady 154gn SP @ 2960fps
Nosler 160gn Accubond @ 2950fps
Nosler 160gn Partition @ 2940fps
Hornady 162gn ELDX @ 2920fps
Nosler 175gn Accubond @ 2890fps
Nosler 175gn Partition @ 2900fps

Remington 280 factory loads:
140gn PSP = 2764 fps
165gn Extended Range = 2631fps

Obviously some were not the most accurate loads tested, but several bullets held accuracy at near maximum loads.
Brass has been loaded 6 times so far.

Hope this is a help.

Your getting some really good speeds out of that 22" barrel.

Curious what your C.O.A.L. is, especially with the heavies.

I'm thinking of building a 280 AI and loading them long.

Thanks.

 

[AussieWriter]

Your getting some really good speeds out of that 22" barrel.

Curious what your C.O.A.L. is, especially with the heavies.

I'm thinking of building a 280 AI and loading them long.

Thanks.

Depends on the bullet.
Most are around 3.300"-3.330" some a little longer a couple shorter. I've loaded 17 bullets so far.

 

[med358-boise]

The purpose of mathematics is a decision not a number. Since it is highly unlikely to exceed 65 fps, if it was 65 fps would you do the 22 inch bbl and if so what does 65 fps mean at 600 or 800 yards? You dial another 4 clicks?

 

[Troutslayer2]

My 22" shoots 168 grain 2905 FPS. RL26.