.280 ai twist

[Huskershooter6.5]

Hey all, recently decided to have APR build my first custom rifle in 280ai. Going with a 24" proof. I was thinking I would go with the 1:8.4 twist but talking to APR on the phone they were recommending 1:9 twist... I'm torn, what do you guys think? I don't really have a specific bullet I'm planning on running, just factory ammo for now and work my way into reloading with the lee press I've had in a box for 5 years...

 

[Jud96]

I would do an 8.4 twist or 8 twist. There's no reason not too. It will work with everything from 140 to 195 grainers and everything in between.

 

[Justice1327]

my last 2x 7 mm custom rifles both have a proof 1:8.4 twist. as previously stated there's no reason not to. I shoot 120s to 190s no issues. 7-08 AI & 280AI by SAC & TS Custom... both recommended the 1:8.4

My factory 7mm RM has 1:9.5 and would not stabilize the 175gr... for whatever that is worth.

 

[Huskershooter6.5]

I would do an 8.4 twist or 8 twist. There's no reason not too. It will work with everything from 140 to 195 grainers and everything in between.

my last 2x 7 mm custom rifles both have a proof 1:8.4 twist. as previously stated there's no reason not to. I shoot 120s to 190s no issues. 7-08 AI & 280AI by SAC & TS Custom... both recommended the 1:8.4

My factory 7mm RM has 1:9.5 and would not stabilize the 175gr... for whatever that is worth.

Thanks guys, makes me feel better about my original thoughts!

 

[Bullmark]

I had a .280ai built and used a Bartlein 1/8.7 twist.....I thought it was an odd number. After 40-45 rounds it's shooting 168 VLDs into one big hole if I do my job. But initially we tried 140s and it didn't group nearly as well. So I'm not sure if the rifle didn't like them or if they would have tightened up after more shots. For record I'm using 57.0 gr of H4350......which doesn't get mentioned as much a few others as the go-to powder for .280ai. I'm getting 2950fps out of a 24" barrel with low low ES and .25" groups, and extremely light recoil....so I'm afraid to tinker with anything.

 

[Huskershooter6.5]

I had a .280ai built and used a Bartlein 1/8.7 twist.....I thought it was an odd number. After 40-45 rounds it's shooting 168 VLDs into one big hole if I do my job. But initially we tried 140s and it didn't group nearly as well. So I'm not sure if the rifle didn't like them or if they would have tightened up after more shots. For record I'm using 57.0 gr of H4350......which doesn't get mentioned as much a few others as the go-to powder for .280ai. I'm getting 2950fps out of a 24" barrel with low low ES and .25" groups, and extremely light recoil....so I'm afraid to tinker with anything.

Ya I wouldn't mess with that at all haha, like I said I need to get my reloader up and going (worst time ever to start) i will keep that load in mind when I do. I have 1# of H4831sc and 100each of 154sst and 139gmx so far. Still need dies and brass though, but I have awhile. The 168vld seems like a perfect round!

 

[Huskershooter6.5]

Ok so now that I have the twist determined, sendero or sendero lite??

 

[Bullmark]

Ya I wouldn't mess with that at all haha, like I said I need to get my reloader up and going (worst time ever to start) i will keep that load in mind when I do. I have 1# of H4831sc and 100each of 154sst and 139gmx so far. Still need dies and brass though, but I have awhile. The 168vld seems like a perfect round!

The rifle is new and the only animal I've shot was a small whitetail doe this season. She was just shy of 300yds and couldn't really tell how small she was.....but the freezer was empty. Let's just say that it's still close to empty. The bullet did a number though. Slightly quartering away, entered in the crease behind the shoulder and the exit looked like i shot her with a .338. I know it was a very small doe but I was amazed at the damage.

 

[Huskershooter6.5]

****!

 

[BEEMAN]

I went even faster on my 280 AI. Used a 1-7.5" IBI. But I'm going to shoot 154 AH and the faster twist won't tear up an all copper bullet. Haven't shot it yet so don't know how it's going to work. I agree with others and I'd go with a 8 twist so you're not limited on what bullet you can shoot.

 

[MagMan]

If I could have found a 7.5" twist I would have gone with that. My new 280 Ackley is a 1 in 8".

 

[North Idaho Hunter]

Ok so now that I have the twist determined, sendero or sendero lite??

I've done load development with Proof's 9 twist barrels chambered in 280 Ackley's running the 180 Berger VLD's. Its been a good combination for that chambering in my experience.

I personally don't see the 280 ai having enough steam to push 195's so a 9 twist would be sufficient for 180's and lighter (I would imagine APR was thinking this when they recommended 9 twist to ya).

Personally , I would stick with a Sendero light. The weight savings are a plus - along with the added plus is that the Sendero light fits into a lot more stock configurations with a narrow for-end.

I have a couple Sendero contoured proof's where i had to order wide for-end stocks to accept that wide of a contour.


Food for thought.

 

[lancetkenyon]

My .280AI is a 26" 1:9" Proof Sendero Light. I never planned on shooting anything over 180s. In my opinion, not enough HP to push a 190+ and beat out a 175. I run a 175 Elite @ 2986fps suppressed, and they are laser beams.

 

[Huskershooter6.5]

Want to thank everyone for the help! I went ahead and ordered a sendero lite with 1:8.4 twist. Now I can get it off to them and get this thing built. They said proof was 6-8 months out so since I was able to find a barrel it should hopefully speed up the process!