280 AI

[kacerrob]

I ended up with a 24" barrel in the Kimber - I prefer a lighter 140gr Barnes TTSX (all copper) for most applications. Living in CA has its limitations.

 

[Smokenaces]

My .280AI has a 26" 1:9" Proof Sendero Light. 175 Berger @ 2976fps puts a whoopin' on game.

This here on a Lone Peak Razor Ti, Manners or McMillian CF stock. Super light for long range or hunting.

 

[kelly1]

I would go 24 inch for hunting,they get great velocitys

 

[dougduey]

I built a 280 AI a few months before all the Covid crap happened. I feel 26" is a perfect length and build it around 140-160 gr bullets. If you really want to shoot the heavier bullets (175 gr +), then you'll want to move up to one of the 7mm magnum cartridges. A 1:9 twist should be perfect, but you could drop down to a 1:8.5 if you really wanted.
It's a great cartridge.

 

[Scimitar762]

For me, Hunting 155 Edge TLR loaded about 60 ofd rifling over RL23. Doesn't matter what temperature, muzzle velocity is just not going to change enough to give you a pressure problem.
Long range shooting, Hornady 162 ELDMs have been doing well for me and the BC is great. And they cost quite a bit less than Bergers

 

[just_jon]

I've decided to go with a 26" barrel and 1:8" twist built around the new 155 grain Hammer Absolute Hunters. Although the 155 grain only requires 1:8.5", going 1:8" gives me the option to upsize all the way to the 195 Berger EOL. Definitely Peterson brass. I shoot 4 other AIs and not having to fire form brass is a definite time saver.

Thanks to all who shared their wisdom with me.

 

[30noslercam]

Awesome Choice, I too have a 280ai under way here in New Zealand , I've gone with a proof carbon 24" barrel sendero light on a sako 75 action. I think between 24-26" barrel is a good compromise between weight and velocity.

 

[logman48]

My 280 AI has a Brux #3 1-9 twist. 175 gr Berger at 2956 fps.

 

[Son of a Gun!]

I'd probably go with 24" and use either the Nosler 160 gr. Accubond or the 168 gr. Avccubond LR!

 

[280Luxus]

If you were building a 280AI, what length barrel would you choose and which bullet would you build around?

I have been using this cartridge for for about 20 years. I have a custom 280 AI Browning X Bolt with a 26 inch barrel and it is a shooter. I have been using just 150 Accubond for deer I also have a Kimber in 280 AI with a 24 inch. You are going to like this round if you have never owned one round.

 

[James DeTorre]

I have several 280ai. Strangely the cheapest ( Savage) out shoots the semi custom jobs and a CA. Go figure.

 

[Plinker147]

I went 24" on mine. Your only talking about 50 FPS difference between a 26". Add a muzzle break and those 2 inches are noticeable packing the gun around. Mine is a hunting rifle first so carry was important factor to me.

So if your carry the gun more than shoot I would do 24". If you shoot it more than carry go with the 26"

 

[FEENIX]

I've decided to go with a 26" barrel and 1:8" twist built around the new 155 grain Hammer Absolute Hunters. Although the 155 grain only requires 1:8.5", going 1:8" gives me the option to upsize all the way to the 195 Berger EOL. Definitely Peterson brass. I shoot 4 other AIs and not having to fire form brass is a definite time saver.

Thanks to all who shared their wisdom with me.

Excellent! What barrel maker, groove, and contour? Good luck!

 

[FEENIX]

I went 24" on mine. Your only talking about 50 FPS difference between a 26". Add a muzzle break and those 2 inches are noticeable packing the gun around. Mine is a hunting rifle first so carry was important factor to me.

So if your carry the gun more than shoot I would do 24". If you shoot it more than carry go with the 26"

That is why I commented as ...

This boils down to a personal choice on what you are willing and able to carry with since it is not a dedicated LR shooting rifle.

My .270 AI has 30" + MB ...