7 rem mag or 280 ack?

[Texis]

Just built a 280AI last year, although I'm having barrel issues (accuracy) I love the round. I'll be ordering another barrel for this rifle and it will be in 280 AI.
To me it's easy, if you hand load.. 280 AI
If you have to buy over the counters cartridges.. 7RM.
Good luck, either works just fine.

 

[MySlow2002GT]

@Texis

Which barrel are you having accuracy issues with? I'm also fighting accuracy issues with my 280AI

 

[Texis]

I recently posted on this topic. Rather not slam a barrel maker, as all of them have off days.. and don't won't to hijacker the thread.
You're welcome to PM me.

 

[AussieWriter]

@Texis

Which barrel are you having accuracy issues with? I'm also fighting accuracy issues with my 280AI

On researching my own loading data with the .280 Ackley, I noticed that best accuracy was rarely near top velocities.

Because I also have a 7x57 and 7mm Remington, I determined that best accuracy overall, came at 7x57 velocities which neither challenged the Magnum nor bested the Mauser.

Because of this, the next rebarrel will likely be the standard .280 Remington, as I have dies, and factory ammo already or a .30/06 which equals all the top velocities of the Ackley for like bullet weights.

As I also have barrels for both, may move to .280 and then .30/06 although I already have extensive data accumulated for the '06, as well as a 30+ year history of working the cartridge hard, in the field.

 

[sierrastalker]

Im surprised at the number of mentions of RL-23. I can't fit enough in my 280ai to get top velocity.

Not to mention it doesn't exist anymore.....unless you've already got some! At least that's what I've heard. I tried forever to get my hands on some for my 280AI, but I've given up.

 

[AussieWriter]

Not to mention it doesn't exist anymore.....unless you've already got some! At least that's what I've heard. I tried forever to get my hands on some for my 280AI, but I've given up.

H4350 will shock those who haven't tried it. Even Win 760 generated great accuracy and velocity in bullet weights under 160gn.

 

[sierrastalker]

H4350 will shock those who haven't tried it. Even Win 760 generated great accuracy and velocity in bullet weights under 160gn.

I've got a pile of H4350 and plan to try it in my 7 SAUM build I just screwed the barrel onto. I've had great luck with 3k+ velocities and amazing accuracy using H4831SC in the 280ai with a variety of mono bullets, but none as heavy as OP wants to shoot. So I haven't really missed the RL23....none of this is relevant to this thread, but more 7mm stuff!

 

[Bob Wright]

With a SAAMI reamer for 280AI you'll be wishing for more throat length if you want to shoot long heavies or mono bullets. My 280AI is SAAMI and loading anymore than a 168 cup and core I am really seating deep eating up powder volume. Not only that, if donuts rear their ugly heads your going to have to ream and turn necks if you're seating deeper than neck/shoulder junction. All my Nosler brass have been reworked to settle down pressure issue with a "no turn neck" reamer. I also turned all the Peterson brass. Discuss with your Smith.
My 7RM also needed necks turned after being reamed with a no turn neck reamer and Nosler brass.
Which one do I favor? The 7 mag in open country.
280AI in timber type environment due to lighter weight and better handling.