Changing 280 rem to a 280ai

[jim thompson]

I've been reading the site for some time now and have pick up quite a bit of information form you all, but this my first question so be gentle. I recently picked up a Remington 700 light mountain rifle with a 22 inch barrel in .280 Rem. and am thinking of having it reamed to a .280 AI. I know that I will pick up some velocity, but is the 22" barrel enough or do I need a 24-26 " barrel to get the best performance out of this cartridge, and some load info would be greatly appreciated I want to load 140-160 grain bullets for elk and deer.

 

[Tnwhip]

I've been reading the site for some time now and have pick up quite a bit of information form you all, but this my first question so be gentle. I recently picked up a Remington 700 light mountain rifle with a 22 inch barrel in .280 Rem. and am thinking of having it reamed to a .280 AI. I know that I will pick up some velocity, but is the 22" barrel enough or do I need a 24-26 " barrel to get the best performance out of this cartridge, and some load info would be greatly appreciated I want to load 140-160 grain bullets for elk and deer.

I just finished rebarreling my rifle to 280 Ackley. It started life as a 25-06, 30 years ago. I had not shot it much in the last 10 years because it had lost accruacty. I wanted something a little better. I got a 26 1/2" barrel. With Your 22" barrel You probably, want get the extra Velocity. Your brass may last longer. You will have to fire form your cases, an extra step. They say your fire formed loads will be as accurate as your fire formed loads. I have not tried 280 brass in mine yet. You can buy 280ack Nosler brass but they are short. You have to make sure what reamer your smith uses. SAAMI Ackley or the old Ackley. 280 Ackley Improved Alert | GunsmithTalk I had to neck the Noslers up to 30 cal then neck them back down to 7mm and fire form them for my rifle just like I did for the 270 brass I am useing. Just something else to do. I am not telling you not to do it but you may not get much of an increase in Velocity. Ackley's are cool. LOL

 

[J E Custom]

Just have the Smith head space with the 280 rem gauge and you will be able to fire form and
hunt at the same time, saving fire forming.

I just finished 2 rifles in 280 AI with matching chambers so that the owner could hunt with his
sporter weight rifle using 280 Rem factory ammo and then load it for his F class match rifle
and save the barrel for matches.

Brass does last longer and rarely needs trimming.

Both rifles shoot sub 1/2 MOA while fireforming factory ammo.

PS; Both of these rifles have new Lilja barrels, so don't expect the same accuracy from the
factory barrel. But if it shoots well as a 280 a fresh chamber and crown can only help.

J E CUSTOM