My 7 PRC vs. 280 Ackley problem

[KyleC]

I've had a 280 Ackley built by Gordy Gritters for the better part of 20 years. The barrel life is on the downside with fairly severe fire cracking. Recently I bought a Proof Elevation lightweight Hunter in 7 PRC. It's a tack driver. Knowing what I know now after lots of customs I would have built my Ackley a lot different. My quandary is, do i build another 280 AI or rock the 7 PRC and retire the Ackley?

 

[Trm82]

Rebuild and Rock both. There is no such thing as to many guns.

 

[ncwg2boatguy]

One is none ,and two is one ,any questions?

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

I'd use the standard rear end action to build a 35 Whelen.

 

[Phil Rizzo]

I'd use the standard rear end action to build a 35 Whelen.

Where would you source a 35 Whalen blank?
Serious question.
I know a man looking for a blank.

 

[Justice1327]

Rebuild and Rock both. There is no such thing as to many guns.

If you know, how many you have, you don't have enough

 

[txaggie1]

I have several - 280 rem, 7mm rem, 7mm wby and 7stw so this is coming from a voice of "reason"!

If you like the AI, do it - it's a great all around useful cartridge and it will now most likely last your lifetime with two options to use now. You can have one that goes heavy and one that goes LW pills if you like or make them similar weight with your new twist on the AI - life's short you obviously like the 7's - unless you have a burning desire for something else, i'd do it.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

They're certainly close enough to be redundant but there's nothing wrong with a backup.

 

[Buckys]

I vote for both. I have yet to try the 7prc but love all my all 7mm's and I cannot imagine putting my 280AI up for adoption. Especially if it were a custom build.

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

I would rebarrel the 280Ai to be able to shoot lite weight monos.

 

[KsKevin]

Ballistically they are nearly twins. I have the same dilemma with a GAP 280AI which is a little bit heavy for the mountains so I built a lighter weight 280AI. GAP rifle still has lots of life remaining (only 800 rounds on it) but pondering what to do with it.

I'd take ur 280AI and re-configure into another cartridge that provides you something in a different ballpark depending upon what you need.

 

[Pastor Gun.zales]

I'm going to second getting/keeping/building both. I'm fan of 7mm's and currently have a few like the 7x57, 7x61S&H, 7RemMag, and even a wildcat the 7mm Valkyrie for AR15.

I love them all, and I'm currently looking for a 7-30 waters lol

 

[Plinker147]

Since they are real close in ballistics I would rebarrel the 280AI again but change it to a light weight build with short barrel. If you already have short light weight in your PRC then do a long barrel.

 

[Allen Kitts]

The 280 AI is such a great caliber. I have only owned for now for about a year or so but I can tell you I would not give it up. Great shooter, and not a lot of recoil. I love it. I would recommend re-barreling it and have both. You can never have to many.