New 280 AI build begun

[HRstretch]

Started ordering parts the other day for my next build.

Many of the parts should be in this week.

Donar action is my first center fire rifle, a Remington Mdl 721 chambered in 270 Winchester that I have had for the last 45 years. It was just setting in my safe as I also have my Dad's 270 now.

Stock will be a Stocky Stock Accublock Apache Laminated Thumb-hole in Birch.

Bottom metal from Red Hawk Rifles; Remington ADL to BDL SS LA Conversion Kit

Barrel/Recoil Lug/ RemAge barrel nut/ Go-NoGo gauges and Trigger Tech primary trigger from Northland Shooter Supply. Barrel will be a SS match grade, 26" Criterion, Heavy Sporter, with 1:9 twist and a recessed crown.

I also just ordered a scope, a Vortex HST 4X16X44 from ScopeList.com. I have some 30 MM Vortex High rings but I think they will be to tall, we'll see?

Will post photos of progression of build as it moves along.

 

[MudRunner2005]

If they offer a 1:8 twist barrel, I would go that route, as it will allow more flexibility with bullet options in the future. The 1:9 will be fine up to most 175 grain bullets, but if you plan on possibly shooting anything heavier in the future, I would see if they can swap you out for a 1:8 twist.

The Vortex high rings might be a bit tall, but that's more of a personal fitment thing. Some folks like really high rings, some like really low rings. I'm one of the latter. I typically run the Seekins Precision low (0.82") rings for anything up to 52mm optics when running on a 20MOA base.

 

[The Oregonian]

Started ordering parts the other day for my next build.

Many of the parts should be in this week.

Donar action is my first center fire rifle, a Remington Mdl 721 chambered in 270 Winchester that I have had for the last 45 years. It was just setting in my safe as I also have my Dad's 270 now.

Stock will be a Stocky Stock Accublock Apache Laminated Thumb-hole in Birch.

Bottom metal from Red Hawk Rifles; Remington ADL to BDL SS LA Conversion Kit

Barrel/Recoil Lug/ RemAge barrel nut/ Go-NoGo gauges and Trigger Tech primary trigger from Northland Shooter Supply. Barrel will be a SS match grade, 26" Criterion, Heavy Sporter, with 1:9 twist and a recessed crown.

I also just ordered a scope, a Vortex HST 4X16X44 from ScopeList.com. I have some 30 MM Vortex High rings but I think they will be to tall, we'll see?

Will post photos of progression of build as it moves along.

Agree on 1:8...do you have a bullet in mind?

 

[HRstretch]

Agree on 1:8...do you have a bullet in mind?

I will likely run Berger 140VLD to 168VLD.
My last build I used Vortex 30mm med on a 20 MOA base and my check weld feels good. Will have to see how this new stock will fill to see if low will work or stay with the medium height.

 

[elkaholic]

Highly recommend adding a M16 extractor. I've had 700 and 721 builds and the 721 had an even weaker extractor than the 700. Otherwise, they make strong accurate builds.

 

[lancetkenyon]

If you plan on shooting a sub-175gr bullet, the 1:9" will be fine. You stated 140-168, so there you go. I have a 1:9" on my .280AI and shoot the 175 Bergers with excellent accuracy out past 1200 yards.

I also like as low of rings as possible. With the 44mm objective, even with the 30mm tube, lows will work great with a 20MOA rail and a heavy sporter contour.

Here is a .280AI w. Proof Sendero Light, Seekins 20MOA Picatinny rail, Seekins 30mm "low" rings, Premier 3-15x50 scope.

 

[HRstretch]

Thanks for the info. If it starts giving me problems I differently will look into what needs to be replaced

 

[HRstretch]

If you plan on shooting a sub-175gr bullet, the 1:9" will be fine. You stated 140-168, so there you go. I have a 1:9" on my .280AI and shoot the 175 Bergers with excellent accuracy out past 1200 yards.

I also like as low of rings as possible. With the 44mm objective, even with the 30mm tube, lows will work great with a 20MOA rail and a heavy sporter contour.

Here is a .280AI w. Proof Sendero Light, Seekins 20MOA Picatinny rail, Seekins 30mm "low" rings, Premier 3-15x50 scope.

Beutiful gun. I have a 7MM STW if I want to sling heavy bullets way out there. I think of this new build as 0-600 yard gun. Except for a pipeline on the property I hunt in North Central Texas, most shots are under 200 yards. On my western hunts, I likely will keep my shots under 600 yards do to wind conditions anyway.
I applaud you on being able to hit targets so far out. I have not reached that level of competence of of yet.

 

[Troutslayer2]

If you plan on shooting a sub-175gr bullet, the 1:9" will be fine. You stated 140-168, so there you go. I have a 1:9" on my .280AI and shoot the 175 Bergers with excellent accuracy out past 1200 yards.

I also like as low of rings as possible. With the 44mm objective, even with the 30mm tube, lows will work great with a 20MOA rail and a heavy sporter contour.

Here is a .280AI w. Proof Sendero Light, Seekins 20MOA Picatinny rail, Seekins 30mm "low" rings, Premier 3-15x50 scope.

Whoa nice rig. How long is your barrel and what MV/bullet weight?

 

[lancetkenyon]

Whoa nice rig. How long is your barrel and what MV/bullet weight?

26" 1:9" Proof Sendero Light. It actually wears a March F 3-24×52 now.

I have two loads. Neither are max loads, but fairly close to max in my rifle.
160 TMK over H1000 @ 2991fps
175 Berger Elite Hunter over RL23 @ 2975fps

 

[HRstretch]

UPS and USPS dropped a few packages off this week. Now to begin.

 

[Troutslayer2]

26" 1:9" Proof Sendero Light. It actually wears a March F 3-24×52 now.

I have two loads. Neither are max loads, but fairly close to max in my rifle.
160 TMK over H1000 @ 2991fps
175 Berger Elite Hunter over RL23 @ 2975fps

I just ordered a 22" proof Sendero light for my 280AI, 1:8.4", and I have a March 3-24 also, though 42mm. If I can get those kind of velocities, minus 25 FPS per-inch less barrel, I will be plenty happy.

 

[lancetkenyon]

I just ordered a 22" proof Sendero light for my 280AI, 1:8.4", and I have a March 3-24 also, though 42mm. If I can get those kind of velocities, minus 25 FPS per-inch less barrel, I will be plenty happy.

That will be a handy & light carry rifle!

 

[HRstretch]

Removed and replaced barrel and heavy duty recoil lug. Head space feels good with no-go gauge working as designed. Going to replace the trigger today and hopefully do the finale in-letting for the RemAge barrel nut. Should be ready to mount the scope and test fire Wednesday after Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all.