Torn between the 280 ai and the 7mm rem mag

[SMK1000plus]

I


If you meant to ask if people are getting 2900fps (not 1900) with 180 gr bullets, I would say that is a lofty goal with a 280AI, I was only able to get 2825 fps with 160 gr Accubond's with a 26" barrel. I have reloaded both the 7mm RM and the 280AI a lot over the past 25 years and those are pretty tough figures to achieve with a 26" barrel. I know I will be attacked here in a second with claims of 3000+FPS in a 7mm RM, but I have never been able to do it with a 175gr, much less a 180 no matter what kind, or how much powder I used. Just an honest answer so people don't go expecting something that may not be achievable.

In terms of barrel life, the Shilen 280 AI barrel I mentioned earlier easily has 2000 rounds through it (I shoot slow), and the McGowen less than 300 rounds. The Shilen is still going strong, again, I shoot slow and don't let my barrels get hot.

Agree with the expected velocity being a little unrealistic, at least in my experience. Heck, I'm only achieving 2,975 FPS out of my 24" barreled 7mm Rem Mag with 162gr ELD-X bullets. Very accurate load but, right at max load in my rifle.

 

[L.Sherm]

I've ran 3-280AI with 140 at 3220-3240 and 2 at 3070 with 162 all out of 24"tubes using RL23, all of them picked up at least 40fps when I switched from RL22 to 23.
I think you could be knocking on the door of 2900 with 180 26" tube and the proper throating.

 

[SMK1000plus]

I've ran 3-280AI with 140 at 3220-3240 and 2 at 3070 with 162 all out of 24"tubes using RL23, all of them picked up at least 40fps when I switched from RL22 to 23.
I think you could be knocking on the door of 2900 with 180 26" tube and the proper throating.

My 162gr ELD-X 7mm Rem Mag load is with Reloder 23 (RL-23) and runs 2,975 fps at 78 *F at Sea-level from my factory 410 SS 24" 1:9.5" twist barrel. I love that powder in many cartridges. Still, my load in this rifle is just 0.5gr below pressure signs.

 

[WSM]

I was pretty sure I'd build a Long Range Hunter in 7mm Rem Mag ( or buy one) for shooting 180gr bullets. But now I'm starting to like the idea of a 280 AI since it can come close with a 26" barrel. It'll serve dual duty of hunting elk at probably not great distances, but possible targets out to a mile. Who's out there with set up with 24-28" barrels?
Update: Sorry I should of mentioned I'll probably be focusing on 175gr-180gr bullet weight class. Loads for that weight and 24-28 inch barrels would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have a almost new 7mm rem mag that Krieger barrel company built for me I need to sell due to health reasons. Shoots 168 gr lights out. Only 72 rounds thru the tube. call me at 307-883-2225.

 

[dgarrett]

I researched and my decision was to do the 280ai over the 7mm... I just got my 280ai finished... If old man winter ever get out of here I look forward to checking it out... I am a fan of the 300 win mag so part of my decision to go 280ai was that I already have a 300 win that for my needs more then covers the 7mm...I won't be shooting bullets over 168gr in it...

 

[Shooter 69]

I have friends that own 280 AI . They like them . But they also own 7mm mags . The problem with the 280 AI . They are very picky about what they will shoot. if you don't have lots of time to work on load development you are going to be in a pinch. Plus if you go on a hunt and your ammunition doesn't make it there . You are up the creek. It's not a caliber you will find at Walmart or mom and pop store. 7mm mag is. You mite want to look into a 7 STW or 28 nosler sense you want to shoot a 180 or heavier weight Bullets. That way you can keep up the speed.

 

[L.Sherm]

The problem with the 280 AI . They are very picky about what they will shoot.

With the 5 that I have reloaded for that is the opposite from what I experienced.

 

[xsn10s]

With the 5 that I have reloaded for that is the opposite from what I experienced.

Yeah what I've read that wasn't the case either. I developed loads for some 280 AI but that was at least a decade ago. I have no experience with newer modern powders or bullets for the 280 AI or 7mm pills.

 

[Kaptoe]

My 280ai has been super easy to load 150s for. My 7mag was fine but I consider my 280am more accurate

With respect to the .270 posted have owned and reloaded that caliber as well

Hunting under 300 yards barely a difference .Longer range and quality of 7mms projectiles goes to the 280ai

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Barrel quality will far overshadow the cartridge in a hunting rifle. Get a great barrel and good smith you'll say its an easy to tune round. Get a mediocre barrel or smith and you'll say its hard to tune. The guy tuning the barrel plays a big role as well, some are very good at it, others, not so much. I doubt many could shoot the difference between a 7 mag or 280 ai.

 

[xsn10s]

Barrel quality will far overshadow the cartridge in a hunting rifle. Get a great barrel and good smith you'll say its an easy to tune round. Get a mediocre barrel or smith and you'll say its hard to tune. The guy tuning the barrel plays a big role as well, some are very good at it, others, not so much. I doubt many could shoot the difference between a 7 mag or 280 ai.

I was going to do one of three things. Get a remage style barrel, get a short chambered barrel, or have my buddy who is a master machinist install my barrel. We've both been in the industry. He's going 20 some odd years in the industry as a machinist.

 

[DR 3006]

Lots of good topics here.
My 280ai has been picky about 150gr bullets. But 140s,168s, shot quite well was more about which powder I wanted to use. I have tried 180gr hybrid Berger also running 2910fps with 7828ssc. But I wanted this gun for 140-150gr use. Now i shoot 140gr Accubond or Ballistic tips at 3225(7828) and 168LRAB at 2925fps H4831. Benchmark 1-9 24" these 3 loads are 1/3-1/4"moa. Still playing with new loads but really enjoy this rifle.

 

[LittleMike]

I've a 280AI I purchased 8/18, reloading with 140 and 160, now have 449 rounds down the tube. have tried some LRAB 168gr excellent grouping with 54.2gr RL17 but not fast. Used 160's to kill elk and mule deer in Montana; double lung pass through on deer at 380yd, elk cow not so much at 280 but cow was DRT shoulder shattered and lungs and heart were shredded. I had options and chose the 280AI, for longer shots with heavier bullets the big 7 would suite; but you pay for it in pain, powder and overbore barrel burn.

 

[Heef]

Why not just go with the .280 Rem?
The brass is half the price and you only get a tiny bit more capacity if you went with 280 AI.