Torn between the 280 ai and the 7mm rem mag

[L.Sherm]

You get 200fps more with 280AI.

 

[xsn10s]

You get 200fps more with 280AI.

Yup 100-200fps more velocity, less case trimming, easy brass to make from standard brass.

 

[coop2564]

Between the 7RM and 280AI the 7RM has to win. Slightly better everything, brass, bullets, speed and lots more components available anywhere you go, that will always rear its ugly head at some point.

 

[Hand Skills]

Yup, definitely a better selection of 7mm bullets than .280... LOL

 

[L.Sherm]

Between the 7RM and 280AI the 7RM has to win. Slightly better everything, brass, bullets, speed and lots more components available anywhere you go, that will always rear its ugly head at some point.

The Brass is a none issue is as far as Quality, just about anybody who makes brass for a 7 mag that's decent you can at least fireform to make decent 280AI. Factory availability goes to 7 mag, all else is a toss up. As Alex stated pick one most shooters couldn't probably shoot the difference anyway that in all likelihood includes me.

 

[xsn10s]

I've had a problem with the metric system ever since Carter tried pushing it on us.

 

[7magcreedmoor]

I've had a problem with the metric system ever since Carter tried pushing it on us.

Sounds like a vote for the 280 Ackley to me...

 

[xsn10s]

Sounds like a vote for the 280 Ackley to me...

LOL just a bit of sarcasm on my part. There are plenty of valid points both ways. For me I could go either way. I like the easy and availability of components for the 7mm RM. And the possible added velocity. Some of my buddies run them although we live 4 hours from each other. On the other hand I have two actions ( Win M70 30-06 and M98 Mauser 270) that could use a new barrel for them. So either sell off the rifles as actions and start over, or just rebarrel them.

 

[7magcreedmoor]

LOL just a bit of sarcasm on my part. There are plenty of valid points both ways. For me I could go either way. I like the easy and availability of components for the 7mm RM. And the possible added velocity. Some of my buddies run them although we live 4 hours from each other. On the other hand I have two actions ( Win M70 30-06 and M98 Mauser 270) that could use a new barrel for them. So either sell off the rifles as actions and start over, or just rebarrel them.

My tongue was firmly in my cheek. I have rifles chambered for both. My purpose built LR guns are both Acks. More fun for the same powder expense.

 

[xsn10s]

My tongue was firmly in my cheek. I have rifles chambered for both. My purpose built LR guns are both Acks. More fun for the same powder expense.

Now that's interesting. How are your Ackleys set up and why did you choose to go that route?

 

[sodakota]

I have both. In fact I have three 7RM's. The two 700 7 RM's are very accurate. One will often shoot 1/2 MOA with hunting loads. That's an early 700 with ss barrel - factory.
I've built a 280AI with 1 in 9 twist 26". I have not wrung it our yet. I wanted to try some high BC bullets.
If you want the smaller one go for it. The usual statement is "I can almost get the same velocity with the smaller case."
That philosophy will eventually get you to a 7mm TCU or smaller.
One reason often given for the 280AI is that it can hold one more in the magazine.
For shooters that shoot so poorly that they need one more in the magazine then that's a great argument.
Sorry for the negativity, but it all boils down to personal preference. I like 280's 280AI's and 7mm RM. If I were to have just one, it would either be a 280 or a 7mm RM.

 

[xsn10s]

For shooters that shoot so poorly that they need one more in the magazine then that's a great argument.

I haven't had to take more than one shot at big game yet, that includes running shots. but I understand that elk are tough, so I'll shoot until they're on the ground with them.

 

[7magcreedmoor]

Now that's interesting. How are your Ackleys set up and why did you choose to go that route?

Originally they were more traditional, but I just put one in a chassis.260 rem on left 280 ack on right. Bottom pic is the before of the ack.

 

[G. Hammond]

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.