Have any of you read the new Handloader? I have always thought the 280AI would be great in a Model 70. Has anyone done this? Any opinons or experience welcome.

I also read the new Handloader bit on the Nosler rifle and wonderd if my .280 could be reamed to be an AI

Done properly, the barrel needs to be set back one thread so that headspace will be correct.

and nosler makes proper ammo ...

IMNSHO, a total waste of time and money, with today's powders. 140gr at 2900fps just works,.. no reason for more
jeffe

If you want an AI go for it. Like has been said to do it right the barrel should be set back if it was a factory 280. Many just cut a new chamber. It will work as long as you treat it like a wildcat and don't want to shoot factory ammo.

That said. Years ago I took a 280 barel and took it through the 280RCBS, 280AI the 7mmJRS then my own 280PDK. Think a 7mmgibbs with a couple more grs. What I found is at the same pressure(as close as my equipment would measure) you get 1% velocity for each 4% capacity. The AI gives you 4% capacity so figure 1% (30-50fps) for the AI. Yes I know there are some huge gains posted. My testign says those are pressure. The AI case will high pressure signs. Again per my testing.

The Hormady 280 Lit mag will give you more gain over factory than the AI will.

Remember these comments are from a man with more AI or Wildcats than factory. If you want an AI go for it just be realistic in your expectations.

I think it was a good article and I shoot a 280AI. One of the things I need to do is shoot a factory load 280 and see what kind of velocity that get in my rifle.

Velocity gain in an Ackley has more to do with the barrel used as some offer different type rifling that can give lower pressure and velocity gain and you can order any length or bore and groove dia. My 280AI has a 25 1/2" barrel and I found it intersting that Barsness did mention he could get 3000fps with a 150gr from a 22" barrel 280AI, wonder what he would get from a 26" barrel.

Another good thing about the 280AI if done right you can shoot factory 280 ammo or 280 reloads. Well good luck

I have avoided improved round for many resons we have all read before. Nosler has made this a factory round now with brass availible for reloading. Dose this make it more desirable? What about feeding with the sharp shoulder?

Thanks

I had one built from a Ruger Model 77 in 280 Remington a few years back. It was done properly by setting the barrel back and rechambering. I would not do it again. Considering the gunsmithing charges (which were reasonable), new dies, forming cases (back then, Nosler now has them) etc that was done to gain maybe 200 fps increase on a good day, I should have taken the money and bought more ammo or components for my 30-06 or 7mm-08 or just bought a 7mm Rem Mag…But as was stated above just be realistic in your expectations

Maybe there is some 284 calibre cartridge that can't be rechambered to .280 Remington but can be rechambered to .280AI? Is it may be useful so that one can rechamber a 7x57 or 7-08 to .280AI?

In the same way that a .243W can't be rechambered to .224 Remington only to 6mm Remington AI?

I had my rifle rechambered to 280A.I. Was it worth it? Yes! Not so much for the speed gain, but the cool factor is high. This is my hobby and playing around is a huge part of the joy of it.

quote:

Originally posted by Paul Reed:
I had one built from a Ruger Model 77 in 280 Remington a few years back. It was done properly by setting the barrel back and rechambering. I would not do it again. Considering the gunsmithing charges (which were reasonable), new dies, forming cases (back then, Nosler now has them) etc that was done to gain maybe 200 fps increase on a good day, I should have taken the money and bought more ammo or components for my 30-06 or 7mm-08 or just bought a 7mm Rem Mag…But as was stated above just be realistic in your expectations

I knew you'd eventually cave!

My thoughts exactly.

+1 to Mr. surko's comment. it's all part of the fun.

I had a rem 700 with a 26" tube reamed out to the .280 AI back a few years ago. The new high end barrel probably made THE biggest difference over my factory 24" tube but this AI shoots VERY well. 3K fps with a 150 NP is ALL I've ever seemed to need.

They ARE a sexy looking case too.

Does one need to buy the Dollar a pop Nosler factory cases? Unless proper headstamp is an issue ... NO.

FN in MT

If you want to take the 280ai out of the country those factory cases will really come in handy.
shayne