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280 Remington AI rifle build?
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I have a 338-06 Ackley Improved from Pac-Nor which I am very pleased with. I had it built for heavier game animals and for use with my suppressor. Now, I'm contemplating a new build for Mountain Goats and Caribou. Something lighter seems to be more appropriate (bullet impact and physical weight).

I'm thinking a 7mm round will give me good bullet choices and I don't think I need a Magnum but, I want a little more then my 7x57 Feather Weight Winchester rifle gives me. Is the 280 Remington AI a good fit between a 7mm Mauser and 7mm Magnums? Is it a good choice for Caribou and Mountain Goats?

How light should I go in terms of the barrel? Would a #3 fluted be too light? I want something that is not punishing on my shoulder and back but, relatively flat shooting. What sort of rifle weight should I be aiming for? Should I consider a Remington Custom Shop rifle or, something like a Christen Arms carbon fiber barrel model?

TIA,
Sid


Best Regards,
Sid

All those who seek to destroy the liberties of a democratic nation ought to know that war is the surest and shortest means to accomplish it.
Alexis de Tocqueville

The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money.
Alexis de Tocqueville
 
Posts: 602 | Location: East Texas, USA | Registered: 16 June 2008Reply With Quote
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A plain jane 280 Rem is more inbetween the 7x57 and 7 Rem Mag. The AI, especially with a 24" or longer barrel, is more or less the equal of the 7RM, and of course with more powder...will come more recoil. A normal 280 Rem will suit your needs just fine. Browning and Remington both chamber it in fairly light rifles, and its been well versed that its a great light weight mountain caliber. Rems Mountain rifle has a pretty slim barrel...don't remember if its fluted or not...I think it is. If you're not building it from scratch, again, the new Browning X-bolt and the Rem Mountain rifle are both chambered in 280, and are about the same price. No need to spend an extra 500$ from the custom shop or thousands more on a CA.


If you think every possible niche has been filled already, thank a wildcatter!
 
Posts: 2287 | Location: CO | Registered: 14 December 2007Reply With Quote
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280AI is a great caliber, but I agree with MileHighShooter. My first thought was a standard 280.

The difference b/w the 2 could possibly be made up with 2" of bbl length. If you want a "cool" caliber, definitely go with the AI. Even in a crunch on a hunt somewhere, if your AI ammo went missing, you can still shoot 280 ammo through it. Go AI if you are going with a custom.

If you want a decent factory rifle, stick with the 280. I would not buy a Rem cstm shop rifle. Get your components and send to a good smith. Or, they can supply you with what you need.

A #3 fluted is definitely not too light and not too heavy. You going stainless or CM?

I have a lot of #3s and one is fluted, and in fact, it is a Pacnor. Either one is a great choice for goat and caribou.

But a 270 is an even better choice. Wink


Ted Kennedy's car has killed more people than my guns
 
Posts: 7906 | Registered: 05 July 2004Reply With Quote
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Sid:
I have a Rem 700 Mtn Rifle in 280 with a Leupold Rifleman scope, reloading dies, bullets and brass I'd consider selling as a package. Give me a PM if interested. Otherwise, best of luck on your project. Sounds like fun.
Tom


114-R10David
 
Posts: 1753 | Location: Prescott, Az | Registered: 30 January 2007Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Doc:
280AI is a great caliber, but I agree with MileHighShooter. My first thought was a standard 280.

The difference b/w the 2 could possibly be made up with 2" of bbl length. If you want a "cool" caliber, definitely go with the AI. Even in a crunch on a hunt somewhere, if your AI ammo went missing, you can still shoot 280 ammo through it. Go AI if you are going with a custom.

If you want a decent factory rifle, stick with the 280. I would not buy a Rem cstm shop rifle. Get your components and send to a good smith. Or, they can supply you with what you need.

A #3 fluted is definitely not too light and not too heavy. You going stainless or CM?

I have a lot of #3s and one is fluted, and in fact, it is a Pacnor. Either one is a great choice for goat and caribou.

But a 270 is an even better choice. Wink


HOw about a 270 AI then Doc, even more of a better thing? lol


If you think every possible niche has been filled already, thank a wildcatter!
 
Posts: 2287 | Location: CO | Registered: 14 December 2007Reply With Quote
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If your keen on the .280 AI, then go for it. I rebarreled my .270 a few years back and have no regrets, so much so that I got rid of my 7mm Rem Mag.
If you dont feel you need the extra velocity provided by the round, you can load it down around 3000 fps and have mild pressures too.
I would keep the barrel at 24 inchs, but its contour is a personnel thing, depends what you are doing with it.
(edit to add) just reread your post, and it seems you will be useing it similar to mine, In my case red deer and Himalayan Tahr.Yeah it does pay to keep the weight reasonable when it has to be carried more than shot, though mine weighs in all up at 8 lb and i'm thinking of getting the barrel fluted to cut a bit of exccess weight.
 
Posts: 4738 | Location: South Island NZ | Registered: 21 July 2008Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Doc:
But a 270 is an even better choice. Wink


I used a NIB Remington 700 donor in 270 Winchester for my 338-06 AI rifle. horse It's a great caliber but, it just didn't do much for me. Yea, I'm splitting hairs with a .270 versus .280 argument but, I like my 7mm bullet options better.


Best Regards,
Sid

All those who seek to destroy the liberties of a democratic nation ought to know that war is the surest and shortest means to accomplish it.
Alexis de Tocqueville

The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money.
Alexis de Tocqueville
 
Posts: 602 | Location: East Texas, USA | Registered: 16 June 2008Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by shankspony:
If your keen on the .280 AI, then go for it. I rebarreled my .270 a few years back and have no regrets, so much so that I got rid of my 7mm Rem Mag.
If you dont feel you need the extra velocity provided by the round, you can load it down around 3000 fps and have mild pressures too.
I would keep the barrel at 24 inchs, but its contour is a personnel thing, depends what you are doing with it.


It seems a little silly to build a rifle with a lightweight fluted barrel and good velocity and then cut the barrel a little short. In general, I really like the 24 and 26 barreled rifles.

quote:
Originally posted by shankspony:
(edit to add) just reread your post, and it seems you will be useing it similar to mine, In my case red deer and Himalayan Tahr.Yeah it does pay to keep the weight reasonable when it has to be carried more than shot, though mine weighs in all up at 8 lb and i'm thinking of getting the barrel fluted to cut a bit of exccess weight.


Yes, that's why I'm initially thinking about a fluted #3 barrel or a carbon fiber wrapped barrel. High alititude "mountain climbing" is hard enough without adding a portly rifle to your backpack gear.


Best Regards,
Sid

All those who seek to destroy the liberties of a democratic nation ought to know that war is the surest and shortest means to accomplish it.
Alexis de Tocqueville

The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money.
Alexis de Tocqueville
 
Posts: 602 | Location: East Texas, USA | Registered: 16 June 2008Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Sid Post:
quote:
Originally posted by shankspony:
If your keen on the .280 AI, then go for it. I rebarreled my .270 a few years back and have no regrets, so much so that I got rid of my 7mm Rem Mag.
If you dont feel you need the extra velocity provided by the round, you can load it down around 3000 fps and have mild pressures too.
I would keep the barrel at 24 inchs, but its contour is a personnel thing, depends what you are doing with it.


It seems a little silly to build a rifle with a lightweight fluted barrel and good velocity and then cut the barrel a little short. In general, I really like the 24 and 26 barreled rifles.

The 280 AI seems to be a more flexible cartridge. If I want normal 280 Remington velocities, I have lower chamber pressures which should help with the "sharpness" of recoil which I think might be of more value in a lightweight rifle. If I really need a longer range shot or more power, I have the option of loading up to near 7mm Magnum velocities. And, as mentioned if my ammunition goes AWOL, I can replace it with factory 280 Remington.

quote:
Originally posted by shankspony:
(edit to add) just reread your post, and it seems you will be useing it similar to mine, In my case red deer and Himalayan Tahr.Yeah it does pay to keep the weight reasonable when it has to be carried more than shot, though mine weighs in all up at 8 lb and i'm thinking of getting the barrel fluted to cut a bit of exccess weight.


Yes, that's why I'm initially thinking about a fluted #3 barrel or a carbon fiber wrapped barrel. High alititude "mountain climbing" is hard enough without adding a portly rifle to your backpack gear.


Best Regards,
Sid

All those who seek to destroy the liberties of a democratic nation ought to know that war is the surest and shortest means to accomplish it.
Alexis de Tocqueville

The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money.
Alexis de Tocqueville
 
Posts: 602 | Location: East Texas, USA | Registered: 16 June 2008Reply With Quote
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I personally dislike fluting, particularly in smaller diameter barrels. My choice for a lightweight 7mm-08IMP was a #2 Lilja crowned at 23". Either the .280Rem or the .280IMP would do fine in a similar barrel. My .280IMP has a #4 Lilja crowned at 25" and I do not feel like you would notice any practical difference with 1 to 2 inches less.
 
Posts: 518 | Registered: 28 November 2007Reply With Quote
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I forgot to mention that 25" is my favorite bbl length.


Ted Kennedy's car has killed more people than my guns
 
Posts: 7906 | Registered: 05 July 2004Reply With Quote
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The 280, whether improved or standard, still uses a long action. That doesn't contribute to a light rifle. And then there's that loong bolt stroke for follow-up shots. No, no you must forget about the 280. Wait a few days and Rooger will come up with the perfect cartridge. Just ask Phil Shoemaker.
 
Posts: 4799 | Location: Lehigh county, PA | Registered: 17 October 2002Reply With Quote
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With a #3 fluted barrel, should I go with a Chrome Moly barrel instead of Stainless steel for better strength?

While I don't plan on hunting in 40 below weather, if I get a once in a lifetime shot at a great goat in bad weather, I don't want to have the barrel fail on me.

Thanks!
Sid


Best Regards,
Sid

All those who seek to destroy the liberties of a democratic nation ought to know that war is the surest and shortest means to accomplish it.
Alexis de Tocqueville

The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money.
Alexis de Tocqueville
 
Posts: 602 | Location: East Texas, USA | Registered: 16 June 2008Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Sid Post:
With a #3 fluted barrel, should I go with a Chrome Moly barrel instead of Stainless steel for better strength?
NO!


Ted Kennedy's car has killed more people than my guns
 
Posts: 7906 | Registered: 05 July 2004Reply With Quote
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If you do decide carbon wrap, id look at ABS before you ordered a Christensen.
 
Posts: 9434 | Location: Here & There- | Registered: 14 May 2008Reply With Quote
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I've got a .280 AI in a Rem 700, glass stock, 26" bbl,etc. More of a long range rifle for deer and elk than anything else. By LR I mean out to 450 yds.

I've also got a .280 Weatherby Ultra Light Weight from about ten years ago. With a 2.5-8X, nylon sling and three 150 gr rds it weighs in an ounce UNDER 7 pounds. About perfect for a light weight rifle.I think some guys go TOO light with a Mtn rifle.

My .02

FN in MT


'I'm tryin' to think, but nothin' happens"!

Curly Howard
Definitive Stooge
 
Posts: 350 | Location: Cascade, Montana | Registered: 26 October 2005Reply With Quote
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The standersd .280 is a fine round,
AI it if you want, but are you getting the most from your 7X57? .
In a model 70 it should be prety easy to aproach 2900 FLS with a 140.I do with excelent accuracy from my little ruger #1A
You could up it by 100 to 150 with a 280Ai.
and mabye as much as 300 FPS with a 7mm Mag.
We all want what we want, but if i wanted to go up from the 7X57 and stay in 7mm bore I think I would go 7 mag.
Its a great cartridge and fairly easy on the shoulder.
I shoot an STW and it is comfortable too. !
...tj3006


freedom1st
 
Posts: 2450 | Registered: 09 June 2005Reply With Quote
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