Hello.
Is there anything to gain in performance, and if; how much?, in a 280 Imp.(30deg.) over a regular 280 Rem.
Is it worth it?

a 280 AI will NEARLY get one to a stand 7 remmag,,, Even Kenny JArrett will tell you that if you ask him, and he's a huge 280 AI fan,

jeffe

The problem with .280 is that all factory ammo is downloaded for Rem 740's. If you handload, you probably don't need AI. Even so, AI is better in .280 because the case is longer than other 06's. 140gr-3150 & 160gr-2950 are not out of the question.

The improved case will give you a potential increase of 70-150 fps. What I have found is it allows me to load to and often exceed factory 7mm mag velocities with a little less recoil and powder.

I'll agree to the 7mmm mag velocities. My 280AI is probably one of the most dependably accurate rifles I have ever shot.

A well placed shot with either one will have the same result and the range will not be extened that much if both are hand loaded optimumly. However, different is nice. roger

If you are building or rebarreling a rifle, go for the AI, they are just a bit more efficient & the cost to do the work is the same. I wouldn't AI an exist. rifle, just not worth the cost vs perf. I shoot a std. .280 & can get 2800fps w/ a 160gr bullet w/o bending anything. If I want more, I go up to my 7mmDakota.

my 280AI does a touch over 3200fps. Id say thats haulin ass. Barrel length is 24 3/4. The load i use is 63.3 grains of V V N-165, 140NAB, WW 270 brass thats necked up and fireformed, Fed 210M primer. in the 280AI the 165 has no peer or equal. haul ass velocity and groups are consistantly in the .3s and .4s. That load is the load Jim Borden gives out with every 280AI he builds.

Why piddle around? Just rechamber to a .276 Ackley Newton? (.30 Newton necked down to .280) and blow all the other 7mm Magnums out of contention.
Best Regards, Tom

I just put together a 280AI using a 26" ER Shaw barrel and a VZ24 action. This past weekend I got a chance to run some test loads across my Chrony using Win Brass,Rem LR Primers, IMR4831 and Hornady 139gr SST bullets...the 60gr charge gives me 3199fps..with no pressure signs at all, and outstanding accuracy...This is going to be a good one!!

Zeeriverrat1