Action for an ultralight .280 AI.

28 July 2023, 17:25

jeffeosso

well, i have good, bad, and worse news -
$1500 for a true ultralight action, is doable -
https://mesaprecisionarms.com/...rts/summit-titanium/

the bad news?
well, savage makes a whole dang 30-06 rifle a bit over 6# for all of $400
https://savagearms.com/content...duct_summary&s=57233

the worse news? you can save 3oz on the mesa by changing your caliber choice to 284 improved

28 July 2023, 19:50

dpcd

And the even worse news: The Savage will outshoot the Mesa.

28 July 2023, 22:05

jeffeosso

quote:
Originally posted by dpcd:
And the even worse news: The Savage will outshoot the Mesa.

yes, yes it will .. but you didn't have to kick him when he was down, Tom

29 July 2023, 00:01

jpl

These guys make a nice Ti receiver. I don't know their current prices but Pierce has usually been pretty reasonable.

https://www.pierceengineeringl...om-titanium-actions/

29 July 2023, 00:19

dpcd

I apologize. I have no filter which often gets me into trouble.

29 July 2023, 01:10

Kolo-Pan

I would think that a G.330/40 basic action with a Timney Trigger, 1909 Argentine bottom metal, and a Wisner 3 position safety would be nice.

Also,years ago Winchester made their featherweight classic rifle in .280. Maybe you could locate one and have it changed into the AI version.

29 July 2023, 03:13

Bobster

Another option: Find a good used Rem 700 LA ADL. Blind mag will save weight. Skeletonize bolt handle and flute bolt body. Install a light contour barrel.

quote:
Originally posted by loud-n-boomer:
I am looking for an action to build an ultralight .280 Ackley Improved on. I would like to stay under $1,500 for the complete action. Any recommendations?

29 July 2023, 04:00

jeffeosso

quote:
Originally posted by Kolo-Pan:
I would think that a G.330/40 basic action with a Timney Trigger, 1909 Argentine bottom metal, and a Wisner 3 position safety would be nice.

Also,years ago Winchester made their featherweight classic rifle in .280. Maybe you could locate one and have it changed into the AI version.

8.25# rifle - that's lots of steel, and add-ons -- might make 7.5# with a really scant stock

29 July 2023, 04:07

dpcd

Yes, a 33-40 is a 98 Mauser small ring small thread with some lightening cuts; still lots of iron in it; the resultant rifle will be a pig. Not a featherweight.
Plus anyone who butchers a 33-40 is immediately turning a $2000 rifle into a $400 one.
Winchester Model 70 FW rifles are Featherweight in name only.

29 July 2023, 04:13

jeffeosso

quote:
Originally posted by dpcd:

Winchester Model 70 FW rifles are Featherweight in name only.

Hey, the timber extreme is 6.75# - not bad
https://www.winchesterguns.com...-extreme-vsx-mb.html

same weight at the new featherweight
https://www.winchesterguns.com...0-featherweight.html

they used to be 7.5# more or less - last two I had were 7x57 and 300 wsm ... it's been a minute

and yeah, they were only featherweights in comparison to the chunkers that the m70 and m700 were at the time

29 July 2023, 05:02

NRDock

I went through the research part of a similar exercise last winter. Started out thinking titanium and ended up preferring the Defiance Machine anTi X action. Maybe I'll actually do the build next year. It was closer to your budget IN 2022. Whats a couple hundred more when you're planning a full custom?

29 July 2023, 05:46

Gundog 64

quote:
Originally posted by jpl:
These guys make a nice Ti receiver. I don't know their current prices but Pierce has usually been pretty reasonable.

https://www.pierceengineeringl...om-titanium-actions/

John is local to me and has done a fair amount of work over the years. One of his actions is what I would use if planning a project as you describe.

29 July 2023, 06:47

sambarman338

quote:
Originally posted by dpcd:
And the even worse news: The Savage will outshoot the Mesa.

At least the Mesa looks OK. For some reason the no-assed Savage 110 looks unfinished to me, and the rifle looks like Mossberg designed it.

29 July 2023, 08:04

dpcd

Savage rifles are not made for looks; they were designed after WW2 for ease of production efficiency; made from many stamped and bar stock (like Remington did) components taking less time to make. I don't like the looks either, but they do usually shoot. And they still make their own barrels using button rifling. They predate Mossberg bolt action centerfires by many decades.
They don't look unfinished if you understand what each component does. If you mean you don't see a bolt shroud; it doesn't need one.

29 July 2023, 18:42

Bill Leeper

A friend of mine has a 280AI in a Kimber Montana. It is light, carries well, and shoots sub-MOA.
Another fellow sent me a 30/06, in the same rifle, to re-barrel to his cartridge of choice. If I wasn't already saddled with a bunch of homemade stuff, I could hunt with one of these and be happy. I would want a 308 though. Regards, Bill

29 July 2023, 19:25

bigbull

quote:
Originally posted by Bill Leeper:
Kimber Montana. It is light, carries well, and shoots sub-MOA.
Regards, Bill

I could not agree more, I use a 270 WSM Kimber and could not wish for a better lightweight rifle, even though I am a M70 lover at heart, building a lighter rile than the Kimber Montana or Ascent is nearly impossible with commercially available components especially with a CRF action,I know I tried!
BB

30 July 2023, 00:46

Kolo-Pan

You could also abandon the .280 AI caliber for a 7-08 and use the little Winchester SA (short action)

30 July 2023, 02:36

Bill Leeper

quote:
Originally posted by Kolo-Pan:
You could also abandon the .280 AI caliber for a 7-08 and use the little Winchester SA (short action)

Except it is kind of heavy. It could be lightened quite a bit, but would never be light. Still, I like the concept. Make a pre-war tang, lighter bottom metal, a little whittling of superfluous steel, and it would be pretty decent. The magazine can be longer as well. Doing this is a lot more fun than just taking an action out of the box! Regards, Bill.

30 July 2023, 22:51

AFRICAN LEADWOOD

Kimber or an older Weatherby Ultralight. The Weatherby was also factory chambered in 280AI at one time. You could probably also do Nosler.

31 July 2023, 00:51

loud-n-boomer

Jeff and Tom. My skin is thicker than a lot of folks here. I take your comments in the spirit intended. You are not laughing at me, you are laughing around me!

31 July 2023, 06:21

sambarman338

quote:
Originally posted by dpcd:
Savage rifles are not made for looks; they were designed after WW2 for ease of production efficiency; made from many stamped and bar stock (like Remington did) components taking less time to make. I don't like the looks either, but they do usually shoot. And they still make their own barrels using button rifling. They predate Mossberg bolt action centerfires by many decades.
They don't look unfinished if you understand what each component does. If you mean you don't see a bolt shroud; it doesn't need one.

Yes, dpcd, form follows function there and I guess the safety position precludes anything much on the bolt behind the handle.

The action looks a strong one and seems to have good provision to prevent rearward gas flow.

That said, as an old-timer who enjoys the atavistic aspects of hunting, I find the stocks and trigger guards exceedingly ugly and the trigger doesn't stir me.

I like the Savage 99, though, which also looks different to all other (lever) actions. However, it has become a classic itself and salutes the tradition of double guns and falling-block rifles with those flats behind the action.

31 July 2023, 07:23

LongDistanceOperator

quote:
Originally posted by dpcd:
Yes, a 33-40 is a 98 Mauser small ring small thread with some lightening cuts; still lots of iron in it; the resultant rifle will be a pig. Not a featherweight.
Plus anyone who butchers a 33-40 is immediately turning a $2000 rifle into a $400 one.
Winchester Model 70 FW rifles are Featherweight in name only.

I’m glad I got mine Pre-butchered.

31 July 2023, 07:27

dpcd

Savage bolts are hammers; you don't look at them; you just use them. For those who want art, rather than a tool, they aren't for them.
I personally will not carry any factory rifle into the field (except double rifles), but that is not the question here. Function, is.
The 95 and then 99 was developed in another era/century, and was not made with the same criteria. Which is why they are no longer made. Too expensive to make and young guys don't want them.
The fact remains that the 110 is a very well designed and uniformly accurate, hunting rifle.

01 August 2023, 01:42

JBrown

quote:
Originally posted by bigbull:
quote:
Originally posted by Bill Leeper:
Kimber Montana. It is light, carries well, and shoots sub-MOA.
Regards, Bill

I could not agree more, I use a 270 WSM Kimber and could not wish for a better lightweight rifle, even though I am a M70 lover at heart, building a lighter rile than the Kimber Montana or Ascent is nearly impossible with commercially available components especially with a CRF action,I know I tried!
BB

The Kimber action would seem to be a natural for a lightweight custom. I wonder why we never see such rifles.

Does Melvin Forbes sell his actions, or is it only complete rifles?

Jason

"You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core."
_______________________

Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt.

Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry
Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure.

-Jason Brown

02 August 2023, 00:07

Vol717

Believe it or not, Weatherby makes a titanium Mark V action and chambers it in 280 AI. This is the smaller 6 lug Mark V action made for standard calibers. The action weighs 1.1 pounds. It comes with a carbon fiber stock. Total weight is 5.3 pounds.

03 August 2023, 20:41

MyNameIsEarl

I have not tried one yet but if memory serves this guy use to work of Defiance and branched out on his own. I have heard really good things about these actions and their prices are pretty good for a bare action.

https://www.zermattarms.com/

04 August 2023, 05:38

custombolt

Interesting .... didn't know that.....

quote:
Originally posted by Vol717:
Believe it or not, Weatherby makes a titanium Mark V action and chambers it in 280 AI. This is the smaller 6 lug Mark V action made for standard calibers. The action weighs 1.1 pounds. It comes with a carbon fiber stock. Total weight is 5.3 pounds.

06 August 2023, 11:39

Redoak8

You can build a featherweight rifle on a G.33/40 action, I have done it, just as Kolo-Pan suggested, with 09 bottom metal, reduced in both height and width, a modified Timney Sportsman trigger, but with an older Dakota 3 position safety.

Mine weighs exactly 5 pounds, it’s a 30-06 with a Leupold FX-II 2.5 x 20mm Ultralight in skeletonized steel mounts, with a very trim 21.5” barrel, and with a minimal straight-grip English walnut stock. It takes a bit of work, but I enjoyed doing it.

Be careful what you wish for, though, mine taps me pretty sharply with 180 gr. Nosler Partitions.

09 August 2023, 06:28

dempsey

Defiance in Kalispell Mt. may be worth looking into.

09 August 2023, 18:57

Austin Hunter

Howa has a 4 lb 7 oz short action rifle.

"Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid" -- Ronald Reagan

"Ignorance of The People gives strength to totalitarians."

Want to make just about anything work better? Keep the government as far away from it as possible, then step back and behold the wonderment and goodness.

09 August 2023, 19:59

rcraig

quote:
Originally posted by Austin Hunter:
Howa has a 4 lb 7 oz short action rifle.

Too short for a .280.

09 August 2023, 22:19

ZekeShikar

My bro and I build a fair number of rifles but when it came to an ultralight, bro bought a Kimber assent in 280AI and is VERY pleased with the weight, balance AND the excellent groups he can get with it. I know, Kimber roulette, and all.

It's going on his desert sheep hunt this year and weight will be an issue where we're going. Lucky guy drew a tag in our home State.

My wife and I have both drawn too beginning with her in 1980 and my son and one of our daughters have drawn too! We've all drawn in different units so we've learned a ton of country. Great hunts.

Bro drew in my daughters hunting unit.

TMI,
Zeke

09 August 2023, 22:41

Austin Hunter

quote:
Originally posted by rcraig:
quote:
Originally posted by Austin Hunter:
Howa has a 4 lb 7 oz short action rifle.

Too short for a .280.

Yep, but it's light!!!!!

I built a 280 AI on an old Remington 700 action (with the OLD good triggers that just need a spring) and a light weight stock. I haven't weighed it, but's light. For my daughter. Even with a magnaport it jumps! I've backed down my FPS goals on the 150 gr and 160 gr loads I'm working on. Goal is 1,500 ft lbs at 500 yards @6K feet. So that gives we a lot of room to reduce FPS.

13 August 2023, 19:27

Austin Hunter

Best bet is what everyone said above - get the factory WBY or Kimber in 280AI. I wish I would have instead of building one. Would have saved $$$$$

13 August 2023, 22:15

Atkinson

I second the G-33/40 if you can find one or a junked out brno md. 21 even better and harder to find//I did buy a shot out brno 21 a few years ago on AR..ended up with a switch barrel 7x57, 9.3x62 by reboreing the junkers 8x57 barrel to 9,3x62 and what a nice custom it turned out to be. Myperfect cutom African that some guy with more money than I had to have it,,,

13 August 2023, 22:29

Wstrnhuntr

I used to be a big AI advocate, not so much anymore. My 280 is the standard variation and Im happy to say it. Now I see all the fireforming as generally a waste of time and components. Im not adamantly against it, sometimes it does make sense. I just mostly prefer to spend my time and resources on other things. It is also typically much easier to get published data for standard chamberings. YMMV.

15 August 2023, 02:49

Austin Hunter

quote:
Originally posted by Wstrnhuntr:
I used to be a big AI advocate, not so much anymore. My 280 is the standard variation and Im happy to say it. Now I see all the fireforming as generally a waste of time and components. Im not adamantly against it, sometimes it does make sense. I just mostly prefer to spend my time and resources on other things. It is also typically much easier to get published data for standard chamberings. YMMV.

I just buy the AI factory brass.

But hear what you say about the 280! If we could all take everything we know now and turn back the clock we'd probably have fewer and different rifles. I should have got a 280 Rem 40 years ago! Anyway, I picked up a nice 7X64 here on AR last year on a Mauser action that was just about finished. So that will be my 280

1.2 grains more capacity than a 280

(69.1 vs 67.9) 280 AI is ~73.