7-08 to .280

bunny

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Iam thinking about rechambering my 7-08 Tikka T3x to .280 I will need to use a different magazine ( long vrs. Med.) but other than that should work?
Any body done this before?
 
This is an economical way of getting a 280 or 280ai. However, is the purpose to run light ,140gn class bullets, faster or is it to run a heavy bullet at reasonable velocity?

If you want 140 class bullets to run faster it will work with the standard Tikka twist rate. Heavy bullets, like 175's, the twist rate may not be enough to realize the full ballistic potential and may influence accuracy adversely.

The labor will be quite similar to re chamber the only difference is the barrel, so add $600 or so for a good barrel in 8 twist, this will cover off any and all bullets that are reasonably available.

I have a rebarreled Tikka in 280ai with an 8 twist Benchmark barrel, runs 175's just over 2800 ft/s.
 
7-08 vs 280 rem. you will not gain much and for the small gain there will be a bit more recoil.
For the cost you would be ahead to buy another rifle.
Remember a rifle that's been rechambered still has the original stamping ie 7-08, so for myself I would not shie away from a factory barrel rechambered, it's a guess as to why it was rechambered. So resale value drops.
Enjoy.
 
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To rechamber a 7-08 to 280 you would have to set the barrel back at least 5/16 and 3/8 is probably better to make sure the factory chamber cleans up.
Rechamber to 284 Win or 280AI without set back.
 
This is an economical way of getting a 280 or 280ai. However, is the purpose to run light ,140gn class bullets, faster or is it to run a heavy bullet at reasonable velocity?

If you want 140 class bullets to run faster it will work with the standard Tikka twist rate. Heavy bullets, like 175's, the twist rate may not be enough to realize the full ballistic potential and may influence accuracy adversely.

The labor will be quite similar to re chamber the only difference is the barrel, so add $600 or so for a good barrel in 8 twist, this will cover off any and all bullets that are reasonably available.

I have a rebarreled Tikka in 280ai with an 8 twist Benchmark barrel, runs 175's just over 2800 ft/s.

They're what, 1:9.5"? That should stabilize up to 175gr bullets just fine as long as they're not super slippery VLD bullets at that weight shouldn't it? The 168 and 175gr berger bullets both call for 1:10 or better.
 
My question is why? If the answer is just because then I get it.

The answer is definitely just because, and the mind starts to wonder in the post hunting season boredom. I thought if it could be a simple re chamber maybe, but If I had to re-barrel it I would just turn it into a .358, but I already have two of those. In the big picture this whole game can get silly and out of control.... maybe a new barrel and a 35 Whelen is in the future?
 
The answer is definitely just because, and the mind starts to wonder in the post hunting season boredom. I thought if it could be a simple re chamber maybe, but If I had to re-barrel it I would just turn it into a .358, but I already have two of those. In the big picture this whole game can get silly and out of control.... maybe a new barrel and a 35 Whelen is in the future?

What would be your goal? More velocity? Heavier bullets? both?
 
What would be your goal? More velocity? Heavier bullets? both?

When I think about it, the goal would seem to be building something that I don’t really need as I have about a dozen rifles in this class and own just about everything from .222 to .458 WM already. But boredom crappy weather and a surplus of Jameson Irish whisky gets one thinking.
 
The answer is definitely just because, and the mind starts to wonder in the post hunting season boredom. I thought if it could be a simple re chamber maybe, but If I had to re-barrel it I would just turn it into a .358, but I already have two of those. In the big picture this whole game can get silly and out of control.... maybe a new barrel and a 35 Whelen is in the future?

I say do the 280! My tikka rebarrel was to 280 and I love that rifle! Awesome cartridge! If barrel can be set back ok then I wouldn’t hesitate!
 
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