280 ai

Love mine too Jim custom 280 AI nothing has walked away from ,yet):
 

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Compared to 6.5Creed 308 270 30-06 7RM 300WM it’s not even close for the availability of guns and ammo. The above cartridges will do everything the majority of hunters need, while finding guns and ammo at every gun shop from every manufacturer.

telL me iM WronG RJ 🫣
Sure. But by that standard, nobody needs a 6.5x55, 7mm08, 300wsm, 30-30, 8mm mauser, 303brit....

Those are all less available cartridges. But must gun stores will carry them all. I just checked 5 random stores, 3 local, two not, mostly sponsors here + Cabelas, all 5 had multiple options for 280ai ammo in stock.
 
Sure. But by that standard, nobody needs a 6.5x55, 7mm08, 300wsm, 30-30, 8mm mauser, 303brit....

Those are all less available cartridges. But must gun stores will carry them all. I just checked 5 random stores, 3 local, two not, mostly sponsors here + Cabelas, all 5 had multiple options for 280ai ammo in stock.
Yes they are all good cartridges that have their place, especially the 280ai, it’s a perfect cartridge for a few folks that fits their particular need, I wish it was more popular.

And yeah, you can definitely find 280ai rifles and ammo, but in the context of why it’s less popular, it’s availability in comparison to some similar cartridges is a large factor.

The average minute-of-pie plate hunter doesn’t NEED to buy something like a 280ai when 270 with federal blue box fits all their criteria.
 
I really like my 280ai - sako AV platform. Was a 280rem and then ackleyized. If I were to do it again, I would take a tikka t3x lite(30.06 cause you could find one for $800) and just have it rechambered/barrel change to 280ai.
 
My new 280AI I picked up yesterday from Gunsmith Mitch Kendall
Scoped weight 7lbs 12oz

Pure Precision action,
24 inch stainless fluted 1-9 twist Benchmark Barrel
Gunwerks ClymR stock & Gunwerks bottom metal
Triggertech Special Trigger
Talley’s holding a Zeiss V4 4-16x44

Hopefully get to the range this morning.

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That’s a nice lightweight build, how do you like the action so far? Titanium?
 
I have a 280ai in a Tikka T3x, with an 8 twist Benchmark barrel cut to 24". I like it because it shoots 175gn ELD-X very well at 2735 ft/s, can bump it up to 2800+ ft/s but would go to a premium bullet as the ELD-X may self destruct at near distances. So from 100m on out it is not too bad. Also, it slams steel at 1000m with authority.
 
It’s been increasing in popularity lately with more factory rifles available.

I think it’s popularity has suffered because most of its uses could be duplicated by a 270 for the lighter game, or a 7mm REM Mag for the bigger game.

I love this cartridge like I love the 16 gauge. Perfect for what it does but market placement doesn’t like it as much as I do.

That does seem to be improving though for the 280AI
 
I shot the 280 Improved RCBS version since about 1970... it didn't do anything better than a .270 Winchester did. Shot the 6.5 - 280 Improved as well. It didn't do anything better than a .270 Winchester did. Today I would probably choose a .270 Winchester for a long action... a 7mm 08 for a shorter action.
Denny Irrelevant answers to the OPs questions . Keep on track please . 🤷🏼‍♂️ lol 🤣 RJ
 
It’s an outstanding hunting cartridge, it’s a lot more popular than people think, it’s has amazing performance in a very manageable cartridge as far as recoil goes,

Not sure there is a better long action standard bolt face cartridge made, PO Ackley hit it out of the park on this one……respectfully
Probably as Good or Better then the 30-06 as an all round cartridge even thou Denny don’t like it ! 🤪😂lol
 
That’s a nice lightweight build, how do you like the action so far? Titanium?
No I wouldn’t use titanium action, always stainless steel 7lbs 12oz is not light as far as lightweight rifles go
I love the Pure Precision Action, I’m going to say it’s one of the very best actions made, I prefer it over a Defiance, it just has some small refinements that surpass the Defiance.
Field stripable bolt, 75 deg bolt throw, ejection port is refined and notched to perfection for feeding and even better for extraction.
When using M5 DBM it’s ejection port refinements are a bonus for ejection.
 
not sure i would say slept on round but why so over looked,
Ive shot and killed most with a 280 rem not AI (150fps-250fps faster depnding on pet loads) animals dont know the diff
and ive never had a single issue. .284>.264 the 7 cals just always seem to trump the 6.5 when it comes to killing big game.
 
Nope ! Good Reply ! Your not Wrong - Pretty spot on for info - it’s a Good CARTRIDGE and really Great if your a handloader 👍 It’s prob the BESTEST non magnum ( case size ) cartridge in the medium range . I have one in a custom HVA but still use my 30-06 🤷🏼‍♂️ lol RJ
totally agree with you, something just special about that -06 case, 35 whelen, 9.3,280 its just a special moderate to low recoil while giving the best bang for the buck. hence still very used and popular-ish
 
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