I have a Ron Smith barrel on my Leeper 300WSM.
that is 8 bullet holes, every single round with a different powder charge.
I have no clue if the barrle was lapped, not lapped or was used as a tomato stake previously, and I don't care!
280 AI - Does anyone else shoot this wildcat.
- Thread starter Boss Hogg
- Start date
I have a Ron Smith barrel on my Leeper 300WSM.
that is 8 bullet holes, every single round with a different powder charge.
I have no clue if the barrle was lapped, not lapped or was used as a tomato stake previously, and I don't care!
Well I managed to get the Rem 700 stock I bought from Joe A.K.A 103159 opened up and bedded this weekend so the rifle is starting to take shape. It's currently back at the smiths for some fluting of the barrel and bolt. It should look awesome when it complete. I'm kicking myself though, I should have keep it and taken it to the range for some fun first, oh well....all in good time.
got my 280AI assembled today.
Here she is, picked it up from "cccan"'s house today and mounted a Leo VariX-II 3-9X matte that I had bought from "RickF" at least three years ago. It's been sitting in the box ever since :? Put it into a set of Dual Dovetails.
"cccan" had beadblasted the barrel and bedded it into the Brown Precision stock that was a factory item on a 700 ADL/FS in 7Mag that I bought about 5 years ago. He also applied the green supertuff epoxy paint. Note the "Magnum" recoil pad :roll: The stock is currently ADL style but I was kind of in a hurry to get it shooting so we'll put the floorplate assembly in after the season is over.....or after Christmas :lol:
It weighs 7#14oz as pictured. Not a real lightweight but about what I figured it would weigh. I was aiming for sub 8lbs with scope.
I'll load up some fireforming loads right away and I'll shoot it tomorrow.
I have 15 pcs of brass that I fireformed in another 280AI that I built for a CGN member....so we'll see what she'll do with "full power" loads :wink:
Here she is, picked it up from "cccan"'s house today and mounted a Leo VariX-II 3-9X matte that I had bought from "RickF" at least three years ago. It's been sitting in the box ever since :? Put it into a set of Dual Dovetails.
"cccan" had beadblasted the barrel and bedded it into the Brown Precision stock that was a factory item on a 700 ADL/FS in 7Mag that I bought about 5 years ago. He also applied the green supertuff epoxy paint. Note the "Magnum" recoil pad :roll: The stock is currently ADL style but I was kind of in a hurry to get it shooting so we'll put the floorplate assembly in after the season is over.....or after Christmas :lol:
It weighs 7#14oz as pictured. Not a real lightweight but about what I figured it would weigh. I was aiming for sub 8lbs with scope.
I'll load up some fireforming loads right away and I'll shoot it tomorrow.
I have 15 pcs of brass that I fireformed in another 280AI that I built for a CGN member....so we'll see what she'll do with "full power" loads :wink:
.....sounds like every rifle I see :shock: :lol:todbartell said:
I have some el-cheapo Winchester bulk 150 Power Points that I am going to load for fireforming brass, probably with IMR4350....just cuz I have some that I never use for anythihg else. I've gone to Rel or Hodgdon powders of late...
Then I have 140 Barnes Triple Shocks to try out, I'm hoping these will shoot sub MOA. Also have some 140 Ballistic Tips. Will use Rel19 and Rel22 to start with.
Will keep you posted.
PS, that damn Wheeler,...first the 280AI............and now I'm thinking I need a 6-1/2# all up short action in something like a 260 or 7-08...maybe in 284....it never ends :?
todbartell said:get a 260, at least you'd be cool like me
I'm thinking of something similar lately, but a Model Seven 308... :roll: :lol:
Yeah,....I saw your post on the M7 308.....that would be my starting point....anyone wanna buy a Tupperware M7 stock?
cccan said:Rembo's lucky he got this one back...turned out really nice...line up for this one guys as soon as Rick says he has no time to work out loads..make him an offer..
for being under the weather he's sure a smartass today :shock: :lol: :wink:
as soon as I have no time to work up loads......guess who's gettin" a call :lol:
Brian,
I have used the 280 Ackley for more than 25 years.
My first one was a rechambered Ruger Model 77. It would get almost 3000 fps with 160 gr bullets of several makes using magnum primers and H450 out of the 22" factory barrel. It was more than accurate enough for hunting, routinely shooting 1 1/2" groups. I used it for everything with 160 partitions. Eventually sold it to an RCMP member up here who still uses it.
The one I have now is also a Ruger, with a 25" Shilen barrel. It is scary accurate, however it only gets a bit more than 100 fps higher velocity with the same loads. Hardly worth it for a walking around hunting rifle.
The 280 AI is a piece of cake to fireform and load for. You will enjoy yours, I'm sure. Look forward to hearing how you make out with the 26" tube. 8)
Best,
Ted
I have used the 280 Ackley for more than 25 years.
My first one was a rechambered Ruger Model 77. It would get almost 3000 fps with 160 gr bullets of several makes using magnum primers and H450 out of the 22" factory barrel. It was more than accurate enough for hunting, routinely shooting 1 1/2" groups. I used it for everything with 160 partitions. Eventually sold it to an RCMP member up here who still uses it.
The one I have now is also a Ruger, with a 25" Shilen barrel. It is scary accurate, however it only gets a bit more than 100 fps higher velocity with the same loads. Hardly worth it for a walking around hunting rifle.
The 280 AI is a piece of cake to fireform and load for. You will enjoy yours, I'm sure. Look forward to hearing how you make out with the 26" tube. 8)
Best,
Ted
I shot the new 280AI Sunday and again today......I think I found the load it likes. I wish it liked the 140 TSX a bit more but it likes a 140 Ballistic Tip over 59.5 grs of Rel 19 (half a grain under max according the the Nosler fifth edition) for an average of 3133fps. Three shot groups were a ragged hole at 100 meters, no more than 3/8", and about 1-3/8" at 200M.....I haven't measured them yet......I'm going to like this one... next time out it will get exercised at 300 meters.................now,..if I can get time to do some serious WT hunting this year :?
It didn't like Rel22, loosening two primer pockets and flowing brass into the ejector hole at a grain under max, 62grs.
next time out it will get exercised at 300 meters.................now,..if I can get time to do some serious WT hunting this year :?It didn't like Rel22, loosening two primer pockets and flowing brass into the ejector hole at a grain under max, 62grs.
Rembo RL26 is the ticket for a 280AI JMO RJ
nowarningshot
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
We have black powder calibers, really obscure ones, still being sold and shot in Kanada.
The 280ai is a useful caliber, good at many things, not outstanding at anything. Not replacing 30-06. Zero chance. Perhaps if guns stop being a thing.
The 280ai is a useful caliber, good at many things, not outstanding at anything. Not replacing 30-06. Zero chance. Perhaps if guns stop being a thing.
