280 AI or 270 WSM?

dak47

dak47

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So I'm looking at another Kimber, going to try a Mountain Ascent and want a more of a sheep rifle than the Adriondack. So I thought I'd step out of my comfort zone and entertain the thought of a couple cartridges I have zero experience with.

I lean a little more towards the 280 AI as I can fire form my own brass, but that stubby little 270 is pretty damn zippy, just don't want to be stuck with an obselete cartridge in 15 yrs..... What say you all? One more inherently more accurate or ??.......

Dirk
 
I would doubt there is a hair of difference in the two caliber you mention.
Accuracy wise, but you'll need to choose the one to spend your money on.
Take a chance that in 15 years the wsm will be no more or go with the 280AI ;)

I have no real experience to suggest one is better than the other, but the Super America sure feels nice and looks fantastic both in the safe and in my hands when in the field.

Rob
 
Well I have not owned a 280ai but do currently own and shoot (a lot) a 270WSM. I really love the cartridge! Honestly, I bought a savage trophy hunter in 270 wsm to use as the platform to build a 35-300 WSM but had to try out the 270 WSM first when I bought it. It shot lights out and what a pleasure to shoot! Mild recoil flinging 130 got Bullets at 3250+ FPS and 150 grainers at 3150. It is easy to reload for and brass is fairly plentiful now for under $1 per piece if you shop around. No fireforming needed. I have previously owned a 7mm-08 but I much prefer the 270WSM. If it’s purely about speed then look at the 257 WM which I also have and love to shoot but the 270 caliber is now sporting some really quality LOng range bullets that make the 270 WSM a little more versatile. Personally I don’t think the 270 WSM or the 300 WSM are going anywhere. Numerous brass manufacturers are making brass for both and they both fill a short action magnum niche not filled otherwise! Either option would be great but don’t overlook the WSM! Good luck.
 
I've had both including two of the .280AI MA's, guide mountain goats amongst other rock dwelling critters for a living if that helps you buy something. You're on exactly the right track for mountain rifles, I'd flip a coin on cartridges. The .270WSM isn't going obsolete isn't it the most popular short mag? Arguably the best sheep and goat cartridge there is, but .280AI is right there too. I go .280AI only because I'm 7mm invested, bench is full of it. The .270 WSM I had seemed to have an edge over my .280AIs, on the range when stretched to the edge of responsible shooting range.
 
I've been shooting a 270wsm for 10 years now as my main mountain hunting rifle. I shoot the 130gr ttsx at 3350fps and the 110gr ttsx. I've taken moose, deer, bear, elk, sheep and caribou all with the 110gr ttsx and the 130gr ttsx. I have not load the the 130gr now because it matches up perfect with my ziess reticle out to 600yards. It's basically a blistic twin to the 7mm R.E.M. Mag but in a short action platform which helps to save weight and my rifle has a 20" barrel which is perfect when strapped to a back pack for long days of hiking and climbing.
 
The 270 WSM will be a little faster, 1/2 pound heavier and fits in the short action for whatever that's worth to you.

Conversely, the .280 AI will be slower, lighter, long action, holds 1 more shell in the mag and has a greater selection of bullets.

Its mostly a matter of matter of picking which hairs you want to split. Ordinarily I'd swear up and down that 1/2 pound and a shorter bolt throw meant nothing to me but then when nobody is looking you'll catch me snickering over the toggle-switch-like bolt throw and #####ing about the lack of .270 VLD bullets that like 1-10 twists. Then I remember that a 130 ballistic-tip at 3400 fps is already getting me to 650 with a B&C reticle, and get over it.

Ain't splitting hairs fun?
 
I'd go 84L 280 Ackley as it's likely lighter than the 8400 WSM short action. Ballistics are the same, 140's @ 3100-3200 depending on powder
 
Both cartridges are at the top of the heap for what your looking for. I would shoulder both rifles and then decide which one you prefer. The 270 wsm is here to stay. I have a Kimber 8400 7mm wsm and a Kimber 84L MA. The 84L is slim and trim, the 8400 a little beefier. I prefer packing the 84L.
 
The selection of heavier high BC bullets in .277" is rather sparse, I tend to
blame that on faster than 1-10" being rarer than 4 point unicorns. Bit of a chicken and the egg thing going there.
 
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