280 AI pros n cons for a 7mm

It's a real sleeper for LR. I have an 8 twist with 22.5" barrel, no problem pushing 180gr Hornady ELD to 2700 fps. Doesn't sound like much, but it retains 1350 fps of velocity to 1400 yards. And with only 57grs powder. Think of it as a 30-06 that can propel a bullet with a BC that rivals a 338 Lapua

Another load, 195gr Berger EOL @ 2675 fps with RL26. With the G7 BC of .380, it retains 1350 fps to 1400y as well. Sierra's 197gr MK over H4831sc @ 2560 fps is another good one, wicked G7 BC of .404

A longer barrel would gain even more velocity
 
I've got a Kimber 280ai close to finishing the load work up. got the 162 eldx at 3000 fps. pretty good ballistics with that load
 
I went through this same debacle for a while too. Sure you can get some good velocity’s from the 280ai, but you have to push this cartridge to the limits to get there. Not what I am comfort with, a little bit of rain and you have a locked up bolt. Why not go for the 7RM with some more reasonable loads and still get more velocity. Plus there is loaded ammunition around every corner if you need.
 
Buckmastr said:
You will see more longrange rifles built on a 284 Win then a 280 Rem. I would consider it as well.
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Why do you figure that is? I know the 284 can be built on a long action, which allows you to seat bullets farther out and still fit in the mag, but I'm not sure if that's the primary reason to pick it over 280ai or not? I would figure 7mm has probably lost market share in the last decade with all the 6mm and 6.5mm options that seem so popular these days?

I want a lightweight 7mm rifle, but I think I'm going to go with a 7mm08, as a hunting rifle I don't see the need for more power in most situations, and if I did need more from a 7mm the Rem mag is a good step up in performance. If you're only interested in having one 7mm in your locker then the 280ai seems like a good middle ground.
 
The 280AI can be a beast depending on how it is set up. I am shooting a 26" Kreiger 8.75 twist with 168 Bergers at 3006 fps (magneto). I don't hot rod my builds and I am currently on the fourth firing of my new lot of Nosler brass. Primer pockets are good and tight. Having my chamber properly throated for the heavies made a big difference in performance while still allowing me to mag load (HS bottom metal). I have 1100 rounds on my current tube and the bore scope shows lots of life left yet. My next barrel will be chambered again in 280AI but it will have a reamer based off of Lapua 30-06 brass....half the cost and way better quality (I don't mind fire forming or neck turning). I still have lots of love for the 7mm mags though, just wish better brass was available. If I didn't reload and was buying factory ammo, I would definitely be shooting a 7 mag.
 
The 284 wins as a target rifle. Lapua brass, good barrel life, accurate, no magnum bolt face. It has been the 7mm long range workhorse for ever.
As a hunting rifle the 7mag is the winner for me.
 
remington jim said:
Unfortunately LAPUA does not make 284 Win Brass . We have to resize 6.5 x 284 Norma back up to .284 and then do not have proper headstamped brass . I would think with all the 284 Win shot in F Class they would have proper Brass ! RJ
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Well that's still good brass Remington Jim. Are you complaining about it?:stirthepot2::ar15::ar15::mad::p:redface:

:wave:
 
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