280 Rem or 280AI

Camp Cook

Camp Cook

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I have been very happy with my 280 Rem chambered rifles over the years and my Rem 700 Mtn rifle has been on many alpine hunts with me but I am now hearing so much about the 280AI.

Is rechambering to 280AI worth it I see that with a little load developement a fellow can get 100 - 150fps faster with the AI chambering.

Another thing is I have a batch of fired 280 Rem brass on my bench right now that I need to once again trim does the AI version need less trimming?

What if any benefits are there to rechambering to 280AI and should I rechamber my new 50th Anniversary Rem 700 LSS 280 Rem to 280AI.
 
100 to 150 fps isn't much. You'd have to find and buy another set of dies too. Plus a smithy who has or is willing to rent the reamers.
 
it is not worth the effort for the "gain"

If you find one that you like that is AI aready and it is a great price with dies etc -- then that is a different consideration.

I for one am discovering that if you wait long enough the rifle that you waited 2 years for to get built shows up for sale slightly used for far far less after you have finally got your semi-custom gun.
 
Usually Ackley improving cuts down on the amount of trimming that needs to be done, or at least it's supposed to....It all depends on what you want. I zip cases through my drill press mounted trimmer pretty fast, so trimming is a non issue for me. Case life should be extended with less stretching/trimming though.

The added velocity is not a great appeal to me, but it may be for some. For starters, you would most likely never see the performance difference in the field between 280AI and the standard .280. If I want higher speeds in a 7mm cartridge than the .280 provides, I am most likely going to go with a 7WSM or 7mmRM, both of which will beat the .280AI in speed.

On the other hand, using an AI cartridge is considered "cool" so that should be taken into account as well.:p
 
I love my 25-06AI, yes the velocity gain is about 150fps and yes the brass seems to last longer and need triming less. The only drawback is rebarreling, from what I have been told reaming an existing chamber is not a good idea but I am not a gunsmith, maybe someone more knowledgeable could enlighten me.:p
 
i think its worth it. 280ai is very close to a 7 mag. if your smith has the reamer its quite cheap to do. they set the barrel back a turn and adjust your head space to minimum. 280 ai dies arn't that expensive, if you have a set of 280 dies just buy a fl sizer and use your 280 seater die. its handy to have the 280 sizer for loading up ammo for fireforming. brass seems to have a long life and rel 22 really gets 140 grns moving. my 280ai is a rem mountain rifle. way lighter than a rem 7 mag.
 
I wouldn't bother with the AI but if you want to shorten the neck to .25" and remove any hint of taper and load the snot out of it I'd say go for it. Anything less won't make much difference other than brass life/trimming.
 
I've played with both a fair bit. What velocities the standard 280 can get with a 140 grainer, the Ackleyfied case can with a 150. Using like bullets, no animal, chronograph or drop chart will ever know the difference.

My pet sheep rifle is a 280AI. Once you have fireformed 100 cases or so, it's tit for tat. Is it worth the hassle? Not really.

That said, this IS all fun and games. If you want a 280AI, why not?
 
If resale value is a consideration don't go with the .280AI. It's harder to sell a wildcat or an AI than a regular cartridge because buyers are wary of a rifle that's been "messed with".

If resale value isn't a big concern and you are a capable reloader, go for the .280AI.
 
Would I re-barrel - or re-chamber - a perfectly good 280 to 280AI? NO, the gains are too small to notice in the field.

Would I replace a worn-out barrel with one in 280AI? Yes, as it costs no more to cut a AI chamber than a standard one.
 
I have both and there is very little velocity gain in the .280ai if you load to the same preasure's. Definatly not getting 150fps mayby 50fps. I recently tried one of the max load from the nosler handbook and it blew the primer clean ot of the brass so god knows how high the preasure was.
Stick with the .280 and be happy if you do go .280ai I have some dies I would sell.
 
everett said:
I have both and there is very little velocity gain in the .280ai if you load to the same preasure's. Definatly not getting 150fps mayby 50fps. I recently tried one of the max load from the nosler handbook and it blew the primer clean ot of the brass so god knows how high the preasure was.
Stick with the .280 and be happy if you do go .280ai I have some dies I would sell.
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I shoot the Nosler #6 max load of Rl-22 with no pressure signs and excellent accuracy in my .280AI.Every rifle is different.I have both the .280Rem and .280AI and hunt with each on different days.The .280AI is more accurate than the standard Mountain rifle,but as it has a Gaillard barrel thats no suprise! Mur
 
archie_james_c said:
Why dont you just name this post "StubbleJumper Argument Round 2"?
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That's funny.:D

I think it would be worth it for the kicks and giggles. If you plan on trying some of the larger bullets I would definitely see the advantage, as a few more grains of the slower powders make a significant difference (if you can call 100fps significant;)).
I think that pushing the 160gr Accubond over 2900fps would be a great round, especially if your trying to beat the wind.
Just do it for the sake of a project. And the good Nosler Brass.
 
I would personally bypass the 280AI and use a 284 Winchester. Good results using RL17 and heavy bullets with this comeback king cartridge
 
Why dont you just name this post "StubbleJumper Argument Round 2"?
Click to expand...

In case you hadn't noticed,it takes two to argue.:D

Unless of course you are rem338win and argue with yourself.:D


Personally,if I was buying a new rifle,I would go with the 280AI,but if I already had a 280rem that shot well,I would probably just shoot it as is.
 
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