280 Rem or Rechamber too 280AI

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Camp Cook

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I just bought a like new 24" barreled 50th aniversary Rem 700 LSS in 280 Rem.

I have had an exceptionally accurate Rem 700 Mtn Rifle in 280 Rem for years but due to it only having a 22" barrel I never rechambered it to an AI.

Now that Nosler has basically legitimized the round in their rifles and are providing brass I am considering rechambering this new rifle to the 280 AI round.

Any thoughts on if the performance gain by rechambering to the AI is worth it or should I leave it alone???
 
My brother is re-chambering the exact same rifle I gave him for his b/day.
We're anxious to see how it turns out because my old '92 vintage BDL SS will be next to meet the reamer.
Lots of good things are said about the 280 AI on some American forums, you might want to check them out....
 
I ordered a cooper in .280ai, got 100 nosler brass sitting here, just waiting for my cooper......... and waiting,.................. and still paitienly waiting!

If you've already got a good .280 then I would definately suggest chambering your new rifle to .280 ai. You should gain quite a bit with the increased capcity and the longer barrel.
 
I have owned three 280 AIs over the years. Great cartridge!

The first was a Ruger with the 22" factory barrel. Second had a 24" Douglas barrel and the last had a 26" Shilen barrel.

The 22" Ruger gave higher velocities than the 24" Douglas. :)

Ted
 
I've used a stock .280 for years, and never felt much urge to Ackley-ize it. I have to say, though, that .280 Ackley guys are a loyal bunch; there must be some reason. If I wanted to get a bit closer to 7 Mag country I'd consider it, but the standard .280 offers me all the performance I need as is.

BTW, if you like Lee dies, they make them for the .280 AI. Price is up a bit, they are $41.98 US right now, but I suspect that's a lot cheaper than RCBS.
 
I have both,my .280s are good shooters,my .280AI is great,but thats probably because of the 24" King bbl.What I really like is the fact that I hardly ever have to trim ny .280AI cases,they just don't stretch! Mur
 
You'll always be able to make/get .280 brass for the AI .I doubt the short wonders will be around or the ultamags for that matter..............Harold
 
mbogo3 said:
You'll always be able to make/get .280 brass for the AI .I doubt the short wonders will be around or the ultamags for that matter..............Harold
Click to expand...


I am sure that a guy can stock up enough 7mm WSM brass to last a lifetime. Or just use 300WSM brass, since that is never going to go away.

Your point is completley 100% moot about 7mmRM brass.;)
 
To take a 50th aniversary gun and rechamber to a .280A your gun down the road will be worth 40% less than if you leave it as .280 rem, I beleive the 700 Rems will be like the pre64 win in value going up.and what to gain 125fps or maybe 150fps. I think with new powders like RL 17 you might get the old .280 up to half of what you would gain going to a 280A. and no animal will know the differance.
Take a look here at 700 values.
http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/2724193/page/0/fpart/1
Just my .02 worth
manitou210
 
IMO the 700's will never be a collector item, as there is just too many of them. Like a Gazillion. The only thing making his gun different than a 1995 BDL SS in .280 is the Laminate stock...
 
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