Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles ,280 AI pros & cons ?

"not (yet) a handloader" strongly suggests the .280 AI is NOT the right cartridge for him. A standard .280 Rem would be a much better choice. For that matter, and for his purposes, it is hard to argue against a .270, .7mm RM or .30-06 in a long action. Is he aware that many 7mm RM loads recoil about the same as and often less than .30-06 loads?

My 22" barreled .280 Rem easily pushes 140g Barnes TTSX and North Fork SS over 2940fps. This will be my antelope and/or elk rifle this fall. For a non-handloader, though, I have a hard time recommending a .280 Rem over a .270, .30-06 or 7mm RM due to ammo selection and availability. For the most utilitarian cartridge the .30-06 still wins.