Originally Posted by BobinNH
I think the 280AI is a pretty good cartridge,sandwiched as it is, between a 280 and a 7 Rem Mag.(Which is a pretty narrow niche itself).

But can anyone tell me what's so magical about it,and what it does (in the same action and barrel length) that a 7 Rem Mag doesn't? confused

Don't get me wrong I understand the "want" part when it comes to rifle cartridges,which is reason enough to get one. But some of the claims here leave me perplexed. crazy

I usually avoid kicking hornet's nests but figured I would make an exception here. My curiosity has the best of me. smile


For me, it was platform. No Kimber Montana in 7mm rem mag.

So I took the closest I could get. Same powder, same bullets.
Pleasantly surprised by the performance. It turns out that my accuracy load for my 7mag was 168Berger Classic hunters at 2975fps.
There was more in the tank, but none more accurate.

I run the same speed now with the Montucky. With 7gr less powder, 2 inches less barrel, and 2 1/2lbs less rifle weight.

I never in a million years thought I would own a .280AI, til they chambered it in the Montana.