Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 280 ai

Thinking of having a 280 ai built. Lots of nice high bc bullets out there these days. What would you have it throated for? 8lbs all up hunting rifle.

I'd build it for what I'll do the most. I'd throat it for the 160 grain partition seated to 3.250 to 3.350. I can't say what's likely for you, but for me, I'm a lot more likely to take a 30 yard shot than a 500 yard shot.

Tom

I've had one for 30 years or so and have shot 140's exclusively until three years ago. Switched to 150's and have been pleased. Nothing wrong with the performance of the 140's.....just found out that in my world, the 150's were more better. 3.340" worked great for me.

I'd throat if for 160 grain accubond.

I'm really liking the 145 LRX

I started using 140 TTSXs this year and they have been great on whitetails. However, I could be happy with 160 NPTs as well, especially if heavier critters are on the menu.

I had mine chambered for the 168 Berger. Mine is scary accurate and has been a hammer on whitetails and mule deer

I'd pick a 162 AMX or one of the new eld-x bullets and ensure you can reach the lands shy of max mag length.

Everything else should be GTG from there.

I had mine throated for the 168 Berger VLD, seated long. I ended up using the 168 grain Barns LRX however, I was having trouble with the Bergers.

My barrel has a 1:8 twist (24"), which those Barns bullets need. Anyway, I'm using RL26 and getting 2900 fps with the Barns and no pressure. The Berger's I got up to 2925 with no pressure, but I think at around 2950 fps you would start seeing pressure issues.

good luck!

Another vote for the 145 LRX. Fantastic performance

Curious what you actually noticed that clinched your decision. I too have felt the 150's were superior to the 150's. Let's compare notes.

You should. It is accurate and has all the backbone needed for immediate dispatch of animals.

I have been devoted to 280's exclusively for the last 15 years.

Will be a 9 twist and either 168 Berger or 162 eldx. All the regular bullets for hunting should work just fine then (120 ttsx, 145 lrx and 160 part/ab).

I always thought 140's were the way to go with my AI. I've had two Jarrets and both were tuned for 140's when I picked them up. That being said, I began experimenting with 150's at the suggestion of one of the veterans on this board and decided to try it. While my accuracy was outstanding with the 140's, it was even better with the 150's. Tuning for the 150's was simple, just a minor tweaking of the 140 grain load. In this case, RL-19 powder was its preferred powder. 61.5 grains if I remember correctly. (Load data is in my shop, I'm in the house now)

I use Ballistic Tips in this rifle and their 150 grain bullet seems to be a little stouter made than the 140. I know this is only subjective, but the bullet seems to arrive with much more authority that what a mere 10 grain difference in weight would suggest.

Better accuracy, more "thump"...I like it.

Most guys go for the 1:9 twist, it's probably optimum for the 280 Ack. I choose the 1:8 to keep the door open for some of the really long bullets out there. There isn't really a down side, but also not really needed for the 280ai.

My opinion is bullets in the 160-168 range are about perfect for the 280 Ackley. Not that I'm discounting the capabilities of the 150's, I'm just more a fan of the heavier, high BC bullets out there.

Kman, don't know if your looking, but I'm going to be listing a brand new set of Redding deluxe dies, and two sealed boxes of Nosler brass for the .280 ai.

PM me if interested, if I don't hear from you in a couple of days it will be listed in the classifieds.