Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats A which caliber thread

So i posted in another thread here about starting a build on a Defiance action. So with that out there,I am back in the cartridge selection talk.

I want a non magnum - mid range (out to 600 yard) lighter weight rifle to pack around the mountains here in idaho that would be used every year for Mule Deer, elk, and blackbear. (Goats, sheep, antelope when those hunts get drawn)

I am a unapologetic 270 win fan and promoter, but want a little better bullet selection for this build. Also, I want a long action cartridge, so no 6.5 creed, 7mm-08 talk. So with that being said in order of my leaning, here is what I am thinking - what are y'all thoughts...

1. 280 AI - Idea of shooting 160-168 grain loads
2. 6.5-06 - Idea of shooing 140-147 grain loads
3. 338-06 - Not a huge fan of this since I have a 375 H&H, but it crossed my mine

I plan on a 24" proof light sendero contour with whatever I select. There will not be a muzzle break.

You can stop at #1.
:-)

AKwolverine got it right.

Bullet selection? Number one, objectively, although I personally would go for an Ackleyed 6.5-06. But the 280 is just enough different, and easier to have built well with more data.

I would do a 284 over a 280 AI for no reason whatsoever but either would be ideal. If you’re not in the mood to mess with reloading an 06 has the widest variety of factory ammo from mild to spicy so you can find something that does what you want.

I'd go with the .280 AI, and make sure that it chambers Nosler's version. They build some great ammo for it, which can be real nice, even for a handloader.

The .280 can handle those long, sleek 160 - 175 gr bullets that work well on the game you mentioned.

Regards, Guy

.280 Ai

I sure like My 280 AI

Best of the 3 is the 280AI...

You just answered your own question....

dave

#1!!!

6.5/06 AI

Aside from the risk of boring people to death, why not a 30-06?


Okie John

You can't go wrong with a 280 AI.

So do you have the action yet? Its configuration would lead to some cartridges being preferred over others. No doubt there are better bullet choices in 6.5 and 7mm than in .270, even though--like you--I am a huge .270 fan. I built a .280AI, and ultimately decided the additional effort/cost wasn't worth it. With elk on your list, I would go 7mm over 6.5. Maybe that is an old school attitude, but so be it.

A .284 with the throat cut for long bullets and a magazine to match would be a compelling rig--all you would need to do is neck up the Lapua 6.5-284 brass, and you would have better brass than any available for the .280, IMHO.

Building a 6.5 x 55 on a long action SS M 70 classic I bought from Brad. Ordered a Shilen 1-8 that took about 6 weeks to show. Lots of room for seating bullets where they need to be, light kicking gun with plenty of LR punch. Factory ammo available if you're not reloading. Just a thought...

The 280 settles the debate between 06 and 270
I would go 280 ai

I'm having a 280 AI built right now.. look no further

6.5-06 is a perfect choice for your long action. I have built three of them an all are great shooting rifles. The number of high BC 6.5 bullets available is a real plus.....

Can’t go wrong with that classic.