Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Ruger African .280AI

Let me guess, you missed English the day it was taught.

Thanks for playing

So, just trying to set the record straight.

The Express model was a 30-06 length action in standard chamberings (270, 30-06, 25-06), and the RSM (Rings, Sights, Magnum) was a 375 length magnum action rifle. Both had an integral sight rib.

And yes, the RSM was a big heavy gun, but the Express was not much heavier than the African.

Search "Ruger RSM" on Gunbroker to see a few.

Thanks for the clarification WhelenAway.

WhelenAway,the RSM was also chambered for the .416 Rigby,which is a true magnum length action.

I almost bought one to have reamed to 8mm-06, then I thought, "I can just shoot 200 gr bullets out of a .30-06 if I want to increase felt recoil and save money on gunsmithing, dies and new bullets"

Almost bought one too, thinking the same way Sycamore.

In the end I decided 338 was the way to go if I wanted something bigger than 30.

Additionally, the Express was chambered for standard length magnum cartridges (7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, 338 Win Mag).

Adding to the confusion is that the larger long action magnum rifles were called “Express Magnum”. These larger guns were also bedded much differently than the standard length ones and other Model 77s. They have a foreend lug connected via a steel strap to a steel projection on the main recoil lug.

My huckleberry is the .338. Weight and feel is perfect. The integral quarter rib and action finishing are superb on all these guns. Mine shoots well to boot.

Yep...forgot about that one!

A coworker of mine inherited a RSM in 375 H&H mag from his father in law. His son wanted to shoot it so I was asked about reloading for it. Not one to miss an opportunity to experience that quality I said I would but would need the gun for awhile. No problem, I enjoyed shooting it for a couple of weeks and found a good load pretty quick using the 270 gr Hornady spire pt at 2600 fps. I loaded them 50 rds and returned it.Later that fall the son used it on a nice 5x5 whitetail buck. The rifle had a very nice looking Circassion stock
. No they didn't want to sell it. MB

I had an RSM in 375 for a while.

As noted it was a very heavy rifle, and mine had a blond stock without a great deal of figure, so eventually I moved it along.

The integral quarter rib was the big draw for me.

Should have bought an Express before they got too pricey. They are a lot harder to find.

The Lipsey's specials can usually be had a fair bit cheaper:

ruger-m77-hawkeye-280-ackley-bolt-action-rifle-24-barrel-polished-blue-finish-ruger-57126/

Spot On !

A F A I C, there are several cartridges that fit that category.

I agree with this wholeheartedly. My problem is I don’t think big chunky reinforced stock and barrel band swivel stud when I think 280AI.

No thanks needed prick

Would the 1 in 8.5 twist be too fast for 120 gr. Barnes or 140 gr. BTips meaning would the bullets come apart or be less likely to group well? I'd use it mostly for whitetails under 300 yds

Some great cartridges in this selection.

Had one that I bought cheap never fired. Kicking myself for selling it. Was a bit front heavy but not bad when you scoped it. Still weighed a bit but it really tamed the recoil.

Didn't shoot it much though, but very nice rifle.

I had one of the 9.3's. I liked the idea better than I did the rifle. Kicked like heck with heavy bullets and the wood was vanilla plain. I regret not buying one of the 275's, but would really like one in 30-06. 280AI? No thanks. Now, a 7x64? I'd be all over that one. You know, tradition and all. I'll bet they could sell a few in 338-06 as well.

Not a problem.