I’d really really like a stainless Tikka in .280 Rem but they don’t make it. I don’t know Jack about converting rifles into different cartridges, so educate me. What are my donor options?



P

For a 280 Rem you will need a Long Action aka 30-06 length action with a .473 bolt face. You want stainless, so make sure it is. What is your Total Weight Goal? Is this a hunting/hiking rifle or do you want a heavier rifle for sitting in a stand or simply a long range benchrest type rifle?

Pharm,

You will need a donor action, or if you already have one set up like above mentioned in 30-06 or 25-06 you will needto have the old barrel removed and a new barrel installed. Lots of barrel options but I'd look at maybe a Bartlein stainless or carbon wrapped if you want to get fancy. Then send it to a smith to have it chambered and cut to length and crowned. Or plenty of pre-fits out there these days but not sure any chambered in .280.

If you go the rebarrel route I would give Shaen @ Shaen Rifles a call, he has worked on Tikka's and his work is fantastic. He also has some unique ideas on all things 7MM and they work:)
Plus he will have it back to you pretty fast.

All Tikka actions are 30-06 length. The rifles chambered for short-action cartridges use a different bolt stop and magazine, both of which are widely available and not very expensive. Rechambering a Tikka in 7-08 to 280 might be the way to go, but you might have to have the barrel set back a bit. Their barrels are 23.6" so there's a bit of running room there. Then swap out the mags and the bolt stop and you should be good to go.


Okie John

That certainly could work but not sure the twist would be ideal for that change?? Plus I'm pretty sure the 7MM-08's only come with the shorter 22" barrels.

What's wrong with a 22" .280? I'd just make it a .280 AI as it would probably clean up the 7-08 chamber. If it's a stainless .280 you want I'd look for a Remington M700 Mountain Rifle.

If you want a Tikka in .280, just buy a .270 and pretend you got what you wanted!

Never said anything was wrong with it, just thought I'd mention that it is 22.4" and not 23"+ like the previous poster said. Not that Pharm doesn't already know that.

Assuming you have a Tikka T3 in 7mm-08.

You have to buy a long action magazine and cartridge stop and then have it rechambered. I am pretty sure you have to set the barrel back. You can buy a barrel from montana tactical.

I’d look for a used T3x in -06 based of some type whether its 25-06, 270, 30-06. At least this way, you don’t need a new bolt stop or anything. Rebarrel and restock in a mcmillan edge. My personal preference is also to switch to High Desert bottom metal.

That’s what’d I’d do as well.

I have a stainless T3 in .30-06 I haven’t shot in a coon’s age, I might just sacrifice her.

Thanks for the replies, I’ll look at Shaen.



P

I'm going to do this same thing with one of my stainless Tikkas in 270 or 30-06. I'm going to get a McGowen prefit barrel, maybe a Proof barrel, in 280 Ackley. I'm not with the group suggesting the McMillan; but, to each their own. There are a lot of companies now making pre-fit barrels for the Tikka action.

Definitely give Shaen a call. He did my 338 06 tikka, which was a 308 win. I went with a mountain tactical bolt stop,long magazine, new stainless douglas and a custom mcmillan and was in business in no time. I think the only hang up was my mcmillan order took 5 weeks instead of 4, but I can't bitch about Shaen's communication or turn around time. Dude is awesome to deal with, gun is shooting lights out, just waiting to kill , so myself or Shaen can share pics. As a side note, I believe dye7barrel has my 280ackley tikka if you have any questions

280’s & especially 280 AI’s are as perfect a hunting rifle there is. I have several of each.

Seems the quick and economic way is to try and make it work with with a 7mm-08 and the existing barrel. I suppose any 30-06 style could also use a 7mm Rem Mag barrel, set back and rechambered to the .280. Its going to be much more expensive (and much nicer) to get a new custom barrel and stock etc.

Pharm

IMO the 280 is NOT that diff from the 270 W.
Ammo ( I know you are a handloader ) is much more available for the 270. That also makes brass easily obtained.

I have a T 3X Lite SS in 7mm RM, it's only 3 or 6 oz heavier than my T 3 Lite SS 270. >> I'd go that route instead of a 280 AI. Lots of plusses for the 7 RM.
I think you have a 7 or had one (?)

OTOH lots of guy go the custom or semi custom route so that might be your cup o tea.

Good Luck

Jerry

Yeah, but when you want a 280, the 270 is not good enough. We all KNOW it works just as well but rifle loonyism takes many forms

The 270 is gay.

Everyone knows that.




P

Yeah, but your the one who is going to bend over and take it near the wallet to get what you want, monetarily anyway. That's pretty gay anyway just to keep smiling. MB

There would be zero chance I would change a thing about my T3x SS 30-06 .

Does that make the 280 BIsexual ?



ATST I understand ‘wanting’ what you want. I liked the 284 W for a long time before
I was able to get one.


? Maybe that’s a simpler answer to your quest ?

Jerry

I’d think it’d be a piece of cake for a great smith to make it exactly the way you want. The 280 will be a little jammed in the Mags with longer bullets but if you don’t shoot the long ones then it doesn’t matter anyhow.

I didn't realize prefits would work on the Tikka action. I'll have to look into how they headspace.

Pharmseller,

I did almost exactly what your are asking to do with my Sako 85, I wanted a 280 AI, so to rebarreled my Sako with a Krieger Barrel - I did it during my last class of gunsmithing school, so I had to do it myself... but yes... it can be done.

AS THE GUYS SAID - Tikka’s are all long action, the only thing I would caution is if you get a 7.08 version, the heavy part of the barrel may not extend far enough to cover the neck of a 280.
Normally the chamber barrel profile sticks out past the neck area just a tad (with the exceptions of ultralight barrels) to give one protection..

I've been researching this recently and, apparently, they are quite easy. Supposedly, they are quite easy for do-it-yourselfers to do. It is my understanding all of the tolerances necessary are quite good with the Tikka actions. I'm only relaying what I have discovered recently based on my online research. I'm not trying to assert something about which I am personally knowledgable. It's got my interest enough to continue my quest.

I got money.

That's a good place to be! If you already have the rifle, I don't think a re-barrel is going to break the bank, even if you have a Name Brand smith do the work. If you've got access to the tools, you might consider doing the swap yourself, per:

You CLUELESS Fhuqking Droolers are a HOOT,as you give it your BEST. Hint. Congratulations?!?

Teekers are HILARIOUSLY 10" RPM in .284". Punching a 7-08 out,don't satiate that "thinking". Hint.

Their COAL "latitude" in a 2.5" case is equally HILARIOUS. Hint.

Teeker mags suck THE heaviest of ass and in all fhuqking chamberings. Hint.

If polishing THE Turd was requisite,the 284Win chambering connects all dots. Go 8",throat for a 180 Smooch and still have a Goat Fhuqk. Hint.

Bless your hearts for TRYING.

Hint.

LAUGHING!..................




TheBigCry yet again tries to erase her fhuqking STUPIDITY.

Hint.

LAUGHING!..............

Hey little buddy. I hope you are well. Ya, I continued my search after posting that and found my answer. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you by asking a question. Can I assume, based on your rationale of my stupidity that, since you don't know how to remove, disassemble, re-assemble and re-install a 25mm main gun on a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, that you are stupid? I'm just asking, like I said, utilizing your rationale. Have a great day little buddy.

To those who care, I've ordered and am having installed an 8 twist barrel, chambered in 280 AI, and plan to order a Red-Snake Tactical AICS bottom metal for my project unless someone else, including you Little Buddy, have a better bottom metal recommendation.

Pharmseller, I'll try to keep you posted on my results.

Sounds like you've got it well in hand. You opted for the McGowen? How long? Is McGowen putting it together for you?

TheBigCry,

I enjoy the notion,that you are stumped in both 7mm and 25mm...you "lucky" kchunt. Hint. Congratulations?!?

Do add up the conversion costs,cite who's barrel(McGowen sucks ass) and it's throat geometry(which you remain CLUELESS upon) and regale with your DBM's COAL,for even more oblivious fhuqking HUMOR. Hint. LAUGHING!

Bless your heart for TRYING,you poor,poor(literally) CLUELESS Fhuqk.

Hint.

LAUGHING!..............

Yep, I'm going to give McGowen a try as they have offered me a military discount. I went with a 24 inch 8 twist barrel and, yes, I am having them put it together. We'll see how they do. As stated above, I think I'm going to go with the Red-Snake Tactical bottom metal unless further research dissuades me.

Little Buddy (aka Big Stick, aka Thread Killer),
Your reading comprehension skills are diminishing again. Keep working at it. Stumped at 7mm? No. Stumped at rifle builds? Admittedly, yes. Stumped as to the 25MM? As a certified 19D instructor, with an H designator and as a master gunner, one tends to become quite familiar with that particular weapon. I hardly think so. As to anything I have posted for which you may have something to offer, assuming it's not in some sort of code language, I'm open to suggestions and I thank you in advance. And, once again, thank you for blessing my heart. At times, you are a good man. Be well.

TheBigCry,

Kudos on your "getting" a "deal"...you "lucky" kchunt. Hint. Congratulations?!?

I enjoy your TRYING to "talk" rifles,as you fend your COUNTLESS well founded Insecurities. Hint. LAUGHING!

You poor poor(literally) CLUELESS Fhuqk. Hint.

Bless your heart.

Hint.

LAUGHING!.........

Pharm, had a friend knock off two bucket list items with one rifle purchase. 280 Rem M70 Super Grade that he had chambered in 280ai. Worked well. I would imagine spinning a 7mm barrel onto a Tikka action is your best bet. If you're doing so, I'd recommend at least a 1:8.5 if not 1:8. Darn bullets are getting long. PS Why not an Improved if you're going that far?

I was thinking about something similar recently. Figured a 7-08 rechambered to .284 would be the easiest and cheapest way to go. Shorter case lets the long bullets work in the shortish Tikka OE LA mags. There's a good smith about a half hour from here who quoted me $250 for the rechamber.

Man, I think the 284 Win would be a sweetheart in the Tikka if you got the magazines feeding smoothly. The 1-8 barrel would open up a pile of opportunity for good bullets.

Yep, easiest, cheapest and close to 280 R performance.

Jerry

And then......?

I'm fairly sure that a .280 reamer stuck in 7mm-08 will not cut a clean chamber, unless you set her back about two threads, which defeats the whole purpose, time is money in the gun shop.
Start with a new barrel, twisted for what you want, in a length you want.

And then......?

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx






I got one !
M 98, 21" blll., Timney, Boyd's Hardwood stock
60 grs Surplus 4831, 139 HBT, 3000 FPS



AND it works. I have a few more pix of deer it has stopped.

I like it. It's a keeper.

EDIT: In 2014 it was very difficult to find 284 Brass but one of OUR members here ... was gracious enuff to sell me
a sufficient # to supplement my supply. THANKS to our participant !!

Jerry

Tikka feeds 7RM from the mags you'd be using.

I have to agree with others here that if your going to go .280 it might as well be .280 AI. Especially since you are never going to use factory ammo anyway.

If I ever succumb to loonyism again and set up a reloading bench, a .280 AI would be at the top of the list. I even agonized on the .280 AI vs. 30-06 as my one rifle.

Nice thing about the 280AI is that the SAAMI pressure is 65K for the AI versus 60K for the 280.

Not that you can't run a 280 at 65K, but you won't find pressure tested load data published for a 280 at 65K. You're left to guess.

Rethinking my original plan. I have a great load with 150 Eldx out of my 7mm-08 (2780 fps) and another great load with 162 Eldx out of my 7mm Rem Mag (2980 fps). A 280 really doesn’t get me anything I don’t already have.



P

Glad you WOKE, Bro.



Yes on your 7 RM......the 280 AI doesn't get you more ! EXCEPT expense.


Jerry

If I had a 7-08 that I liked, and a 7RM that I liked, there's no way I would build a 280 or 280AI.

But I don't, and the 280AI easily replaces both.

“I say that’s a joke son.” 😉

https://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek088.html

The 284 Win is a greatly under appreciated cartridge.

Common sense prevails......... The loonyism was getting out of hand in this one.

Not at same pressures

Jerry

Perhaps you missed this?




Not saying it's fully the equal of the 7RM, but it's so close it doesn't matter to me.

Couldn't a 25.06 be used and have it rebored to .280 a lot cheaper than rebarreling?

It's almost a letdown when a guy backs away from a Loony decision. Sometimes I feel like I come here to enable the Loony in others.

The 7mm-08 isn't a good comparison to the .280 AI since it is short action vs. long action and only has ~60% of the case capacity of the .280 AI). It is a great round, but is an apples to oranges comparison to the .280 AI in my opinion.

But the .280 AI and the 7mm RM are very similar in performance. The 7mm RM has more case capacity, but is less efficient than the .280 AI. But, as has been said, there is nothing the .280 AI will do that the 7mm RM won't also do. If you didn't already have a 7mm RM I would say get the .280 AI. Since you already have a 7mm RM, I don't think you are gaining anything by getting a .280 AI other than more load data to obsess over and a "new" rifle to play with.

.358/.366/.375 is calling....

My -06 is going begging in the classifieds, so how about a .338-06?





P

You could send your 06 to JES for a rebore to 338-06 for less than the cost of a new barrel as long as there's enough metal at the muzzle. Dies for the 338 A-square are likely to be cheaper than custom dies. I screwed a new 25" 338 barrel onto an 06 Stainless Stalker a few years ago. Since I was buying 1/2 the reamer it turned into an Ackley. Just started working with it again this year. With an older lot of WW nickle 280 brass, WLR, & a case full of H4350 it does 3000fps with the CT 200gr Ballistic Tip or the 210 Partition. Groups are at an inch or under with a 5x scope, so I'm sure it could do better with more scope or younger eyes. RL17 is also promising, & I wonder what Power Pro 2000 might do. It's Whelen with sleeker bullets.

Question in my mind the sensibility in doing a 280 AI in any action that does not have a 3.6" box. Having to load long slinky bullets short to work in a 3.34" box reduces your powder capacity gain that you AI for in the 1st place.. Figure the exact bullet you want to use, throat for it utilizing the 3.6" mag and keeping that bullet from intruding into the cases powder capacity.. std action at 3.34" doesn't seem to be the logical choice. Food for thought, somebody defend the idea of using the 3.34 action with rational please. MB

If you're going to rebore, I'd jump straight to 9.3X62. If you're gonna rebarrel, I'd give the 6.5 RPM a hard look.