Should I? 6.5x 280 AI

[hunter24605]

So I have a chance to snatch up another M-70 made in the early 2000’s. The stock needs a little re-finishing, and the blueing on the barrel is about 80%, but the action and mechanics are solid. It’s a REAL good price! Currently it’s a 270, but I’m kicking around the idea of changing it to a 6.5x 280 Ackley. West Tx ordinance makes reamers and custom dies aren’t required. From their site:

Redding Type S .280 Ackley Improved bushing sizer die, with a .292” Neck bushing and 6.5mm expander/decapper assembly. One pass through the sizing die forms the neck to the proper diameter, no fireforming required.​

I realizing asking you guys for a yes or no about another gun is about like asking a fat kid if he wants cake.

 

[DrMike]

Oh, yeah! Go for it! You need permission? Done!

 

[JD338]

Only one way to scratch that itch.
I got my 280 AI when it was a wildcat. There was a lot of cool factor with it and was a lot of fun researching load data and testing loads to unleash the true potential.
That's what you will be doing with the 6.5-280AI.
It should be a flat liner and nipping at the heels of the 264 Win Mag. Not a bad place to be as I see it.

JD338

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Sure, go ahead and get it. You know you want to. You have my permission

 

[GregoryB.]

I need to stay off this site. I have all the components except barrel to build a 700 Sendero and all these caliber options keeps my head spinning.

 

[salmonchaser]

Have you started building it yet?

 

[SJB358]

Looking forward to seeing this project unfold

 

[hunter24605]

Have you started building it yet?

No, I think I'll go ahead and get the 270 for a donor but still kicking the idea around with what components I want to use.

 

[JD338]

No, I think I'll go ahead and get the 270 for a donor but still kicking the idea around with what components I want to use.

What components are you kicking around?
You definitely want to get the action blue printed.
Several great barrel manufacturers out there. My 280 AI has a Hart 24" #5 fluted and my 338 RUM has a Krieger 27" #5 fluted. Both are scary accurate.
Trigger Tech makes excellent triggers.
So many options available. Take your time and you won't have any regrets.

JD338

 

[RL338]

No need to think , just buy it
If I were to think about it , I wouldn’t need to get a 3rd gunsafe. That’s where I’m at now.

 

[IdahoCTD]

I wish I didnt need a 4th but sadly I do. Now where to put it.

I wish you guys would quit enabling me, or was it me enabling you? I can keep it straight anymore. Its all a blur.

I saw go for the 6.5-280AI.

 

[cloverleaf]

You could cure all this "maybe I oughta" if you just built yourself a 250 Savage.... . Nah, I'm Lyin'....you definately came to the wrong place if you expect us to talk you out of it. The one bit of wisdom we could give you is: DONT SHOOT THE DONOR! CL

 

[Slimfinn]

That would be a real cool cartridge, wonder how close it would be to the RPM...

 

[longrangehunter]

Go for it! It’s an easy neck down process and lots of brass out there all ready vs FF.

The SAC Modular die will allow you to size the neck right down to the shoulder. No donut from a std bushing only sizing 2/3rds of the neck. Yes they are expensive, but for wildcatters it makes sense.

I’ve thought about building one for a long time, but I already owned a 6.5/300 WSM. Simple process once Winchester brought out the 270 WSM. One pass through the full length die and it was done. No super thick neck sizing down either.

No harm no foul in building something that you’re super excited about!

 

[NYDAN]

If you can afford your house/apartment payment, car payment, and groceries, go for it. Sounds like a cool cartridge.

 

[grry10]

A 6.5-280AI sounds like such a cool cartridge and I'm sure it will be a shooter! I have a 6.5-06AI and love shooting it. So far it has only been used on paper, steel, and rocks, but I have no doubt that it is going to perform well on game. There is just something about the performance of a .264 dia. bullet in any cartridge you put it in.

 

[Charlie-NY]

Most of us don't have a safe full of rifles because we "needed" them. We have them because we "wanted" them. It sounds like you want a 6.5-280AI. so go for it.

 

[JD338]

Most of us don't have a safe full of rifles because we "needed" them. We have them because we "wanted" them. It sounds like you want a 6.5-280AI. so go for it.

Charlie,
There's always a need.

JD338

 

[RL338]

Need / Want
Need is alphabetically first , that settles it

 

[orchemo]

I had a tikka 6.5 CM barrel chambered to 6.5-284 with a long throat, put it on a Sako 85 and what a fun rifle to shoot.