280 AI

[375hh1973]

OK, I am sure that this caliber has been discussed here but I have some questions about it. I am actually considering getting a rifle chambered for something other than a belted mag. I love my .375 H&H, my 7mm STW, and my .338 win mag but for some reason I am looking for something different. My first question is this- how hard is it to turn an .280 rem into a .280 AI? Is it just a matter of having a gunsmith run a reamer down the chamber? Secondly, once the rifle is a .280 AI, can I still fire regular .280 rem ammo in it? Not that I would want to make a habit of that, just wondering. The reason I am asking this is that I can get a Browning A-Bolt SS/Syn in .280 for a great price and this caliber intrigues me. Thank you in advance for any input. This is a great forum!

 

[Guest]

The simple answers are: Easy, yes, and yes.

As far as the caliber goes, I'd start playing with the regular 280 first, as it is a great caliber in it's own right. That said, there are a ton of folks here who love the AI version. I don't personally like AI's in just about anything, but that's purely a personal issue, as I believe the gains are primarily from overpressure (with modern powders) rather than the minimal gains in case capacity. For instance, I can get something on the order of 3200fps out of a 130gr in 270win with modern powders, where 3000fps used to be the norm. I suspect the 280 to be similar in it's capabilities. But the AI is certainly loved by many.

 

[longwinters]

Check with JD338 about his 280AI. Looks like a sweet idea to me.

Long

 

[JD338]

375hh1973

The 280AI is one fantastic round, 7mm RM performance if needed.
A good smith can easily do the job for you. 280 Rem ammo can be shot through it, that is actually how you would fire form your brass unless you go with the Nosler brass.
Since you are on the east side of the state, call Rob at Williams Gun Sight in Davison, MI (Flint area). Rob knows how to make a shooter. :wink:

JD338