280AI

[30-338]

Well I picked up my 280AI this afternoon and should get it out to the range tomorrow for alittle barrel break-in. Barrel finished 27 1/4" it's so long could use it a fishing pole and it does balance nice for a #3 contour.

One of these days I'll post some pictures.

 

[JD338]

30-338

Congratulations on your 280 AI.
Tell us more about the rifle, who did the work?
What kind of scope are you going to mount?
What loads are you planning on using?

Pictures would be nice.

JD338

 

[old #7]

You should be able to get some fast rounds with that barrel

 

[30-338]

JD338,old #7, I build the rifle for accuracy and I'm hoping for good velocity. Local gunsmith build the rifle same one who build that 243AI group I posted. I've been having good luck with Lilja barrel so decided to use his got the same one going on the 284. Action was square etc 700 SS action was bedded B&C stock with bedding block had the trigger reworked. I put a Leupold 3.5x10 with AO and their rings/bases and it weight almost 9lbs.

I got the barrel broke in today hoping to get some more range time.

 

[SJB358]

9lbs isn't overly heavy with scope and rings. I can't wait to hear how it shoots out of a 27" tube. That should really take advantage of 160gr Accubonds! Post some pictures if you get a chance 30-338. Sounds like a sweet rifle. Scotty

 

[Guy Miner]

Should be a fine rifle!

 

[JD338]

30-338

My M700 trued action Hart #5 24" fluted barrel in the LSS stock with a Mark 4 4.5x14x40mm weighs exactly 9.0 lbs as shown below.

JD338

 

[30-338]

Yesterday I broke the barrel in and worked up acouple loads using R-17. Today I chrongraphed those loads and 55gr/R-17 with 160gr Sierra mid 3000fps load density was great at 55gr also good accuracy.

I think that powder may be best suited for the 284 I got coming. I also chronogaphed my 30-338mag 3084fps with 180gr bullets 3200fps plus with 165gr bullets.

I've followed the post here on what powders most are using with their 280AI may try some of that and see what happens. I'm not going to hunt with that rifle this year so have plenty of time to work up loads. We have such a lousy windy/snow winter this year just was worth going to the range.

 

[JD338]

30-338

RL 22 has been a great powder for my 280 AI with 140 gr BT / AB, 150 gr E-Tip and 160 gr AB. IMR 4831 is also working well for me with the 140 gr AB.

JD338

 

[rick smith]

My rifle prefers IMR-7828 with a 160gr bullet.Rick.

 

[JD338]

My rifle prefers IMR-7828 with a 160gr bullet.Rick.

Rick,

You shot 280 AI?

JD338

 

[old #7]

I like RL-22 for the heavier bullets and RL-19 for 140 and below. I haven't tried much else, there hasn't been a need to.

 

[JD338]

I shot my 280 AI with the 140 gr AB again today. Using 60.0 grs IMR 4831 and a COL of 3.400", I averaged 3166 fps with a ES of 7 fps and a SD of 3 fps!
Although the accuracy is good, I can't seem to break the .5" mark. Today's groups went .660", .675", and .534"

With a COL of 3.328", I averaged 3159 fps with a ES of 6 fps and a SD of 3 fps. Group went .627".

The charge weight is golden, I just need to find the sweet spot with the seating depth.

JD338

 

[SJB358]

Man Jim, that is some really good shooting, that 140gr AccuBond in the 280 Ackley sounds really impressive. I know you are trying to get to .5, but man, that is a whisker over, but consistent as all get out! Hope you get it, but if you don't, I don't think you will ever get to accuse the rifle if you make a bad shot! Scotty

 

[jmad_81]

Jim may I ask why you are screwing around with new loads for that thing? Seems to me that RL-19, RL-22 pretty much couldn't of gotten any better!

 

[30-338]

Yesterday I broke the barrel in and worked up acouple loads using R-17. Today I chrongraphed those loads and 55gr/R-17 with 160gr Sierra mid 3000fps load density was great at 55gr also good accuracy.

Well been playing around some with the 280AI. I've tried N-560, IMR-7828,H-1000,760 and afew other powders so far 3172fps with 160gr AccuBond is high velocity next is 3134fps . Once I settle on a load I'll post that sorry to say haven't tried R-22 yet.


I also got a new 223 with 1/14 twist barrel been working up loads for that also.

 

[rick smith]

JD338, My 280AI is built on a Mauser action, 24" fluted barrel. Shoots almost 3000fps with a 160gr bullet using IMR-7828. My stock looks like yours except I have an ebony fore end and grip cap.Rick.

 

[JD338]

JD338, My 280AI is built on a Mauser action, 24" fluted barrel. Shoots almost 3000fps with a 160gr bullet using IMR-7828. My stock looks like yours except I have an ebony fore end and grip cap.Rick.

Rick,

Thanks for the update and glad to see you are in the 280 AI club! :grin:

JD338