My bro has been wanting to build a cutom 308 for some time now, and I have been trying to convince him that there are better chamberings out there. I finally hit a nerve with him! He has been shooting 130 TTSX at 3200 in his 308 for a while now. I have also been in the search for a good deer rifle, and my 270 WSM is not panning out like I want. So I called up my bro today and told him that he didn't want a 308, what he really wanted was a 280 AI shooting 140 AB in the 3150-3200 range with a way better BC than his 130 TTSX! I also told him that we were going to build them as a pair on some Savage actions and do it our on our own! He was pretty pumped about the idea, as am I. He is thinking about a 24" barrel while I'm thinking about a 26" barrel.
My question for you 280 AI guys is what are your thoughts on barrel length to take advantage of the bigger AI case. Both guns will be in the 8-9 lb range when finished and wearing a scope, and sling. We are looking at going with the Shilen barrel select match barrel that is prechambered, that way the only thing we have to do is screw it to the action and headspace it.
Also I would be interested in some of your pet loads if your willing to share, and what kind of speeds I can expect in the real world (not just the Nosler book and Quick Load). Looking mostly at the 140 and 160 AB.
I'm mostly using mine for open country deer, speed goats, and an elk back up, while my bro will be using his as his single rifle for everything. We have not decided on stocks yet. I'm thinking I would like to get an unfinished laminate and finish it myself, or get a good light weight fiberglass something. His will be topped with a VXIII 3.5-10x50 and mine with a 4.5-14X40 LR VXIII.
Just had to share with somebody! I'm pretty excited about the idea and can't wait to get started!
My question for you 280 AI guys is what are your thoughts on barrel length to take advantage of the bigger AI case. Both guns will be in the 8-9 lb range when finished and wearing a scope, and sling. We are looking at going with the Shilen barrel select match barrel that is prechambered, that way the only thing we have to do is screw it to the action and headspace it.
Also I would be interested in some of your pet loads if your willing to share, and what kind of speeds I can expect in the real world (not just the Nosler book and Quick Load). Looking mostly at the 140 and 160 AB.
I'm mostly using mine for open country deer, speed goats, and an elk back up, while my bro will be using his as his single rifle for everything. We have not decided on stocks yet. I'm thinking I would like to get an unfinished laminate and finish it myself, or get a good light weight fiberglass something. His will be topped with a VXIII 3.5-10x50 and mine with a 4.5-14X40 LR VXIII.
Just had to share with somebody! I'm pretty excited about the idea and can't wait to get started!
