New Project Started...thoughts, questions

[Idahotrophyhunter]

So I am starting a new winter project for a all purpose deer and elk rifle that I hope will become my primary hunting rifle.

Sako AIII action
26" finished #4 contour Shilen Barrel
.280 AI Nosler Version
Richards Tigerwood Laminate Rollover stock
Sako OpticLoc Rings/Bases
Swaro z3 3-10x42

Looking to shoot either 140 or 160 accubonds. Figure with the 26" barrel should at least duplicate 7mm rem mag ballistics.

Question - is there a difference in reamer for the 40 degree AI and Nosler Version?

 

[Kodiak]

It appears that Nosler has used Mr. Ackley's original case shape, as he used a 40* shoulder, according to his Handbook for Shooters, Vol. #1 and #2. So does Nosler. Ackley first used the 30/06 case, improved and necked-down to form the 7MM/06 improved cartridge. Later on 280 Remington factory cases were available and could be fired in the improved chamber, making for a very nice cartridge.

Also the tool and die giant, RCBS, chambered some rifles in their improved version, carrying a 30* shoulder, other case dimensions being about the same. Velocities from both versions were said to be the same.

Just a little history on the subject 8) :grin: !

 

[EOD Diver]

ITH,
I would have a target weight in your head and match components to get there. That pipe is almost 4 pounds and laminated stocks are a little on the heavy side. I'd never sharpshoot your build, but it might be a little heavy for an all purpose rig. Now for a bean field rifle, you should be good to go. I only bring this up because I'm thinking I went a little too heavy on my Bartlein barrel for my pre-64.270Win build. I went with the standard sporter contour that's .600" at 24 inches and the pipe weighs about 2.8 pounds. As pretty as she is, she's a little pork at 9 pounds unloaded and without scope. Turns out that stick of English I had was pretty damn dense. I had hoped to be under than when I built it in my head and that's bad on me. Nobody's fault but mine. Next time around, I'm going to try and be at 8 pounds ready to hunt and this is something I need to convey better to all parties involved.
Joe

 

[DrMike]

So I am starting a new winter project for a all purpose deer and elk rifle that I hope will become my primary hunting rifle.

Sako AIII action
26" finished #4 contour Shilen Barrel
.280 AI Nosler Version
Richards Tigerwood Laminate Rollover stock
Sako OpticLoc Rings/Bases
Swaro z3 3-10x42

Looking to shoot either 140 or 160 accubonds. Figure with the 26" barrel should at least duplicate 7mm rem mag ballistics.

Question - is there a difference in reamer for the 40 degree AI and Nosler Version?

All quality materials, that's for sure. You will want the 40 degree shoulder if you are wanting to shoot the Nosler stuff.

 

[Idahotrophyhunter]

I have got 9 pounds in my head for a finished rifle which I am ok with regarding the terrain I hunt....The only thing that may change is instead of the tigerwood laminate, an exhibition claro blank from Richards.

Am I right to achieve 7mm mag ballistics? 140 at about 32-3250, 160's at about 3000-3050?

 

[Kodiak]

Am I right to achieve 7mm mag ballistics? 140 at about 32-3250, 160's at about 3000-3050?

Maybe .... but with the 26" bbl, I think we're gonna find out !

Keep us posted as you go along.

 

[Guy Miner]

I think you'll be close to, or at the 7mm mag ballistics you seek. JD338 has posted some .280AI velocities that are very close to what I've seen from a 7mm Rem mag.

Like Joe, for an all-around rifle, I think the components add up to a little too much weight. But I hunt a lot of mountains & steep country, usually carrying the rifle several miles a day and have to be prepared for a snap shot. That's my "all-around" rifle's task, so it may be lighter than yours. Probably why I like those Rem CDL's so much. Nice and light & handy, even with 24" barrels.

Ever build with a Palma contour barrel? The Palma contour barrels are fairly light as far as match barrels go. The rifles have to make a weight limit. The various Palma contours avail from Krieger & all are a pretty good compromise between sufficient girth for accuracy, yet lighter than a bull barrel.

Guy

 

[SJB358]

Yeah, I would think an easy 2950-3000 for the 160's and 3150-3200 for the 140's..

I would think something trim and fairly light would be nice to hump around the hills.

 

[nvbroncrider]

Mine is very similar but on a 700. #6 Pac-Nor 28" fluted with a stockys Accublock Thumbhole sporter laminate and a Z6i 2.5-15X44 BT 4A scope in Leupy Dual Doves. With a Harris 9-13" bipod and sling it hits the scales at 12 lbs.

My 338 with a #4 on a Pre-64 weighs 10 and is much more pleasant to carry.

As far as velocity I think your gonna be in the 3050-3100 range with the 160's. You need to look at the 175's!

 

[Idahotrophyhunter]

Would it be advantagous to go with a 24 or 25" barrel? Would the wieght difference be worth the velocity losses?

Also is there a lighter (yet just as strong) ring setup for the sako aiii?

 

[DrMike]

Velocity gain/loss is not as great as people imagine. I usually allow 25-35 fps per inch of barrel in common lengths. The advantage of a longer barrel, if there is one, would be in balance; and that depends on action and stock chosen. My ten cents (inflation adjusted to amount to two cents in 2008 coinage). :grin:

 

[longrangehunter]

Shorter barrels are stiffer then there longer counterparts, making them more accurate on average for the same taper/size barrel contour. Velocity is good but accuracy is better! Having both is even better if it ends up that way?

 

[Idahotrophyhunter]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =372314709

This is exactly what I have in my head for the looks of a finished project...Made up my mind im going with fancy claro instead of the tigerwood laminate. Put a swarovski 3-10x42 on it and its exactly what I have in my head.

 

[DrMike]

I am a sucker for fine wood; it is always classy.

 

[SJB358]

IDH, that is real nice wood right there. Good luck. Should be an awesome build.