The .280 AI

[Razorbacker]

I've got a line on a used Ruger 77 at my LGS. I've had good luck off the used rack, but that's usually magnums. My thinking has been they were probably shot very little. And so far I've been right. But an AI has me thinking the guy was a shooter so I'm not as comfortable. Also, I'm just sure I read an article about some factory ammo that wouldn't chamber in a guys custom rifle and it turned out the Kimber AI is slightly different than the original. I reckon if you're handloading it doesn't really matter.
But what do you guys think of the caliber?

I Don't know what he wants for it but all things bring equal what should a rifle like that go for?
It's got an ancient Weaver, 1.5x4.5 on it. which has no value to me.
Thanks

 

[Guest]

I sure wouldn't buy it without investing in having a gunsmith I know scope the bore. No telling what it is, without that. Could be a diamond, could be a stone.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

I look at this rifle two ways.

#1 you are right a 280AI for the most part is owned by someone who shoots more than the average guy so it may have a high number count down the tube.

But

#2 it has a 1.5-4.5 on it which makes me think that someone had it for deer hunting to be different and got rid of it because they do not have time/money to reload for it so they are selling it to get a 06 or 270.

I would look it over really well and have smith look at if the price is right. From there if the price is right and it checks out go for it. If not, pass on it and wait for the right one.

 

[Razorbacker]

Well I was at home today and not feeling well so I spent no small amount of time on my laptop. I learned a lot and solved the mystery of the article I referenced in my OP.
I'm gonna go look again tomorrow with a fine toothed comb. Don't know if they'll let me take it to a GS or not. But I must say when I picked it up the other day, that little rifle just called to me. It's so light and nimble. I'm really enjoying my 8mm RM but by day 3 of hunting what passes for mountains around here that thing is like carrying a 4x4 post.
Also if this one works out or not I'm still interested in that chambering. My wife hunts with me. I bought her a Kimber in 7mm 08. So if I can ever get out after Elk again, she could use the AI with her 08 for back up and I could use my 8 Mag with my .30 '06 for back up, with 180 grn ABs
Anyway if it ain't this 'n it'll be anothern.

Now the question becomes what scope on a rifle that nips at the heals of a 7 mag? I'm thinking a Leupold in maybe 2.5x8 with the right reticle.

 

[JD338]

RB,

The VX-3 2.5-8x36mm is my favorite scope and it will serve you well.
My 280 AI wears a VX-3 3.5-10x40mm with a CDS dial. She is spot on to 600 yds, which is the furthest I have shot it.

JD338

 

[Guy Miner]

RB - JD338 is our resident .280 AI nut case. I mean expert. Ummm. Ahhhh. He knows a LOT about 'em. :mrgreen: There. I think I'm safe with that description.

JD's handloads are amazingly close to what I was able to produce, handloading the 7mm Rem mag... With less powder & recoil. That's worth thinking about.

Nosler even offers FACTORY loaded .280 AI ammo now! Will it fit the custom chamber on the Ruger you're admiring? Good question.

I'd think that with a good shooting .280 AI, you might not need much of anything else for the lower 48.

Guy

 

[Razorbacker]

RB - JD338 is our resident .280 AI nut case. I mean expert. Ummm. Ahhhh. He knows a LOT about 'em. :mrgreen: There. I think I'm safe with that description.

JD's handloads are amazingly close to what I was able to produce, handloading the 7mm Rem mag... With less powder & recoil. That's worth thinking about.

Nosler even offers FACTORY loaded .280 AI ammo now! Will it fit the custom chamber on the Ruger you're admiring? Good question.

I'd think that with a good shooting .280 AI, you might not need much of anything else for the lower 48.

Guy

i don't know if he's a nut case or not but we are certainly of like mind on scopes, depending on what reticles are available that is just what i was thinking.

The Nosler factory fodder is part of the issue i mentioned in my OP. According to Nosler their factory stuff will not chamber in a SAAMI .280AI chamber. It's too long.
But that's okay, their 140 grn ABs will work just fine. And as you say, for anything short of a brown griz or far north Moose I'll be all set.
i hope this thing's bore looks good and it can follow me home tomorrow.

 

[SJB358]

Good luck with it. The 280 Improved is a sweet cartridge. There are a number of great scopes and most with the 2-3x on the low end and 9-12x on the top end should be excellent.

 

[DrMike]

I do like the .284 calibre cartridges, and the .280 AI is a powerhouse in a standard case.

 

[Razorbacker]

Well, he wants $550 for it and the AI stamped on the barrel was crooked so I walked. I went to a larger place while I was in town and they can order me a Ruger Hawkeye for under 700 clams. I've got a call into a rifle builder to see what he would charge for the chamber work. Picked up some more powder and primers while I was at it.

 

[Razorbacker]

While we're on this topic, can one of the mods or someone find out why nosler chose to load their ammo longer than a SAAMI spec chamber?

 

[sask boy]

The 280AI is likely the most perfect all around caliber for Saskatchewan. I can't wait until mine is finished. I will using the 280AI for everything but Moose and I might try it one time for that as well.
When the new 150 ABLRs and the 168 ABLRs are being supplied I will order enough that I will never be short.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[Guy Miner]

Well, he wants $550 for it and the AI stamped on the barrel was crooked so I walked. I went to a larger place while I was in town and they can order me a Ruger Hawkeye for under 700 clams. I've got a call into a rifle builder to see what he would charge for the chamber work. Picked up some more powder and primers while I was at it.

So you're talking about a brand new rifle, then having a smith ream it to .280 AI?

Sounds like a GREAT plan! I'd also work with him to make sure it's chambered so the Nosler ammo & brass will fit perfectly.

The Hawkeye is a mighty nice rifle, I think you'll like it.

Regards, Guy

 

[yellow dog]

While we're on this topic, can one of the mods or someone find out why nosler chose to load their ammo longer than a SAAMI spec chamber?

didn't nosler standardize this cartridge? that is odd that they would step out of their own specs.

 

[SJB358]

That 280 in a Hawkeye should be real slick. 280's in general are pretty awesome performers.

 

[JD338]

RB - JD338 is our resident nut case.

Guy,

I think you nailed it! :mrgreen:

JD338

 

[Razorbacker]

While we're on this topic, can one of the mods or someone find out why nosler chose to load their ammo longer than a SAAMI spec chamber?

didn't nosler standardize this cartridge? that is odd that they would step out of their own specs.

No, SAAMI standardized it. Nosler elongated it. I do not know why but my theory is Kimber is building their Mountain Ascent so i dunno, so perhaps some sort of collaboration between the two. One thing I feel certain of is the likes of Kimber and Nosler must have had a very good reason I would just like to know what that reason was before i spend serious folding money on a build.

 

[Razorbacker]

RB - JD338 is our resident nut case.

Guy,

I think you nailed it! :mrgreen:

JD338

Okay resident nut case :twisted: Help a wannabe brother out here, I'm not asking for specific load data but what powder and primers? I'll be fire forming .280 cases most likely, any preferred brands? :grin:
Thanks

 

[DrMike]

While we're on this topic, can one of the mods or someone find out why nosler chose to load their ammo longer than a SAAMI spec chamber?

didn't nosler standardize this cartridge? that is odd that they would step out of their own specs.

No, SAAMI standardized it. Nosler elongated it. I do not know why but my theory is Kimber is building their Mountain Ascent so i dunno, so perhaps some sort of collaboration between the two. One thing I feel certain of is the likes of Kimber and Nosler must have had a very good reason I would just like to know what that reason was before i spend serious folding money on a build.

Here is some reading material to give some background on the matter.

https://gunsmithtalk.wordpress.com/2010/01/13/280-ackley-improved-alert/

http://www.angelfire.com/ma/ZERMEL/280AI.html

http://www.shootingtimes.com/2011/03/17/longgun_reviews_the_280_ackley_031511/

 

[JD338]

RB,

RL 22 and Federal GM215M primers.

My rifle has a long throat so I seat the bullets quite long.
Accuracy is well under .5 MOA
160 gr AB
60.0 grs RL 22
3000 fps

140 gr AB
63.0 grs RL 22
3150 fps

Let me know if you have any questions or need any additional info.

JD338