Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

I’m thinking on starting a new project for the 280 AI. Looking at reloading manuals and different cartridge looks like the 30-06 would be one of the best choice to start with. I would purchase a used rifle and have it re-barrelled for the 280AI. Would the 30-06 be the best choice or can I look for 270 Win. 25-06 Rem. or even 7 mm R.M and 300 W.M. work as for action length ?

As for the used rifle, would one brand work better then another. I was considering a Winchester Model 70 because seams to be lots of 270 Win. floating around for sale. Any input would be appreciated...:eek: Thanks...:D

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

Standard long action with a .473 bolt face is your best option....ie; '06, .270. 25-06, ect.

Rebarreling any of the '06 based chamberings will get you there fine.

The easiest would be find a 280 Rem, have the barrel set back and punched AI, not a thing wrong with that plan if the tube is Good To Go.

The 7 Mag, 300 WM, ect, have a larger bolt face and you will need a new bolt.

I'd do a Remmy 700, but that's mostly just me.

The 280AI will kick azz.................

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

I guess some people like complicating their life. Just buy a 7 Rem mag and be done with it. I have had 3 280's that2 of 3were pigs in the velocity dept with the exception ofa number 1. Nothing they did velocity wisewould make me believe they would increase velocity enough to make it worth the while by bumping out the case. If you plan on doing it anyway just buy any 25-06,270,30-06 anything with a .473 case head bolt.

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

Yes, I know the 7 mm R. M. would be a better choice with lots of brass available but that’s boring and I had one for years and now want something different. I just like something about the 280 AI without the belted case and Magnum name. After all , I don’t need a magnum for our midget deer around here...;)

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

I’ve been looking for a while now and have not seen one 280 for sale at this time. I would also like to have my first custom barrel for this rifle to the twist I want...

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

To be honest about it, what would the AI do the standard .280 wouldn't ??? VERY VERY LITTLE..why drive yourself nuts for maybe 200 fps.. I agree with the above, just buy a 7mm Rem Mag if you need that much power or velocity.. usually the simpliest answer is usually best....now if you into competition shooting with it and want the brass to last longer because of the sharp should angle, go ahead..but overall, save yourself the trouble

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

If you want something really exciting and shoots to actual factory velocity and load manual velocity buy a 7 WSM or even better find a 7 SAUM. That works exceptional well for those midget Canadian whitetails.

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

I really don’t need the 280 AI but it’s a project I’d like to do so the 7 mm R. M. is out of the question. My requirement s are also to have a long action. I have no long action rifles and it’s time to add one to my collection. I know I may sound stubborn but I know what I want. Thanks guys for all the feedback so far...:D

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

Forgive my ignorance, but what does the AI mean?

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

AI = Ackley Improved. The cartridge of the 280 AI is basically the same as the 280 Rem. except the shoulder is formed more at and angle to increase powder charge for more velocity and extend life of brass for reloading...

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

Ah, is this a fact that it can do this? If so, this would be better then buying a Rem Mag for cheapness of rounds, correct? How does it performed compared to the brother Magnum?

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

Don't let 'em bother you trailer. Some of these guys around here can't take a man for hisword and simplyanswer his question without trying to change his mind and educate him. I guess to themmost people are just plain dumbazzes and need guidance to a proper direction....

You want a 280AI there's nothing wrong with it, build it.......

Source a decent .473 bolt facelong action,source a quality barrel, and find a 'smith that'll do the quality work at a reasonable price. Make sure you use one that has a lot of experience in Ackley conversions.

Fireform some brassand rock on.....

I for one appreciate the gains of AI'ing a chamber, if only justfor the extended case life.

I only wish that my last rebarrel was 30-06AI instead of doing the vanilla version..........

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

Hey Steelhead aren't you the Jackass that throws a perfectly good custom rifle onto a gravel bank to make sure the barrel is broken in ?

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

Yes put it in a 26" custom tube and it will still be short of a 7 rem mag. I don't know about most of these guys but I would rather be loading and shooting then making brass and wasting a shot blowing out a case . They must have more time on their hands

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

Too funny..........

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

Well Nosler is started to offer 280 AI brass as per link www.nosler.com/?p=9&bullet=13 ...:eek:

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

I hear ya! A .280 AI is my next project. Less recoil/muzzle blast then a 7mm Rem Mag, and pretty much the same velocity/energy. With factory brass being made, whats not to like? A lot of guys here tried to talk me out of my .243 AI, but I'm super happy with it, and you will also be happy with a .280 AI.

I will also recommend a Broughton 5c barrel, extremely FAST!! It might exceed a 7mm Rem Mag...

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

Hey, trailer.... If you want to AI a 280, then by golly, do it!! We all know how to read ballistics charts. If you want something different than the 7 Mag, that is entirely your option and the way to go. I've been working with my 243 AI, and I really enjoy the process. The plus on your end, is as you said, you can buy new 280 AI casings. I gotta make mine.
I'm all for what you want to do. Just get youself a standard LA with the .473 bolt face and have at it. I kinda perfer the 700 actions, but that's just me...
You might want to look at trying to pick up a good used 700 BDL for a donor. You get the action and all the bottom metal with it... A good custom barrel installed and everything trued up will get you a long way down the road.

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

Thanks guys, there’s just something sexy about that 280 AI and I can’t explain it. I also like the fact that there’s reloading manuals that list the 280 AI. Just one less thing to worry about. As for the rifle , I was interested in a Mauser action but if a good Rem 700 comes up at a good price then that just might be the way to go. This will be my next years project if it all goes according to plan...[8D]

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

The .280 Rem AI is now a standard cartridge and is SAAMI registered through Nosler who makes brass for it.

All in all it's a fine cartridge and if you want one then you should get one. Just remember that in actual hunting performance it will not do anything the 7mm-08 or .280 Rem won't do nor anything that the 7mm Magnum won't do a tiny bit better.

There is just one thing.....when you want to trade it in the resale value will be substantially less.....no one wants them!

Fine cartridge.....just know what you're doing!

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

A Rifle ain't a car, IMHO, it's a tool meant to be used.

Barrels are meant to drive bullets into stuff, and be shot a lot.

When a rifle pukes it can be tossed, or it can be rebarreled, the choice is yours.

Trade value suffers nothing aftera long stretch of intended use then trippedas a donor action.

The best thing about a worn outRifle is thatthey make barrels for it everyday..................

RE: Converting bolt action to 280AI...
 

This wouldn’t be like the well debated 308 vs 30-06 by any chance , would it...[8D]