[chk]

Does the 280 AI need a 24" barrel or is a 22" barrel long enough to get real improvement? I read an article on the 30-06 AI and Ackley said with it less than 24" isn't worth the trouble. My son has a M77 MKII 280 and was asking me about it. I've heard it is one of the most often rechamberings done. Thanks for any info on this. Dave

 

[Rich Jimbo]

Dave, I've got a Custom Shop Encore barrel in 280 AI [26"] and it's a tackdriver!!! I wish I could answer your question about 22"/24" barrels, but I don't know! I reload with IMR 4350 and RL 19. With a shorter barrel I'd use a faster burning powder. In the Feb. 2003 issue of Guns & Weapons, there is a good article on building a custom 280 AI. Very informative. Jim

 

[chk]

Thanks Jimbo.

 

[onesonek]

chk, Ackley was correct. Much of what we shoot today in bottle neck cases today, are " overbored " It's all boils down to expansion ratio. The case capacity/bore dia... A longer barrel, nets you a higher ER, thus more velocity out a given case and bore. Personally I wouldn't rechamber a 22" barrel. And most likely isn't needed out to 300yds. And a 24" is as short as I would shoot in AI, 35 cal. and under.

 

[Triigo]

.280 AI

Jim,
What twist, and bullet wight are you using?
Thanks, Tom

 

[Steve E]

Mine is a 24 inch and I use it on smallish Whitetails back home with 120 Gr. Hornady bullets with 58 grs. of IMR 4350 and Rem. cases and Win. LR primers and if I do my part they will all go less than 1 inch.

Steve E........