Craving a 280 Rem

gunluvr · #1 08-01-2017, 04:26 PM

' Getting bout time I added another hunting rifle to the pile. Heart is set on a 280 Rem like the title says. Or maybe even AI. This time I want a walnut or laminated stock. Weatherbys fit me well. Could dig a Ruger. I'd prefer a 24" sporter barrel. Bolt gun, of course. Not real worried about weight; truck-hunter. Budget for rifle alone is hopefully under $1800, but that hope might soon go out the window. Don't know of any off- the shelf rifles that fill the bill.
So, where to begin...where should I be looking? Try to find a shot-out donor, spring for a new barrel? Custom gun? So far, every rifle I have was off-the shelf, so this is new to me. Thanks for any input.

gitrdun · #2 08-01-2017, 04:42 PM

I'm kind of in the same boat. I have a Rem 700 donor action and bolt face for a former .243Win. I'm thinking something in a 6.5mm. One thing for sure, it will be a Bob Jury barrel.

Deer Hunter · #3 08-01-2017, 04:59 PM

I would think you would be better buying one than building one considering a new barrel is going to run you 550$+
I have a nice Kimber BGR in 280 rem

And just picked this one up this summer
A Model 70 Featherweight Wincam in 280 rem

Salavee · #4 08-01-2017, 05:00 PM

Re-barrel if you have a suitable platform in your safe, otherwise pick up a quality donor. Some of my pet shooters are from high quality rifles built decades ago but sporting new barrels and chambers and sometimes re-stocked. Great winter projects as well.

duceman · #5 08-01-2017, 06:43 PM

280 is a great cartridge. i've had a few; and now have a rem 700 mtn rifle in a boyd's thumbhole. having built an ai version a while back; i wouldn't recomend going with one. the gains are marginal for troubles that come with it; poor feeding and case forming.
not that these issues can't be dealt with; just didn't see the gains to out weigh them.

Dick284 · #6 08-01-2017, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duceman

280 is a great cartridge. i've had a few; and now have a rem 700 mtn rifle in a boyd's thumbhole. having built an ai version a while back; i wouldn't recomend going with one. the gains are marginal for troubles that come with it; poor feeding and case forming.
not that these issues can't be dealt with; just didn't see the gains to out weigh them.

^x2

I had a 280AI built, and while it's a fine shooting game getter, I really haven't seen any quantum leaps in performance over my sons 280.

rembo · #7 08-01-2017, 07:26 PM

Here's one.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...8#post14003938

Sask Bearman · #8 08-01-2017, 07:45 PM

I have an older Remington 700 stainless synthetic mountain rifle in 280 that weighs about 6.5 lbs and is very accurate. It is a great caliber and rifle but I don't shoot it as much as I should.

7mmremmag · #9 08-01-2017, 07:54 PM

I just bought a 280ai in a Montana Rifle X2 lefty. Im pretty pumped to put some ammo through it.
I had a 280rem in a Pro Hunter quite a few years back that I really enjoyed shooting.

Fowl91 · #10 08-01-2017, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gitrdun

I'm kind of in the same boat. I have a Rem 700 donor action and bolt face for a former .243Win. I'm thinking something in a 6.5mm. One thing for sure, it will be a Bob Jury barrel.

Here's a Pre-64 Model 70 .280 Rem with a Bob Jury barrel. Had Henry Rempel do the work on it.

shortaction · #11 08-01-2017, 09:30 PM

I believe my 280 affection is about to come to an end. Have a remington 700 synthetic Blued mountain rifle with a Quik Clip conversion, a remington 7600 pump with engraved receiver, Remington Model 7400 plain receiver, Browning BAR with sights and another without. A 280 AI that I call the Mongrel, Mossberg 1500 action and wood stock, remington 7mm-08 barrel that was rechambered, weatherby detachable mag system, had a good recoil pad put on it and had all the metal Dura-coated, and had the action pillar and glass bedded, might have the best trigger I've ever used. This was going to be my main rifle, but by the time all the work was done, I had lost my passion for the project. I fire formed 12-15 brass right after getting and never touched it since must be 5 years!!! I also have a pre 64 Model 100 Winchester in 284 win which I've never shot! I used to absolutely love to handload ammo and try different things and shoot lots. The wife and I have drastically downsized and both retired, and I'm at a time in my life where simplicity rules, so I think it is time to move onto either a 270win or 308win and get rid of the dead weight.

The 280 rem is an outstanding all around cartridge and I have really loved mine and the collecting of them was as much fun as anything. So here's to you and hopefully you will find the one that is just right and you shoot the heck out of it!!!

gunluvr · #12 08-02-2017, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salavee

Re-barrel if you have a suitable platform in your safe, otherwise pick up a quality donor. Some of my pet shooters are from high quality rifles built decades ago but sporting new barrels and chambers and sometimes re-stocked. Great winter projects as well.

I actually have a 700 Rem CDL in 25-06 that has never really impressed me, accuracy-wise. Love the walnut stock. Might become a donor. But then I will have to replace it cause I like 25-06. Decisions....

rembo · #13 08-02-2017, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortaction

A 280 AI that I call the Mongrel, Mossberg 1500 action and wood stock, remington 7mm-08 barrel that was rechambered, weatherby detachable mag system, had a good recoil pad put on it and had all the metal Dura-coated, and had the action pillar and glass bedded, might have the best trigger I've ever used. This was going to be my main rifle, but by the time all the work was done, I had lost my passion for the project. I fire formed 12-15 brass right after getting and never touched it since must be 5 years

Did I sell you this rifle?...it sounds very familiar....I have been known to "fix" a few Howa 1500/Vanguard triggers,...in fact I prefer them over the current abomination of a trigger they wear now.

Beeman3 · #14 08-02-2017, 08:56 AM

As said I would re barrel if you have a donor. If not look for a used Cooper. Be in the $1800 range. I picked up my 280AI at Prophet River. Was there on consignment.

shortaction · #15 08-02-2017, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rembo

Did I sell you this rifle?...it sounds very familiar....I have been known to "fix" a few Howa 1500/Vanguard triggers,...in fact I prefer them over the current abomination of a trigger they wear now.

You sure did. I don't know if you worked on that trigger or not but it is excellent, next to that one, a Sako 75 Stainless Synthetic I had would be next. I should probably keep that one and at least try it out after all the work I invested in having done.

sjemac · #16 08-02-2017, 09:12 AM

I have a left-handed A-bolt Medallion in .280 Rem that has shot around 100 big game animals, including bear, elk and moose. It is a sweet cartridge.

Chukar Hunter · #17 08-02-2017, 02:55 PM

I built a 280 AI several years ago and it was a Tack driver and fast. However, I had feeding issues at times and in one elk hunt, I got a round stuck in the chamber which bummed me to no end. Most straight cases have feeding issues and for that reason alone, I will never touch an Ackley.

I then build a 280 Rem straight on a Tikka T3 platform with a Lilja #2 barrel_24" long. It is shooting within 75 fps of the Ackley and with the same accuarcy and NO feeding issues. I then build 3 more of the same for buddies and they all love it.

My suggestion is find a cheap platform and build so you can put a 24" pipe on it and get that velocity.

Mine shoots the 150 SCII at 3,100 fps and yes, the load is a bit HOT.

Yours in good hunt'n

CH

bubba300 · #18 08-03-2017, 08:49 AM

I had one years ago for a short time,really liked it but always found I used my 7mm RM & 270win more so I sold it.I have shot a few 280 AI's and thought about building one but think I would go 280 rem instead just for less hassle.I think it is a great round with good ballistics.Maybe when I can't handle the recoil from the Rem Mag.

Big Thumper · #19 08-03-2017, 10:34 AM

I picked up one of these last year for a spare:

http://store.prophetriver.com/ruger-...bl-hawkeye-22/

Deer Hunter · #20 08-03-2017, 10:52 AM

Lots of heavier, high bc, 10 twistable bullets for a .277 cal these days too. Nosler, Hornady, Bergers 140-145gr...

Fowlow · #21 08-04-2017, 05:21 PM

I also have a passion for the 280rem after owning a weatherby ultralight kimber 280ai Rem 700 mountain rifle in 280rem I settled on a 7mm saum custom build on a model seven by far the most accurate rifle I've ever owned I'm getting 2950fps with 162gr bullet my go too gun now just over 6lbs scoped

Kurt505 · #22 08-04-2017, 08:30 PM

I bought my first 280 because they didn't have a 300wsm in the rifle I wanted. Since then I've have acquired the 300wsm I thought I wanted, sold the 300wsm, along with all of my other magnums because I simply have no need for them. After having the success I've had with the 280 I don't see a need for any other cartridge. I have both the 280rem and the 280ai, love them both.

plmnnkoqaz · #23 08-04-2017, 08:47 PM

I just picked up a Kimber Hunter in .280AI off of a member here. I've been shooting a Ruger American in 7mm-08, so I'm super excited to have something with a little more fit and finish and a little more juice!

Bowser · #24 08-04-2017, 08:53 PM

Just buy a stock Rem., glass bed and free float the barrel and maybe you can shoot 3/16" groups too. I love mine and it's has spanked a pile of critters with the 140 gr. TSX

brimmer · #25 08-05-2017, 08:10 AM

The .280 is a well balanced round that is easy on the shoulder with a great selection of bullets available. I rebarreled a forbes rifle in .280 and it is my go to for everything these days.

Dean2 · #26 08-05-2017, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7mmremmag

I just bought a 280ai in a Montana Rifle X2 lefty. Im pretty pumped to put some ammo through it.
I had a 280rem in a Pro Hunter quite a few years back that I really enjoyed shooting.

Being a lefty I have thought a couple of times of getting a Montana to try. Have heard both good and bad about them, particularly about having spotty accuracy. What does yours weigh scoped and how does it shoot?

Kapustacrk · #27 08-06-2017, 12:45 PM

This was the first custom rifle I had made up in Calgary 1980, I still have it plus others. It has taken quite a number of animals and is easy on the ears/shoulder. A Sleeper until you reload to its full potential. I will always have one and is a excellent choice. My 2c Thanks Rembo for that MTN Rifle.

bubba300 · #28 08-07-2017, 07:37 AM

Well we are on the 280 subject,just curious as to how many of you have the 7mm Express.I have seen a couple for sale over the years.
Did anyone ever make brass stamped 7mm express.

7mmremmag · #29 08-07-2017, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean2

Being a lefty I have thought a couple of times of getting a Montana to try. Have heard both good and bad about them, particularly about having spotty accuracy. What does yours weigh scoped and how does it shoot?

I havnt put a scope on it yet.
Dies are still being shipped to me right now.
I should be fire forming brass late this week and I'll let you know.

Hawkeye · #30 08-07-2017, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubba300

Well we are on the 280 subject,just curious as to how many of you have the 7mm Express.I have seen a couple for sale over the years.
Did anyone ever make brass stamped 7mm express.

I am quite sure I have some brass stamped 7 mm express in my stash.