Finally...

[Tronneroi]

My barrel from Proof Research has finally shown up after 6 months. Would be a whole lot more exciting if covid hadn't put a choke-hold on our finances. Next barrel will be a Jury for multiple reasons.

Either way, I'm thrilled to have it and eventually get it chambered and threaded for my 700. Just need to decide between .280 or .280 AI... Opinions are welcomed as I've been flip-flopping since I ordered it.

[huntingfamily]

Both are great cartridges.
I own a .280 Rem currently and love it. But I'm in the process of having a 280AI built.
Go figure...

[fps plus]

You can always start with a 280 and have it improved later should you feel the need . If you start with a 280 ackley you won’t have enough shank on a proof barrel to set it back to a standard 280

Also if you have access to some dummy 280 ackley rounds you may want to try the feeding before you proceed

[Tronneroi]

Originally Posted by fps plus

You can always start with a 280 and have it improved later should you feel the need . If you start with a 280 ackley you won’t have enough shank on a proof barrel to set it back to a standard 280

Also if you have access to some dummy 280 ackley rounds you may want to try the feeding before you proceed

Good point. Think I might that route.

[1100winger]

I looked at both too - and the AI seems to be the darling chambering right now - BUT - for the 75 fps gain, the fireforming etc, I'd stick with the 280. It is absolutely lethal.

[Dean2]

FPS is spot on. Most Ackley cartridges do not feed well at all. For a hunting round it is not worth giving up the feed reliability for the 100 FPS you gain in speed. You will NEVER see a dangerous game round with a 40 degree shoulder, and you don't see any short mags in that kind of hunting either.

The 280 will make a great hunting gun. Accurate, lots of bullet choices and plenty fast enough. It can be loaded close to 7 Rem mag speed, most weights within 200 fps, with a whole lot less powder and I have always been a big fan of the 7 Mag. As much as I enjoy the 7-08 and 7x57, the 280 to me is the almost perfect blend of speed, efficiency, long barrel life and high B.C. bullets. Hope you have lots of fun with the new gun.

[Highlander44]

Have hunted with both. Currently have a .280 AI and couldn’t be happier. Very good velocities and accuracy, and have never had 1 feeding issue. You’ll be happy either way. Also- you don’t need to fireform .280 AI- Nosler sells brass and it’s easy to get.

[brewster29]

Originally Posted by Dean2

FPS is spot on. Most Ackley cartridges do not feed well at all. For a hunting round it is not worth giving up the feed reliability for the 100 FPS you gain in speed. You will NEVER see a dangerous game round with a 40 degree shoulder, and you don't see any short mags in that kind of hunting either.

The 280 will make a great hunting gun. Accurate, lots of bullet choices and plenty fast enough. It can be loaded close to 7 Rem mag speed, most weights within 200 fps, with a whole lot less powder and I have always been a big fan of the 7 Mag. As much as I enjoy the 7-08 and 7x57, the 280 to me is the almost perfect blend of speed, efficiency, long barrel life and high B.C. bullets. Hope you have lots of fun with the new gun.

Thanks for this information about feeding issues. I have a fantastic 280 that I was considering getting rechambered to AI, but definitely won't now. I also have a 7STW if I feel the need for real serious speed.

[Full Curl Earl]

Mind me asking why you waited so long for a proof barrel? Lots of other great barrels available without the wait. Just curious.