Companion to the 280 AI?

Pathfinder76 · #1 01-11-2010, 04:26 PM

I'm considering building a rifle to compliment my 280 AI. I want to build it on the same action with the same stock and same barrel length (22") but with the addition of irons and a scope in Leupold QR mounts. I'd use it for Moose, Elk, and Bears and carry it scope-less in the summer scouting sheep in the mountains or hiking and fishing on private property. I've narrowed it to 338-06, 35 Whelen, or 9.3X62. Which cartridge would you use for the above uses?

#2 01-11-2010, 04:30 PM

Quote:

I've narrowed it to 338-06, 35 Whelan, or 9.3X62. Which cartridge would you use for the above uses?

Never heard of a .35 Whelan but I think a .35 Whelen would be a good choice.

If that's an option too, a no brainer I'd say.

spurly · #3 01-11-2010, 05:03 PM

Have you considered an 8mm-06 its kind of uniqe, easy to form,will do2700+ with 180's and 2600+ with 200's

double gun · #4 01-11-2010, 06:37 PM

I really like my 338-06.... that said I havent had either of the other two.

1st - 338-06
2nd - 9.3X62
3rd - 35 whelen

Jerry D · #5 01-11-2010, 07:16 PM

I'd take a .338-06 any day of the week over a .35 whalen.

Don't know much about the 9.3x62

Traps · #6 01-11-2010, 08:10 PM

Tikka 338 Federal

AB2506 · #7 01-11-2010, 08:12 PM

9.3x62 is growing in popularity in the states as a caliber that gives similar ballistics to the 338WM, but fits in a 30-06 action. If I didn't have the 338, I would give it a go. John Barsness really likes it.

eric2381 · #8 01-11-2010, 08:31 PM

I would go with a 35 Whelen. Plenty of bullets to choose from, brass is easy to make, and easy enough to buy at bigger stores. I like mine because I can load it heavy and hot with 250gr bullets, fast with 225gr. bullets, or light with 35 cal pistol bullets for practice or good gopher control.

I've been loading my 35 whelen with 250gr. bullets with RL17 at 2750 fps from the 22" barrel. RL15 is a good powder in the Whelen as well.

There is a 225gr. TSX available.

If I was doing it, I'd like to try a 35 Whelen AI.

TangoKilo · #9 01-11-2010, 08:47 PM

you mean Talley QR rings...RIGHT?

Pathfinder76 · #10 01-11-2010, 08:51 PM

No, I've used the Talley QR's and prefer the Leupolds.

AB2506 · #11 01-12-2010, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric2381

I would go with a 35 Whelen. Plenty of bullets to choose from, brass is easy to make, and easy enough to buy at bigger stores. I like mine because I can load it heavy and hot with 250gr bullets, fast with 225gr. bullets, or light with 35 cal pistol bullets for practice or good gopher control.

I've been loading my 35 whelen with 250gr. bullets with RL17 at 2750 fps from the 22" barrel. RL15 is a good powder in the Whelen as well.

There is a 225gr. TSX available.

If I was doing it, I'd like to try a 35 Whelen AI.

2750? Have you chroned your loads? That is 350fps over the factory specs for a 250 gr bullet. Be careful.

TangoKilo · #12 01-12-2010, 11:25 AM

Really? Why do you like the Leupold better?

My vote goes to the 9.3 X 62 !!

250 TSX at 2500 Fps. DANG!!!

whitetail Junkie · #13 01-12-2010, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spurly

Have you considered an 8mm-06 its kind of uniqe, easy to form,will do2700+ with 180's and 2600+ with 200's

338-378 wby mag!!! 180 grain @3600+, 200 grain @ 3250+.

Chet · #14 01-12-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

I'd use it for Moose, Elk, and Bears and carry it scope-less in the summer scouting sheep in the mountains or hiking and fishing on private property. I've narrowed it to 338-06, 35 Whelen, or 9.3X62. Which cartridge would you use for the above uses?

I would go with a 375 H&H - covers the bases you mentioned and a few more should they come into play down the road.

TangoKilo · #15 01-12-2010, 04:58 PM

I suppose a little 375 Ruger might be nice!!

Pathfinder76 · #16 01-12-2010, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TangoKilo

Really? Why do you like the Leupold better?

My vote goes to the 9.3 X 62 !!

250 TSX at 2500 Fps. DANG!!!

Vertically split rings are harder to lap. In fact many say not to do it. The Talley's are also higher than I like.

eric2381 · #17 01-12-2010, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AB2506

2750? Have you chroned your loads? That is 350fps over the factory specs for a 250 gr bullet. Be careful.

Ya, I've chronied my loads. That RL17 is something else. It would work even better in a 338-06, I think.

7MM Mike · #18 01-13-2010, 02:42 PM

Chuck - I would take a look at the .370 sako mag (aka 9.3 x 66 sako), it passes the 4000 ft-lb threshhold for muzzle energy. Factory ballistics have it shooting a 286gr @ 2550fps and the 250gr @ 2750fps. It was designed for the 30-06 bolt face and magazine.

My second choice would be the 338-06AI.
Mike