Is the 280 Ackley Improved the best long action cartridge?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- In this video we set out to find the best long action rifle cartridge, and there is no doubt in our minds that the 280 Ackley Improved is that cartridge.
00:51 - Cartridge evaluation parameters and cartridges to compare
02:46 - Cartridge data overview
05:45 - Importance of sectional density in cartridge evaluation
08:20 - How the 280 Ackley stands out
11:15 - Rifle cartridge trajectory
15:00 - Comparing the 280 Ackley with the 7mm Remington Magnum
18:15 - Differences between hunting bullet and high BC bullets
19:30 - Others to consider - 270 Winchester, 30-06, and 35 Whelen
22:50 - Conclusion
We compare the 240 Weatherby, 25-06, 6.5-06 A Square, 6.5-284 Norma, .270 Winchester, 280 Remington, 280 Ackley Improved, 30-06, 338-06 and 35 Whelen to determine which cartridge is ultimately the best.
We start by analyzing load data from Nosler partitions with ~.250 sectional density between the 240 Weatherby, 25-06, 6.5-06 A Square, 6.5-284 Norma, .270 Winchester, 280 Remington, 280 Ackley Improved, 30-06, 338-06 and 35 Whelen to calculate maximum point blank range, identify wind drift, and the ability to hold 1800fps and 1000ft-lb of energy.
We then look at the trajectory of the 240 Weatherby, 25-06, 6.5-06 A Square, 6.5-284 Norma, .270 Winchester, 280 Remington, 280 Ackley Improved, 30-06, 338-06 and 35 Whelen to identify the differences in trajectory with a 100 yard zero. At this distance the 280 Ackley Improved really starts to differentiate itself.
The 280 Ackley Improved is so efficient, we compare it to the 7mm Remington Magnum. While the 7mm Remington Magnum is faster, it does not significantly outperform the 280 Ackley Improved further making the 280 Ackley Improved stand out as an excellent cartridge choice.
We wrap up the video with alternatives to the 280 Ackley Improved talking through the 270 winchester, 30-06, and 35 Whelen as having great capabilities for. a hunting cartridge.
The 280 Remington is one of the greatest cartridges of all time.
No doubt - probably the best balanced cartridge in the 30-06 family. Ackley improved version just takes it to the next level.
I have a 7400 and a CDL stainless fluted,love both of them@@stienfamilyoutdoors
280 vs. 7mm mag,
The heavier bullets of 175 and above is where the 7mm mag. pulls away
150-200 fps advantage for the 7 mag.
I have to agree. 2700 feet per second is idea muzzle velocity for a 175 gr. 7mm bullet. That would be a hot load for the 280 Ackley, but easily obtained by the 7mm Mag.
I shoot the Barnes 175s in my 24” .280 AI and reach the 2700 fps threshold without exceeding listed maximum powder charges. According to the Barnes data manual, the 7mm mag shoots the same bullet at the same velocity as the .280 AI. Maybe the 7mm has an advantage with other bullets, but I have used both cartridges in the field and could not tell any difference in terminal performance. The 7mm definitely has more recoil, though.
Huge fan of the .280 AI. Love mine and with Reloader 26 and 160gr. CX it is amazing. But my next project is going to be a 6.5x55 AI (6.5 sweetheart) should be fun.
I put in a lot of work on a 7mm Practical, i loved it but ended up taking it on one hunt. Those magnums are cool but the 280AI is so well balanced, once you know, you know.
I’ve always wanted to get into the wildcat game, but haven’t taken the plunge - I’d love to do something based on a .257 bullet in either the 7mm or 300 PRC.
I’m also a speed/magnum guy at heart, but the 280AI is going to have a long term spot in my gun safe!
It’s been done already it’s called the 257 weatherby 25-06 ai is also up their but a 25x284 win with a long throat to utilize high bc bullets is the real king of the 25s
The 35 Whalen is all in all hard to beat. Ya could shoot a 200 grain bullet at like 2850 fps . Thats efficient as hell
It’s wild how efficient it is! I have a 358 Norma Mag, but there isn’t a huge gain relative to the 35 Whelen. Great round!
@@stienfamilyoutdoors it's weird it shoots heavier 200grain bullets faster then 3006 shoots 180s. Voodoo I tell ya voodoo 🤣
My Former Co-Worker Used to Call It "A Thinking Man's Magnum"! 👨🎓
9.3 x 62 everyday
@54Rocketeer Yes, It Is a Fine Cartridge! But, So Is The 375 H&H and Much More Common!
Great video, data and common sense- nice combo!
Glad you liked it!
Outstanding Accurate Information For The Pubic & Others Concerning Pods Such As This. Keep It Coming.
Thanks and will do!
.280 Remington in it's original form isn't a bad cartridge. Jim Carmichael and others told us decades ago how well it worked.
No stones to throw at the 280 REM. Just hard to get excited by it when the Ackley has become so mainstream.
Sincerely appreciate your efforts here as a new subscriber. Your comment on splitting hairs resonated with me. So did your comment on practicing.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it.
I just bought a new Browning Xbolt Hells Canyon Speed LR 280AI. 1@8 26 inch barrel. Bought a box of Nosler AB LR 168 gr. Hornady ELD X 150 gr 162 gr
Awesome! How’s it shooting?
I decided to try a new Leupold. I talked to different people and had good luck with them. I know their warranty is top-notch. Like features that the scope has. I bought the VX6 HD 4x24x52mm TMOA reticle.
New to your channel, I enjoyed your video. I’m trying to learn all I can about the 280 AI I’m going to order a Weatherby Mark V Live Wild in 280 AI. Keep the 280 AI content coming.
😂 no you can't. I am...😂😂😂
Good information. Although I would consider the 338-06 Ackley instead of the standard. What do you think?
Just found your channel. Really digging it. This video basically explains exactly my thought process on my new lightweight rifle build for western, Elk hunting. I got a question. We are building a lightweight rifle. What scope we looking at to keep it lightweight? I'm thinking a 4-12. Looking for your thoughts. A video would be even better
@@stevewealthy6120 thanks for the nice comment!
I’m a bit behind in development, but I actually did build two lightweight rifles to compare these decisions - one is off this video, a 280 Ackley in a Kimber Montana. I paired it with a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x32. It’s a bit beefier scope, but I was able to keep the rifle, scope, and ring weight to exactly 7lb.
I also put together a 6lb all in 6.5 Creedmoor in a Kimber Montana and used a Leupold VX3HD 2.5-8x36.
I really like that Leupold for keeping the gun light, and would imagine a higher zoom scope in that line up would perform well. I’ve found that outside of load development I’ve never needed or used above ~8 power while hunting out to 500yd.
I’ve learned a lot with the two rifles and will work on getting the 6lb vs 7lb mountain rifle video out as soon as I can! I’m working through a ton of video from a Canada fishing trip and it’s taken me a bit longer than I expected!
Thanks again!
@stienfamilyoutdoors . Thank you for the response. I had been looking at the Leopold Freedom series in the 4-12. I will definitely look at the 2.5-8x36. You have a great day sir. I am now a subscriber, and look forward to more content
My 8 years of experience with the 280AI in a 700 custom rifle and a factory Savage coupled with Nosler Data the actual velocity out of rifle doesn't come close to Noslers fps that's heavily inflated for whatever reason.
I even purchased Nosler 140 Accubond factory ammunition that had a advertised velocity on the box of 3150 fps that actually clocked 3034 fps out of a 24" Shilen barrel.
If You check anyone elses data on the 280 AI from Hornady and others they do not even come close to Nosler and more conservative and closer to reality.
In my vast experience with the 280 AI the only way it shines brighter than other cartridges is looking at Nosler Data as Nosler in their manual is the only way to put the 280 AI in comparison with a 7mm Remington Magnum as in real life there is actually a real difference
Thank you for sharing your experience! And to your point, doing a quick check of Nosler and Barnes load data does show Nosler at ~70fps faster than Barnes when comparing fastest load to fastest load.
A few things that do stay consistent is the 280AI outperforming the 280 REM by ~150-200fps and the 7mm REM Mag having a very close performance window (Barnes fastest 7mm REM Mag load is less than 30fps faster than a comparable load with the 280AI at 140 grains). I’m going to work up some loads with a friend who has a 7mm REM Mag so we can compare performance in the near future!
A big reason I pulled in the Hornady load data of the 280AI vs 7mm REM Mag was to give some comparison from another manufacturer - every ammo manufacturer tends to show some level of bias toward cartridges they take through SAAAMI.
Thank you so much for watching the video and for the comment! This is definitely one of my favorite topics!
I shot my 280 AI I built the other day and I conographed the loads that I just started with and with a load of H 4831sc and a 154 grain sst I got 2932 fps and the accuracy seems pretty good for first loads and not being broke in yet they say that reloader 26 powder will gain more speed possibly by 100 fps if you can find some I really though that it’s still a gain over like the 30-06 because of the 284 diameter better flight characteristics he is right about bullet flight under 400 yards so it is just preferences but weather you shoot 270 or 30-06 they’re good but the 280 ai is in a good in between
If you are including the 6.5 284, then why not the 6.5 rpm Weatherby?
The 280 Ackley Improved is all you need loaded right. Don’t forget that with a 1 in 8 barrel twist and a minimum 24 inch barrel length you can use 175 grain and up .284 caliber bullets.
Good call on the fast twist barrel for heavy bullets!
Liked your video, really wanting to get a 280ai, would love one in Tikka,but they don’t make.what brand would you recommend that would shoot comparable to Tikka?
I am working with a Kimber Montana at the moment and like it a lot. A bit pricier than the Tikka, but I really like it!
Why is EVERYONE trying to find the "one gun". When the 30-06 is the king of the hill. (I own a 280 AI in a custom light weight rifle) But, if I didn't hand load, it wouldn't get shot.
Because it makes fun campfire talk - the American way is to have multiple safes of firearms 😀
😯 Yes, Without Handloads, The 280 AI is a Different Cartridge (Performs Similar to the 280 Remington) and Not As Desirable! 😳
7 prc hard to beat now days. No belt, 30 degree shoulder, run heavier bullets,
160cx Hornady 3040 fps is definitely achievable and you get 2000 KE to 600 yards with full penetration on a elk with an exit wound
The 280 AI definitely a nice balance tho but I’m going 7prc over a 280 AI now days
7 PRC is a really well balanced cartridge. All the PRCs are for that matter, but the 7 hits that sweet spot of not having too much recoil and still putting the hurt on the largest game down range as well. I was focused on non-magnum cartridges for this video, but 7 PRC might be the best 7mm around today.
@@stienfamilyoutdoors my bad on the non-Magnum cartridges I do have some love for the 280 Ackley I almost chambered one a few years back.
I always felt the 7 rem mag was missing something and when the
7 PRC came out, I think it’s more obvious now.
Also looked really hard at the Sherman Magnum family, but you can’t get factory ammo I do reload a lot but on a hunting trip having that factory ammo option is sure nice.
I also don’t like a lot of recoil, but if one does the 28 nosler is a firebreathing dragon the unfortunate part about the 28 nosler is not many people can drive it properly
@@lukeclement1310 - I am using the firebreathing dragon myself! HUGE fan of the 28 Nosler and pushing the light copper bullets at blazing speeds.
@@stienfamilyoutdoors yes the 28nosler is definitely impressive and if you’re using the lighter bullets you’re saving a little bit on recoil. I could see that.
The trouble I have with it is it is a barrel burning SOB so it’s hard to practice with and I like to shoot a lot. In a hunting situation. I think it is great solution. If you can drive it properly not many can tho
It is definitely a barrel burner! I try to limit it to hunting and a few preseason shots only.
Always use weatherby ballistics with their published data
Just curious - why do suggest that?
@stienfamilyoutdoors I'm a weatherby fanatic. And it's hard to handload a weatherby faster than the factory loads. On some of their cartridges.
👨🏫 Though Not Complete, Here Is a "Sufficient 0.277 Bullet List" (in 5 grain Increments) to Back Up My Claims That The 270 Caliber Has A Better "Hunting Bullet" (Bonded and Monolithic Solid) Availability Than Either the 7mm Caliber or 6.5 Caliber, With More High B.C. "Hunting Bullets" of This Construction: 1.) 80 grains (G.S. Custom) = B.C. of 0.260 2.) 85 grains (Nosler E-Tip) = B.C. of 0.273 3.) 90 grains (Speer Bonded Gold Dot) = B.C. of 0.253 4.) 95 grains (Barnes TAC-TX) = B.C. of 0.292 5.) 100 grains (Nosler E-Tip) = B.C. of 0.327 6.) 105 grains (Cavity Beck MKZ) = B.C. of 0.325 7.) 110 grains (Barnes TTSX) = B.C. of 0.377 8.) 115 grains (Speer Bonded Gold Dot) = B.C. of 0.401 9.) 120 grains (Cavity Beck MKZ) = B.C. of 0.365 10.) 125 grains (Cutting Edge) = B.C. of 0.465 11.) 130 grains (128 grain Badlands Bulldozer-2) = B.C. of 0.531 12.) 135 Grains (Lost River J-36 Bullet) = B.C. of 0.649 13.) 140 grains (Badlands Bulldozer-2) = B.C. of 0.650 14.) 145 grains (Cutting Edge) = B.C. of 0.495 15.) 150 grains (Badlands Bulldozer-2) = B.C. of 0.710 16.) 155 grains (Federal Terminal Ascent) = B.C. of 0.585 (Note: Federal Has Mistakenly Listed the 7mm Bullet of Similar Length Higher, Which Can't Be True) 17.) 160 grains = 162 grain Hammer Hunter Copper Soild = B.C. of 0.274 (Could Be Significantly Improved) 18.) 165 grains (Nosler ABLR) = B.C. of 0.620 19.) 170 grains = None Found Yet (Here is an Opportunity For Someone to Fill in the Gap) 20.) 175 grains = None Found Yet (Here is an Opportunity Someone to Fill in the Gap) 21.) 180 grain (Woodleigh Weldcore) = B.C. of 513
Long Action?? In the 7mm you can fit (3.34" OAL cartridges) 280Rem/AI, 7 Rem Mag, 28 Nosler, with the limitations of your Action/magazine. The 7PRC uses a Fat medium lengh cartridge(Same performance as the 7RM) but you can seat out longer/heavier Bullets. 7PRC or 7mm WSM in a long action. I think the 7mm Bullet/grns sweet spot for the 280AI-7RM is 160-168 Grns. But if you want 180 grns+ a better option would be a Mag Action 3.7-3.8" and seat out those long bullets, 280AI, 7RM or 28 Nosler. 7RM performance with 180 grns in a Std long Act, get the 7PRC factory gun. BUT 7 RM Cartridges available 25 to 3 over the others. The hotrod is the 28 Nosler in whatever action. He, He, Check out Reloading Weatherby on a 7mm-378 Wby🤣👍
7mm-378 wby sounds like a real burner (which I’m always a fan of).
When I talk long action here, I’m excluding magnum bolt face cartridges, but you make a good point on rounds like the 28 Nosler and 7PRC as we open up to a magnum bolt face!
I have been looking at a proyect for a 7mm. Whatever, is going to cost plenty.Used donor rifle, about $500(300 Wby Vanguard) (New Action more) Carbon Barrel about $1000+. If I do it 200-300$ for tools. Gunsmith 500-1000$. Been thinking about a Savage 110 Ultraligh. 1.2-1.5K. Interchangable Bolt face swap and simple to swap Barrels. BUT if I do it myself. What a pride. And Never a 7mm- 378@@stienfamilyoutdoors
@@WillyK51- your layout seems close to what I had built on a 28 Nosler. Proof barrel, Model 70 donor action, but needed the gunsmithing to chamber a Model 70 action!
I’ve personally wanted to try to build on a Tikka platform as a DIY, just to say I built a rifle myself. To your point, there’s something about doing the work yourself that brings a sense of accomplishment !
The pitch for high BC bullets that grabs me is less wind drift. However, the chances of me shooting more than 300 yards are very slim.
@@chipsterb4946 - agreed. And agreed on the shot distance as well. Most hunters done better suited choosing bullets with the best possible terminal performance and ignoring BC altogether.
On paper, 280 ai and 35 whelen are my 2 favorite long action sbf cartridges. I ordered a 280ai barrel for a 1939 bare Mauser action I’m working on. Always keeping my eye out for a 35 whelen, despite its rather pedestrian trajectory and distance handicap there’s just some so cool about it.
LOVE the Mauser conversion! I’ve got a 1909 Argentine that I will eventually build out!
35 Whelen is an underrated round for sure - between those two cartridges a person could hunt everything (aside from some dangerous game in Africa)!
I am building a 280AI I got the barrel for it I got a old 721 b Remington in a 30-06 that the chamber wasn’t cut straight with the bore at the factory so I don’t feel like I am screwing up a good rifle and I had decided the 280 AI would make me a good project on building my first rifle I don’t have a lathe so I ordered the barrel already threaded and crowned and short chambered I think it will be a fun project
That sounds awesome! Always a bummer to have a rifle with a defect, but turning it into a cool project can make up for it. Hope your 280 AI treats you well!
It’s probably top notch in an 06 case without a doubt. Im building one now as we speak. My gun smith thinks my version I want built is just about right. 280 AI is definitely the best AI and then the 25-06 AI both are the two best AIs ever. I can’t wait till my 280 AI is done.
🕵♂ The 280 AI is Indeed a Great Cartridge...But, Let Me Explain What You Have Overlooked in Your Evaluations! First, You Failed To Notice That The Nosler 280 AI Load Data Was For a 26" Barrel, That You Are Comparing To a 24" Barreled 270 (So, You Should Be Subtracting 50 Ft/s From Your 280 AI Velocity)! Next, You Didn't Look At The Best Bullet Options For Each, As You Did in Your Short Action Video (More on That Next)! Subsequently, You Also "Short Changed" The 270 Winchester on Velocity (More on That in a Minute Too)! Last, Your 280 AI (Using That Reloader 22 Powder to Get The Velocity That You Cited Will Lose Another 56 ft/s to the 270 Winchester, When the Temperature Drops From Room Temperature to Freezing - 32F - Which is Typical For Temperatures During Hunting Season Where I Live Here in Montana and Also Needs to Be Factored Into Your Evaluation)! Using Published Data, I Can Get 3,235 ft/s Using a More Temperature Stable Powder and a 130 grain Nosler Bullet! Using 64 grains of Reloader 26, I Can Add Another 67 ft/s to That Velocity (3,302 ft/s) At Room Temperature! And, Using 54 grains of Reloader 16, Place The Bullet More Accurately Than You Using 64 grains of Reloader 22 - Because of Less Recoil (All While Shooting Flatter Than Your 280 AI at 500 yards, Which is My Personal Hunting Range Limit)! So, ...Next Onto the Next Comment:
🤠 After Listening to You, Let Me Give You a Tip or Two...If You Pick The Right Bullet For The Job and Right Zero, You Should Have No Need to Be Using One of Those Heavy "Range Finding Scopes"! So, If You Would Use a 120 grain Nosler Accubond and I The 110 Grain Nosler Accubond (With Norma 204 Powder for Me - See Nosler or Barnes Reloading Manuals - Going at 3,500 ft/s) and Zeroed at 350 yards - Both of Us Would Have +/- 4.8" of Drop Out too 400 yards and Only 15" of Drop Out to 500 yards! So, For Deer and Antelope, It is Basically "Point and Shoot" with Little Guesswork! 😃Of Course, I Would Be Doing It With Less Powder and Recoil Though! 😜
Notthing for notthing look at the 280 rem i reload for it its out standing .
280 rem is a solid cartridge!
I love my 280 AI. It surprises me every time I shoot it.
It's an awesome carriage no doubt!