280 Ackley or 7PRC. Which do I want?

[jimh406]

I'd go short action, too. It's a bit lighter and shorter with 6.8 Western, 7mm SAUM, or 300 WSM.

If you want to stay 7mm and not short action, how about 7mm Backcountry from a manufacturer that creates a short barrel version?

If you are reloading for accuracy, I don't think I'd want another rifle in 280AI. There's some chance in mixing up ammo, brass, or settings on your dies.

 

[Unckebob]

You specified “for hunting” as THE purpose for the new rifle.
In my mind the 280ai edges out the 7prc for the hunter in the following 3 categories:
1. Less recoil should equal faster follow up shots. Especially for lighter hunting rigs.
2. Any mag (blind or dbm) will hold more rounds of 280ai.
3. Feeding reliability goes to 280ai.

For the first time, I had a deer I shot run in a direction where I could see it well enough to try a follow up shot. I got off an accurate shot so fast I stunned myself (I am far from a great rifleman). My rifle fed the 280 round like it wasn't even there.