280 AI Barrel Length for Suppressor

[hereinaz]

I had my 24" barrel cut to 20" because I wanted to use my suppressor.

Using the same box of factor ammo using the 140g Nosler BT. I lost 100fps.

I am glad I went with the 20" barrel.

It’s about 25fps give or take for most cartridges ever inch between about 18 and 28 inches. Hit the extremes and it might be more of less. Also depends on cartridge and barrel specifics, but 25fps is the number most people use to estimate loss. It has held true for me.

A buddy has a 20” 280ai and it does not need to be longer, IMO for a hunting rifle.

 

[Ktwebb33]

Just getting my setup going. I had a kimber mountain ascent cut from 24 to 20.5”. I never shot the gun before cutting (some things you don’t want to know). My wife has identical gun with original barrel. With the factory Barnes 152 Lrx loads, wife’s gun was getting 3056 fps mine was getting 2933 with the same nomad ti on each. I put my cgs hyperion k on and got 2907 with it. I’m very happy with this setup so far, accuracy was sub moa with several loads. Waiting on a scythe ti that will probably my go to for this. Very happy with this. Ultra ultra lightweight. MA very lightweight and then getting rid of 3.5” of barrel helps offset weight and length. Swaro z5i 3.5-18x44 on it.

2900+ with 152’s out of your 20.5” is great! Gives me more confidence to go down to 18”.

 

[280rem]

2900+ with 152’s out of your 20.5” is great! Gives me more confidence to go down to 18”.

I did a barrel break in and shot the first 8 shots or so without the suppressor. It was loud and hard a sharp jump. So keep in mind, unsuppressed it will not be nearly as enjoyable to shoot an 18”. With nomad Ti it sounds like a 22 mag or just a smidge louder, recoil like a 243 ish. With the Hyperion K, a little louder (seems like) and recoil a little sharper. I am running the ebrake on the nomad ti. I’m not as impressed with the Hyperion K, but that’s another story.

 

[Ktwebb33]

I did a barrel break in and shot the first 8 shots or so without the suppressor. It was loud and hard a sharp jump. So keep in mind, unsuppressed it will not be nearly as enjoyable to shoot an 18”. With nomad Ti it sounds like a 22 mag or just a smidge louder, recoil like a 243 ish. With the Hyperion K, a little louder (seems like) and recoil a little sharper. I am running the ebrake on the nomad ti. I’m not as impressed with the Hyperion K, but that’s another story.

The chances of me shooting without the suppressor will be slim. Main reason I’m going so short. If and when the rare scenario comes up I shoot un suppressed, it won’t be a big deal to me.

 

[Orchemo]

I cut one of my 280AI to 20 inches

Initially loaded hot 150gr Nosler E-tips. Shot just at 3000 fps.

Have decided to change to 160 gr Accubonds. Choose H-4350 as my powder to get 100% burn.

Shot these today with velocity 2780 fps with nice 5 shot groups.

Carries 1800 fps to over 700 yds (way farther than I shoot).

Shoot with a Scyth Ti suppressor and quite the svelte package

 

[Little Tunny]

I cut my 280AI from 22" to 18" this year. Running 162ELDMs with a modest load of H4831SC my MV dropped 95fps. With this load at least, nothing crazy happened at 18" except the expected linear reduction in MV. The tipping point is shorter than 18" with this bullet/powder combo.