280 AI for elk?

[Docpk]

Best bet is probably to browse locally, everything online is either out of inventory or marked up sky high. Don't forget to look for 280 Rem ammo also.

So 280 REM can be used interchangeably?

 

[Harvey_NW]

So 280 REM can be used interchangeably?

280ai is an improved 280 rem, so you can fire factory 280 rem in a 280ai, but not the other way around.

 

[35WhelenAI]

So 280 REM can be used interchangeably?

Yes! But only as stated above, 280 Rem in the AI but not the other way. One of the benefits of the AI line of chamberings. You will lose some velocity, and possibly a bit of accuracy. However gives a bit of flexibility in a pinch, like these days of scarce 280 AI ammo. But not saying you can find std. 280 either, lol. If you are a handloader, if 280 Rem ammo is available, it's a good way to fireform cases to reload and get practice at the same time.

 

[mossyoak52]

Nosler is quoting their Trophy Grade 160gr ammo as having 1589 ft-lbs of energy at 500 yards. You do your part and that is a fine caliber choice for Elk at the distances you want to hunt.

You won't get that from factory ammo
Nosler inflates thier bc and their velocities
Try getting the velocitoes they do you'll pressure out lon before you get close

 

[Brock63]

Congrats on getting the 6.8 Western. I found a Browning XBolt Carbon Pro in 280 AI with the 1:8 barrel... So far it is really liking Barnes 152gr LRX factory loads. Have also shot 160 ABLR, 155 TA, and 150 TTSX but it is tighter with LRX 152 loads still. Might try the 168 AB this Spring and see how it likes a little heavier bullet but am very happy with shootability and accuracy of rifle after getting a few boxes through her. I am getting 2974 with the Barnes LRX 152gr from the XBolt Carbon Pro.

 

[SkunkCabbage]

Don’t overthink it, a 162 eld-x kills them. Did for me at least

 

[JO.]

280AI w/ 160 AB has taken more elk in our household than any other. I think it is a sweet spot for a lot of different hunting situations and animals. Our new 6.5 PRC has been doing most of the work the last two years but that just comes down to wanting to use a newly built rifle. I think the 280AI is a solid argument for a one gun western rifle.

 

[doc holiday13]

i was super close to buying a 280AI but then the 7prc came out. It offerred a little more velocity without pushing the case limits of the cartridge. A 160ish grain bullet is probably the heaviest projectile you want in the ackley unless you want to have MV of 2700ish fps and 180g bullets

 

[peaceful_ruler]

i was super close to buying a 280AI but then the 7prc came out. It offerred a little more velocity without pushing the case limits of the cartridge. A 160ish grain bullet is probably the heaviest projectile you want in the ackley unless you want to have MV of 2700ish fps and 180g bullets

??? Most 24” 280AI’s will comfortably push a 170 grain over 2850 fps. That’s factory loaded ammo, btw. Handload it and its matching or exceeding most factory 7mm rem mag ballistics