280 ai or 7mm prc.

[NuclearGrave]

I have been wanting to get into the 7mm market for awhile now. I was finally set on the 280ai and then they released the 7mm prc. The purpose of this rifle is suppressed hunting in the west. So, I would hope for a 22”-24” barrel. I can reload either cartridge. Any insight or things I have not considered?

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

Nope
Not falling for it this time

 

[manitou1]

Either would be great for Western hunts. Whichever you feel had better componant/ammo availability (yeah, right) and which ever pulls at your heart strings.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

I love my 280ai. Its set up as an UL mountain rifle.

 

[Nosferatu]

280 you can buy rifles, loaded ammo and components right now.

PRC will be a bit before it's readily available.

If that's important to you, it's an easy decision.

 

[westslopelaker]

I think the significant difference between the two is recoil. Obviously, the 280ai would be the lesser of the two. I'll be building my next suppressed rifle on the 280ai.

 

[B23]

I wouldn't overlook just a straight 284 either. In a 22in barrel the 280ai and 284 are going to shoot damn near the same speed, the 7PRC, also with a 22in barrel, will be about 100fps faster. IMO, brass quality definitely favors the 284 because even if you can't find Lapua 284 brass you can generally find Lapua 6.5-284 brass and it's an easy neck up from .264 to .284. Also, if you're using an action with any kind of limited COAL, like a Tikka, the 284 will be a better fit.

 

[Darryle]

I have 2 280 Ackley rifles, a third on the way and I am having Kevin Weaver build me a 7 PRC on a Browning X-Bolt rifle that was originally a 26 Nosler.

I don't think you will be unhappy with either, but if I was going to have a one and done, full custom 280 Ackley.

There is nothing that would walk away from a well placed 7mm bullet out of a 280 Ackley.

 

[Loper]

Happy to see the love for the 280AI in this thread. I thought with all the 7PRC hype I’ve been seeing in recent weeks everyone was going to suggest it.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

I have 2 280 Ackley rifles, a third on the way and I am having Kevin Weaver build me a 7 PRC on a Browning X-Bolt rifle that was originally a 26 Nosler.

I don't think you will be unhappy with either, but if I was going to have a one and done, full custom 280 Ackley.

There is nothing that would walk away from a well placed 7mm bullet out of a 280 Ackley.

We killed two good alaskan bull moose this fall with my 280 AI and 168gr bergers.

 

[Balderdash]

I wouldn't overlook just a straight 284 either. In a 22in barrel the 280ai and 284 are going to shoot damn near the same speed, the 7PRC, also with a 22in barrel, will be about 100fps faster. IMO, brass quality definitely favors the 284 because even if you can't find Lapua 284 brass you can generally find Lapua 6.5-284 brass and it's an easy neck up from .264 to .284. Also, if you're using an action with any kind of limited COAL, like a Tikka, the 284 will be a better fit.

Its no trick to get 3.6 out of a Tikka.

 

[theoutdoorsman]

280ai seems to be the best choice for lightweight rifle builds (sub 7lb), 7prc would be nice in a 7.5-8.5lb rifle. Bullet weight would be another consideration. 140-150gr -> 280ai 160-180gr -> 7mmprc.
They’ll both get meat in the freezer with style.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

280ai seems to be the best choice for lightweight rifle builds (sub 7lb), 7prc would be nice in a 7.5-8.5lb rifle. Bullet weight would be another consideration. 140-150gr -> 280ai 160-180gr -> 7mmprc.
They’ll both get meat in the freezer with style.

The 280AI really shines with 160-180gr bullets. If you are going to shoot 140-150’s you are better off going with a 6.5 PRC or 6.5x284 norma.

 

[theoutdoorsman]

The 280AI really shines with 160-180gr bullets. If you are going to shoot 140-150’s you are better off going with a 6.5 PRC or 6.5x284 norma.

Yeah I suppose it would depend on how restricted you are by mag length. I would assume the 175 and heavier would be cutting into case capacity on the average rifle and getting into diminishing returns. 145lrx in a 280ai is no slouch.

 

[Bomberodevil]

I wouldn't overlook just a straight 284 either. In a 22in barrel the 280ai and 284 are going to shoot damn near the same speed, the 7PRC, also with a 22in barrel, will be about 100fps faster. IMO, brass quality definitely favors the 284 because even if you can't find Lapua 284 brass you can generally find Lapua 6.5-284 brass and it's an easy neck up from .264 to .284. Also, if you're using an action with any kind of limited COAL, like a Tikka, the 284 will be a better fit.

The 280 AI (3050) is 200 FPS faster than the 284 (2850). That’s not a huge difference, but it’s a difference.

7mm Rifle Cartridges: The Sweet Spot — Ron Spomer Outdoors

The world is awash in 7mm rifle cartridges for a darn good reason: they are perfect. Perfect is a strong word and of course hyperbolic in this context. The truth is there are no perfect calibers, cartridges, or rifles. Or even bullets, for that matter. But the 7mm bore size comes close. Not so wid

www.ronspomeroutdoors.com

 

[UnckleBob]

I am just finishing up my 280AI - action is on the way to my FFL. Brass means expensive Nosler products. While you could theoretically shoot 280 Remington ammo, I haven't seen any of it on the shelves. I bought 100 pieces of brass and 20 cartridges loaded with ballistic tips. Since, I reload, I'll be fine.

The PRC is going to be in the same situation for at least 2-3 years. Hornady ammo & brass in limited supply. Honestly, I don't see many people giving up their 7mm RM rifles to buy a near ballistic twin with limited ammo options. The 7 RM has lots of choices to pick from.

Bottom Line: If you don't reload, don't pick either.

 

[Bkballer777]

What is cheapest and most readily available. Because the two cartridges are similar in ballistics

 

[Darryle]

I am just finishing up my 280AI - action is on the way to my FFL. Brass means expensive Nosler products. While you could theoretically shoot 280 Remington ammo, I haven't seen any of it on the shelves. I bought 100 pieces of brass and 20 cartridges loaded with ballistic tips. Since, I reload, I'll be fine.

Peterson brass is where it's at. I bought 1200 pieces back last fall. I split it between 3 rifles initially, now it will be divided between 6.

 

[B23]

The 280 AI (3050) is 200 FPS faster than the 284 (2850). That’s not a huge difference, but it’s a difference.

7mm Rifle Cartridges: The Sweet Spot — Ron Spomer Outdoors

The world is awash in 7mm rifle cartridges for a darn good reason: they are perfect. Perfect is a strong word and of course hyperbolic in this context. The truth is there are no perfect calibers, cartridges, or rifles. Or even bullets, for that matter. But the 7mm bore size comes close. Not so wid

www.ronspomeroutdoors.com

Maybe in factory ammo but hand loading both to equal pressure they're nearly the same.

 

[Bomberodevil]

Maybe in factory ammo but hand loading both to equal pressure they're nearly the same.

I understand that, I load for a lot of cartridges. I can load hot or mild, and make different cartridges close to others. On average, the 280 AI is 150-200 fps faster than the 280 Rem. See the attachment I posted, not my words.