280AI vs 7 Backcountry

[Rick_AK_2325]

Good morning,

In the market for a new backpacking rifle. I live in Southeast Alaska and need something light and on the shorter side for hunting in this area. I’ve been looking real hard at the Savage 110 ultra lite in 280 AI or 7 BC. I’m looking at savage specifically because they offer both these rifles in left hand and meet the weight and length “requirements” I’m hoping for. Both being sub 6lbs and 20”-22” barrel lengths. I’ve already looking into weatherby and they are out of my price range and I am not a fan of BSF barrels. I’m not really trying to build a custom rifle nor am I worried about reloading, maybe I’ll get back to reloading once I have more time on my hands again. Accuracy and reliability out of a stock rifle and ammo is what I’m interested in at the moment. I appreciate your guys’ time and help!

 

[BreechFace]

I’m a big fan of the 280AI so I come in with a bias.

The 7BC in my mind was obviously designed from notes on the 280AI design very similar.

I don’t like being guinea pig for new tech when there is excellent proven alternatives.

I would go with a 280AI and let the 7BC and steel cases prove themselves in concern areas such as:

-Neck tension
-Reload-ability of steel cases
-Wet conditions causing rust on ammo that has been reloaded and nickel finish is worn through on chamfer/deburring
-Concerns over reloaders having primer flow/flattening to gauge loose pressure signs (steel case pockets don’t show signs like brass)

The 7BC is definitely on my radar to pay attention to but hasn’t made the list for spending my money on, especially considering the 280AI exceeds the performance for my needs. What the 7BC intrigues me with is its similarly in design to the 280AI and its ability to match the 280AI in a shorter barrel allowing length for a suppressor, of which I only shoot suppressed any more.

 

[Rick_AK_2325]

I think I’m in agreement with you. The suppresser part I’m not to worried. I don’t really understand the reasoning behind hunting suppressed. Why look for a shorter lighter rifle then add all the weight and length back? Also unless you’re shooting subsonic, is the noise reduction really that big of a deal? Just my opinion. Back to the calibers though, I do like everything I’ve read on the 280AI. Will a 1:9 twist 22” barrel give me any issues with any factory ammo?


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[BreechFace]

With factory ammo on the 280AI you’ll be fine with a 1:9.

Me, I screwed on a proof 1:8.4” twist as I want to have the ability to run 175gr. I always err on the faster twist side, especially after seeing the good benefits of higher BC projectiles in wind and drop.

Much of these benefits don’t present themselves until past 300 yards, so one has to weigh that in their mind on the importance.

As far as suppressed, I like to practice how I hunt and save my hearing. Suppressors also do a very good job of not keying an animal towards the shot, I’ve seen this multiple times hunting where shooting into a herd, there is a confused reaction from the herd, more so witnessed since shooting suppressed.

With shorter 5-6” titanium suppressors weight ~6-7oz there is very little penalty. But I do get your logic.

 

[Rick_AK_2325]

I get where you’re coming from. I’ve had my eye on some 2 piece suppressors that would definitely work well for not adding too much weight or length. I’m sure I’ll circle back to a new suppressor in the late future. Maybe I’ll get lucky and it won’t a NFA item by the time I’m ready.


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[The Guide]

I have a custom with a 24" Proof barrel in 280AI and a Savage 110 Trophy Trail Hunter Lite in 7mm Backcountry witth a 20" barrel. The accuracy in my custom is a little better (0.7 MOA) than the Savage (0.85 MOA) on 5 shot groups with their respective preferred factory ammo. The 20" 7mm Backcountry can push a 195 Berger at the same speeds that the 24" 280AI can push a 168 Berger. If you just want to use factory ammo, the 7mm Backcountry is good to go. If you want to handload and get the most from your handloads the 280AI is good to go.

Jay

 

[Dave Thomas]

Personally I would go with the 280ai just because I have a 7 saum and really like it. The saum and 280ai are basically the same thing just in different cases. I would also let others try the backcountry for a few years first to see how it'll work out. Check what is available for factory ammo before buying the rifle, don't know what is offered for the 280ai and how available it is.

 

[Rick_AK_2325]

Thanks for that info! I may get back into reloading, but for now I’m lucky just to get out to hunt with 2 kids under 2. I’ve been eying the 7BC and it seems federal had some ammo issues that seem to have been fixed?


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[The Guide]

Thanks for that info! I may get back into reloading, but for now I’m lucky just to get out to hunt with 2 kids under 2. I’ve been eying the 7BC and it seems federal had some ammo issues that seem to have been fixed?


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You can see my ongoing experience with the 7mm Backcountry in this thread.

Jay

Thread '7mm Backcountry, does BC stand for best choice or bad cartridge? Let's test it!' https://rokslide.com/forums/threads...-choice-or-bad-cartridge-lets-test-it.416780/

 

[Rick_AK_2325]

Great thread! And I appreciate all the time you put into the testing. Definitely helps in some future decision making! Which factory ammo did you find gave you the best consistent groups? Where I’m at, there is no 7BC ammo or 280AI available so I have to be lucky and smart when I have the shop order ammo or when I’m off island and can bring ammo back from a bigger retail store.


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[bbckfh]

I’ve spent a lot on different cartridges over time.

I’d start this from the target if I were you…
What are you trying to shoot?
What is your max range? (This will be limited by your capabilities and comfort with wind drift, and by the amount of energy your cartilage delivers coupled with the opening speed of the bullet at impact).
That’ll give you an idea.
Marry that to where your supply comes from and how you get it.
Then pick.

I don’t see a lot of point in a .338 Lapua for shooting bunnies at 25yards. I also don’t like to push the envelope and shoot moose with a .22LR.

If neither of them have fallen out of consideration by Q #2, then it’s a dilemma.

On my part, I’ll always go shorter and use a can. If I’m polite enough to put a muffler on my car, ought I not to put one on my rifle?


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[bbckfh]

Personally I would go with the 280ai just because I have a 7 saum and really like it. The saum and 280ai are basically the same thing just in different cases. I would also let others try the backcountry for a few years first to see how it'll work out. Check what is available for factory ammo before buying the rifle, don't know what is offered for the 280ai and how available it is.

I jumped on 6.8W pretty early. I love it, but I’m not convinced that the market is going to follow me and that I’ll have enough ammo around to be banging away with it in 20 years.


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[grfox92]

Not to hi jack the thread but I feel it's relevant. How is recoil on the .280? What is it comparable too? Also has anyone chopped one down to 16"? Any issues?

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[BreechFace]

My 280AI feels a touch more than a 308 Win, not objectionable at all.

 

[Rock’N Tacos]

280 AI. My son has the Savage UL in 280 AI and it drives tacks. Its a sweet rifle!