7 PRC v 280 AI v 30-06

[Marbles]

Ok, this is more for fun as a though experiment.

Bison in AK has minimum centerfire requirements and nothing I own meets them (175 gr bullet with 2800 ft lb muzzle energy).

I swear whoever created that said "how do we make 30-06 the minimum" as a 308 is too slow (largest thing I own at present).

So, if very lucky, I will need a new Tikka barrel. I have a spare action in a drawer, it is standard bolt face.

So, options that would meet the minimum:

7 PRC, would need a custom barrel and a new bolt body and new magazines and new reloading dies and new bullets.

280 AI, would need a custom barrel and new magazines and new dies and new bullets. Could not load to optimal length.

30-06, could get a factory takeoff barrel, so $350 total after cut and thread. Need new magazines. I have dies, I have bullets.

Obviously 30-06 is the cheap option and will do the job. I kind of prefer a 7 mm for better ballistics and lean towards a 7 PRC.

Right now this is all just mental masturbation for fun.

 

[keystone112]

30-06 if you don’t reload.

If you reload, 280 AI would be my answer.

 

[Fever Buck]

Ballistically, the 7PRC is your best choice. Just depends on if you want to spend the money. I have one that I enjoy, but know that most folks here prefer the smaller calibers.

 

[Dented]

30 06. You can find ammo everywhere, it works on everything.

 

[krisschmied]

Unless you routinely practice and hunt past 3-400 yards, I don’t think the cost of new bolt is worth going 7 PRC. Stick with .280 ackley(which I have and love) or can’t go wrong with 30-06.

 

[nphunter]

280AI would be my choice. Very similar ballistics to the 7PRC, if your buying ammo both have similar offerings and are expensive to load for. Personally I don’t see any reason to go 7prc over 280AI.

I’m a little partial I own two 280AI’s.

Here’s a good article comparing the two.

An Official Journal Of The NRA | Alternative Ammo: .280 Ackley Improved vs. 7mm PRC

Contributor Dennis Bradley compares two long-range, fast shooting favorites: the .280 AI and 7mm PRC.

www.americanhunter.org

 

[rookieforever33]

One of each

 

[hiker270]

My Christmas present to me last year was a Christensen Arms 7mm PRC. Its a tackdriver that I am shooting a lot and enjoying every minute. Found several reloads with minimal testing that it loves. That being said the 280AI is a great cartridge also and the old reliable 30-06 has proven itself for over 100 years. Pick one and kill a bison!

 

[Formidilosus]

Ok, this is more for fun as a though experiment.

Bison in AK has minimum centerfire requirements and nothing I own meets them (175 gr bullet with 2800 ft lb muzzle energy).

You can make those parameters with a 308.

185gr, 20” barrel-