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-

 

[TaperPin]

What a fun situation to be in - my vote goes with the 7 PRC. There’s no secret why they choose to essentially duplicate 7 rem mag performance - it simply works reliably. The only downside is the lack of RL26 for reloading, but that will come back some day.

There’s nothing wrong with the 280ai or ‘06, but they aren’t a 7 mag.