Ballistically Challenged Newbie Looking a new purchase

[dbohunts]

Thought I had settled on a 280 AI(over the 270 win) to scratch my itch, but it is extremely limited in the factory offerings of the ammo and rifles themselves. I am not a reloader or someone looking to get into any sort of project of rebarrelling at this point.

My question is, would the 270 win soon to be released by Christensen Arms with a 1in7.5 twist essentially give me the same ballistics as the 280AI?

I know there are alot of variables there, but for hunting only and shooting 140-150 grain bullets at a max of 400 yards.

Thoughts? TIA

 

[cal30_sniper]

You don’t need anything fancy for 400yds. I’ve taken a couple of critters beyond 300yds with an old Husqvarna .270 and 130gr softpoint ammo from the 1970s. Heck, even 270 is probably overkill for that range.

I’d look at a 6mm Creedmoor at the ranges you’re considering. 6.5CM if you can’t make yourself buy into the effectiveness of lighter bullets going fast.

 

[Vern400]

They are very similar ballistically. You're comparing 0.277 to 0.284 (7mm). Thats 7 thousandths nominal on bullet diameter. Either will do everything you need at your ranges as long as you're 270 twist rate stabilizes the long 150s. The 280 ai would stand out as a winner launching heavier bullets. And the 280AI seems to be gaining popularity, and getting chambered in more rifles.

Happy hunting either way. Get the rifle you like.

 

[Macintosh]

Splitting hairs. Even a 1:10 270 will stabilize most lead 150gr bullets, but at 400 and in none of it matters, pick a normal sized bullet and shoot, it,ll kill any huntable critter in NA just fine. Fast twist is only needed for higher-bc copper bullets or heavy for caliber high bc lead bullets.

 

[huntnful]

6.5 PRC with 147 ELDM with wreck stuff out to 400 yards. Save you the recoil and get more factory offerings. Just my opinion.

 

[cal30_sniper]

Food for thought…

Running muzzle velocities based on published online data from Nosler, with a 10mph crosswind and 200yd zero, there isn't more than 0.1mil of difference at 400yds in drop or wind drift between a 270 130gr Accubond, a 270 150gr Accubond LR, a 280AI 150gr Accubond, and a 280AI 175gr Accubond LR.

270 130gr Accubond: 1.1mils drop and 0.5mils wind drift @400yds


270 150gr Accubond LR: 1.2 mils drop and 0.4mils wind drift @ 400yds


280AI 150gr Accubond: 1.1mils drop and 0.4mils wind drift @400yds


280AI 175gr Accubond LR: 1.3mils drop and 0.4mils wind drift @400yds


What's right there with all of them with a lot less recoil in a shorter/lighter rifle?

6mm CM 109gr ELDM: 1.2mils drop and 0.4mils wind drift




Summary for easy reading:

Cartridge/Bullet	Drop @ 400ds	Wind Drift @ 400yds
.270 Win 130gr Accubond	1.1mils	0.5mils
.270 Win 150gr Accubond LR	1.2mils	0.4mils
.280AI 150gr Accubond	1.1mils	0.4mils
.280AI 175gr Accubond LR	1.3mils	0.4mils
6mm CM 109gr ELDM	1.2mils	0.4mils

All that to say, inside of 400yds B.C. and twist aren't even worth thinking about, and even a little pipsqueak case like the Creedmoor is going to get it there with more than enough velocity for the bullet to do it's thing.

 

[Pharmseller]

7mm-08

Never liked the .270




P

 

[cal30_sniper]

7mm-08

Never liked the .270




P

Personally I'd run a 7x57 or 6.5x55, only because I like the smooth old rifles you usually find them chambered in, but you'd never see a ballistic difference in any of them at these ranges..

 

[cal30_sniper]

Or, per the other thread, if he wants to keep it for the next 30 years as an heirloom, buy a .308, a truckload of ammo, and go shooting

 

[Woods Sleeper]

7mm-08

Never liked the .270

I’m curious on why you dislike the .270. I’ve never owned one, but know many people who love it.

 

[mikefromcanada]

You are right, the 280 AI has very limited offerings for pre made ammo. I would stay away. Lots of other good calibers around there (7mm Reg Mag, 7mm WSM, 6.5 PRC).

 

[Hunter270Win]

Thought I had settled on a 280 AI(over the 270 win) to scratch my itch, but it is extremely limited in the factory offerings of the ammo and rifles themselves. I am not a reloader or someone looking to get into any sort of project of rebarrelling at this point.

My question is, would the 270 win soon to be released by Christensen Arms with a 1in7.5 twist essentially give me the same ballistics as the 280AI?

I know there are alot of variables there, but for hunting only and shooting 140-150 grain bullets at a max of 400 yards.

Thoughts? TIA

I’m a big .270 Win guy, my primary reason is I feel I am called to use the caliber. Another reason of mine is that it passes what I call the “Walmart Test”. If you can find the caliber at Walmart, then it’s universal.

The .270 Win is an accurate, classic, and a staple in the North American hunting world. It can and has taken quite literally every species in NA. I know of a polar bear culler who uses it exclusively in Northern Canada.

But at the end of the day, go to the caliber and gun combo that you feel called to. I’d recommend praying about it and see where God leads you.

 

[Hunter270Win]

I’m curious on why you dislike the .270. I’ve never owned one, but know many people who love it.

Unsure as to what his reasoning might be, but the .270 tends to have a lot of detractors, primarily from the .30 cal and 7mm fans. Never really understood it as surely it’s hard to hate one of the only true American calibers…

 

[MAP1]

The Christenson 1 - 7.5 twist in the .270 will not be of any benefit if you’re buying factory ammo. Skip the Christenson and get a Tikka in 6.5 PRC or .270

 

[stan5677]

You are right, the 280 AI has very limited offerings for pre made ammo. I would stay away. Lots of other good calibers around there (7mm Reg Mag, 7mm WSM, 6.5 PRC).

The 7WSM is dead

 

[EastHumboldt]

The 7-08 is definitely a more pleasant rifle to shoot. I have a Tikka with a 1-10 twist, and it’s a tack driver with 150s. Plenty of energy out to 400 yards, and the ballistics are comparable to a 30-06 spitting 165 GR pills. The 270 will get you slightly better ballistics, but you’ll pay for it in recoil.

 

[SloppyJ]

Or if you're serious about this, get the 280ai and a reloading press

 

[TaperPin]

Thought I had settled on a 280 AI(over the 270 win) to scratch my itch, but it is extremely limited in the factory offerings of the ammo and rifles themselves. I am not a reloader or someone looking to get into any sort of project of rebarrelling at this point.

My question is, would the 270 win soon to be released by Christensen Arms with a 1in7.5 twist essentially give me the same ballistics as the 280AI?

I know there are alot of variables there, but for hunting only and shooting 140-150 grain bullets at a max of 400 yards.

Thoughts? TIA

One is like a car with 290 horse power and the other has 300. You probably could tell a slight difference if fired side by side, but an animal run over with either won’t be able to tell.

I love the 270.

 

[dbohunts]

Appreciate all the feedback everyone.

 

[Unckebob]

I have a 270 and a 280AI. I like them both, but acknowledge they are essentially equal.

1) Anyone who doesn't reload should avaoid the 280AI like the plague. There is not and probably never be a reliable supply of different factory loads.
2) Go to any ammo seller and there won't be many cartridges available (in stock) than a 270.