Tikka 280AI build??

280AI would be a great option for what you are looking to do. 24" barrel is fine, but I would make sure you are at 1 in 8 twist for heavier projectiles with higher BC and better performance. There is also so good loaded ammo out there if you aren't looking to reload. I have a tikka T3X I built for my son in 6.5 creedmore that is a tack driver. Add one of the aftermarket metal bottom metal to it as well.
 
I would suggest going 7mm saum or 7mm sherman short variety. Will run perfectly out a Tikka action, whereas your cutting the 280ai short at 3.34" length. Opening up the bolt face to Magnum diameter is not difficult at all.
Can't open a tikka bolt face up.... and magnum bolts are impossible to find.
 
He's got a standard bolt face in his tikka so the magnum recommendations on that action for a build are no go. I've got some stock tikkas that I toss ideas around for when it comes time to rebarrel them (IE when the kids roast out the 243win barrel), 6.5x284 is one that crosses my mind as the COAL would work fine for it.

I do have a Tikka M695 280AI but that has a 3.49" COAL allowance which fits the 145LRX I shoot out of that just fine (where as a T3 mag length I'd need to seat it shorter). That thing is a reliable hammer, straight and fast and effective. Forming up or paying for good brass is a little annoying but once I have some boxes of loaded ammo that gun is waiting in the stable ready to smack some critters when called upon.

I'd talk with Mike on his experiences running the 280AI in the factory tikka T3/T3x COAL, may not be much of an issue, I just know I happen to load mine out longer.


I agree on the 6.5-284. Would leave plenty of mag space for loading longer and shouldn't need any modifications any where else.
 
I agree on the 6.5-284. Would leave plenty of mag space for loading longer and shouldn't need any modifications any where else.
I turned my 6.5 creedmoor into a 6.5x284. I'm loving this gun. I was looking at 6.5-06 but didn't want to fight seating depth. 6.5x284 is perfect in a Tikka in my opinion.
 
What ammo?

I got out of handloading awhile back and have been looking at this stuff. Can’t beat Lapua components and the price is damn near the same as the components alone. It’s M1 compatable....meaning slow, but if it shoots in little knots, I don’t care. I reckon I could always reload it with 155’s on my brothers stuff.

It was HSM with the 168 Berger Hunting VLD. She killed an elk @202 yards. Dropped it one shot. It looked like it should of needed a follow up shot because the first shot was high. But no follow up necessary. Fairly impressed because there was almost zero blood shot even though she hit the shoulder blade, it’s accurate, and it killed the elk with a shot that was a high.
 
Rebarreled or rechambered?
Rechambered the factory barrel. It shoots great. I think it cost me $200 to have it rechambered.

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Love the 280ai case, if you aren’t looking to sling the heavies a standard mag will be fine. Took a buck with 140gr factory accubonds this year at 310 yards. You could always do an aics mag conversion and get more room if needed. But I’ll second the 6.5-284 recommendation above or a 284 win throated for 175-180s. The 7mm SAW from West Texas Ordinance looks to be a contender as well. Basically an improved 7-08 without fireforming. Would run right on the heels of a 280ai.
 
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So I ended up putting the Tikka build project on hold/canceling it.
Thinking I might end up pursuing the project off a trued stainless 700 long action, we shall see.
 
If I were doing something similar, I would make a 280 Remington. I've just always had a liking for the round. Can any of you re-chambering/re-barreling gurus provide a rough estimate of the cost to do that? I'm talking a 270/30-06 Tikka being re-barreled to a 280 Remington. I'm not trying to hijack the thread; but, it may be information in which others drawn to this post may be interested. I've never had it done. Thanks in advance. Oh, and yes, I know it would be dependent upon barrel cost; so, other than barrel cost.
 
If I were doing something similar, I would make a 280 Remington. I've just always had a liking for the round. Can any of you re-chambering/re-barreling gurus provide a rough estimate of the cost to do that? I'm talking a 270/30-06 Tikka being re-barreled to a 280 Remington. I'm not trying to hijack the thread; but, it may be information in which others drawn to this post may be interested. I've never had it done. Thanks in advance. Oh, and yes, I know it would be dependent upon barrel cost; so, other than barrel cost.

Most gunsmiths that I've used would charge $200-$300 to thread and chamber a new barrel. From what I have read, there isn't a lot of truing of the action that needs to be done with a Tikka.
 
280 ai is a great round. I put a benchmark on my tikka, 160 accubond at 2960 with rl26. Super accurate, pictured 2 groups one at 218y the other at 524. You could also get a 7mm08 and bore it out to 280 ai.
 

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Most gunsmiths that I've used would charge $200-$300 to thread and chamber a new barrel. From what I have read, there isn't a lot of truing of the action that needs to be done with a Tikka.
Have any recommended reasonable my prices smiths to screw a new barrel in a tikka? Few local folks have not been particularly interested based on the absurd prices they quoted me. Have a fast twist 7mm I’d like to make a 280ai
 
Can someone verify OAL issues with say a 162 grain ELDX in 280AI in a Tikka? I’ve got 3.380” mag length on my Tikka 270 I want to use for a 280 AI build. Hornady lists 3.30” OAL on the 162’s. I guess my question is, will these bullets work with a Tikka in this caliber or are they going to be too long?
 
Can someone verify OAL issues with say a 162 grain ELDX in 280AI in a Tikka? I’ve got 3.380” mag length on my Tikka 270 I want to use for a 280 AI build. Hornady lists 3.30” OAL on the 162’s. I guess my question is, will these bullets work with a Tikka in this caliber or are they going to be too long?

It will if properly chambered. Straight Shooter Supply in North Bend Oregon can fix you up. My T3 in 280AI can kiss or nearly kiss lands with the 162ELD-X and fit in the magazine....
Shoots them really well along with Nosler factory 140 AB....
 
It will if properly chambered. Straight Shooter Supply in North Bend Oregon can fix you up. My T3 in 280AI can kiss or nearly kiss lands with the 162ELD-X and fit in the magazine....
Shoots them really well along with Nosler factory 140 AB....
Oh that’s good to know. I didn’t want to go any heavier than the 168 anyway and prefer to use the 162’s or even 150’s for this rifle. Looks like it will be close on the mag lengths ha
 
It will if properly chambered. Straight Shooter Supply in North Bend Oregon can fix you up. My T3 in 280AI can kiss or nearly kiss lands with the 162ELD-X and fit in the magazine....
Shoots them really well along with Nosler factory 140 AB....
Have my 280ai tikka to 10 thou off lands putting it @ 3.360 oal. Fits mag and feeds fine with 168 vlds.
 
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