I am putting together ideas for a versatile hunting / fun range gun. I already have a 6.5 PRC production rifle. This build will use a Ruckus long action receiver, likely hinged floor plate with Wyatt's extended box, #4 barrel. I am not as concerned about weight and am fine with ending up with a bare rifle in the 8lb range. The chambering will either be a 7 SAUM or 280 AI. What are advantages/disadvantages between these two cartridges? I have read just about everything on the forums but most of the posts tend to be older. Seems that most of it comes down to the ability to chamber the 7 SAUM in a short/XM action vs. needing the long action for the 280. That is not in play here. I am a handloader so availability of factory ammo is unimportant. A big plus is that ADG makes brass for the 7 SAUM (when it is available). I am in the late stages of planning this build and the decision point comes down to the chambering, tending towards the 7 SAUM. Thank you for your thoughts and feedback.
7mm SAUM vs 280 Ackley Improved (280AI)
- Thread starter St. Michael's Armory
- Start date
Lapua just announced 284 win brass for Q1 2021. That would be easy button. Very high quality brass with identical capacity to a straight .280. Also the cartridge that dominates F-class. Something to think about.
284 is another great option.
280AI and 7 saum basically do the same thing.
7 saum has ADG brass.
I love my 7 saum and shoot Berger 190’s at a 3.090 oal.
Brass life has been excellent and it’s really forgiving to load.
280AI and 7 saum basically do the same thing.
7 saum has ADG brass.
I love my 7 saum and shoot Berger 190’s at a 3.090 oal.
Brass life has been excellent and it’s really forgiving to load.
Peterson is making 280 ackley brass now. I have some that I recently loaded, but haven’t had a chance to shoot it yet.
If you value barrel life, the 280AI will live longer. A shame also to not use the long action when you have got it.
Brass. Who cares.
Brass. Who cares.
I would go saum because of the case dimensions. Short fat cases are more efficient and more consistent. It makes them easier to load for.
I run the 7 Sherman Short which is basically an 7 saum ackley. It is stupid simple to load up a 180 vld and shoot tiny groups.
I run the 7 Sherman Short which is basically an 7 saum ackley. It is stupid simple to load up a 180 vld and shoot tiny groups.
You guys are making it hard not to spin a barrel up for a Bighorn TL3 short action.
We
Well I ordered magnum bolt face, so I guess I know whats next
Love my 280AI, I heavily considered the SAUM but it seemed like wasted space in a long action and the AI fits 4 down in the mag box. Both are great cartridges regardless. Mine shoots 155 hammers at 3k comfortably from a 24 inch proof barrel.
