Anyone shooting .280 Ackley Improved?

[300redbeard]

I'm torn between a .280 Ackley and a 7mm Rem mag. Price isn't the issue, nor velocity, but accuracy is crucial.

Can someone share groups they are getting at close and long ranges?

I'll probably use 162gr A-Max & 180 Bergers

 

[bohem]

Re: Anyone shooting .280 Ackley Improved?

Precision between the two is appreciably the same. Both shoot very well. The 7 RM has more giddy up for the ELR shots past 1700yd.

 

[Opticsspecialist]

Re: Anyone shooting .280 Ackley Improved?

i shoot a 280AI and i really like it. it depends on the grain weight. for heavier bullets, the 7 mag have more powder so it has a slight advantage.

the 280 AI is very close to 7mm mag, using less powder in most cases.

 

[300redbeard]

Re: Anyone shooting .280 Ackley Improved?

What kind of groups are you getting?

 

[snipedogg]

Re: Anyone shooting .280 Ackley Improved?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 300redbeard</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What kind of groups are you getting? </div></div>

Group size will be more dependent on shooter and gun/optics rather than the actual cartridge itself. Too many variables to determine what one specific cartridge will do without knowing atmospheric conditions, BC, diameter, and weight of specific bullet, velocity, etc...Just because one guy has better groups with one cartridge than another guy does, doesn't mean that specific cartridge is better.

With the right load development I think you'll get relatively same group sizes with either one of these cartridges until you reach ELR where the 7 rem mag has the slight advantage.

 

[bohem]

Re: Anyone shooting .280 Ackley Improved?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 300redbeard</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What kind of groups are you getting? </div></div>

Group size will be more dependent on shooter and gun/optics rather than the actual cartridge itself. Too many variables to determine what one specific cartridge will do without knowing atmospheric conditions, BC, diameter, and weight of specific bullet, velocity, etc...Just because one guy has better groups with one cartridge than another guy does, doesn't mean that specific cartridge is better.

With the right load development I think you'll get relatively same group sizes with either one of these cartridges until you reach ELR where the 7 rem mag has the slight advantage. </div></div>


Well said.

 

[GreatGonzo]

Re: Anyone shooting .280 Ackley Improved?

Both are very capable rounds. The 7 Mag burns a little more powder so it should be able to run the 180s a little faster. For me, the choice came down to the belted mag. Reloading for the 280AI is a little easier because there is no belt to worry about. The 280AI headspaces off the shoulder so that should lend itself to a slight accuracy advantage (in theory). The 7 Mag brass will be cheaper and more available, but the 280AI brass can be made from 30-06 brass. The 7 Mag has better magazine options (Accuracy International mags), though you may be able to modify the same mags to take the 280AI. All in all, I'm not sure there is much practical difference between them. I sure do like my 280AI though.