.280 Rem?

[jackelope]

I can't get WSM's for the Encore...maybe I can but I gotta spend the big $$ to get them, custom only, and I'm not that interested.
I did see that someone is making pre-formed brass for the 280AI. I can't remember now if it was Hornady or Nosler or who it was.

[MichaelJ]

Nosler is making the 280AI brass.

[Caseyd]

I like the round.

Just not the 742 woodsmaster I have

[CheyTac]

 If you don't want to go with the 7mm RM but still want the 7mm bullet, you can get a barrel for the Encore in a 7mm-08.

[MichaelJ]

I would not go with the 280AI, a steeper shoulder can result in problems with chambering, and 280AI is harder to buy over the counter, it's about as close to a 7mm mag without being one, so just get a 7mm mag and save the hassles.  

You're right on it being a 7mm without actually being one.  But how does a steeper shoulder result in chambering problems?  Or are you talking about actually feeding issues?  As far as feeding problems they aren't bad, lots of guys running AI calibers in semi-auto platforms and aren't having any problems.  My 280AI feeds great.  And you can't buy 280AI ammo OTC, you can get brass but not complete ready to go ammo as far as I know.  

The 280 Rem/AI is a great caliber and the Berger 180 VLD's are great for big game, and have among the highest BC rating of any 7mm "pill" out there.  The .284 diameter bullet selection is very vast with lots of high BC bullets available and thats the reason for the popularity.  Also the 280 has a history of "easy to load for" and mine is even shooting sub MOA with fire-forming loads.  The 7mm and 7 WSM can be a little more finicky, and barrel life is not as good as the .280.  With good brass you can get right up to the 3000 fps mark with less powder.

There's also the belief that with the 40 degree shoulder causes a lot LESS stress on the guns recoil lug and also is easier on brass.

Mike

[Curly]

If you don't want to go with the 7mm RM but still want the 7mm bullet, you can get a barrel for the Encore in a 7mm-08.

 

Then later if you decide you want more velocity, you can send that 7mm-08 barrel to Mike Bellm and he can convert it to 280 AI for you.

[Bofire]

 :)280 is a fine cartridge. Sometimes hard to find ammo. very close to 7mag trajectory.
Carl

[jackelope]

If you don't want to go with the 7mm RM but still want the 7mm bullet, you can get a barrel for the Encore in a 7mm-08.

 

Then later if you decide you want more velocity, you can send that 7mm-08 barrel to Mike Bellm and he can convert it to 280 AI for you.

I can get an Encore barrel in 280 rem too.  Thats why I specifically mentioned the .280 rem.

My Encore is already equipped with a few of Bellm's gadgets.   

[CheyTac]

 Hard to go wrong with any of them Jack, 7mm-08 being off the .308 cartridge and the .280 based off the 06 cartridge to allow for more slow burning powder.

 One thing you may consider is the .280 is a long action and the 7mm-08 is short, don"t know if that makes a difference to you.

[jackelope]

Long or short action makes no difference at all in an Encore.
The barrels are all longer than normal so plenty of powder burn time.

I don't really have any specific need for a 280, just thought something between a 300wm and a 22-250 would be nice to have and there's a member on here who has a 280 barrel for sale.
 

[C-Money]

280's are great! I'd not have a problem going out after anything here in lower 48, even moose. Not much difference between the 270win, 280, or 30-06. Wonderful cartridge.

[CheyTac]

just thought something between a 300wm and a 22-250 would be nice to have

 If thats the case just go with the 7MM RM and be done with it. Arguably the best all around cartridge out there.

[carpsniperg2]

  if he has a 300wm why would he want the 7mm rm i don't see how a 7mm rm is in the middle of the road between 22-250 and 300wm. i think middle of the road would be a nice 25-06

[Curly]

just thought something between a 300wm and a 22-250 would be nice to have

 If thats the case just go with the 7MM RM and be done with it. Arguably the best all around cartridge out there.

But he's already got a 300WM barrel.  Not a whole lot of difference between the 7mm mag and 300WM........  I think the 280 Rem would be a nice fit between the cartridges you currently have.  And even though the Ackley is pretty cool, it does seem like a pain to deal with only shooting fire-formed, reloaded ammo.  If that 280 barrel is a good deal, I'd say go for it.  (I have a 280 Rem, single shot rifle myself).

Oops - Carp beat me to it.

[runningboard]

good deal, go for it. if the AI really intrigues you go here

http://www.matchgrademachine.com/

they make 'em AI and my sons 7mm TCU barrel shoots wonderfully. Nosler offered their custom model 48 in 280 AI and should be marketing ammo for it. spendy but OTC. handloads the way to go.