Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: Taco280AI on January 23, 2014, 05:50:36 PM

Title: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on January 23, 2014, 05:50:36 PM: My first custom that I've had built

Rem 700, trued
bolt fluted by Kampfeld
McM Hunter's Edge, bedded
24" #4 Broughton 5C, 1-9 twist, finished at .660
Timney set at 2lbs (I lowered it a bit)
Talley lows
FX3 6x42 CDS with Aluminas

Test group with factory Nosler 140 ABs was said to be just over a half inch, outside. Cheap scale shows approx. 7.5lbs and balances about 1/2" forward of the recoil lug. Can't wait to shoot it!

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1098.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg364%2Fnwoutdoors%2F1114.jpg&hash=abb5065e12a770a54b5bad2daf8f70f9a3501c15) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/nwoutdoors/media/1114.jpg.html)

Even though it is a gusting day with 12-17mph winds, had to test out the AI real quick. All factory Nosler ammo - 140 ABs, 150 LRABs, 160 NPs with me, and not Travis behind the trigger, here is how it did.
Ignore the shot with lines, started a second group with one load and decided to only shoot one group for each for today and started a different group.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1098.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg364%2Fnwoutdoors%2F11111111.jpg&hash=500408f8b658f55cab7e39c394fa2c91ad629e19) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/nwoutdoors/media/11111111.jpg.html)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1098.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg364%2Fnwoutdoors%2FIMG_0850.jpg&hash=9aca56dd4ef81e58372252455463f31788980b8a) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/nwoutdoors/media/IMG_0850.jpg.html)

One thing is for certain, this rifle is a lot better than I am! Was able to mess up a couple groups without much effort, but did manage to get this one off at 1/3"

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1098.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg364%2Fnwoutdoors%2F280AItarget2.jpg&hash=5f53802982744ea586f0facabc0b35e6138dd3a3) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/nwoutdoors/media/280AItarget2.jpg.html)
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: runningboard on January 23, 2014, 05:56:35 PM: :yike: :drool:
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: mossback91 on January 23, 2014, 06:06:01 PM: sexy!
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Eli346 on January 23, 2014, 06:08:48 PM: Sweet and definitely on my wish list!
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Dan-o on January 23, 2014, 06:47:31 PM: Nice!!!!!!!

I don't see one that nice in my future, so thanks for sharing!!
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: 87Ford on January 23, 2014, 07:18:39 PM: Very nice! Do you have a weight?
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: 280ackley on January 23, 2014, 07:24:39 PM: Very nice!!! :tup:
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: yorketransport on January 23, 2014, 07:56:13 PM: I like it! I also like that you went with a fixed 6x scope. Very classy! :tup:

Andrew
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on January 23, 2014, 08:13:56 PM: Thanks. On a cheap fishing scale it shows about 7.5lbs
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: hunting4sanity on January 23, 2014, 08:20:14 PM: Beautiful rifle, someday I hope to have one from those guys.
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: coachcw on January 24, 2014, 06:40:17 AM: very nice package right there !
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Wea300mag on January 24, 2014, 07:46:52 AM: Great looking rifle. :tup:
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: rbros on January 24, 2014, 10:28:24 AM: That weight should be close, same as my shipping scale said also. Plenty accurate with the 140 factory ammo for sure.
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: runningboard on January 26, 2014, 12:11:32 PM: :tup: :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: rbros on January 26, 2014, 12:27:41 PM: Not to bad of shooting for using a 6x scope! Looks like it will work out nicely for you.
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: coachcw on January 26, 2014, 07:12:21 PM: good shooting !
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on January 26, 2014, 07:39:10 PM: I don't post the groups I mess up :chuckle: I'm confident with a high power target scope and handloads this could print one hole consistently. But for my needs, big game, the 6x is plenty with no need to go chasing a couple more 10ths here and there. Only thing I can complain about is wanting a 22" #3 in 243 to go along with this
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: actionshooter on January 26, 2014, 07:52:30 PM: Quote from: Taco270 on January 23, 2014, 08:13:56 PM
Thanks. On a cheap fishing scale it shows about 7.5lbs

Is that with the scope?

Travis, I need to place another order :drool:
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on January 26, 2014, 07:54:53 PM: yep, with scope but not bipod
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: X-Force on January 26, 2014, 07:57:08 PM: good looking setup. :drool:
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Jolten on January 26, 2014, 08:03:21 PM: Mind if I ask how much this build set you back?
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on January 26, 2014, 08:11:12 PM: I'll send a PM :chuckle: :yike:
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Stickerbush on January 26, 2014, 08:37:26 PM: whats up with that cartridge? I have seen it in a few obscure guns but not mainstream
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on January 26, 2014, 08:45:24 PM: I just wanted something a little different. It sits between a regular 280 Remington and 7mm Rem Mag in terms of performance. Based off the 280, but Ackley changed and improved on it, which is where AI came from. About 100fps faster than the 280, more efficient than a 7RM so less powder, less recoil for what it does do - not to be confused with getting the same velocity though.
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on January 28, 2014, 10:51:53 AM: Certainly want to start loading for it after my two years is up in Germany. Chrono'd three Nosler factory loads at the range. Was only 34 degrees with a PA of about 60 feet. Have read velocity slows between 2.5 - 4 fps per 1.8 degrees so that factors in.

...............Claimed.....Actual avg.....spread..... diff
140 ABs........3150........2983............49.........-167
150 LRABs....2930........2904............10.........-26
160 NPs........2950........2736............31.........-214

I would expect a difference with the cold temps, but a 214fps difference? Claimed looks real for the LRABs
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: 280ackley on January 29, 2014, 09:44:41 PM: The "claimed" velocity was probably out of a 26" tube. When you start working up loads for it you'll love the caliber even more. I get a bit over 3000fps with 150gr Barnes TSX out of a 22" barrel.
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on January 30, 2014, 03:51:22 PM: I have some 150 TTSXs I certainly want to try out down the road. Good combo of speed, flat shooting, and toughness
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on March 15, 2014, 06:10:04 PM: Put the first few handloads through it. Loaded up one round per load increment and took it to the range with a chrono. After that, used the max published loads we could find that were fired.

Accubonds were under an inch, but not impressive at .866" and .706" (center to center) with IMR 4831 and 4350.

Really wish I had more of the TTSXs to try out, but just went with three of each to get a general idea. Loaded up 56.5 grains of IMR4350 for both with different seating depths. First 3-shot was .05 off, went .307". Second was .1 off and I pulled one of the shots. The other two shots were .156". Loaded up nine more of each and can try them next time. Am really hoping for that .1" load to finish what it started - as long as I don't screw it up again :chuckle:

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1098.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg364%2Fnwoutdoors%2FIMG_0909.jpg&hash=ce03f87abff84a3c81627b566108dc7cd0d7ec63) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/nwoutdoors/media/IMG_0909.jpg.html)

For those who reload, I heard when you start seeing stringing, like that top AB load, then just play with depth to bring it together. Would make for a great long range load. Think all were around the 2960ish area.
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Biggerhammer on March 15, 2014, 08:31:52 PM: Good speed, don't be afraid to "Jump" them more. The Accubond in a 7mm Ultra and a.300 Win Mag of mine liked to be jumped quite a bit for them to group up tight.
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: mountainman on March 16, 2014, 01:30:29 PM: Love the TTSX's!! Always accurate and perform amazing on game!! Nice gun, nice loads!
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Hornseeker on March 17, 2014, 09:19:39 AM: It would be awesome to have a gun and load that you KNEW would do its part...

I have been using TSX's and TTSX's for about 10 yrs now and have sure loved them... on game. And if those couple groups are any indication, you should go with them... wow.
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on March 17, 2014, 02:30:04 PM: Thinking I'm willing to sacrifice a little speed and weight for that accuracy. Too bad I won't test it out for a while, Germany bound and no guns there. Do have rounds ready to go if I come back for a visit.
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on August 01, 2015, 05:42:15 PM: First time shooting it in 18 months. Here is the first group

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1098.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg364%2Fnwoutdoors%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F20150801_174417.jpg&hash=ad6c7b611082d5e83295d7bc9cdcdeeacb4abb71) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/nwoutdoors/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150801_174417.jpg.html)

then I tried a similar load with different seating depth that went to crap. Then weather went bad. Happy with that first one at least. Same load as the one on the left in the other photo
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: crabcreekhunter on August 01, 2015, 08:26:28 PM: My .280AI likes some h4831sc and 140 or 168 Bergers, 168 Bergers can be finicky buggers though..
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on August 01, 2015, 08:53:15 PM: nothing wrong with those groups .. Good shooting :tup:
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on August 01, 2015, 09:04:05 PM: I have 150ablr, 145lrx and 162amax to try out after the150ttsx
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: crabcreekhunter on August 02, 2015, 07:45:14 PM: I have pretty much written off Barnes bullets never have been satisfied with them, let me know how those 145lrx workout for ya!!
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: yorketransport on October 03, 2015, 03:02:19 PM: I think you're good to go! With groups like that I wouldn't worry about the velocity.

Andrew
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on October 04, 2015, 05:12:22 PM: Don't think I can learn much more about the rifle at the range, so wanted to step it out a ways and see how it did. Unfortunately I didn't find any place where I could set up a target and some water bottles, but I did find a few rocks to shoot at. Forgot what it was, maybe 470, had an elk vital size rock I was popping every time with the CDS adjustment. Had a smaller one at 595 that I shot high on twice before going down two clicks and was either right on it or right next to it. Either way, would have been vital shot. I think the high shots were from being at 8540' instead of the 8000 my chart was for, plus it was downhill slightly. That's the stuff I want to learn. Was fun

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1098.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg364%2Fnwoutdoors%2FIMG_1805.jpg&hash=c74b25f51df78a9caaa7831bc80c36eec2ce91b8) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/nwoutdoors/media/IMG_1805.jpg.html)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1098.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg364%2Fnwoutdoors%2FIMG_1809.jpg&hash=54f42ddc27dfe4633caae1c97518f2feedd3460e) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/nwoutdoors/media/IMG_1809.jpg.html)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1098.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg364%2Fnwoutdoors%2FIMG_1811.jpg&hash=dae89648d55d89ccecc3a386d8f26b2903a206de) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/nwoutdoors/media/IMG_1811.jpg.html)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1098.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg364%2Fnwoutdoors%2FIMG_1806.jpg&hash=6b096ef3f7eddbce9ebc8bfbfdd077443fbb9cdf) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/nwoutdoors/media/IMG_1806.jpg.html)
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: coachcw on October 06, 2015, 05:57:29 AM: bad ass make me wanna go run my ai.
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: rudysts on October 06, 2015, 02:28:12 PM: Beautiful rifle and good shooting have you stretched her legs out to distance yet
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on October 06, 2015, 05:24:56 PM: Once I find a place where I can set water bottles out instead of shooting rocks I'll have a better idea of how it really does at distance. I'd rather shoot at an object rather than a target due to the 6x scope. If I can hit a Gatorade bottle at X distance I know I can hit vitals. Or a balloon or whatever.... Thinking I'll try some of my 150LRAB loads since they're just sitting around waiting to be fired. I shot a few a while back and they showed promise, just fine tune it a little?
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on December 10, 2015, 01:47:26 PM: Although it only chrono'd at 2970 I can't argue this accuracy. Every time under .5" @ 100 unless I knowingly pull one. And only with a 6x scope.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1098.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg364%2Fnwoutdoors%2F145%2520LRX_1.jpg&hash=212053254f0f4d5bcf498a698bb421746b9f9e55) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/nwoutdoors/media/145%20LRX_1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Taco280AI on August 16, 2016, 12:18:16 PM: Hmm... decided to shoot the last 3 rounds of previous load testing just to free up the cases. 160AB, 55.5 IMR4350 @ 2960 and this happens

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1098.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg364%2Fnwoutdoors%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F20160816_123934-1.jpg&hash=23069dc06c82281066caec2a20207722cea345e3) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/nwoutdoors/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160816_123934-1.jpg.html)

.242" CtC @ 100
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: Dan-o on August 16, 2016, 12:54:03 PM: Man, if I had that rifle I would shoot elk at 1,500 yards.

All kidding aside, that thing looks awesome.
Title: Re: RBros 280AI
Post by: yorketransport on August 16, 2016, 10:54:37 PM: Quote from: Dan-o on August 16, 2016, 12:54:03 PM
Man, if I had that rifle I would shoot elk at 1,500 yards.

All kidding aside, that thing looks awesome.