280AI 270Win kinda the same thing depending on bbl length

[bdg848]

I will hunt mostly deer, antelope, black bear, maybe some elk but elk won't really be a regular thing most likely. Initially, I thought the 280AI was the coolest, and best thing ever as "do all" cartridge but after looking less at the hype and more comparing ballistics with the 270 Win, it seems to have a negligible or just slight advantage up to 150gr bullets at which point it has the advantage but mostly because there are almost no bullets heavier than that for 270.

I am just looking for a factory rifle around or preferably under $1000, not heavy but not one with a pencil thin bbl either and the only 280ai I can find like that is the savage 110 but it has a 22 inch bbl...compare that to either a weatherby vanguard or Bergara B14 in 270 and those both have 24 inch bbl. I have carried guns of various barrel length through the woods all my life and can't imagine that I would notice a difference in convenience between a 22 and 24 inch so I don't really care about that....being that the cartridges are already pretty close in ballistics, Is there any reason to go with a 22 inch 280AI vs a 24 inch 270? Can anyone with those cartridge/bbl combos comment on what speeds are you getting? I suspect a 24 inch 270 will be exactly the same as a 22 inch 280ai or possibly beat it. I understand I'm splitting hairs here but I would love your guys' opinions. Which would you buy?

Also ammo isn't a factor, I have an in-law showing me the ropes on reloading.

 

[FLS]

I vote 270 simply for ammo availability. 280 AI is currently the “it girl” , but differences at normal hunting ranges will be negligible. If your a long range hunter and reload the 280 has some advantages.

 

[realunlucky]

I vote 270 simply for ammo availability. 280 AI is currently the “it girl” , but differences at normal hunting ranges will be negligible. If your a long range hunter and reload the 280 has some advantages.

Ok then you might as well just use the 30/06 if that's your logic

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[AK Troutbum]

.270 Win. I’ve had both, both shot great and I killed stuff with both. .280AI went down the road, and I don’t think I’ll be letting the .270 go anytime soon. Anyway, that’s my .02, take it for what it’s worth.


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[fightthenoise]

It is splitting hairs. You’re better off getting the rifle you like best, and it’ll probably only be chambered in .270. If it’s twisted fast (do they make those?) even better. Don’t sweat the barrel length. This is coming from a guy that just built a custom off a Bighorn action and a Proof barrel chambered in 280 AI. I love the Ackley but wouldn’t be losing any sleep if it were 270.

 

[16Bore]

270 between the two.

 

[MuleyFever]

This conversation can be, and is, had about so many different options. Buy what you like, the animals you hunt wont really care either way.

 

[16Bore]

This stuff will mess with your head.

 

[Goatie]

I’ve debated this so often. If elk are something you’d be chasing more I’d say every bit of energy is helpful. Both recoil about the same, ammo is quite a bit easier to find for .270/cheaper, reloading options aren’t as great.

The one thing I keep coming back to is efficiency of a caliber. I feel like all things equal in components, ammo options and costs... everything equal, .280 would be the better more efficient caliber from elk on down.

Reality though, there’s more to it than a good efficient cartridge.

 

[16Bore]

Been down that rabbit hole enough and 30-06 is where I ended up. Right where I started umpteen years ago.

Thirty ought screw it.
Elmer-06
Thirty ought grandpa
Mom jeans - 06
Boring ought boring.

 

[bdg848]

If all things were equal I would pick the 280 but the savage 110 is just ugly to me, doesn't do anything for me. I think I'll try to find some of the examples I listed to shoot or at least handle them all in store and pick whichever I like best. Thanks guys.

 

[mmac]

The 270 is starting to see bullets in higher weights like 165 I think now in ABLR.

 

[Jardo]

The 280ai only starts to get shiny past 500 yards. At 800 yards with handloads and Berger’s it’s a fine antelope and sheep round.

Inside 500 yards, not much difference between it and a 270


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[BjornF16]

Kimber Montana, 280 AI, 24" barrel.

 

[MarcherLord]

Getting 3200fps with 130s out of a 24” Kimber and 2950ish with 145elds out of a Barrett (both 270s). Can’t imagine a 280AI would be enough of a difference to worry about. I get the whole cool factor of 280AI but I can’t ignore a practical 270.

 

[Spoonbill]

I’d get the 270. It will do everything you want and ammo is cheap for it. Plus if you ever forget your ammo it is available at every walmart etc. I am also biased as i have a 270 and it is my favorite gun I own.

 

[JohnB]

Plus if you ever forget your ammo it is available at every walmart etc.

I always hear this as a reason for the .270 and 30-06. I wonder how many people would admit to using that feature while headed on a hunting trip.

FWIW I own a .270 as well.

 

[6mm Remington]

Getting 3200fps with 130s out of a 24” Kimber and 2950ish with 145elds out of a Barrett (both 270s). Can’t imagine a 280AI would be enough of a difference to worry about. I get the whole cool factor of 280AI but I can’t ignore a practical 270.

My Nosler 140 gr. Partitions in my 24" 280AI chronographs at 3230 fps.
The 140 gr. Accubond is 3186 fps.

 

[Spoonbill]

I always hear this as a reason for the .270 and 30-06. I wonder how many people would admit to using that feature while headed on a hunting trip.

FWIW I own a .270 as well.

I get the feeling that most people will forget something else before they forget ammo. Having said that, I did have to stop off at several walmarts looking for shotgun shells because my buddy forgot to bring some. Turns out 12 gauge steel shot isn’t always in stock in the middle of Arkansas waterfowl season.

 

[TREE ‘EM]

.270 is the practical choice. I just wish manufacturers would get with the times and build them with 8 twist barrels.