lancetkenyon Report post Posted February 28, 2017 I am in the planning stages of a rebarrel on one of my rifles. Trued R700 LA, BDL, standard .473 bolt face. It is in a Manners EH1 carbon fiber stock, and currently wears a 28" #5 Shilen barrel that has been on it for 15 or so years, with a lot of miles and hot rounds down the barrel. Depending on the mid-winter draws, I am thinking of rebarrelling it. It is currently a 25-06AI that I have used for a long time on deer. Pushes a 115 HVLD @ 3400. But I am looking at stepping up the horsepower a bit while lightening it up as well. It is an 11#+ rifle right now with that heavy barrel and scope on it. I am looking at losing about 1.5-2 lbs. after the diet. The scope will get me about 8-10oz, and the barrel should get me a full 1# when I swap to a 26" Proof Research. I already have two short action 6.5mm rifles. A 15# 6.5 SLR that pushes a 140 @ 2840 (target load) or 2950 (hunting load), or a 127 LRX @ 3050fps. A 10.5# .260 Rem that pushes a 140 @ 2860, or a 127 LRX @ 3000fps. I also already have a 7mm rifle. A 9.5# 7 Rem Mag that pushes a 180 Hybrid @ 2995fps. So my question is what would you guys do for a hopefully 9# carry rifle? It will mostly be used for deer, as I really want to take elk in the future with my late father-in-laws reworked 7RM that I got last year. A 6.5-06AI w. 1:8" twist and go for a 140 @ 3100-3150+ or 127 LRX @ 3200-3250? A .280AI w. 1:9" twist and go for a 160/168 @ 2950-3000 or a 145 LRX @ 3150-3200? I was set on the 6.5-06AI for a while, but have always loved the .280AI. Not worried about reloading or the need for fire-forming, I have that covered. It won't ever see a factory round down the pipe. The 6.5 would be fine for deer and antelope a long ways out, but the .280AI would allow heavier bullets to be shot if I ever want to take it out or loan it to my kids for elk. I know, I know, the 6.5-06AI should be plenty for elk, but I prefer a little more bullet weight for bulls. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big or Bust Report post Posted February 28, 2017 I'd lean .280 Ackley Lance. Bit better choices for elk... Also factory brass or can form Lapua... I run Nosler brass in my .280 Ackley and it's pretty decent... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
STOMP442 Report post Posted February 28, 2017 I am a fan of both. Each cartridge fills a pretty small niche in your line up though. Not really much you could do with either one that you couldn't do with one of your 6.5's and your 7mm mag, I also know you got the big 30's covered as well. That being said I would say you have elk and deer pretty well covered up. I would seriously consider keeping a 25 in the line up or even a hot rod 6mm of some sort. That way you have the varmints to deer spectrum covered up as well. You can get pretty creative and do a 257 Roberts improved which would give you 25-06 performance in a nice efficient package. 7x57 Ackley would also be a nice option in a 7mm with performance very similar to the .280 in an efficient package as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
452b264 Report post Posted March 1, 2017 For myself the 280 AI hands down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hunthard Report post Posted March 1, 2017 Since you already have a few in the 6.5s, 7mm, 300rum. Why not try something in the 270s. Like a 270wby or 270Al, but if it's between the 2 listed. I'd do the 280Al Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big or Bust Report post Posted March 1, 2017 Bullet selection cripples the .257" and .277"... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
77man Report post Posted March 1, 2017 I love my 6.5 calibers but it's hard to beat a 280 AI. Get the 280 lance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
300RUM Report post Posted March 1, 2017 At one time I made the same decision in compact form, .260 AI or 7mm-08 AI. In the end I went with the 7mm because I was building a rifle for deer to elk and felt the 7 had the advantage here with the ability to use heavier bullets. I also felt that the 7mm would not be likely to loose as much performance as the .260 in the short 20" barrel I intended to use. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cell4soul Report post Posted March 1, 2017 .280 ai. Otherwise you could do a 270ai and barrel it for the Berger 170 gr EOL's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
duckhunter175 Report post Posted March 1, 2017 Lance-- I initially voted .280ai when I saw 'elk' on the list of game. But once you said that you will use your rebuilt 7RM (great thread in and of itself) I went back and voted 6.5-06AI. A 140 or even a 147 ELD-M scooting at 3000+ will be plenty good medicine for deer, antelope, etc. You will love that proof barrel. I built a 7 RUM that is under 10lbs scoped and loaded with a 26" sendero contour barrel. I went with heavier Mark 4 base and rings and a big brake, neither of which I guess you will need on that build. How much life is left in that 25/06 barrel and what are you doin with it?? .... dibs? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sjvcon Report post Posted March 1, 2017 Can't go wrong with either...coin flip. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
metau Report post Posted March 1, 2017 If I was in your shoes, with the available rifles you listed, I would look at my options thusly: Do I want a 6.5 that is lighter weight (than my fast 6.5) and shoots faster (than my light weight 6.5) than my other current 6.5's, or do I want a .280AI loaner rifle for bull elk that is similar in weight to my current 7RM, just slightly slower? If I already had a suitable loaner elk rifle, then I'd go the 6.5-06AI. If not, I'd get the loaner rifle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lancetkenyon Report post Posted March 1, 2017 Bullet selection cripples the .257" and .277"... Exactly. I wish Berger made a .257 130 HVLD. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
STOMP442 Report post Posted March 1, 2017 Yeah, it would be nice to have a heavier bullet for sure but I have yet to see anything live through the 115. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted March 1, 2017 "but have always loved the .280AI" "or loan it to my kids for elk. I know, I know, the 6.5-06AI should be plenty for elk, but I prefer a little more bullet weight for bulls." Sounds like the 280AI is calling. It would be my vote of the 2. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
