7MM FO - 6.5 x 284 or 6.5 x 47?

[bruce moulds]

matt,
the shoulder of the 280rem is 0.050" further forward than the 30/06, the 270win, the 25/06rem, & the 7mm/06.
the achley versions likewise.
as near as i can tell the 7mm/06 improved has about the same capacity as the 284 win when filled to the shoulder/neck junction.
yes the 280 ackley is now saami, and factory brass can be had from nosler.
whatever you do, try not to use lapua 30/06 braa to form necked down cases, as the shoulder brass is thicker than the neck brass, causing serious donuts and pressure/accuracy problems. you will have to ream/turn these out.
it even pays to check this if forming from win or rem brass. not sure about what could be the best brass of all, rws., but then rws i think has 280 rem brass.
bruce moulds.

[MROFD]

Thanks Bruce, It seems most here think the .280 AI would be a good choice. Thanks for the advise on the brass selection.
I have also noticed the standard SAAMI 280AI specs does not have a straight neck on it? any opinions on this, will fireforming minimise this taper and does useing a neck die also assist straighten the neck.
Matt

[Woody_rod]

Thanks Bruce, It seems most here think the .280 AI would be a good choice. Thanks for the advise on the brass selection.
I have also noticed the standard SAAMI 280AI specs does not have a straight neck on it? any opinions on this, will fireforming minimise this taper and does useing a neck die also assist straighten the neck.
Matt

The angles depend on whom makes your reamer, or the reamer to be used for your chamber. Within the spec dimensions, there is a bit of leeway with the sze of most of the dimensions within reason.

[MROFD]

Thanks Rod, I suppose this instigates my next line of questioning.
Reamers 280AI.....Suggestions as to what reamer to purchase and from whoem? any tip on buying a standard reamer or custom???

[Hangfire]

From my perspective coming from a humble Omark actioned .308 and getting behind a 7mm WGAF! is akin to jumping out of a HQ and into a Marloo!

How do you intend to shoot the 7mm? I know you are still a keen Standard shooter and are interested in the “Dark Arts” (Open)  and wouldn’t mind a dabble at Match Rifle.

There are several excellent 7mm cartridges. You just have to work out what you want from the cartridge you choose and be prepared to live with whatever shortcomings they may have.

Some of these short comings are perceived, ie. Velocity! You don’t need to run at 3000fps to shoot a good score.

Others are real: cost of consumables- barrel life, powder, cases, bullets.

The .284W has a proven track record (but it’s nice to be different)

I am liking my 7. It’s a good bit of fun.

I will load up some extra rounds for you to try this week-end.

Its not the 7mm-06, but the Tombi (similar) has a case capacity of 62 grs to the base of shoulder.

[Woody_rod]

If I were to make one suggestion, it would probably be to use either a std 280 Rem or a straight 284 Win. While wearing out your first barrel, you can then decide which way to go from there.

I know that a lot of the big boys are now using magnum bolt faces and 7 WSM's, 7 RSAUM's etc. BUT, there are people doing amazing stuff with the more mundane chamberings that have much better barrel life, cost less in brass and powder etc.

There is no reason to be using 180 grain bergers from the beginning. From my way of thinking, you might be better sticking to lighter projectiles, and getting the 3000fps range - this has already been suggested by other posters. Maybe the 168 gr SMK or 162 gr Amax for example. The big bullets really only gain you an "advantage" if they are driven at the same velocity as the lighter ones.

Try not to compare the 30 cal projectiles in the same weight range, as the 7mm units are a vastly better BC for a similar weight.

For example:

Using my own 260 rifle, I use both 139 and 123 gr projectiles, the 123 print 1.5 MOA lower at 1000 yards, and the windage is pretty much the same difference (not much). The 123 grainers using the same powder as the 139's are about 150fps more MV, which means at closer range, they shoot extremely flat, with noticeably less recoil. Now I only use the 123 grainers because they shoot so much better groups.

[MROFD]

What are your thoughts in relation to Brass for a 280AI

Current option available:
a. Fireforming New Nosler 280 Brass ($66.50/50),
b. New Nosler 280AI Brass ($100/50)
c. New Norma 280AI Brass ($250/100)

Matt R

[GM]

I hate the nosler brass.I have switched to RWS for my 280AI and it is much better.Dear but lasts and allows you to run the 280AI a fair bit harder.
cheers

[MROFD]

I hate the nosler brass.I have switched to RWS for my 280AI and it is much better.Dear but lasts and allows you to run the 280AI a fair bit harder.
cheers

Thanks for the input GM