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What cal can do it all ? .284 ? Very close !! But I want to be able to mix it with the Saums at the longs on windy days . The Poor Mans Saum !! Is what fits the spot ! Or commonly know as the mighty 280 ai .
Pros !
Extremely accurate! Sd’s in the 2-3 FPS is achievable using 2213sc and fed primers pushing a Berger 180 at 2880-2970 FPS ( mine 2930 FPS ) . Good for 900/1000 yds work . 15 thou jump .
The super accurate slow load !! The fabled 58.9 at 600 yards was done with the slow load ! 2209 and br 2 primers pushing 180’s at 2780 FPS . Use this load 300 to 800 yds about 15 thou jump .
Extreme barrel life . Saums are around 1500 rounds and then throw the barrel away with some even going about 1200 rounds .
With my Lilja 9 twist . I just borescoped it after the Qld Queens and seriously , the engine room part of the barrel looks like it’s got 200 rounds on it ! It looks absolutely mint . I’ve easily got 1200 on this barrel . I paste out every 50-100 rounds for hard carbon . Very important to wash out the Autosol paste with wd 40 patches !
But using slow load for your main work and fast load for 900-1000 yds you should see barrel life in the 2000 rounds . I guess the same method could be used for the Saum too?? I’m about to get my Saum going soon . However it will only ever see last day Queens work or 800 - 1000 yd stuff and then get put back in the cupboard Again.
Cost of brass !! Saum brass is now $5.50 at Magnum sports . 30-06 or 270 brass is about $1.50 ! If it were me I would go for Lap 30-06 , I think they are about $2.20 a case.
.308 bolt face !! So you can spend your money on another barrel !!
Cons !! Knowing how to fireform and make .280 ai brass from 30-06 brass ( yes keith it will be 40 thou shorter ) . Using standard dies and annealing you can neck down brass quite easily. However, you have to from a false neck to get the correct head space for the shell to fire . And first time when your learning can be very challenging!
Using the cream of wheat method if you live out on a property can be very beneficial. Has no perceived effect on the barrel that I can see !
But this is really the only con !!
Also because of the loooong powder column, the primer needs to be internally chamfered . Eg looking from the necks down end on . You will be creating a cup . This will help ignite the 2213 sc and 2209 for consistent and low sd ignition.
Finally, some form of Harmonic control is essential! Me , I wouldn’t even bother getting out of bed to shoot with at least o rings . Or another thing I use is that stretchy leak seal silicone tape that you get from Bunnings. A bit about 6” from the muzzle and a bit near the middle of the barrel and give it a crack ! My past experience if you have done everything right as above, will lead to lots of x’s !!
I think the Saum because of the price of brass will die and the 280 ai will take its place . Unless the gun shops stop taking the Mickey out of us shooters !
I hear Norma is going to be dropped from gun shops ?? Shall see if that’s true or not !
If any newbie has trouble with their 280 ai . Just pm me and only too happy to help!
Regards Graham Sells .
Amazing accuracy of the 280 ai . Allowing to shoot myself back into the final .