My first custom rifle

[Tikka280ai]

With big 3 apps out I have been getting the itch to start working with this rifle to see just what it can do.

I took my trusty old Tikka t3 243 win. And turned it into a 280 ackley.
Build specs for those interested is as follows
Tikka t3 action
26 inch 1-8.4 twist proof research barrel
Grayboy Phoenix stock
Burris veracity 5-25x50
Mountain tactical/Tikka performance 1 peice scope rings/base, long action magazine, bolt handle and knob, and upgraded trigger spring.
Will also be running a banish 30

If the weather ever breaks and I can get to my range I plan on starting out with some 154 hornady sst for break in and getting comfortable with the rifle.

I have been eyeing both hammer bullets and badlands bullets in the 140 grain class for hunting and would appreciate any feed back you guys may have on those bullets for deer and the possibility of elk and moose.

 

[lunkerslayer]

Do you reload your own ammo for the 280? I know the 280A can shoot both types of rounds compared to the normal 280 I was just curious if you have found it difficult to purchase ammo?

 

[Tikka280ai]

Do you reload your own ammo for the 280? I know the 280A can shoot both types of rounds compared to the normal 280 I was just curious if you have found it difficult to purchase ammo?

I reload almost all of my ammo so I am not too concerned about ammo availability. I have only bought 50 brass so far but I also have an fair amount of 280 remington brass I can fire form if needed. I received a 280 rem when one of my great grandfather's passes in 2009 but I passed that on to my brother a few years back when he was old enough for his first youth doe tag.

I also have a boat load of old lacy city 30-06 brass I could turn into 280ai brass if I really needed too.

Believe it or not it is easier to find 280ai ammo vs 280 rem during "normal" times

 

[lunkerslayer]

I really like to get a 280 or 280AI and give my 30-06 to my little brother, what I can't understand about the 270 vs 280 is how much more powder you can put into a 270 shell in making around 65000 psi versus the 280 with the 60000 psi for the semi auto loads. I know I'm very green when it comes to reloading my ammo since I don't, heck I only shoot like 6 to 8 shells a year for deer season. 4 to 6 zero my scope in and the rest for the hunt.

 

[Kentucky Windage]

Does this mean you’re changing your handle to tikka280AI ?

 

[SupressYourself]

...what I can't understand about the 270 vs 280 is how much more powder you can put into a 270 shell...

Different powders have different energy densities and burn rates. For example, you'd only have to fill that 270 case up half way with pistol powder to explode your gun.

 

[Wall-eyes]

Enjoy your new toy. Reloading, guns, booze, broads they all good. Couple friends have 280AI another fine weapon they say.

 

[Tikka280ai]

Does this mean you’re changing your handle to tikka280AI ?

I was trying too yesterday but couldn't figure out how to and gave up for the time. Maybe V can enlighten me on the handle changing process

 

[lunkerslayer]

Go to account details in your settings

 

[Tikka280ai]

Go to account details in your settings

Thank you. Just changed it

 

[duckman1302]

My 280AI loves 120s and 140s. I decided to go with the 140s. I really like that round. Plenty of knockdown power while still being pleasant to shoot.

 

[lunkerslayer]

Thank you. Just changed it

See old dogs can learn newer tricks

 

[huntorride365]

I bought a Kimber in 280AI last fall. I generally use TTSX for everything big game. No exception here. 140gr with Ram Shot Hunter pushed at the max which TTSX's always seem to like. I'm getting really good groups with this out of a 24" barrel and light rifle. TTSX is a great elk bullet.

 

[Tikka280ai]

I bought a Kimber in 280AI last fall. I generally use TTSX for everything big game. No exception here. 140gr with Ram Shot Hunter pushed at the max which TTSX's always seem to like. I'm getting really good groups with this out of a 24" barrel and light rifle. TTSX is a great elk bullet.

I have some 140ttsx but I have had a few issues with those not opening up on closer shots.

I did recover 1 bullet on that didn't expand on a deer my aunt shot. Shot was about 150 yards with a 284 win. Yes the deer went down but when I reached out to barnes about it I never received a response so it kind of put me off barnes bullets.

I have been a big fan of nosler accubond and the ablr but with their current prices I figured I might as well go back to shooting mono metals for the price

 

[Tikka280ai]

My 280AI loves 120s and 140s. I decided to go with the 140s. I really like that round. Plenty of knockdown power while still being pleasant to shoot.

I have a box of 110ttsx I thought about loading up just to see how fast I can get them

 

[NodakBob]

I shoot a Browning Abolt hunter in .280. 140 grain sierra's were my go-to deer load, cheap and effective. In my older age I want to be able to reach a bit further so I just loaded up a box of Hornandy ELDX 150 gr....haven't had a chance to chrono yet but should be about 2800 fps with my 22" 10:1 barrel. I tried 140 grain Bear Claw for elk...penciled it throught the lungs and went down in 80 yards without a blood trail...and couldn't get a decent group with those (but the host said bring em anyway, it'll be close shooting).
Tried 160 gr accubond but too slow with the old reloading books I had (the old books keep the pressure low for the early weak semi autos that were chambered in .280). A new Hornandy book had loads 3 grains higher than the old books.