I am looking to do a custom 280 Ackley Improved Build. Planning Barnes LRX factory ammo or something similar until my reloading stuff shows up, then I’ll get more into handloads.
What Barrel Specs? I am going to run a suppressor. 22 inches? 20 inches?
What twist Rate? It seems like a 1:8 twist would be all around the best option. Thoughts?
1:8 twist is always good for 7mm. It allows you to use even the longest bullets. But not necessary for more standard bullets like the factory LRX load. If you plan on moving up to the 160 for hand loading then you would 1:8, but I’m not sure if you can even fit that bullet in a 280 case without issues given how long it is.
Mine is a 24 inch and I have a suppressor on the end. I don’t think it’s unwieldy by any means. Yeah having a few inches shorter would be nice but then I’d be losing velocity and since I also use copper bullets I really don’t want to lose more velocity.
Personal opinion, assuming this is a hunting rifle. Figure out what bullet you want to use and what range you want to be able to shoot at. Then figure out what muzzle velocity you need for that and see which barrel length allows for that without doing any crazy high pressure reloading
Edited because I flipped some numbers…lol
You’ve mentioned your 280AI build in a few podcasts.
Are you going to do a more in depth review in either a video or another podcast?