I like IMR 4350 with bullets of 140 grains or lighter and IMR 4831 with the 160 grain pills. The mid-range to slightly slower powders normally do well, but then again I have been shooting 280 rifles for about 45 years or so and generally stick to something that works for me instead of trying to...
You could always rechamber your 280 to the AI version if you wish to burn a bit more powder, and save to cost of a re-barrel job.. I really can not see the reason for doing so as the 280 is a fine cartridge in it's original form. Despite the optimistic views of 7mm RM users and ammunition...
Often the easy draw units have very limited public land opportunities so the open spots have a bunch of hunters and most game goes to nearby private land. The high success numbers come from the fellows that are hunting the private land. Of course some guys will get a pronghorn on the crowded...
I used to use 140 grain bullets for deer and pronghorns, and the excellent 160 partition for elk. A while ago I found that a 140 grain AB does everything on that list, so I use it for everything. Both IMR 4350 and IMR 4831 have proven to be good choices in powder for my best loads.
After they get a bit of work done to them they are very good rifles. You should also consider the M70. The M70's I have, or have used, required no work to be very good rifles.
Taking ammunition is not a problem. TSA allows it to be in the same case as the rifle, but be aware that some airlines do not. The best thing to do is to place it in a small lockable container and put it into your checked luggage with TSA locks on both the ammo case and the luggage. You bag...
Bring a lock for every locking point on the rifle case. Some airline employees insist on a lock for every hole, and you do not want to offend them or argue unless it is absolutely your only choice.
Shipping meat, hide, and horns is more expensive than you think it could possibly be.
I guess it all depends on your intended purpose for the rifle. If you are interested in a hunting cartridge the 338 WM is a great choice. If you are shooting long ranges or have "tactical" aspirations the Nosler, RUM or Lapua might make sense. I have never figured out a purpose for the 340...
I have had the top end V3 model for a couple of years now. It is easy to set up and use at the range and very portable. The V3 offers a bit more flexibility than the Sporter but they both do basically the same job. It is nice to be able to travel with a chronograph to measure actual velocity...
I have used both for larger game and in use them each in accordance with the conditions of the hunt. If I want the best effect with a heavy bullet it is the 300 WM, but if the range is a bit shorter or the bullet is a bit lighter the 30-06 is the choice. I do not use the 300 WM with bullets...
A stainless SPS is a very good way to start. You will have a nice working rifle that you can gradually replace the trigger and restock, and further down the road true the action and replace the barrel. I think that would be a smart plan for someone that wants to do this over time.
It has been my experience that the current factory 700 actions take less work to true them than the older actions. They are pretty good without extra machining, but of course the bolt lugs can always use a bit of lapping. I true them out of habit but for a hunting rifle it is not really a...
I have done a fair few using a 700 action. It is probably worth the time and expense to buy a trued action, or have your action trued, before you start the process. I do most of the truing work myself and use a good machinist for any lathe work. You will have a bit of cash tied up in this...