I have rifles chambered in 280 Rem, 280AI, and two in 7mm Rem Mag. I have hunted extensively with all three cartridges, and I’m a huge fan of 7mm pills. The 280AI is a fantastic cartridge, and a great choice if you hand load. However, I’m still partial to the 7mm Rem Mag, especially when loaded...
Hunted area 7 last year for antelope. Bird numbers were way-way down in the places we hunted, and we covered a lot of ground looking for both antelope and birds. Area 7 is a huge, so you might have better luck than we did on the birds.
I load my 280 Rem hot by book standards, but most reloading data for this cartridge is rather animic and doesn't come close to its potential. I have a 280AI as well, but if I were to do it all over, I would just go with another 280 Rem.
I’ve had numerous guns rebarreled. If the rifle is in good shape, and you want to hunt with it, go for it! Especially since it has so much sentimental value. Lots of good smiths out there.
Both stocks felt good in my hands, yes, the grips are somewhat thicker than the factory wooden stocks, but not excessively so. Will post a pic of the HS Precision.
I went down this road with a mid 1990s stainless Mod 70 in 7mm Rem Mag. I purchased a Bell and Carlson stock along with the adaptor. The 2-piece bottom metal was a little too long and didn't fit the bottom metal inlet on the stock. I think the adaptor might have worked in theory, but I never got...
I generally shoot monos these days, but wouldn’t hesitate to use a partition or any high quality bonded bullet for that matter. I would let accuracy dictate.
Purchased one last summer in 6.5 CM, loaded it with Hammer bullets, accuracy is stupid good. Took it to Montana in the fall, hiked my ass off, loved how the rifle carried, very well balanced, and I’m a fan of flush cups. Only thing I would swap out is the muzzle brake, as I like side ported...