My new, still-in-the-box .280 AI.

[Brian in Montana]

That seems a little fast. Im planning on shooting bullets between 150 and 160gn. Im mostly interested in what I can do with 150gn Accubonds, 154gn Interbonds, and 155gn Federal Edge TLR. Not too interested in bullets much heavier than 160gn in this gun.

 

[noharleyyet]

That seems a little fast. Im planning on shooting bullets between 150 and 160gn. Im mostly interested in what I can do with 150gn Accubonds, 154gn Interbonds, and 155gn Federal Edge TLR. Not too interested in bullets much heavier than 160gn in this gun.

Pretty impressive Brian...good choice on the AI

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[Brian in Montana]

I just got an email from UPS - the barrel and other parts I ordered have shipped. I'm finding myself feeling kinda 'thusiastic.

 

[geetar]

I’ve got enough rifles as most of us do but something in me wants a .280 AI one day just because.

 

[morgaj1]

Can't wait to see how this turns out.

 

[Brian in Montana]

I just got an email from UPS - the barrel and other parts I ordered have shipped. I'm finding myself feeling kinda 'thusiastic.

Well... the barrel was delivered while I was out hunting, but the order is wrong. Everything is correct except I ordered a bead-blasted finish. I checked the invoice, they didn't charge me for the finish, but I remember distinctly discussing it with the guy at NSS. Must have just been a matter of he didn't click the box on the order form. So now I'm kinda in a new quandary - just use the stainless barrel (highly reflective, maybe not ideal for a hunting rifle) or send it back for the same barrel with a bead-blasted finish.

 

[noharleyyet]

Well... the barrel was delivered while I was out hunting, but the order is wrong. Everything is correct except I ordered a bead-blasted finish. I checked the invoice, they didn't charge me for the finish, but I remember distinctly discussing it with the guy at NSS. Must have just been a matter of he didn't click the box on the order form. So now I'm kinda in a new quandary - just use the stainless barrel (highly reflective, maybe not ideal for a hunting rifle) or send it back for the same barrel with a bead-blasted finish.

Is it brushed or polished? Pic?

 

[Brian in Montana]

Can't tell a whole lot from the pictures. It's polished. Pretty darn shiny.

 

[Brian in Montana]

My concern is I really wouldn't want a really reflective barrel like that on a hunting rifle. The bead blast finish is a little more scratch resistant too.

 

[p_ham]

My concern is I really wouldn't want a really reflective barrel like that on a hunting rifle. The bead blast finish is a little more scratch resistant too.

I would send it back and have it blasted. I don't imagine the turn around time would be too long.

 

[mtmuley]

My concern is I really wouldn't want a really reflective barrel like that on a hunting rifle. The bead blast finish is a little more scratch resistant too.

Doubt you will scare anything. mtmuley

 

[noharleyyet]

Doesn't look too far off your action finish (from pics) but I'd get what you had envisioned.

I've a couple blasted and a couple shiny...like em all.

 

[std7mag]

If it's not what you want, or ordered, send it back!
Otherwise it won't end up as you pictured your ideal build & will be kicking yourself from now until eternity!

 

[JLS]

It’s your money. You know if you’re happy with it or not.

 

[Brian in Montana]

Well... I got an email response from Northland Shooters Supplies saying they are closed for the holidays and won't be responding to emails or calls until January 2. So it appears I have to wait 4 weeks to ask about exchanging the barrel.

 

[p_ham]

Well... I got an email response from Northland Shooters Supplies saying they are closed for the holidays and won't be responding to emails or calls until January 2. So it appears I have to wait 4 weeks to ask about exchanging the barrel.

Maybe see if anybody in your area is set up for bead blasting?

 

[winmag]

Just have the barreled action bead blasted after assembly, then it’ll all match.

 

[manitou1]

Leaning toward a 26" standard sporter contour with a 1:9 twist. I want to push 150-160 grn bullets around 2900fps. I think I'd be very happy with that.

You know you can fireform standard 280 brass for the ackley, right?
Also, I am building the same. Will be going with the Bighorn Origin action though.
Check out Grayboe stocks. They have reworked their Terrain and Outlander, 25-27 oz. for the Outlander and 2 lbs for the Terrain. Good sale on them right now: BF2020 will get 20% off.

 

[JLS]

Or cerakote it.

 

[std7mag]

If you do decide to take the barreled action to a local shop that bead blasts, remember one thing.
Take it apart once you get it back!

Doesn't matter how much care was taken to keep the blast from inside, it finds it's way into any nook & cranny!