280AI vs 7mm-08

[Lazyman]

Pros and cons????
I don't currently handload but probably will start in the near future. This will be a gun from the special with APR. Will primarily be a hunting gun but would do some target shooting as well. I have pm'ed a few with questions but wanted more input. Thanks.

[Outback]

I'm sure my opinion won't be as popular, but I lean to the 7mm-08. Performance looks great and ammo is available at Wallyworld in a pinch. I reload so no biggie but my next rifle will be a 7mm-08.

[Slick8]

What are you goals for range and intended animal?

The 280AI will do better with heavier than 140 grain bullets and longer range. The trade off is it really needs a 26 inch barrel vs. the 7-08 will do really well with a 22 inch barrel but will run out of steam sooner.

The 08 will have a bit less recoil and better factory ammo selection.

In the end, it's a pretty close gap.

My choice would be the 280AI but mainly because I like AI's and have always wanted a 280AI.

[sir shovelhands]

The 280 is long action (vs 7mm-08 short) and runs up to a few hundred FPS faster. The brass is more expensive.

[MitchParker]

Have you thought about a 7-08AI?

[M16]

I have both and they kill equally well. You can always download the 280 to 7mm08 ballistics. Both are great choices .

[Lazyman]

What are you goals for range and intended animal?

The 280AI will do better with heavier than 140 grain bullets and longer range. The trade off is it really needs a 26 inch barrel vs. the 7-08 will do really well with a 22 inch barrel but will run out of steam sooner.

The 08 will have a bit less recoil and better factory ammo selection.

In the end, it's a pretty close gap.

My choice would be the 280AI but mainly because I like AI's and have always wanted a 280AI.

Would be mostly white tail. Would eventually like to go aoudad and elk hunting. I like the being different also.

[Lazyman]

I have both and they kill equally well. You can always download the 280 to 7mm08 ballistics. Both are great choices .

This is what I was thinking as far as lighter loads also.

[Slick8]

Then I'm still leaning on the 280AI.

[Lazyman]

Have you thought about a 7-08AI?

Yea but just in case I don't get around to reloading I know there is factory ammo for others. I really like the idea of the AI.

[meltingfeather]

Out of the same barrel the 280 AI will be a marginal velocity gain... less than 100 fps bullet for bullet based on published load data... but the actual difference depends on your rifle's accuracy nodes, which you won't know until after you've made the decision.
For a gun you're probably going to carry around (elk and auodad) the short action will make a lighter rifle. Availability of factory ammo and a standard case mean I'd go for the 7mm-08 all day long. I did, actually.
If different is your goal the 280 gets the nod no doubt.

[Artos]

I shoot 120gr Barnes at 3400fps...to me, it is the best all around cal for whitetail and balancing a do all / go to gun. I've been shooting the 280ai as my primary since 1994.

To me, a better question is what kind of gun do you want to build & what is your primary hunting style for a custom like apr & the application?? I see the 280ai & 7-08 as two completely different builds vs what cal do I want, but this is specific to my likes:

I see the 280ai in more of something along a sendero build meant for blind hunting...I want a 26" tube & well balanced gun that will sit on a sand bag dead solid for the reach outs.

My 7-08 is a lighter carry / rattle type gun with a 22" tube & classic sporter stock.


If I was going to build one for your intentions, it would be the 280ai somewhere in the middle since you might go after elk...not too heavy to carry but still want the extra fps it offers. Would probably have the bbl at 25".

[bustacap]

My APR 280ai is by far, my favorite rifle. I would definitely not choose the 7-08 over it caliber wise. My 162eldx loads are running 2980 shooting in the .3’s!

[Mike D]

I'm a fan of the Ackley case design so I'd vote 280AI.

[jeffpg]

280 AI all the way.

The 7.08 is a nice little chambering, but it’s not nearly as stout as the AI, and both Hornady and Nosler are offering excellent factory ammo for it.