For deer and occasional Mule Deer . I's there enough benefit as far as it all goes to covert a 280 REM to a 280 AI

converting, I wouild say negligible, unless you're a cartridge nerd and enjoy tinkering and having gunwork done. the 280 is absolutely adequate, and more than is needed for any deer. I say all this as someone who loves the 280AI and shoots it regularly. The 280 has some great benefits, 1 being that its much more popular so it's easier to find factory ammo and brass and you can actually get new rifles chambered in it (I don't think anyone is currently chambering factory rifles for 280 rem), the brass lasts much longer, and you get a couple hundred FPS more

I feel like I need to add, if you want to AI any cartridge, there are few that will gain you more performance than the jumpo from 280-280AI. it's a wonderful cartridge, but as mentioned certainly not NECESSARY for lower 48 deer hunting. you will see a 200-300 FPS gain in velocities though depending on bullet/ powder combo

This is exactly about what I've come up with from researching it. Thanks for the info

Truth is, if you load a 280 Remington the way it should be the difference is less. Because Remington handicapped the 280 from the beginning when it was submitted for SAMMI approval, it has a lower MAP rating. If your using a bolt action rifle, it can be safely loaded to higher pressure/velocity than what is shown in the loading guides.

The 280 is large enough to moose hunt with already, so no need to AI it.

I have an Abolt originally chambered in 280 that I grew bored with. Sent it to John Gallagher, had him rechamber it to 280 Ackley with a pre-SAAMI reamer, and cerakote the whole thing. Bedded it into a B&C Medalist. It's a legit 1/2 minute gun when I do my part. Does it do anything the 280 couldn't? No. But it sure as hell turned a safe queen into one of my favorites. If you want something different....go for it.



Here's one from my initial fireforming session. Didn't let the barrel cool, didn't weigh powder charges, used some spare Hornady Interlocks jammed into the lands. That's 12 into about an inch without even trying.

If you are already thinking this hard about it, you won’t be happy till you know you got the most out of the gun. Life’s short, do the AI

What’s not to like about that beauty!! Looks great and shoots even better.

280 AI shoots on par with a ton of 7mm rem mag loads, but without the recoil penalty.

Best thing I ever did with my .280 was stick a .338 bullet in the end of it and make a 338-280 out of it.

Yea I did that instead of using the '06 case. Back late 1980's timeframe. Still have it selling rifles that shoot under MOA is sort of against my upbringing.

That is SWEET!!!!!!

Dang that is sure enough nice . I guess that's my thing with the 280 AI it's different so it's my my interest

No-

But we don't all do this just for the efficiency. If we did, everyone would shoot a .308 or a .30-06.

I am exceptionally happy with my .280 Ackley. I have taken animals up to red stag with it, and most never even took a step. If I had to choose a single rifle (what a horrible thought!) to hunt the lower 48, the 280 AI would be my choice.

Also, you can still shoot your regular .280 Rem ammo in the Ackley, so I don't see any downside to the conversion.

^^^
IF you load your own, there’s zero reason to not convert to AI. If you don’t, you may have trouble finding a 280 factory load that’s as accurate in your AI chamber. You can find AI factory 280 stuff, but it’s generally rare and pricey when you do. If you’re looking for measurable performance increases, the the 7 mag or maybe newer PRCs, etc will do enough more to make it worthwhile. Just going AI is splitting hairs for more range or velocity.

Yes sir. I've had 243 260 280 and 300 Ackleys over the years they all gained velocity of course but the 280 really shines with that blown out shoulder.