280 AI vs. 7 PRC

[Hammsolo]

Hey All,

I’ve been planning on selling my 6.5 cm and 300 wm for about a year, and moving to a cartridge in the middle.

I was pretty set on the 7 prc, but my bro and I are out hunting this week and he got me going on the 280 AI. Wow, is it efficient. The primary down fall seems to be rifle selection. I was looking at the Seekins PH3…

What are your thoughts?

 

[BAKPAKR]

I have a 280 AI that I really like. I think it is more “in the middle” of the cartridges you are moving from than the PRC is. But, I would like to have a 7mm PRC, too. It was about all I could do to keep myself from hitting the “Buy Now” button on a Tikka chambered in that cartridge when the rebate was available last month. I am guessing I would be gaining 150ish fps with 5-8 more grains of powder in the PRC.

 

[elkhuntinfool78]

Kinda went through the same dilemma a few months back. Had decided on 7prc, even bought ammo for it ( which I now have no use for) but then decided to jump to a custom build in .280 AI. Both great cartridges but after looking into custom it wasn't as bad cost wise as I had thought (already had an action) and I liked everything about the. 280. Putting it in a pre 64 model 70 action which wasn't possible with the 7prc.

Either way you decide I think you'll be happy.

 

[Big Sky Guy]

Kinda went through the same dilemma a few months back. Had decided on 7prc, even bought ammo for it ( which I now have no use for) but then decided to jump to a custom build in .280 AI. Both great cartridges but after looking into custom it wasn't as bad cost wise as I had thought (already had an action) and I liked everything about the. 280. Putting it in a pre 64 model 70 action which wasn't possible with the 7prc.

Either way you decide I think you'll be happy.

Is this your rig???

Pre64Win Rifle Review

Discover A Pre-64 Winchester Model 70’s journey, a tale of restoration after its unfortunate vandalism and unique history.

westernhunter.net

 

[Addicting]

It’s hard to beat a 280ai. A 160g bullet at 3000 fps is all anyone would need for all of North America. The 7prc is a bit faster but the animal won’t know it. Most of us never shoot far enough to appreciate that extra speed.

Not to mention the cost of ammo, 280ai is well established at this point and cheaper to operate than the 7prc.

 

[BRI]

I've been shooting a 280AI for 12 years now. I love the gun. Took an old Remington 700 bdl in 30-06, I'd gotten as a graduation present in the 80's and had Pacnor re-barrel it. I've loaded from 130 grain to 160 grain and it shoots everything good. For sure, it isn't hard on cases if you reload. I'd say, pick the bullet you want to shoot first, then choose the caliber. My opinion is if you want to shoot less than 150 grain, 280AI. Over 150, the prc might be just a touch better ballistically.