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.

 

[brymoore]

I’m a 280ai guy. I’ve shot a lot of animals with mine. 160gr accubond is a great elk killer.

I reload and will never have to worry about brass for my 280ai. Worse case I can fireform from 30-06 or 270 brass. This might not be true of some of the new and great cartridges in 20 years.

 

[pilsner]

factory ammo only = 7 PRC
reloader = 280 AI
I'd also go 7 PRC if you enjoy ringing steel waaayyyyy over there.

 

[Jnasa]

I’ve been wanting a 280 AI for a year now. I can’t justify it currently though.

Rifle selection is a problem. There are some out there and if you are willing to pay the money there are more options. Custom is another option.

I also like the history of the 280 ai. How it has a little more of a blue collar origin as opposed to a rifle/ammo manufacturers just making something new to sell.

Having said all that the 7prc looks Lillie a great round also. I don’t think you’d be disappointed with either.

 

[Sheltowee]

factory ammo only = 7 PRC
reloader = 280 AI
I'd also go 7 PRC if you enjoy ringing steel waaayyyyy over there.

Came here to say exactly what @pilsner said.

I’d add that the 280AI probably gets you everything you need for hunting purposes, more efficiently, than the 7PRC. I’d go with the PRC if you feel inclined to ring steel on the next ridge over, though.

Or, now hear me out: neck that 7PRC to .257 and have lots of fun with it.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Or, now hear me out: neck that 7PRC to .257 and have lots of fun with it.

Just not for very many rounds.

 

[Sheltowee]

Just not for very many rounds.

Barrels are fleeting. Glory is forever.

 

[howl]

The point of rifles? To shoot them a lot and wear them out. Stacks of easy to get ammo are important.

 

[MThuntr]

I finally got to shoot a 7mmPRC with factory ammo and I'm underwhelmed. As standard, factory ammo is anemic. I can load my 280ai pretty close to 7prc as long as I don't go crazy especially with something in the 160gr range which will work wonders for most hunters

 

[It’s Bucky]

I’m getting 2890fps with the factory 180 ELD-M out of my 22” Element M3 7PRC. With a can, it’s really fun to shoot, especially way out there. I can spot a large majority of my impacts. No experience with 280AI. My brother has a 280 REM but he’s moved away from it. Feel free to DM me with any questions on the Seekins 7PRC. 2 antelope, 1 deer, 2 coyotes, and a lot of steel rang so far, with about 150 or 160 rounds through it in the last couple of months.