280 AI - Criterion Match Barrel - New

[Orezona]

I never had any luck fire forming 280 AI brass out of anything(270, 280 or 30-06. It was always short. By something like .020". So I bought 280 AI brass and all is good.

I checked my 20 fire formed pieces. They are short by '.007'.

[Robinhood]

I checked my 20 fire formed pieces. They are short by '.007'.

I did a big write up and I thought I posted it in response to Texas10. Don't know what happened. I am curious if how it was headspaced made a difference. Not sure about that theory but was a thought. There is a .020" difference in headspace on the sammi versions. (neck shoulder junction)

[Orezona]

I'm interested in reading it. Please feel free to send it to me via PM.

[yobuck]

From what I have always understood about the AI design was the neck/shoulder location did not change. So, a factory round would head space as normal. The firing of the case would just blow the rest of the shoulder into the steeper angle.
Im of the same opinion.
Anyway it has worked for me, i just put the powder to it and extract the newly shaped case.

[sharpshooter]

On all AI cases, the headspace is .004" shorter than the original cartridge, using the original cartridge go gauge. This is done to contain the case when fireforming. The contact point will be at the neck/shoulder junction, and when done properly, the cases will chamber a little stiffer when shooting fireform loads. You need to full length size the case every time and bump the shoulder, If you don't, after a few firings, the shoulder will not want to bump a few thou, because it has work hardened and gets spring back.

[Orezona]

So bump them back even if they aren't tight on bolt close?

[sharpshooter]

You should always have .002" difference from a fired case to a sized.

[GaCop]

If you go back and look at the history behind the AI shoulder you will find that one reason for it was to keep the shoulder and neck from increasing in thickness. It looks like you are proving that design factor as true.

One of the other design features is the ease of fire forming. A full factory load can be used to fireform and the accuracy of the fireformed shot will be as good as a factory chamber.

From all that I have read about all of the AI chamberings, the only downside is some of them have difficulty feeding from magazines. The same sharp angle that prevents brass flow will 'catch' on the chamber entrance. The lower angle necks of the original case slips into the chamber easier.

Amen to that. I use a single shot sled in mine and just drop a round in and close the bolt.

[Orezona]

Amen to that. I use a single shot sled in mine and just drop a round in and close the bolt. Yours won't feed from the mag?

[dye7barrel]

So bump them back even if they aren't tight on bolt close?

I like to bump shoulders even if bolt closes ok.

[Orezona]

I like to bump shoulders even if bolt closes ok.

Thank you sir.

[geneackley]

Amen to that. I use a single shot sled in mine and just drop a round in and close the bolt.


I have recently ordered a 280 AI barrel. My first one. I wonder if loading from a mag is a general issue with this round??

I'd love to hear if anyone has had this issue and how they solved it - if they ever did-!! Thanks

[Txhillbilly]

I have recently ordered a 280 AI barrel. My first one. I wonder if loading from a mag is a general issue with this round??

I'd love to hear if anyone has had this issue and how they solved it - if they ever did-!! Thanks

Gene, You shouldn't have any issues with feeding. The action that you're buying is a Controlled feed action not a Push feed action like the Savage action.

[geneackley]

Gene, You shouldn't have any issues with feeding. The action that you're buying is a Controlled feed action not a Push feed action like the Savage action.


Well DUH!!!! ha ha ha !!!! Of course. Thanks again Tex!!!

[Orezona]

I haven't had feeding issues with my 116 Weather Warrior action.

[geneackley]

Thanks guys.

[GaCop]

Yours won't feed from the mag? No, the sharp shoulder caused rounds to hang going into the chamber.

[Orezona]

No, the sharp shoulder caused rounds to hang going into the chamber.

Well dang. Which action are you using?

[GaCop]

Well dang. Which action are you using? I used a stagger feed long action for my 280 AI. I ended up installing a single shot sled in mine.

[Mr.Snerdly]

I only have 3 calibers, 223, 22-250 and 243 but it amazes me how little the 223 brass change with several firings while the 243 cases seem to grow like a weed. 22-250 is in between the two. I used to think the 223 was kind of a joke but with handloads it is big enough for more things than I thought, although I never push it too hard or the 22-250 and 243 for that matter. i figure the brass will last longer with loads about half between min and max.