Looking for .280 AI twist and barrel length suggestions

westerbk · March 21, 2025, 11:25 PM

I am looking at building a .280 AI after my dad suggested it. So, I am very new to this round. I am wanting something I can use for Large Game hunting and some Long-Range target practice. I have a 1909 Argentine Mauser action that I am going to use. I am not sure what grain or bullet style that I want to focus on yet. However, what I do know I want to use a twist and barrel length that will give me the most bullet options and best results. I also don't know if it will make a difference in my choices, but I also hope to maximize .280 Rem ammo out of it as well. Ultimately, I am sure I will find a bullet that I like and will focus on. However, in the event I can't get it or its production is no longer, I want to have options I know I will have success with.

Thanks for the help and suggestions in advance.

Nathan · March 21, 2025, 11:43 PM

I would do a 22-25” for hunting generally. This is because my hunting is western open country where the added velocity is a priority over handling.

8 twist for the heaviest. Probably 9 twist could work if not using long monos or long target bullets.

taylorce1 · March 22, 2025, 07:39 AM

Do you reload? If you do, I'd start with figuring out how long of a cartridge you can fit in your magazine and feed. Once you figure that out, you'll know about what length of bullet you can use effectively in your action.

In an ideal world the base of your bullet will not be seated below the shoulder of the cartridge. This allows the bullet to be seated while not taking up powder capacity. You want to try to maximize both cartridge length and powder capacity to get the most from your rifle.

Once you figure out what bullets you can use, then you can decide on twist to maximize your options. There isn't any need to twist your rifle for 180 Berger Juggernaut bullets if all you can fit in rifle are 160 grain bullets. Standard twist for .280 AI is 1 in 9 inches, so a 1 in 8" would cover most bullet options well.

As far a length of barrel is concerned, the main thing is how will you use the rifle. If it will mainly be used at the range a longer and heavier barrel may be the best option. If it will mainly be a hunting rifle then weight and balance are more important so you might need a shorter and lighter contour barrel. So figure out if you want mainly a long range target rifle or a hunting rifle first. Then build the rifle accordingly to its main purpose.

stagpanther · March 22, 2025, 09:56 AM

Ballistics are like most anything else--a rifle that tries to be good at everything very rarely truly excels at any one thing in particular.

March 21, 2025, 11:25 PM	#1
westerbk Junior Member Join Date: March 21, 2025 Posts: 1	Looking for .280 AI twist and barrel length suggestions I am looking at building a .280 AI after my dad suggested it. So, I am very new to this round. I am wanting something I can use for Large Game hunting and some Long-Range target practice. I have a 1909 Argentine Mauser action that I am going to use. I am not sure what grain or bullet style that I want to focus on yet. However, what I do know I want to use a twist and barrel length that will give me the most bullet options and best results. I also don't know if it will make a difference in my choices, but I also hope to maximize .280 Rem ammo out of it as well. Ultimately, I am sure I will find a bullet that I like and will focus on. However, in the event I can't get it or its production is no longer, I want to have options I know I will have success with. Thanks for the help and suggestions in advance.

March 22, 2025, 07:39 AM	#3
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,496	Do you reload? If you do, I'd start with figuring out how long of a cartridge you can fit in your magazine and feed. Once you figure that out, you'll know about what length of bullet you can use effectively in your action. In an ideal world the base of your bullet will not be seated below the shoulder of the cartridge. This allows the bullet to be seated while not taking up powder capacity. You want to try to maximize both cartridge length and powder capacity to get the most from your rifle. Once you figure out what bullets you can use, then you can decide on twist to maximize your options. There isn't any need to twist your rifle for 180 Berger Juggernaut bullets if all you can fit in rifle are 160 grain bullets. Standard twist for .280 AI is 1 in 9 inches, so a 1 in 8" would cover most bullet options well. As far a length of barrel is concerned, the main thing is how will you use the rifle. If it will mainly be used at the range a longer and heavier barrel may be the best option. If it will mainly be a hunting rifle then weight and balance are more important so you might need a shorter and lighter contour barrel. So figure out if you want mainly a long range target rifle or a hunting rifle first. Then build the rifle accordingly to its main purpose. __________________ NRA Life Member

March 22, 2025, 09:56 AM	#4
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 12,918	Ballistics are like most anything else--a rifle that tries to be good at *everything* very rarely truly excels at any one thing in particular. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

March 21, 2025, 11:43 PM	#2
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,807	I would do a 22-25” for hunting generally. This is because my hunting is western open country where the added velocity is a priority over handling. 8 twist for the heaviest. Probably 9 twist could work if not using long monos or long target bullets.