What is the optimal barrel length for a .280AI barrel?

[titsonritz]

I want to pick up a .280AI barrel for my T/C Encore and can't decide on the which length to get. I want the barrel to be long enough to reap the benefits of the cartridge without hitting the point of diminishing return. Factor barrel come in 24", 26" and 28" lengths, but I'll most likely go with a MGM or Bullberry so custom lengths are on the table.

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[Davidd]

24 inch suppressed

 

[Wombat of Doom]

I do not know that cartridge but I love my MGM barrels for my encore. I will be getting a threaded 16.25 45/70 MGM barrel soon. Largely that length because the suppressor is almost a foot long

 

[osprey]

What will be the main focus of the setup?

 

[titsonritz]

What will be the main focus of the setup?

A general purpose to longer range hunter, so while I want it long enough to mate well with the round I'd want it to still be handy, the lack of action on the Encore already helps here.

 

[titsonritz]

24 inch suppressed

It won't be suppressed or even have a thread barrel for that matter.

 

[titsonritz]

I do not know that cartridge but I love my MGM barrels for my encore. I will be getting a threaded 16.25 45/70 MGM barrel soon. Largely that length because the suppressor is almost a foot long

I want a 16" 44 mag barrel.

 

[osprey]

My kimber in 280 ai is a dedicated light weight hunter so the 24" barrel works well on it. My handloads spit a 160 gr partition out at 2950 which has proven to be been great elk and deer medicine. I believe I safely could get even more velocity but stopped at 2950, which is on a pretty good accuracy node in my rifle. If I was in you situation I probably would opt for a 26" tube, because as you mentioned, it already carries shorter in that action. That way you can take advantage of some of the slower powders and really tap into it's long range potential with heavy high bc bullets.

 

[Steel Head]

With 28" 180's at 2950 should be easy
190's at 2880
168's are coasting easy at 3000 and hammer.
Both those velocities with R26 and easy on brass.

 

[Wombat of Doom]

I want a 16" 44 mag barrel.

agreed. I want the 45/70 first, but 44 mag is on the list.